Formed in Egypt in 2007, the technical blackened death metal band Paindemonium, by then based in the Netherlands and Germany, presents its new concept album, Latent, which will be released in the summer of 2025. The band, originally a Dissection cover band, was founded by Raafat “Raaf” Atasi (guitars/vocals), Mohamed Salama (guitars/vocals), and Haitham Aly (bass).
Latent is described as an epic exploration of humanity, delving into the species’ historical and ongoing tendency for atrocities. The album further contemplates the potential fate of humanity if these patterns persist. Each song serves as a thematic soundtrack, incorporating a blend of subgenres to create a rich and dramatic soundscape.
The band’s journey has seen changes; after releasing their first EP Demonipathy in 2010, Paindemonium disbanded due to political turmoil in the Middle East. However, Raaf Atasi revived the band in 2020 after relocating to the Netherlands, with Yazan Ju joining as the full-time bassist. Though Mohamed Salama departed in 2022, Raaf and Yazan continued the recording process to finalize Latent.
The album features notable guest appearances, including Tim “Ripper” Owens (KK’s Priest, ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth), Stefan Nordstrom (Soliloquium, Ending Quest), and Inge Rijnja (Magoria), among other musicians. With lyrical themes encompassing apocalypse, philosophy, humanity, and nihilism, Latent promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking release. The first single from the album, “All Hail the Despot,” was released in June 2024.
You can listen to the tracks down below.
