Adam Tilzerโs โCult Leaderโ is a gut-punch manifesto disguised as an experimental rock album. Released on June 13, 2025, to mark his 40th birthday, Tilzer swaps the role of producer for frontman, stepping into the spotlight with raw honesty that only comes after decades of biting your tongue. Known for his work with Avon Junkies and The Defectives, Tilzerโs signature style, equal parts punk, psych rock, and socio-political rebellion, reaches new heights here, driven with urgency.
โChoking on Vomitโ opens with a despondent suicidal voice speaking in a low voice, almost like we are hearing him from the other side of a glass, over plucked soft chords. But it gets intense from there on, as distorted guitars come riffing and grinding like a nightmare scored by Pink Floyd. A distant shrill wailing vocalizing brings a haunting cinematic effect to the heavy sound. The blaze eventually drains down to a gritty glitchy guitar line riffing in gritty lows as the percussions shake and jitter.
In tracks like โMy Man,โ featuring Kiirstin Marilyn and Trophy Wife, Tilzer calls out systemic indifference with biting deep voice singing in a matter-of-fact way, nailing down truths as the chorus soars with fury. Itโs activism disguised as alt-rock, and it slaps.
One of the most affecting moments arrives in โAnd Iโll Die,โ a vulnerable slow-burn that blends rustling percussion with tender vocals and a gorgeous guitar solo that eventually descends into grungy oblivion the entire next half of the song.
What truly elevates Cult Leader is its sense of community. With over two dozen contributors, Tilzer treats the project as a collaborative rebellionโeach musician trusted to bring their truth without instruction. Listen to this album and stay tuned to this artist for more such impassioned music.
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Photo credit: Ted Maniatakos
Review by: Naomi Joan