Mortal Prophets and the time machine

If the technical sheet for “Down on Me” didn’t explain that it was a cover, I would never know. One of the most interesting project-bands I’ve come across is the American Mortal Prophets who, under the mysterious figure of John Beckmann, are one of the few who manage to transform other people’s songs in a way that they become somehow original. Originally known for appearing in the repertoire of none other than the eternal Janis Joplin along with Big Brother & The Holding Company, “Down on Me” gains a dark aura that is very reminiscent of artists like Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode (especially the new album) and, of course, Marilyn Manson, why not?

But anyone who thinks that Janis is the author of this classic is wrong. According to Beckmann, an early rock and blues aficionado,it goes back a long way, like 1920 or something. And what is most amazing is how after decades these lyrics are still up to date. “Everybody on the whole damn world down on me“. With a lot of inventiveness, Beckmann also transfers the sound to the context of industrial metal, offering a modern, gothic and, in a way, daring track. It’s a perfect time travel, I’d say. By the way, “Down On Me” features on Mortal Prophets’ second album release “Dealey Plaza Blues”, along with another great single “Born Under A Bad Sign”), which is also out now.