Shop our Big Takeover store for back issues, t-shirts & CDs
Follow The Big Takeover
Exploring negative emotions is probably an extremely unpleasant experience for most people, but for Manos Michaelides, aka Athens, Greece’s Ego Death, it provides catharsis. On 10 Ways to Go Emotionally Bankrupt, Michaelides purges his demons while creating an intensely visceral listening experience.
The opening “Accepting Father Is Selfish and Full of Hatred Against You Motivated Advice” sets the tone with dark, distorted beats and pulsing static reminiscent of Olekranon‘s late-70s industrial vibe. As the music drones, we’re drawn deeper into distress, hopelessly wallowing in self-induced torture until, finally, the depression breaks and a ray of light briefly teases before the clouds come back again. The tracks continue in this manner, harsh noises colliding with rhythmic melody in a similar vein to NON and Boyd Rice, though “Being Physically Intimidated” could be the theme song for a nightmarish children’s show where the purple dinosaur actually eats the children. It’s an unnerving tome of psychic noise built on negative energy and twisted emotions.
As there is light, there must also be darkness. They balance each other and are necessary for each others’ survival. Delve into Ego Death’s neurotic mania and come out with a better appreciation for the good days.
