Musician, author, documentarian and activist Randy Blythe from Lamb of God has taken to his Substack, Randonesia, to publish a lengthy op-ed piece framing the current social-political upheaval happening in the United States. Addressing the tragic slayings of both Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Blythe's "All the Horrors Happening Around Us," speaks to the fractured state of the government and the implores creatives from all walks to use their resources to resist while acknowledging, "No, my friends, you are not crazy. Things are bad. Really, really bad. This is not normal."

Offering his assessment of the current administration and the lack of oppositional leadership, Blythe framed how he has long rallied against the tyranny and injustice, citing some of the earliest lyrics and explaining, "For thirty goddamned years I have been screaming about all of this stuff and more, because I am a student of history, and for those who know history, the signs are crystal clear. For thirty goddamned years I have been screaming a warning— because it is the right thing to do, because I give a fuck, because I HAVE A VOICE."

Along with the his assessment of what he called an "unhinged American nightmare," Blythe also urged his fellow artists to speak up and use their art as a means to effect change. "To my fellow musicians, writers, photographers, and other artists of all stripes who may be scared to speak out, to use your voice… know that this is our time. Swallow your fear, and speak truth to power— this is what we were put here to do. So raise your voices now, motherfuckers— NOW."

Emphatically ending his entry, Blythe understands there will be those that disagree with his sentiment and will urge him to stick to the hits - though he explains, the hits have always had the same message. 

"And the endless refrain of “Shut up and sing” plays on and on… what in the flying fuck do you think I’ve been singing about for all these years?

I’m still here, and I’m still screaming."

Read the complete entry - HERE