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Philadelphia-based industrial sludge metal band WORST ONES has unleashed the new single “Vex”. The track is a crushing, no-holds-barred exploration of Americaʼs decaying ideals. Drawing from the bitter truth of the American Dream's collapse, the track delves deep into the rise of fascism and the heartbreaking act of protest by soldier Aaron Bushnell, who self-immolated in protest of the war in Palestine.
“Vex” is accompanied by a lyric video - watch it here!
You can stream/download “Vex” on
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ts56r
Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/vwd27dvw
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/4nhf6264
Musically, “Vex” fuses the raw aggression of '90s hardcore with the sludgy weight of doom and the mechanical grind of industrial metal, drawing influences from the likes of Biohazard, Eyehategod, and Godflesh. A standout element of the track is the signature “sickness” - rhythmic noise loops that twist and churn alongside the brutal guitars and drums, creating a suffocating atmosphere of unease. It's a track thatʼs as punishing as it is poignant, reflecting the chaotic, fractured state of the world today.
WORST ONES has explained the meaning of the song as follows:
“Vex is an expression of disillusionment and resistance under the weight of a system built on lies. The lyrics question what freedom is when we live in a country that supports widespread oppression and death. There’s a sense of despair in the verses and searching for answers in the chorus but in the end the song turns into a statement of defiance and resilience.
The opening line “Wasted life is on us, covered all up in flames” addresses the heinous amount of people killed in war and how “the powers that be” utilize new types of bombs that don’t even leave behind a body, literally covering it up.
The lyric “Do you really believe the reaper will bring peace” challenges the concept that violence and killing would bring peace. It questions the false idea that through war or death there can be an end to suffering.
The final lines “They want to destroy us, but we can't be beat" reaffirm that despite everything, resistance is still possible and even inevitable to triumph. It’s a defiant statement in the face of a system designed to crush individuals, but where the refusal to give up remains unbroken. I wanted to end the song with a statement of positivity and strength.
The story of Aaron Bushnell, who self-immolated in protest of the war in Palestine, deeply resonated with me. He was someone who joined the US Army, maybe out of ignorance or patriotism, only to feel betrayed by what he was asked to do. His act of protest was a refusal to be complicit in a system that had deceived him, and that sense of betrayal and defiance is something Vex reflects. It’s a statement of refusal in the face of violence, war, and manipulation.
As a Syrian American, these themes aren’t just abstract ideas to me. I’ve experienced how propaganda shapes people’s perceptions, how violence is justified in the name of power, and how the most vulnerable are always the first to suffer. I wrote the lyrics with a universal approach to the words because it’s not just now, it’s about the cycles of control, war, and resistance that keep repeating. This song is my way of expressing frustration, grief, and the refusal to be silenced.”
Track recorded by Drew Ew. Mixed and mastered by Jared Birdseye. Promo Photography by Luz Karolina Sanchez. Cover and logo by Drew Ew except “deathmetallogo” by Darren Adcock. Music Video by Worst Ones & Luz Karolina Sanchez.
WORST ONES is:
Drew Ew - Vocals, Guitar, Programming
Doppleganga - Drums, Programming
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About:
From the nasty streets of Philadelphia, WORST ONES rises as a formidable industrial sludge metal juggernaut. Formed in 2016 by vocalist/guitarist Drew Ew, the project began as a raw expression of unbridled emotion, blending the mechanical grind of industrial metal with the slow, crushing weight of sludge. In 2018, the addition of Doppelganga - a maestro of industrial soundscapes and electronic percussion - transformed WORST ONES into a sonic powerhouse. Together, the duo crafts a unique blend of distorted guitars, thunderous electronic drums, and hip-hop-inspired production techniques like sampling and drum programming.
Their journey began with early recordings produced by Dan Kishbaugh (An Albatross, Vektor, Die Choking), leading to features on Suicide Bongʼs “Killed by Philadelphia Vol. 1” and a series of digital singles later compiled by Black Monk Records on cassette. The standout track “Found Out” earned critical attention from New Noise, WXPN, Spill Magazine, and AltPress Discover, solidifying their place in the underground music scene.
WORST ONES has continually evolved, and their recent work demonstrates an unrelenting creative drive. In the past year, theyʼve released a trilogy of hard-hitting singles - “Broken Cost,” “Love Bomb,” and “Web of Lies.” These tracks showcase their ability to combine crushing riffs, industrial rhythms, and hypnotic electronic layers, offering fans a visceral and dynamic listening experience. The singles have received recognition from underground music blogs, playlists, and streaming platforms, further expanding their reach beyond the local scene. Over the years, the duo has also released a string of notable works, including Is It Worth It?, which premiered on Decibel Magazineʼs blog, and Badman. Tracks like Born of Pain, Black Hole Baby, and Funeral Flowers earned widespread acclaim, with features on Indie Nation, Weedian, and Lone Frequencies, alongside placements on numerous Spotify playlists. The Badman remix album, featuring collaborations with artists like Super Thief, Das Black Milk, and Jordyn, further highlighted the bandʼs versatility and innovative approach to their sound. Combined with visually striking music videos and dynamic live performances, WORST ONES delivers an intense, boundary-pushing experience that reverberates far beyond Philadelphia. With resilience, adaptability, and an unapologetic sound, WORST ONES continues to carve their own path in industrial metal.
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