American Hell is the new album by Whiskerman, a sprawling double LP set to be released in two parts, beginning with American Hell Pt. I on January 23rd. Following up 2023’s Champions (Deluxe Edition), the new album is both a return to form and a statement of purpose for the band, their first collection of new music since 2020’s Kingdom Illusion. Across nearly a dozen tracks, the band explores the malaise that’s settled over the United States in recent years, redefining for themselves what it means to be an American in these changing times.
With part one of their monstrous 2026 LP released in the world, Whiskerman’s vision for the lofty album is clear. The artist seemed to want to make a statement piece that both reflected his true emotions and held up a mirror to the situations that shape our perspectives, and the stadium-sized “USME” begins to paint the band’s vision. With nuanced, funky grooves and sky-high falsettos, frontman Graham Patzner puts on an unforgettable performance fueled by passion and frustration. The way these vocals interact with the searing guitars and thudding percussion creates urgent tempos and crunchy textures, but there is a deeper message underneath Whiskerman’s mastery of tone and natural prowess. “USME” is an anthem for those tired of seeing nothing but violence when flipping through the TV, a rallying cry for everyone who would rather take action against the powers that be than simply tweet at them. “USME” captures the anger that rises in us when we want to change the things out of our control, and spins it into an early favorite from Whiskerman’s new album.
“A classic protest song, written before a lot of the current ICE fiasco. It’s an entirely absurd request to abolish all borders so that we can all live together, man. This is one of those songs you break out at the sunset festival slot to get the hippies really going,” explains Patzner. “Thankfully, it was recorded and mixed beautifully by Ian Pellicci, who gave it a lot of darker and more complex colors, as if the heart’s true desires are being oppressed by the system. But the hippie dream is still alive, man!”
