PRESS FOR - HANUSSEN: The Enigmatic Clairvoyant
“This is the star child, the one we can see in the legendary Kubrick movie, described in music. Masterpiece”
- Edgar Allan Poets
”By the climactic closing track, you’ve fully surrendered to the experience. There are no words left to describe the soul-stirring emotions this aural odyssey inspires. All that’s left is to feel, to be reborn on the wings of sound. When the final notes of “Epilogue” fade out, you emerge from the spirit of the album as a new being. It will leave you forever changed.’
- EDM Records
”Through its eerie melodies and experimental compositions, the album invites listeners to ponder the complexities of human nature and historical legacy. ‘HANUSSEN: The Enigmatic Clairvoyant | An Opera’ serves as both a reflection on the past and a cautionary tale for the future, urging audiences to learn from history’s lessons. And, I have to say having now listened to the album a good few times I found it brilliant! The haunting, dark dissonance really hooked me in and was hypnotising in quite an unusual way. I highly recommend experiencing it. Personal favourite, the Steve Reich-esque ‘Act III.”
- Indie Grid
”Electronic layers swirl with atmospheric percussion in the story’s Prologue that sets the scene for its following thirteen acts and Epilogue. We are treated to cosmic etherealness, distorted piano melodies, ghoulish ambiance, and lingering meditations before arriving at a chilling, dischordant climax.”
- York Calling (UK)
”The prologue opens with a twinkling intrigue, engrossing with ominous mystery into a delicate piano-forward melody. A chilly atmospheric hold is evident here, and that knack for soundscape persists throughout the album. “HANUSSEN: An Opera (Act I)” follows with a glimmering entrancement, touting an ethereal radiance in its illuminated synth enveloping. The second act continues with a more ominous force, emphasizing spaciousness as a bass-y murmur expands into flashes of electronic atmospherics. The opening tracks to the album quickly showcase a dynamic atmospheric captivation.”
- Obscure Sound
PRESS FOR - SLEEPING IN MY BED
”In Nick Cave’s debut novel, And the Ass Saw the Angel, he invites you into a swamp town where shotgun shacks line feted thoroughfares, and even the tupelo trees are crooked. That same murky sense of haunted harmonicas and disquieting sparsity forms the eerie atmosphere of the latest The Mortal Prophets single, ‘Hell or High Water’.”
- Far Out Magazine
”These songs come out like emanations, like pulses pulsing from the pulpy sweet heart of every cynic there’s ever been that, as it turns out, beats with love despite itself. Welcome back, ye Mortal Prophet, and thanks. We know that no matter how hellish the hell, how high the high water, you’ll still come back to us like a messenger come round the mountain.”
- Stereo Embers Magazine
“The band pays tribute to one of their most apparent influences with “Tom Waits in Drag,” evoking the titular songwriter’s grimy aesthetics, clattering percussion, and avant-garde arrangements. Though Beckmann’s vocals are less gritty than Waits’, his atmospheric speak-sung vocals convey a similar weariness and dark humor, matching the track’s wounded lyricism and jagged tone.’
- Under The Radar
”The new single from Mortal Prophets is instantly engrossing. Complex arrangements of saxophone, horns, keys, drums, and acoustic and electric guitars give ‘Sleeping in My Bed’ an epic, cinematic feel, especially as it swells towards the end. It’s an intriguing blend of styles, a theatrical blues vamp that slowly drips with tension and menace. John Beckmann’s voice is so full of character, weary and lived-in and real; when it is twisted together with Aoibheann Carey-Philpott’s dreamily ethereal vocal, the result is at once unsettling and beautiful. There’s something magical going on here. Beckmann’s songcraft is remarkable, driven by an adventurous, experimental spirit.”
- Americana UK
"The Mortal Prophets" EP represents a contemporary reimagining of classic American songwriting. Beckmann's work stands out for its fearless portrayal of a fractured world, juxtaposed with a deep adherence to the principles of traditional songcraft. This EP is not just a showcase of Beckmann's artistic skill but also resonates with the national psyche and the human condition, making it a poignant and compelling addition to the landscape of modern music.”
- FAME Icon
”The more I hear from John and Mortal Prophets, the more I adore his brand of thoughtful surrealism. He uniquely captures the spirit of hypocrisy that runs through the modern world, untwists it then reflects it back to us. You can tell when an artist is truly expressing themself with their music, and that’s what you get with John.”
- York Calling (UK)
“Sleeping in My Bed” exemplifies The Mortal Prophets’ sound: a modern, fearless reimagining of classic American songwriting applied to a fractured world. John Beckmann’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartbreak set against a backdrop of societal woes. This isn’t just pop music; Is an exploration of the human condition, delivered with both guts and heart. The Mortal Prophets stand alone in their ability to capture the spirit of a wounded nation while clinging to the beauty of classic songcraft.”
