Mental Cruelty is a prominent German deathcore band that has made significant strides in the metal music scene since its formation in 2014. Originating from Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, the band has carved out a unique niche by blending elements of deathcore, black metal, symphonic metal, and folk metal. Their dynamic sound is brought to life by the current lineup, featuring vocalist Lukas Nicolai, guitarists Marvin Kessler and Nahuel Lozano, bassist Viktor Dick, and drummer Danny Straßer. With four studio albums to their name, including their latest release, “Zwielicht,” in June 2023, Mental Cruelty continues to push the boundaries of their genre.
The band’s journey began with the release of their debut demo, “Sickening World,” in 2015, which laid the groundwork for their future success. Following this, they released their EP “Pereat Mundus” in 2016, showcasing their evolving sound. Their first full-length album, “Purgatorium,” was released in January 2018 under Rising Nemesis Records, marking a significant milestone in their career. This was followed by their second album, “Inferis,” in 2019, produced by the renowned Sky van Hoff, further establishing their reputation in the metal community.
In 2021, Mental Cruelty made headlines with the release of their third album, “A Hill to Die Upon,” which featured the powerful single “Ultima Hypocrita.” This album solidified their position in the metal scene and showcased their ability to collaborate with talented artists, including Japanese guitarist Yo Onityan. The band’s signing with Century Media Records in 2022 marked a new chapter, allowing them to reach a broader audience.
With the introduction of Lukas Nicolai as their new vocalist in early 2023, Mental Cruelty released two singles, “Zwielicht/Symphony of a Dying Star,” leading up to the highly anticipated album “Zwielicht.” Their innovative approach and commitment to their craft have resulted in a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve and release new music, Mental Cruelty remains a force to be reckoned with in the metal genre.