Hear Bhayanak Maut’s Soaring New Takedown of Slacktivism on New Song ‘MLMSML’

After months of recording sessions through the end of 2020, Mumbai metallers Bhayanak Maut have unleashed their latest single “MLMSML,” which stands for “My life, my soul, my liver.”

In their own irreverent way, Bhayanak Maut offered a few hints about the song’s lyrical and thematic origins. The anthemic vocal hook in the six-minute song was perhaps accidentally, coincidentally or intentionally drawing from a similar lyric written by New Delhi’s seasoned rock band Them Clones, on the song “My Life” (from their 2009 album Love.Hate.Heroes). On Instagram, Bhayanak Maut proclaimed that “MLMSML” was a “direct sequel to the legendary ThemClones [sic] song.” In another post revealing the artwork made by designer/artist Mahan J. Dutta, Bhayanak Maut make clear that their aim is solely focused on superficial, armchair online activism and those spewing bile and hatred on the Internet. “Sat on the pot & tweeted? Scrolled? Liked? Stalked? Gamed? On the pot activism? While the world was burning? This one’s for you,” the post says.

The song runs through distinctly cutthroat riffs and grisly rhythmic breaks the metallers are known for and also pushes in the refreshing melodic direction that their previous singles “Shoreline,” “Pindakaas” and “Attack of the Roachsmokers” have taken in the last two years. The final two minutes of “MLMSML” unravel with an ecstatic guitar solo that leans on virtuoso as well as hair-raising, as an eerie background choral arrangement rounds it off with searing intensity.

Recorded and produced by the band – guitarists Aditya Gopinathan Nair and Venkatraman R. are seen in footage from home studio sessions as well as bassist Ishaan Krishna, while drummer Rahul Hariharan and vocalist Aman Virdi recorded remotely – “MLMSML” was mixed and mastered by guitarist-producer Keshav Dhar from prog band Skyharbor.

Listen to “MLMSML” below. Hear on Spotify, Apple Music and JioSaavn here.