- Edgar Allan Poets
”John Beckmann draws on his extraordinary originality to craft music unlike anything else.”
- Plastic (UK)
”Mortal Prophets, under Beckmann’s guidance, deliver an EP that resonates with the national psyche and the wounded human heart, making it a profound addition to contemporary American music.”
- Beach House
PRESS FOR - GUITARWORKS
“The guitar playing is insane and not just about skill but expression. The tones and effects almost give the guitar this emotional resonating quality, like you can feel what Beckmann was feeling when he laid those tracks down. By the end you’re so lost in the details and grooves that you forget you're even listening to a recording. It's more like a living, breathing piece of art.”
⁃ Earmilk
”‘GUITARWORKS’ caters to our deepest needs, offering a stream of sonic consciousness that never tires the ear – in fact, it heals them, offering pure, unfiltered musical bliss with a decisively experimental flair.”
- Mesmerized
“Imagine a spaceship traveling through the vast expanse of the universe, and feel the awe-inspiring beauty of the unknown. John Beckmann, the visionary mastermind behind Mortal Prophets, has once again created a masterpiece.”
⁃ Edgar Allan Poets
“GUITARWORKS” is more than just an album—it’s a journey, a living, breathing piece of art that defies categorization. With its masterful instrumentation, evocative production, and fearless experimentation, Mortal Prophets has created a musical experience that is truly transcendent.”
- Bored City
“There are few artists out there with the audacity and range that Mortal Prophets has. Each new release brings with it a surprise as John and team continue to push genre boundaries. GUITARWORKS is simply a joy to listen to.”
⁃ York Calling (UK)
“Embark on an extraordinary musical odyssey with Mortal Prophets' latest album, GUITARWORKS, a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of sound and space.”
- Indiemusicflix
”‘Guitarworks’ is surely one of the best instrumental albums out there!”
- Muse Chronicle
PRESS FOR - THE TWANG GANG [Live in Berlin]
”Self-describing their sound as "cosmic country,” a moniker that is more than apt for their latest offering, 'The Twang Gang (Live In Berlin)' instantly marks itself as one of their more adventurous outings to date. Brimming with this broad and immersive atmosphere that uses diverse instrumentation to create a luxuriously spacey feel, they cultivate an entirely new sound, something that almost feels otherworldly in nature.”
- Flex
”MORTAL PROPHETS, with his project “THE TWANG GANG [Live in Berlin],” is pushing the boundaries of music and offering instrumental compositions that are nothing short of extraordinary. This sonic experience pays homage to the very essence of art itself, presenting a soft rock canvas infused with melodies from American country Americana and enigmatic sonic elements.”
- The Further
”In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, “The Twang Gang (Live in Berlin)” by Mortal Prophets is a bold declaration that there are still artists willing to push the boundaries of what music can be. It’s an album that invites listeners to embark on a journey through unexplored sonic realms, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking a taste of the extraordinary in the world of experimental music.'“
- Indie Music Flix
”With their latest opus, “The Twang Gang (Live in Berlin),” they prove once again that they are an unstoppable force, pushing the boundaries of musical output and artistic vision.”
- Edgar Allan Poets
“The Twang Gang (Live In Berlin)' makes for an incredibly warm and welcome return. Filled with rich and shimmering textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and some sweetly laid-back hooks layered throughout, they continue to find new and interesting ideas in which to explore on their latest full-length.”
- Mystic Sons
“Raw, intense, and utterly transcendent, “The Twang Gang” stands as one of 2023’s most vital rock releases so far.”
- Medium (edmrekords.com)
“The Twang Gang (Live in Berlin)” is a musical adventure that has something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of country, ambient, or experimental sounds.
- Illustrated Magazine
”The group Mortal Prophets is undoubtedly one of those phenomena that stirs up crowds and touchs hearts. This group once again offers timeless music that integrates influences from the past to create a futuristic sound. This entirely instrumental music is an extraordinary and timeless experience that does not need words to be so legendary.”
- Iggy Magazine France
”Before us is music in which its pure forms are unusually combined as if the design or construction of some great experimental creation. Archaic blues and country from the time of Spaghetti Westerns on the one hand, and on the other the experimental German electronic scene with the addition of ambient and psychedelia.”
- Indie Dock Music
PRESS FOR - DEALEY PLAZA BLUES
”The Mortal Prophets isn’t a band but rather the alter-ego for auteur John Beckmann. Imagine the darker side of Depeche Mode fronting Nick Cave and you’re at least in the ballpark. Beckmann returns from the hair-frying intensity of his previous release, Me and the Devil, with a follow-up that sticks to a similar sonic blueprint ie: radically interpreting old, often traditional, songs by keeping the lyrics and discarding any melodies you might once have associated with them while adding an often disturbing dose of electronics.”
- American Songwriter
“Dealey Plaza Blues is hypnotic and bone-chilling.”
