Album Review – Monument of Misanthropy / Washington State Charm (2026)

Vienna, Austria’s own Brutal Death Metal institution is back with a brand new full-length slab of extremity, a concept album chronicling the coming-of-age story of America’s probably most prolific serial killer, Ted Bundy.

Two years after their demolishing album Vile Postmortem Irrumatio, their sickening concept album based on the life of infamous serial killer Ed Kemper, Vienna, Austria’s own Brutal Death Metal institution Monument of Misanthropy has crawled back out of the basement with a brand new full-length slab of extremity, entitled Washington State Charm. Currently formed of George “Misanthrope” Wilfinger on vocals, Julius Kössler and Joe Gatsch on the guitars, Raphael Hendlmayer on bass, and Simon Martinsich on drums, the band is on absolute fire in Washington State Charm, a wholesome concept album chronicling the coming-of-age story of America’s probably most prolific serial killer, Ted Bundy, from the awkward upbringing to the early extracurricular activities, and the grand finale on the electric chair.

After the dark and sinister intro Obviously We Gotta Start Somewhere…, we’re pulverized by Monument of Misanthropy with the infuriated Neath Tacoma Asphalt, featuring guests Mendel Bij De Leij (Aborted) on lead guitars and Johnny Ciardullo (AngelMaker, Carcosa) on vocals, with the unstoppable drums by Simon inviting us for some good, no shenanigans slamming inside the pit. A Hunger Unstilled continues with their undisputed savagery, with the guitars by Julius and Joe breathing fire and aggressiveness, setting the tone for The 1974 PNW Spree, featuring guest lead guitars by Gabe Mangold (Enterprise Earth), even more infuriated and harsh, or in other words, another Brutal Death Metal beast spawned by such an indomitable band. Then we face another perturbing interlude titled Unfortunately WA before we’re crushed into pieces to the sound of Washington State Charm, and the title-track couldn’t have sounded more infernal and demented, with the visceral roars and gnarls by George sending shivers down our spines.

The band keeps hammering our cranial skulls with their undisputed brutality in Colorado Murder, with George’s deep, inhumane growls matching perfectly with the Death Metal riff attack by Julius and Joe; and Simon sounds like a wild creature out of control in The Hacksaw Blade, smashing his drums nonstop for our total delight. George’s scathing screams will penetrate deep inside our putrid minds in Chi Omega Blood Rage, supported by the thunderous bass by Raphael and the demonic beats and fills by Simon, followed by Suwannee Hog Shed, another blast of Brutal Death Metal madness by the quintet, with their guitars transpiring absolute chaos and hatred. Their last eerie, vile interlude, titled Could You Hear That?, will darken the skies before we face Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn), featuring guest Hal Microutsicos (Engulf) on vocals, a bludgeoning tune that will sound fantastic if played live, perfect for some brutal slamming to the infernal riffs by Julius and Joe. And lastly, we’re treated to the bonus track The Eye Of Ra, featuring Shoi Sen (De Profundis) on lead guitars and Jean-Jacques Moréac (Misanthrope) on bass, and their cover for such a classic by Nile  from their 2009 masterpiece Those Whom the Gods Detest (check the original one HERE) is utterly insane to say the least.

“While we’ve stayed 100% true to ourselves musically, which means constantly reinventing ourselves, we’re pretty damn sure you’re going to love this new album. We obsessed over every microscopic detail, whether it’s a hidden arpeggio, a lyrical pun, or just another described act of unspeakable horror and maybe some truths about Ted you might not even have known yet. This isn’t just another death metal record you half-listen to while bench-pressing. It’s an experience. A deep look into a very, very sick human being’s brain,” commented George, and you can get more details about the band and their (serial) killer new album from Facebook and Instagram, stream their sick creations on YouTube and on Spotify, and of course purchase Washington State Charm by clicking HERE. “We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere. And there will be more of your children dead tomorrow,” said the insane Ted Bundy, and there’s nothing more precise than the venomous and technical brutality found in the new album by Monument of Misanthropy to turn such an evil mind into ruthless extreme music.

Best moments of the album: Neath Tacoma Asphalt, Washington State Charm, Chi Omega Blood Rage and Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn).

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Listenable Records

Track listing
1. Obviously We Gotta Start Somewhere… 0:17
2. Neath Tacoma Asphalt 3:51
3. A Hunger Unstilled 1:24
4. The 1974 PNW Spree 3:39
5. Unfortunately WA 0:20
6. Washington State Charm 3:54
7. Colorado Murder 4:53
8. The Hacksaw Blade 3:45
9. Chi Omega Blood Rage 3:10
10. Suwannee Hog Shed 3:34
11. Could You Hear That? 0:35
12. Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn) 2:53

Bonus track
13. The Eye Of Ra (Nile cover) 4:52

Band members
George “Misanthrope” Wilfinger – vocals
Julius Kössler – guitars
Joe Gatsch – guitars
Raphael Hendlmayer – bass
Simon Martinsich – drums

Guest musicians
Mendel Bij De Leij  – lead guitars on “Neath Tacoma Asphalt”
Johnny Ciardullo – vocals on “Neath Tacoma Asphalt”
Gabe Mangold – lead guitars on “The 1974 PNW Spree”
Hal Microutsicos  – vocals on “Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn)”
Shoi Sen – lead guitars on “The Eye Of Ra”
Jean-Jacques Moréac – bass on “The Eye Of Ra”

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