PRESS KIT

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MIKE YORK - MANKIND

We live in difficult times. We are facing a global climate catastrophe and man-made zoonoses, which will probably kill humanity.

Mankind is the only species that saws its own branch and is ready to run blindly into its doom. Mankind is brutally exploiting the earth. Everything is subordinated to capitalism. Even humans themselves. Historically, humans have never been capable of holistic empathy. But our behavior is now becoming the ultimate and real threat to our own existence and we will unfortunately drag many innocent species with us into the abyss on our way. This fact cuts my heart into pieces.

For the earth and nature this will not mean the final doom. Earth and nature will recover. She will have changed, but she will recover. Only … Mankind will then no longer be there.

The world as we are now experiencing it often leads me to wonder whether it would be better if we were soon removed from the game of nature. I mean, isn't it the logical consequence? Hasn't nature always acted like this? Aren't "weak" species removed from the game in favor of a "stronger" species ?! This is exactly what has been happening for millions of years. We are such an incredibly weak species, which in its inappropriate arrogance believes that we can subjugate everything. To the chagrin of all other species on this wonderful planet. So I believe that humanity as a species must go.

Humanity only has one chance to survive. We have to live together with nature. Not against her. But unfortunately I don't have the faith ... we are not even able to get a small pandemic under control in a way that could be expected for a civilized society. Then how are we supposed to cope with the really big problems? 

After I last looked back into my punk and postpunk past together with Rëverend Gonz (12“/Tape Split release), it quickly became clear that the following songs would have a much more contemporary sound. Soundtracks from series and films such as Blade Runner, Jordskott, 8 Days, Stranger Things and above all Tales from the Loop have crept into my compositional work, which led me to want to revive an old tradition from the KALT times: On I had instrumental songs for many of these releases, which were always based on soundtracks. But this time I have dedicated a separate part of the CD version to these “scores for a film in my head”. These three Chapters complement MANKIND perfectly and reflect my quarrel with humanity.

On some of the songs I had the pleasure of counting on friends' support again. Besides Rëverend Gonz (Love Like Blood), who was ready to work with me again, I am very happy that Aeleth Kaven from La Scaltra was on board this time.

And no ... once again: MANKIND did not become a party record ...