Whiskerman Photo credit: Kory Thibeault
American Hell is the new album by Whiskerman, a sprawling 2xLP set to be released in two parts beginning with American Hell Pt. I on January 23rd 2026 and American Hell Pt. II on May 22nd 2026. Following up 2023’s Champions (Deluxe Edition), the new album is both a return to form and a statement of purpose for the band, their first collection of new music since 2020’s Kingdom Illusion. Across nearly a dozen tracks the band explores the malaise that’s settled over the United States in recent years, redefining for themselves what it means to be an American in these changing times.
The album was produced by the band and recorded over the course of three years at Brothers Chinese Recording in Oakland, CA by engineer Ian Pellici (Deerhoof, 31 Knots). Pellici split mixing duties with Grammy winning engineer Cian Riordan (Paul McCartney, Sleater Kinney, Lana Del Rey) and the album was mastered by Jack Kennedy (St. Vincent). Spanning fuzzy 70’s rock, soul, proto-punk, afro-beat, world music, folk, and more–the album features special guest appearances from Kelly McFarling, Kendra McKinley, Angelica Rockne, and Trevor Bahnson. In addition to the core band of singer-songwriter Graham Patzer, Will Lawrence, Nick Cobbett, Charles “Steel” Lloyd, and Jeremy “Glass” Lyon, the album also includes contributions from Dan Schwartz, Matt Goff, Lewis Patzner, Chris Hoogewerff, and Matt Tackiff.
Opening track “Ram’s Head” originally appeared on the band’s self titled debut album in 2011 but has been reimagined over the years since guitar/sitar player Charles Lloyd joined the band, eventually becoming a live staple and something of a signature track. This re-recording represents the definitive version of the song, bringing the history of the band full circle with its cathartic doom-folk arrangement.
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