PRESS FOR - AMERICAN JUNKIE
”At its core, American Junkie is a challenge. It is a challenge to listen – not just to the music, but to the message. The Mortal Prophets continue to blend poetic insight with a sound that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. And that's a rare thing in today’s charged cultural landscape.”
- Groover City
”This sonic menage-a-trois plays around with some fantastic musical and lyrical tropes – the opening, titular track being the sound of the “Star-Spangled Banner” on ketamine, its warped and wasted sound turning this national anthem into a blasted soundtrack as it slips from the familiar refrains into the declaration … “I’m an American Junkie, down on my knees.” This long, evolving song then lays out the landscape as John Beckmann sees it – a place of rampant profit, opiate abuse, and big brother-style surveillance…the dark underbelly of Manifest Destiny, the American Dream turned Global Nightmare.”
- The Big Takeover
”The American Junkie Show solidifies The Mortal Prophets' place as a band willing to confront difficult truths, blending poetic insight with a sound that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. As they navigate themes of societal decay and personal disillusionment, the EP stands as a powerful reflection on the current state of American society.”
- Da Da Da Music
With American Junkie, The Mortal Prophets continue to evolve as artists, blending poetic insight with a sound that is both timeless and urgently relevant. As Americans or not, we’re yearning for authenticity. This EP answers that call by boldly melding two critically relevant tracks that cut straight to the heart of the country’s toughest issues.”
- FM Magazine
“With American Junkie, The Mortal Prophets blends poetic depth with a bold sonic landscape, crafting an EP that’s both musically compelling and socially relevant. The fusion of two tracks into a single composition makes “The American Junkie Show” a standout, delivering a clear message that challenges listeners to reflect on the state of American politics, culture, and identity. This EP marks another evolution in the band’s sound, solidifying their place as fearless commentators in today’s charged cultural climate.”
- Music Earshot
PRESS FOR - ICNCLST/
“ICNCLST/ is what you get when you use electronica to tear a hole in a rock and roll landscape, when digital deftness is allowed to dance with analogue traditions, or when the echoes and ethos of pre-war bluesmen are translated into more modern expression via the sound of krautrock and chamber-pop, Bowie-esque designs, Scott Walker’s rich delicacies and social observation intent on shining a light on the dark shadows gathered in the corners of American society.”
- The Big Takeover
“With his EP, Beckmann triumphantly stakes his claim as a provocateur of sonic innovation, combining psychedelic boldness with a rock-infused sheen that catapults him to the forefront of modern music.”
- Fame Magazine
“Mortal Prophet constantly dances over genres and styles, refining a personal style that’s often hazy and dreamy, yet quite electronic and industrial. ‘ICNCLST/’ is the project’s latest EP, an evocative and vibrant record with diverse influences. From fuzzy guitar tones to luscious saxophones, the album shifts from dreamy new wave to nostalgic electronic pop, with Beckmann’s smooth and hypnotizing vocals crowning it all.”
- Mesmerized
“NYC-based project Mortal Prophets continues a fantastic, prolific 2024 with the 7-song EP ICNCLST/. Alongside previously featured releases like “Sleeping In My Bed,” “Brian Eno In Heaven,” in addition to “Hanussen: The Enigmatic Clairvoyant,” the full-length, Mortal Prophets continue to churn out a dynamic and consistently melodic sound.”
- Obscure Sound
“With their astute musical choices and relentless creativity, Beckmann and his collaborators operate like a one-man Brill Building, rescuing pop music from the doldrums and delivering songs that are nothing short of hallelujah-worthy.”
- Rotate Magazine
”Though Beckmann has often leaned into an art-rock aesthetic during his earlier projects, 'ICNCLST/' rekindles that earlier magic as it seeks to make this new collection one of his more progressive to date. Filled with rich, atmospheric textures that make each track feel more immersive and bolder than the last, this album embraces a tighter, more refined approach, offering up some of his most compelling work yet.'“
- Flex Music
PRESS FOR - NEW BREED (Single)
”It feels at times almost primordial, yet extraterrestrial, in that the aural entity John Beckmann and the Mortal Prophets have conjured up seems to transcend time itself. “New Breed” is not an ordinary song; it’s a shamanic invocation on top of a rebellious cry against the mundane…Beckmann has just given birth to a masterpiece with his Mortal Prophets—art that is undoubtedly going to leave its mark on all who experience it indelibly.”
- Music Arena
”He turns the recognizable into the new, the familiar into the fresh, he goes where few have gone before, and then does something wholly different when he does get there…I said earlier that there is nothing new under the sun; well, with people like John Beckmann in the world, that isn’t entirely true, is it?”
- The Big Takeover
“New Breed” stands as a stunning example of the band’s audacious musical vision.”
- Plastic
'New Breed' sees Mortal Prophets seamlessly blending post-punk, indie, and vibrant electronica into a wild, kaleidoscopic mix, picking the best elements of each genre to make an irresistible sound.”
- Broken 8 Records
”Adopting a more dreamlike aesthetic for their newest outing, their latest endeavor perfectly illustrates the inventive nature they have been pursuing recently. Brimming with broad and emotive tones, elevated by a truly wondrous atmosphere, 'New Breed' sees them returning to us with one of their more distinctive releases to date.”
- FLEX
PRESS FOR - MEINE LIEBE EP
”This is what remixing, although it is much more than simply that, should be all about. The same song might be at the heart of everything found here, but each track gives it a new lease of life, a new narrative, a new place in (an alternative) history, a new reason for existence, a new chance to breathe again. That’s how you do it; don’t settle for anything less.”
