Sleaford Mods – ‘The Demise Of Planet X’ Review: Come Armageddon, Bring the Noise

Dive into the raw power and biting social critique of Sleaford Mods’ latest album, ‘The Demise Of Planet X’, where punk grit meets post-apocalyptic angst.

A Sonic Blast from a Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland

There’s something unmistakably thrilling about the way Sleaford Mods continue to channel the chaos of our times through their uniquely abrasive sound. With The Demise Of Planet X, the Nottingham duo plunge us even deeper into a bleak, almost dystopian landscape — a world that seems to be unraveling under the weight of injustice, political turmoil, and social decay.

Since their breakthrough in 2013 with Austerity Dogs, Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn have become the uncompromising chroniclers of the everyday grind, the frustration, and the anger bubbling under the surface of modern Britain. If you’ve ever felt like the system is designed to keep you scrapping over crumbs, you’ll find a resonant voice in this album.

The Legacy of Punk Attitude, Reimagined for Today

Think of Sleaford Mods as the Sex Pistols for the digital age — still raw, still loud, still refusing to bow down. Their brand of sprechgesang (spoken-sung vocals) and minimalist beats have set the stage for a new wave of punk-infused protest music, even if they don’t ride the glossy international wave or rake in the riches like some of their contemporaries.

Jason’s vocal delivery on the opener ‘The Good Life’ is classic Mods: confrontational yet laced with a wry sense of humor. “I’m not punching down, lads, I’m gonna style it out,” he snarls — a nod to stepping away from petty band rivalries, especially after recently burying the hatchet with IDLES’ Joe Talbot.

Joining him on the track are Birmingham soul-punks The Big Special and the ever-striking Gwendoline Christie, who channels the internal wrestling of rage and confusion in a mad, mad world. The lyrics hit hard: “I’m the MAGA man with a severed hand, I’m Evel Knievel’s stunt cyclist in a nowhere fucking land.” It’s vivid, unfiltered, and utterly compelling.

Rage, Reality, and Reflection: The Heart of the Album

Williamson’s lyrics are a stew of current events, personal battles, and societal critiques. Events like “October 7, then the genocide, this new wave of nationalism... the fact that we haven’t dealt with COVID” swirl alongside reflections on social media’s toxicity and personal trauma.

Tracks like ‘Double Diamond’ wrestle with hangovers and inner demons, while ‘Elitist G.O.A.T’ — featuring Aldous Harding — skewers performative activism. ‘Megaton’ captures the dizzying chaos of livestreamed horrors and culture wars, making you feel the weight of modern life’s relentless barrage.

What’s remarkable is that despite the often grim subject matter, Sleaford Mods never succumb to stagnation. Jason’s anger is peppered with dark humor and sharp imagery, while Andrew Fearn’s expanding role as co-producer introduces fresh sounds and textures. This is their most musically adventurous album yet.

Musical Mischief Meets Social Mayhem

From the garage-tinged dance rock of ‘No Touch’ with Life Without Buildings legend Sue Tompkins, to the ominous “Massive Attack meets kung-fu B-movie” vibe of ‘Bad Santa’, the album is an eclectic riot. ‘Don Draper’ offers a playful hip-hop bounce, like a beat-up Cortina riding on hydraulics, while the title track flips the nostalgic Magic Roundabout theme into a warped asylum tour.

And when the end of the world feels inevitable, what do you do? As Williamson advises on the darkweb ska-infused closer ‘The Unwrap’ — “Buy stuff now.” But don’t be fooled, you can’t shop your way out of this mess. The real call to arms is to stand up and fight, even if the planet is careening toward its demise.

Album Details You Need to Know

• Record label: Rough Trade
• Release date: January 16, 2026

Come for the noise, stay for the truth — The Demise Of Planet X is a relentless soundtrack for these tumultuous times. It’s a gritty reminder that even when everything’s falling apart, there’s power in speaking out loud, in bringing the noise, and in refusing to go quietly into the night.

FAQ

• What themes does ‘The Demise Of Planet X’ explore?
  It tackles political disillusionment, social decay, trauma, nationalism, and the chaotic influence of social media.
• Who are the key collaborators on the album?
  Notable guests include Gwendoline Christie, The Big Special, Aldous Harding, and Sue Tompkins.
• How does this album differ musically from previous Sleaford Mods records?
  Andrew Fearn’s expanded production role introduces new genre-blending sounds and a more diverse musical palette.
• What’s the significance of the album title?
  It reflects a sense of impending societal collapse and a call to face the harsh realities of our times.
• Where can I buy the physical album?
  The album is available through Rough Trade and various music retailers worldwide starting January 16, 2026.

If you’re a fan of Sleaford Mods’ gritty commentary and want to bring that vibe home, why not shop for your favorite album cover poster at our store? Celebrate the music that refuses to be silenced.

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