REVIEW: Thus Spoke Zarathustra - I'm Tired Of Self Care, It's Time For Other's Harm

Maryland’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra smashed into the deathcore scene with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and their sophomore album, I’m Done With Self-Care, It’s Time For Others Harm, is proof of their unrelenting force. Freshly signed to Prosthetic Records, the band wastes no time making it clear: this is deathcore with brains, bile, and a fierce, unapologetic edge. Rooted in horror and existential dread, the album digs deep into the battle between healing and harm, self-improvement and chaos - blurring the lines between growth and vengeance.

Guitarist and main songwriter Andy Reynold leads this charge, channelling the spirit of

mid-2000s MySpace-era deathcore while injecting it with fresh venom. But this isn’t just a

nostalgic trip; Thus Spoke Zarathustra revive the genre’s chaotic core with sharper teeth and a cinematic, twisted scope. From the very first moments, the album isn’t just heavy - it’s an intense experience, soaked in anxiety and introspective nihilism, that sticks with you long after the breakdowns fade.

Right from the opener 'GGO', the band drags you into their dark conceptual world. The track starts with eerie harsh noise before exploding into a maelstrom of triple-guitar melodic death metal leads and crushing riffs. It perfectly sets the stage for an album that’s as dynamic as it is brutal. The momentum doesn’t stop with 'I Can’t Save You', a brief but explosive track that channels desperation and emotional wreckage through relentless riffs and raw vocals. Then comes 'Gage Lanza 2: Return of the Red Hammer', which layers complex guitar interplay over driving rhythms, creating a dark and powerful atmosphere. It’s technical but never at the expense of heaviness - a fine line the band walks throughout the record.

One of the album’s highlights is 'I Never Believed in Magic Til My Dog Turned into a Snake'. This track perfectly captures the horror-inspired themes with furious blast beats and punishing breakdowns. The song’s narrative of twisted transformation and vengeful rage hits hard, pulling the listener even deeper into the album’s dark world. 'The Final Blow Will Bring Blood' continues the assault with a menacing groove packed with menace, while 'Santosha' shifts gears slightly, adding a more atmospheric touch. The tension builds here, punctuated by bursts of intricate guitar work that keep the listener hooked.

'All I Feel Is Cold' lives up to its title with chilling riffs and an oppressive atmosphere, thickened by the band’s trademark triple-guitar attack. The sonic density reaches a peak on 'The Difference Between You and Me Is I Never Got Caught', which channels pure aggression through precise, punishing riffs and unrelenting energy. 'Mithrandir' keeps the pace furious - a short, sharp blast of intensity that doesn’t let the momentum drop. Then the album closes with 'Bereft of Light', bringing the record full circle with a blend of crushing heaviness and haunting unease, leaving you with that lingering feeling of existential dread.

Throughout I’m Done With Self-Care, It’s Time For Others Harm, Thus Spoke Zarathustra expertly balance complexity and savagery, pushing deathcore’s boundaries with a vision that feels both deeply personal and brutally unflinching. In today’s scene, where many bands either stick to tired formulas or polish their sound to bland perfection, Thus Spoke Zarathustra stand out by embracing the chaotic roots of deathcore while forging their own dark, twisted path. This album is a refreshing dose of raw energy and creativity that fans of the genre - and newcomers alike - will find exciting. Ultimately, I’m Done With Self-Care, It’s Time For Others Harm is a powerful sophomore effort that cements Thus Spoke Zarathustra as a band to watch. Their fearless approach and tight execution make this more than just a brutal listening experience - it’s a meaningful journey through pain, chaos, and twisted self-reflection. It’s heavy, it’s intense, and it leaves you eager to see what they do next.

Score: 8/10

I’m Done With Self-Care, It’s Time For Others Harm will be released on May 23rd 2025 via Prosthetic Records.

Words: Mia Gailey

Photos: Thus Spoke Zarathustra