Brisbane’s premier purveyors of horror-rock, Terror Parade, have officially emerged from the shadows. Their latest offering, ‘The Exorcist’, arrived on 24 April, delivering a murky exploration of the human psyche wrapped in the band's signature theatrical grit. While the title suggests a classic battle between good and evil, the track subverts expectations by focusing on the darkness that resides within.
Musically, the single is anchored by a primitive, tribal pulse that feels less like a studio creation and more like a captured moment of live energy. This organic friction between the drums and guitars provides a hypnotic foundation, echoing the stomping rhythm of fan favourites like ‘Revolution’ and ‘Hollywood Dead’. However, there is a noticeable maturation here; the production, helmed by Kalen Austin, feels sharper and more deliberate.
The song’s history is as layered as its concept. ‘The Exorcist’ was forged from musical fragments dating back to 2015, combining resurrected riffs and shelved lyrics with a fresh, aggressive chorus. This blend of old and new highlights the band’s decade-long evolution, resulting in a sound that pays homage to the industrial stomp of Marilyn Manson while channelling the high-octane theatricality of KISS.
Lyrically, the band peels back the skin on the concept of spiritual cleansing. Rather than a straightforward tale of salvation, the narrative takes a sharp, cynical turn. “The idea is that no one can ever truly remove their inner demons,” the band explain. “They always come back when you least expect them. The twist is that the exorcist, the one you trust, is actually planting the evil all along.”
To mirror the track’s visceral nature, the accompanying music video strips away the heavy narratives often found in the band’s visuals. Instead, it offers a raw look at their live performance—unfiltered, intense, and direct. As the band puts it: “We wanted to show exactly what you get at a Terror Parade gig, high energy, full-on, in-your-face performance. No distractions, just the band.”
‘The Exorcist’ serves as a potent reminder that some ghosts cannot be outrun—especially those we invite in ourselves.
You can find ‘The Exorcist’ on all major streaming platforms now. Be sure to follow Terror Parade on Instagram to keep up with their latest tour dates and upcoming releases.