- Wonderland Magazine
“Beckmann’s baritone is the star of its dark version of Born Under a Bad Sign, offering a haunting yet stable presence against a dreamlike atmosphere.”
- Fame Magazine
”Mortal Prophets push post-punk into no-wave territory, creating haunting, dark, and heavy music. Recently, Beckmann has been looking forward and backward at the same time and has deconstructed some blues classics. The classic dismal lyrics are now welded to shimmering and beeping effects, which make it sound like Beckmann is swimming in a starless space while lamenting his lot. It's heavy, man."
- Punknews.org
”Complex, intricate, profound, and mind-blowing …‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ is an acid trip without the acid.”
- The Otherside Reviews
“Born Under a Bad Sign” features all the hallmarks Beckmann has demonstrated with his music with atypical instrumentation, loose structure, and dream-like singing…Beckmann doesn’t craft simple music, he crafts bone-chilling experiences that speak to your soul.”
- Lost In The Manor
”Headed by John Beckmann’s kaleidoscopic musicianship, Mortal Prophets could be a mirage, in the sense that its vibrant character is almost unbelievable, able to hypnotize listeners in less than two minutes.”
- Mesmerized
"Post-punk meets art-punk with some acid trip poetry."
- Scene Point Blank
”Mortal Prophets continue to carve their own path, fusing elements of the past with innovative experimentation. With each release, they prove that music can transcend genres and expectations, taking listeners on a captivating journey into uncharted territory. “Born Under A Bad Sign” is a bold creative statement from Mortal Prophets and it leaves us eagerly anticipating what they have in store for us next.”
- Plastic UK
”This album is a testament to Beckmann’s talent and versatility as an artist. He fearlessly pushes the boundaries of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, creating a captivating and addictive sonic experience. Every track on “Dealey Plaza Blues” holds a spellbinding allure that keeps listeners under its enchantment. It’s safe to say that in 2023, no other record will leave as indelible a mark as this exceptional and unforgettable offering from Mortal Prophets.”
- HailTunes
”Though technically a cover, there’s very little common ground between Albert King’s original (Born Under a Bad Sign) and John’s version. He has truly reconstructed it, with experimental folktronica and a wonderful use of minimalism. It seethes with melancholia, feeling like an understated cry for help. It’s powerful stuff.”
- York Calling UK
PRESS FOR - ME AND THE DEVIL
’‘Me and the Devil’ is a nightmarish ride. Anyone having trouble getting to, or staying, asleep should proceed with caution when playing The Mortal Prophets’ debut album around bedtime. The demonic intentions implied by the album’s name and defined by John Beckmann, along with Irish producer multi-instrumentalist William Declan Lucey’s, unorthodox approach, coils each selection in menacing directions, bringing fresh, often frightening twists to these standards. Be aware - when you engulf yourself in these riveting, uncompromising performances. They are not for the squeamish.”
- American Songwriter
“Like a fire-breathing ensemble risen from the ether with a fearless blend of the genre – fucking intelligence driving them toward a type and level of musical adventurism that’ll leave any music nerd worth their salt. [Beckmann] takes the raw dark spirits that illuminate them from within, that kind of anti-holy holy spirit that shudders and screams and twists itself into an inviolable truth no matter the listener, their location, their age, and raises it to screech over the restless sepulchers of modern life, a Holy Ghost of Menace that springs eternal.”
- Stereo Embers
“The title track howls with a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club meets Nick Cave distinguished dark palette that echoes of beat poets and hellraisers.”
- Glide Magazine
“If James Chance and latter-day Leonard Cohen had joined forces.”
- Post-Punk.com
“A slate of Delta blues classics get, sinister shape-shifting makeovers courtesy of avant-garde New York artist John Beckmann.”
- Tinnitis
”A practice of masterclass musicianship.”
- Spill Magazine
PRESS FOR - STOMP THE DEVIL
”Following the previous single “Stomp the Devil,” and its stark black and white video filmed at Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers, New York, “Nobody Knows” is a continuation of Beckmann’s eccentric storylines. A mad, musical scientist, Beckmann has a penchant for twisting genres, mixing gospel and Americana with more avant beats.”
- American Songwriter
“With a gliding instrumental courtesy of Beckmann and Captain Beefheart's Gary Lucas, punctuated by booming beats and a growling chorus, the track [Stomp The Devil] soars into lacerating guitars towards the end, its foreboding vibes heightened by the black-and-white visuals.”
- Earmilk
“Stomp The Devil’ has a darkly haunting quality that seems to echo the buried stories and awaken ghosts from American history. [It] evokes a special unifying and soul-shaking experience that is somehow wrapped between chaos, suffering, mystery, and lightning.”
- Punk Head
”The skillful selection of sounds and the chord progressions that are never predictable…make "‘Stomp The Devil’ a song that creates a musical genre. An ideal sound for the people of the night.”
- Edgar Allan Poets
PODCASTS: Interviews
