Massachusetts crushers Thy Will Be Done spent plenty of time in the aughts and early 2010s grinding through the underground scene, touring across North America, Europe, the UK and Japan, while releasing two albums and an EP. While they never truly went away, things slowed down and there weren’t many releases until 2020, when Thy Will Be Done began releasing music again.
Now, with the premiere of new single “Echoes and Narcissists,” the band have announced Pillar of Fire, their first full-length album since 2009 (and first non-single release since 2012). The new song, which also comes with a video by Chariot of Black Moth, is as groovy and heavy as ever, combining smashing rhythms with just enough melody to keep things fresh.
Speaking about the track, vocalist Jay Costa says:
“This song is coming from a perspective where one may see the rise in narcissism, vanity, and seemingly waining work ethic in contemporary society being largely attributed to the influence of social media and AI technologies.
“Platforms designed to amplify individual visibility often encourage self-promotion and validation-seeking behavior.; an environment that can foster a culture of constant comparison and self-admiration, where personal ‘worth’ is frequently measured by likes and followers.”
About the song title, he adds:
“It’s a nod to the myth of Echo and Narcissus. A story that [allegorically] still has relevance today. Social media algorithms tend to create echo chambers by reinforcing users’ existing beliefs and preferences, limiting one’s exposure to diverse perspectives and reinforcing self-centered viewpoints. Together, these dynamics could be contributing to a more narcissistic culture and hinder constructive dialogue. It may require a critical examination of how technology shapes one’s own social interactions.”
Check out the new tune below. Pillar of Fire is out September 13.
