Chaos as an Aesthetic
A Brief Review of Actus Reus’s “Cultist”
The year 1979 documented the Devil’s trip down to Georgia. Since then, not many know whether or not he went back. Legend has it, the territory was already claimed, but who—or what–could possibly be a force so chaotic that not even the Devil himself dared not to return? Perhaps a premonition of an up and coming horror icon respawning from the depths of Buford drove him off. Whatever the case may be, it was a sign to mark October 30th 2020 as the day Actus Reus would release their single “Cultist” and the chaotic Jimmy would make his return in the accompanying video.
“Cultist” featuring Left to Suffer’s Taylor Barber is an absolute joy ride from the lyrics to the breakdown to the video. I’ve said before that I am a sucker for eye-catching aesthetics and this video is visual perfection. The bold graffiti displaying Actus Reus on an abandoned warehouse’s wall ties together an ideal setting for vengeance to be unleashed. Remnants from the crumbling ceiling set the stage for a gritty story about a fight between the rich and powerful “pig” and the overlooked citizen (Jimmy). Few other things compliment a powerhouse song about overthrowing the “crooked people in power” as much as a Chelsea grin. Next on that list is a reoccurring character simply known as “Jimmy,” embodying the chaotic rage that will eventually “break off the chains going through your veins.” The final touch of him carving “Survive” into his tormentor’s forehead is the poetic justice every horror fan is dying to see.
Without giving too much else away, “Cultist” is just in time to cap off Spooky Season. It lashes out and wrangles your attention with neon green bass strings all while adrenalizing the inner rebel. “Cultist” establishes its place among the many songs that inspires listeners to continue sticking it to the man and possibly start a mini-mosh pit in the living room. It’s intense, it’s inspiring, it’s an entire aesthetic. You’ll be keeping a knife twisting on the replay button.
Click HERE to stream “Cultist” now!
