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MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY Release New Serial-Killer Concept Album "Washington State Charm" Telling The Ted Bundy Story

"Washington State Charm" is the latest studio album from Austrian brutal death metal band MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY, released today, June 26, 2026 via Listenable Records. The release is a concept album centered on the life of Ted Bundy, one of the United States’ most infamous serial killers, tracing his story from a troubled childhood and adolescence through his crimes, prison escape attempts, and eventual execution by electric chair.

Continuing the band’s established focus on serial killer-themed concept records — following albums such as "Unterweger" (about Jack Unterweger) and "Vile Postmortem Irrumatio" (about Ed Kemper) — "Washington State Charm" delves into Bundy’s psychology and actions in detail. The title is an ironic nod to Bundy’s perceived “charm,” referencing his use of appearance and charisma to manipulate victims, particularly in Washington State. Lyrically, the album covers his upbringing, early criminal activity, his killing spree across the Pacific Northwest (song: "The 1974 PNW Spree"), subsequent crimes in states including Colorado and Florida, and his final fate in prison ("Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn)").

The album maintains a graphic, misanthropic tone typical of brutal death metal, but presents its subject matter through a structured narrative that functions as a disturbing “sonic biography.”

Several notable guest appearances further expand and diversify the record’s sonic palette:

- Mendel Bij de Leij (ex-Aborted)
- Johnny Ciardullo (AngelMaker, Carcosa)
- Gabe Mangold (Enterprise Earth, Devildriver)
- Hal Microutsicos (Engulf)
- Shoi Sen (De Profundis)
- Jean-Jacques Moréac (Misanthrope)

Musically, Monument of Misanthropy deliver technical brutal death metal built on heavy grooves, complex riffing, rapid blast beats, and the guttural vocal delivery of Georg “Misanthrope” Wilfinger. This release also shows a shift toward increased melody, more memorable hooks, and influences drawn from deathcore and technical death metal, marking an evolution from the band’s earlier, more deathgrind-oriented and purely brutal sound.

Notable elements include, twin-guitar harmonies and melodic solos, intricate arpeggios, tightly syncopated rhythmic passages, and the use of interview samples and atmospheric textures to reinforce the album’s narrative structure. The production is modern and powerful, balancing clarity with intensity. Stylistically, the album draws comparisons to acts such as Aborted, Necrophagist, Nile, Morbid Angel, Obscura, and Dying Fetus, with additional touches of Cytotoxin and contemporary deathcore.

Early reception has been extremely positive, with praise directed at the technical musicianship, cohesive storytelling, and overall energy. Some commentary notes that the album is more accessible than previous releases, which may divide purist listeners, but it is widely seen as a natural progression and a compelling evolution of the band’s sound. Critics also highlight its macabre creativity and the group’s ability to translate real-world events into extreme musical form.

Overall, Washington State Charm stands as an ambitious, technically accomplished, and thematically unsettling concept album that further solidifies Monument of Misanthropy’s reputation as one of modern brutal death metal’s most distinctive and creative acts, particularly for listeners drawn to narrative-driven and highly technical extreme music.

Photo : Nachtfrost Visuals

"WASHINGTON STATE CHARM" track list:

01 Obviously We Gotta Start Somewhere... (Intro )
02 Neath Tacoma Asphalt [Feat. Mendel Bij De Leij (ex-Aborted), Johnny Ciardullo (AngelMaker, Carcosa)]
03 A Hunger Unstilled (Intro Instrumental)
04 The 1974 PNW Spree [Feat. Gabe Mangold (Enterprise Earth)]
05 Unfortunately WA (Intro )
06 Washington State Charm
07 Colorado Murder
08 The Hacksaw Blade
09 Chi Omega Blood Rage
10 Suwannee Hog Shed
11 Could You Hear That? (Intro)
12 Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn) [Feat. Hal Microutsicos (Engulf)]
13 The Eye Of Ra (Nile Cover - Bonus Track) [Feat. Shoi Sen (De Profundis), Jean-Jacques Moréac (Misanthrope)]

BAND LINE UP:
George “Misanthrope” Wilfinger – vocals
Simon Martinsich – drums
Joe Gatsch – lead guitars
Julius Kössler – lead guitars
Raphael Hendlmayer – bass

DISCOGRAPHY :
Bandroom Misanthropy demo (2012)
Anger Mismanagement (2014)
Capital Punisher EP (2017)
Unterweger (2021)
Vile Postmortem Irrumatio (2024) also available digitally as an intrumental version

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