Emerging from the shadows of Pretoria’s rock scene, Acid Magus unleashes “Emperor”, the fiery second single from their upcoming album.
Known for their intoxicating blend of doom, stoner, punk, and psych rock, Acid Magus has crafted a track that is both an intense journey into sound and a searing exploration of power’s dark allure.
In a swirl of distorted guitars, heavy riffs, and hypnotic rhythms, “Emperor” introduces the album’s central antagonist—a power-hungry overlord who thrives on destruction. As a metaphor for colonialism and the erasure of culture, the Emperor embodies raw, destructive ambition.
The track invites listeners to confront the brutality of conquest, with haunting lyrics that echo the relentless drive for control.
Acid Magus’s characteristic musical grit and psychedelic edge deliver a visceral experience, drawing inspiration from the likes of Mastodon, Kylesa, and Baroness, all while infusing their signature South African flair.
“Emperor” is also the shortest track on the upcoming album, offering a potent glimpse into the broader narrative Acid Magus has woven. With epic vocal cries and spine-chilling drops into sonic oblivion, the song encapsulates the wild thoughts of the loathsome Emperor himself, pulling listeners deeper into his tortured psyche.
Acid Magus’s commitment to a raw, DIY approach shines through in every heavy beat and spiraling riff, creating a sound that’s both timeless and immediately captivating.
Acid Magus comments on the new track
“We wanted to capture the Emperor’s madness and the absolute corruption of power. This song channels the darkness in humanity that few dare to confront. Psychosis never sounded this good.”
Fans of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the heavy psychedelia of modern bands like Slift will recognize Acid Magus’s reverence for rock’s legends, while newcomers to the genre will find themselves immersed in a hypnotic mix of styles, from 60s psych to alt-rock intensity.
You can stream/download the track HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, Subscribe to our newsletter.
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify.
