After taking time to grieve the death of cultural icon and longtime collaborator Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, Edley ODowd (Psychic TV, Toilet Boys) journeyed internationally to reconnect with songwriter Christian Cruz, bass player Fern Puma, and lyricist Anthony Diaz to create a new experimental/death rock project. Self-described by drummer ODowd as “a band of monsters playing broken instruments,” Scorpion Tea formed through the bonds of friendship, having survived the New York City punk and hardcore scenes together. Meshing cultural influences from Ecuador, Colombia, Eastern Europe, and Puerto Rico with their collective thirst for punk, goth, death rock, and city pop, Scorpion Tea has created a sound described by vocalist Anthony Diaz as “the phonic expression of a den of ravenous creatures.” Fern Puma’s bass lines, dripping with dapper strength, smartly pair with songwriter and guitarist Christian Cruz’s delectable, unnerving riffs and the bold flavor of Edley’s thunderous, yet sensitive drumming while Anthony’s involute lyrical profile elicits an impending storm over a haunted forest. The resulting noise is a harmonious blend with a rich and complex profile that anyone with an ear for the heavy will enjoy. The group’s self-titled debut album, recorded at Studio 22 in Los Angeles by Tomas Dolas (of Osees) is available now.