Artists You Should Know: Patriarchy are More than Pegging Authority on New Feature Spot “Scapegoat” from Odonis Odonis

Audacious would be an understatement to describe goth-rock/industrial outfit Patriarchy, who take the phrase “fuck the patriarchy” to another level. The trio, fronted by multi-instrumentalist, filmmaker, and all-around provocateur Actually Huizenga, is as much about the music as they are about the performance art aspect. On their latest release, “Scapegoat,” they feature alongside Toronto electronic duo Odonis Odonis and do everything but shy away from their vampiric brand of techno.

For all intents and purposes, “Scapegoat” is a scapegoat to show off Huizenga’s steadfast approach to music. Though the skeletal synthesizers and eerie drones certainly add to the atmosphere, Huizenga takes center stage thanks to deep, throaty vocals and hellish groans in the latter half. And that’s without having to mention the moans that come in and out of the track, vocal inflictions fitting for the many uncensored Patriarchy music videos only available on Vimeo rather than YouTube.

It doesn’t take long to hear the Nine Inch Nails inspiration, something that couldn’t be more evident in one of their most streamed songs, “Suffer.” Coming off of last year’s The Unself, “Suffer” benefits similarly from Huizenga’s voice while also being one of their best produced. In contrast to “Scapegoat,” the song is a little cleaner, if you can call it that. That’s not to say it’s void of Patriarchy’s trademark gothic subversion. But it does fall more in line with dark techno music, rounded out by drums that ricochet left to right and arpeggios to make Trent Reznor proud.

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Apart from Reverse Circumcision, a remix album sporting a title that’s probably best not to visualize in your head, Patriarchy keeps the music succinct. Of course, their style appeals to specific subgroups and cultures that don’t precisely align with general listeners. But attracting the masses is not really the point. If anything, their often perverse and in-your-face albums will surely grind your speakers. And at the bare minimum, their appearance demands your attention, whether you like it or not.

Words: David Sosa

“Suffer” by Odonis Odonis and Patriarchy is out on all streaming services. For more on Patriarchy’s music and live shows, follow them on Bandcamp, Instagram, and their website.