- The Big Takeover
”This is what Mortal Prophets is all about; being receptive to outside influence, and finding a glimpse of art in hidden corners around the world. ‘Meine Liebe’ is as flashy as its name implies (at least to non-German speakers).”
- Mesmerized
”Conjuring some wildly imaginative ideas that all feel so vivid as they play, Mortal Prophets is once again thinking so far ahead of almost anything else doing the rounds right now.”
- Flex
”Mortal Prophets’ “Meine Liebe” EP is a testament to the band’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring the depths of musical expression.”
- Rotate
”Mortal Prophets’ latest is another weird and wonderful insight into their unique world. It simply demands a listen.”
- York Calling (UK)
”Verrings into the territory of the experimental this track is adorned with haunting whispers and chanting throughout its soundscape creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable sonic experience that will send shivers down your spine.”
- Lost In The Manor
“The EP ‘Meine Liebe’ presents a range of styles including electro, trip-hop, disco, synth, and more, all meticulously arranged, mixed, and mastered. If you’re seeking fresh, inspiring, and finely crafted electronic music, ‘Meine Liebe’ comes highly recommended. Its unique and mysterious blend is truly exceptional.”
- Sistra
PRESS FOR - BRIAN ENO IN HEAVEN - EP
”Is this what heaven sounds like? It’s certainly beautiful enough to be.”
- Illustrated Magazine
“Music is a lot of things, but one of those things that fascinates is its ability to act as a portal, a gateway to imagined worlds, mystical worlds, and places that only exist within the infinite expanse of the mind. Mortal Prophets know how to manipulate and transmute sound into rare, anomalous, far-reaching portals of music that challenge and transform the listener’s reality.”
- Lost In The Manor (UK)
”The trick John manages to pull off with Mortal Prophets’ creations is that balance between the intriguing and the odd-for-odds-sake. The ability to be creative, forward-thinking and unique whilst never leaving the listener behind. It is the musical equivalent of being lost in a strange new city; you marvel at what lies around each corner, along every new street, but you never feel out of your depth. You always know that you will find your way home; it might just take some time. Until then, there is nothing else to do but enjoy the adventure.”
- The Big Takeover
“I’ve made no disguise of my love for the music of Mortal Prophets. John Beckman is a true pioneer, unafraid to forge his own path while staying true to the cultural and musical influences that shape him. I don’t know another artist with a wider frame of reference, and the bravery to create the kind of records he is creating.”
- York Calling (UK)
”John Beckmann’s elaborate sound transports listeners to celestial heights with its sweeping orchestration and ethereal vocals, inviting them to lose themselves in its haunting beauty.”
- Fame Magazine (UK)
”‘Brian Eno In Heaven’ reaffirms Beckman’s continuous impact on the music world. Experimental, enigmatic, and deeply immersive, it’s an EP that escorts listeners through a web of chilling auditory experiences. A spine-tingling journey through a maze of haunting soundscapes that captivates and enthralls from start to finish.”
- Mesmerized
“With its sweeping orchestration and ethereal sounds, “Brian Eno In Heaven” definitely stands out as a cinematic masterpiece. This phenomenal artist proves that he’s a restless innovator, guiding us through a labyrinth of sound that casts a spell!”
- Space Sour
”Mortal Prophets have returned with a new otherworldly EP. Brian Eno In Heaven serves not only as a tribute to the legendary Brian Eno, but as a guide for a journey between mesmerizingly liminal planes. A testament to innovation in music, John Beckmann’s artistry shines through in this haunting and beautiful collection.”
- Each Measure
”Mortal Prophets’ latest EP, “Brian Eno In Heaven”, is a masterful fusion of haunting orchestration and atmospheric soundscapes.”
- Beach House
”This cinematic masterpiece carries listeners to cosmic heights with its sweeping music and angelic voices. It urges visitors to immerse themselves in its creepy beauty, providing a sublime listening experience that honors the great Brian Eno's impact on ambient and experimental music.”
- Music Earshot
PRESS FOR - HANUSSEN: The Enigmatic Clairvoyant
“This is the star child, the one we can see in the legendary Kubrick movie, described in music. This is a gift, a masterpiece that deserves to be cherished by all who seek music that transcends the ordinary.”
- Edgar Allan Poets
”Each note resonates with a haunting energy, akin to lightning slowed to a snail's pace, evoking a sense of foreboding that lingers long after the final chord fades.”
- Fame Magazine UK
”Far from the usual bleeps and sonic squiggles that many electronic soundscapers think are enough to give their work such a title, Mortal Prophets gives us something that is truly outside the normal realms of contemporary music but also beyond the scope of classical traditions.”
- The Big Take Over
”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. 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 hypnotizing in quite an unusual way. I highly recommend experiencing it. My personal favorite is the Steve Reich-esque ‘Act III.”
- Indie Grid
”We are treated to cosmic etherealness, distorted piano melodies, ghoulish ambiance, and lingering meditations before arriving at a chilling, discordant climax.”
- York Calling (UK)
”The highlights continue from there; droning guitars concoct a hypnotic allure on “Act V,” while “Act VII” is fit for meditation with its chiming calmness and reflective ambiance. The epilogue melds various components — from elegant strings to sweeping strings and twinkling electronics — into a final showcase of Mortal Prophets’ balancing of melodic enticement with riveting atmospheric constructions.”
- Obscure Sound
"Hanussen: The Enigmatic Clairvoyant" is a deeply immersive and thought-provoking work of art. Truly, a must-listen for aficionados of experimental opera and avant-garde music alike.
- Lost World Reviews
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.”
- EDM Rekords.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
