American Hell is the new album by Whiskerman, a sprawling twelve track double LP. Following up 2023’s Champions (Deluxe Edition), the new album is both a return to form and a statement of purpose for the band, their first collection of new music since 2020’s Kingdom Illusion. Across nearly a dozen tracks the band explores the malaise that’s settled over the United States in recent years, redefining for themselves what it means to be an American in these changing times.
The album was produced by the band and recorded over the course of three years at Brothers Chinese Recording in Oakland, CA by engineer Ian Pellici (Deerhoof, 31 Knots). Pellici split mixing duties with Grammy winning engineer Cian Riordan (Paul McCartney, Sleater Kinney, Lana Del Rey) and the album was mastered by Jack Kennedy (St. Vincent). Spanning fuzzy 70’s rock, soul, proto-punk, afro-beat, world music, folk, and more–the album features special guest appearances from Kelly McFarling, Kendra McKinley, Angelica Rockne, and Trevor Bahnson. In addition to the core band of singer-songwriter Graham Patzer, Will Lawrence, Nick Cobbett, Charles “Steel” Lloyd, and Jeremy “Glass” Lyon, the album also includes contributions from Dan Schwartz, Matt Goff, Lewis Patzner, Chris Hoogewerff, and Matt Tackiff.
Album opener “Reaching” sets the tone with lyrics that reassess the unrealistic and unattainable values of the American Dream, featuring guest vocals by Kendra McKinley. Lead single “The Dregs” contrasts afro-beat inspired horns, funky drums, and soulful vocals with a cautionary tale about the harm that unfettered capitalism can inflict upon the human spirit. “USME”, one of a handful of protest songs on the album, is a call for liberty and equality, freedom, food and water, shelter, and a chance to breathe for all, as Patzner imagines a world without borders, united by love and empathy, while “Lightning Love” features soaring duet vocals from Kelly McFarling and was inspired by the Standing Rock Protest movement.
Side C opener “Ram’s Head” originally appeared on the band’s self title debut album in 2011 but has been reimagined over the years since guitar/sitar player Charles Lloyd joined the band, eventually becoming a live staple and something of a signature track. This re-recording represents the definitive version of the song, bringing the history of the band full circle with its cathartic doom-folk arrangement. Single “Black River” showcases the punk & metal influenced side of the band, featuring the drumming of Dan Schwartz. Meanwhile, the remaining three tracks feature an assortment of special guests - “Osiris” features vocals by Angelica Rockne, El Dorado features vocals by Kendra McKinley, and “Jack of Spades” features vocals by Trevor Bahnson.
Royal Oakie Records is proud to release American Hell on June 19th 2026 on double LP, CD, and digital/streaming worldwide.
