DEKAY Feels It’s Time To ‘Start The Rot’ – Out Dec 17th

At its core, Start The Rot, from industrial metal project DEKAY, grapples with weighty themes that resonate with many of us. The album takes a deep dive into the existential crises facing humanity today and how our personal ambitions can often lead to our own destruction. We become slaves to our desires, sacrificing authenticity for hollow pursuits like power and fame. The underlying message is stark: if we fail to recognize these destructive patterns, we may very well create a paradise for decay, where our own choices ultimately lead us to extinction.

In its entirety, Start The Rot is more than just an album; it is a reflective journey that captures the tumultuous landscape of modern existence. Through its raw and introspective lyrics, it delves into themes of self-destruction, anxiety, betrayal, and societal decay. It encourages listeners to confront their own fears and challenges while providing a soundtrack to the chaos that surrounds them.

Track-by-track by DEKAY:
The album begins with Dannsa Na Cuileag, an instrumental track that sets the tone for the entire experience. The name, derived from Scottish Gaelic meaning “dance of the flies,” evokes imagery of life’s transient nature and its inevitable decay. It’s a heavy yet hypnotic piece, featuring bass lines that create a robust atmosphere, drawing listeners in while making them think about the deeper implications of what they’re hearing.

Following this atmospheric introduction, the album transitions into Social Degradation. This track reflects on the misguided direction of the federal government over the past four decades and highlights the current political climate in America. It serves as a rallying cry, an anthem for those who feel frustrated with the status quo. The lyrics are biting and direct, encouraging listeners to unite against the forces that oppress and divide.

Next, we encounter Fear (Within). This track encapsulates my struggle with anxiety and the mental battles that many of us face on a daily basis. It explores how these fears often dwindle into mere shadows in our minds, yet feel overwhelming when confronted. Writing this song was a cathartic experience for me, as it allowed me to articulate my internal struggles in a way that resonates with others, revealing the universality of anxiety.

Then comes Heresy, a cover of a classic song by Nine Inch Nails, one of my greatest influences. This track holds a special place in my heart, as it serves to honor and celebrate the music that has shaped my own artistic journey. I was fortunate to have my dear friend Hyde Von Hitchcock lend his voice to this track, which added an extra layer of excitement and joy to the recording process. The collaboration was not only fun but also reinforced the sense of community that music can foster among artists.

Following Heresy, we dive into the title track, Start The Rot. This song acts as an introduction to the overarching theme of the album and serves as a powerful commentary on the concept of decay and its implications for humanity. Drawing inspiration from “The Nothing” in “The NeverEnding Story,” the track paints a vivid picture of destruction, where “the rot” consumes everything in its path. With its heavy instrumentation and evocative lyrics, it grips the listener with the notion that we stand on the brink of our own demise. The accompanying music video, filmed at a decommissioned military fort in Baltimore, adds a haunting visual element that complements the songâs themes, echoing our history’s darker moments.

As we delve deeper into the album, The Folly Of Man emerges as a sequel of sorts to Social Degradation. It reflects on the consequences of our collective inaction and misguided choices. Here, I tackle the potential future of civilization if we fail to learn from past mistakes. This track serves as a warning about the inevitable fallout from mankind’s corruptionâa stark reminder of the fragile state of our society. The lyrics question whether we can alter our course or if we are destined to repeat the cycles of history that have led us to this precarious point.

Next up is MINDFUCK, a track that speaks to personal betrayal and the feelings of disillusionment that accompany it. While the title may be provocative, the song delves into the emotional turmoil caused by those we trustedâfriends, employers, and significant others. Itâs a raw expression of frustration, capturing the complexity of human relationships and the pain of being let down. The straightforward nature of the song is a reflection of the harsh realities of life; sometimes, itâs cathartic to simply let it all out.

As we approach the conclusion of the album, we encounter Paradise. This final track serves as a poignant summary of the themes explored throughout the album. It tells the story of what follows our self-inflicted demise, depicting a world where the aftermath of our actions gives rise to new life formsâspecifically, maggots and flies thriving in decay. The irony of calling this a “paradise” is deliberate; it challenges listeners to confront the consequences of their choices and consider whether the path weâre on can ever lead to true fulfillment.

Start The RotÂ | Released December 17th, 2024 via Sliptrick Records

DEKAY is:
DEKAY â Vocals | Programming | Everything

Band links:Â FacebookÂ |Â YoutubeÂ |Â InstagramÂ |Â On Sliptrick