Track By Tracks: Galgeberg - Cerberus (2025)

Cerberus represents the inaugural suite of compositions by the band Galgeberg. When the time was ripe, they entered the studio to lay down the tracks they had meticulously crafted. Their colleague and technician, Ruben Willem, intuitively captured the quintessence of Galgeberg's raw sound. Kim Diaz Holm’s evocative artwork for the album—depicting the mythological three-headed guardian of Hades—resonated so profoundly with the band that it not only became the visual hallmark of the album but also its namesake.

1. Epicurean Paradox:

The track is a powerhouse of aggressive riffs, with the HM2-pedal dialed to its maximum. Heavily influenced by the iconic death metal band Dismember, the music is a ferocious blend of high-speed brutality interspersed with melodious segments, creating a compelling and addictive auditory experience. The lyrics delve into the ancient philosophical trilemma of Epicurus concerning the existence of evil, which challenges the notion of a deity possessing omniscience, omnipotence, and benevolence simultaneously. The song serves as a bold repudiation of all deities fashioned by human hands and the religions that venerate such constructs.

2. Unparalleled Suffering:

This track continues the relentless assault with riffs that embody the essence of death metal. Unlike typical themes in the genre that focus on human demise and torment, this song casts a spotlight on the atrocities committed by humans against animals, particularly within the meat industry. Echoing the sentiments of activist Phillip Wollen, the lyrics argue that suffering knows no species barriers, critiquing the massive, often overlooked, agony endured by non-human animals.

3. Ode to O’Connor:

Distinctly punk in its execution, this track pays tribute to Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, focusing not on her musical oeuvre but on a specific act of protest. During a live performance on Saturday Night Live in 1992, O’Connor made a poignant statement against child abuse within the Catholic Church by tearing a photograph of the Pope. Despite facing severe backlash, her resilience was underscored the following night at a Bob Dylan tribute concert, where she was met with hostility yet found support from Kris Kristofferson. This song honors both O’Connor and Kristofferson as champions of justice and defenders against oppression.

4. Prelude to Genocide:

This track is a pure metal offering, laden with complex riffs reminiscent of bands like Entombed and Slayer. It explores the thematic groundwork of genocide, particularly the initial steps involving speciesism—the arbitrary evaluation and categorization of beings based on perceived utility to humans. The lyrics draw parallels between this devaluation and the ease with which genocide can be precipitated, examining the historical and psychological processes that vilify and dehumanize 'the other.'

5. Kleptocrat Infestation:

Another punk-inspired track, this one features the album's longest guitar solo and originally stemmed from frustration with political corruption in Norway. However, its relevance has broadened, particularly reflecting on the governance style of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The song criticizes the corruption endemic within political systems where leaders exploit their power for personal gain, drawing comparisons to broader, global issues of governance and moral decay.

6. Hordes of Necrovores:

The fastest and shortest track on the album, it tackles societal views on meat consumption. Coined from the term 'necrovore'—referring to those who consume processed meat—the song critiques the cognitive dissonance exhibited by individuals who claim to care for animals while supporting industries that exploit them. The lyrics were inspired by the sight of apathetic consumers at a shopping mall, likened to the zombies in Dawn of The Dead, highlighting the pervasive yet ignored impact of consumer choices.

Cerberus unleashes a fusion of death metal and punk, rich with political commentary, anti-religious sentiment, and advocacy for animal rights. The album appeals to fans of foundational bands such as Entombed, Dismember, and Motörhead, and resonates with the punk ethos of bands like Discharge and The Exploited.