Photo by Ashley Osborn
Cane Hill has no intention of making music to please anyone. While modern metal seems to have lost its edge, playing it safe both musically and lyrically in an effort to not put off any listeners, Cane Hill puts everything on the table, with the catchiness of nu metal, the controversial themes of industrial metal, and the ferocity of modern metalcore.
It’s obvious that the band does not care about being radio-friendly, and doesn’t hold back lyrically either, with songs addressing topics like misogyny, the patriarchy, anti-idolatry, racism, homophobia, and sexual exploration.
Cane Hill
Cane Hill’s single, “(The New) Jesus,” directly calls out their distaste for idolatry:
I am the way, the son, the prophecy
I am the new Jesus
I am the plague, the flood, hypocrisy
I am the new Jesus so follow me
Some of the controversy surrounding Cane Hill’s music is further fueled by their music videos, most clearly seen in the video for their song, “True Love,” which suggests everything from BDSM to sexual abuse. The music video for their song, “You’re So Wonderful,” strongly hints at necrophilia.
It’s clear they’re more interested in speaking their minds, bringing attention to taboos, and ignoring modern music trends, and it’s exactly this attitude that has won Cane Hill fans worldwide.
I really couldn’t give a shit if people don’t like it
When interviewed by the music website I Probably Hate Your Band about the polarizing nature of their music, vocalist Elijah Witt commented:
“I really couldn’t give a shit if people don’t like it. As long as the people that do like it, like it a lot, and the people that don’t like it hate it so much that they despise it. And that’s what I want, that’s what I like, I don’t want anyone to be like ‘yeah, it’s okay!’”
The approach is bringing the band success, drawing large crowds at this summer’s Warped Tour and a tour with Insane Clown Posse. Their debut album, Smile, was just released this past July, yet they’ve already managed to book shows with metal legends Bullet For My Valentine and Killswitch Engage.
Check out Cane Hill’s tour dates here.
