Anton Commissaris – Shot Him Dead (2025)
With his way of weaving poetic lyricism with soul-stirring melodies capturing powerful themes of existential glee and dread, Anton Commissaris is not just a musician – he’s a masterful maestro. Already a known figure among our readers and team, the US-based singer-songwriter fuses various genres in boundary-breaking, limit-pushing sonic waves; however, just as his tunes flutter from jazz, soul and RnB, a strong lilt toward country and Americana exists. So, even if you’re more of a Willie Nelson fan, or prefer the sounds of Cole Porter, Commissaris appeals to all.
Following his well-received 2024 single, ‘Said, I’m Sorry’, Commissaris saunters into 2025 with his new single, ‘Shot Him Dead’. Known for his story-telling prowess, ‘Shot Him Dead’ is the soundtrack of a thrilling tale of grief, revenge, personal justice and vigilantism. Nodding his hat to the songwriting prowess of Nick Cave and Johnny Cash, the murder ballad (of sorts) follows a protagonist’s “heart-wrenching discovery of the violation of his home and wife…” leading to “…a vengeful quest…”
While you might be prepared for the story of sordid sorrow, Commissaris’ vivid imagery and vibrant melody really place you in the thick of things; you feel immersed in this tale instead of just listening to a song. From the haunting opening of the organ and violin, you know something’s amiss; the pulsating drums beat along with your terrified heart as tension rises. Then guitars fill the barebones section with a lingering piano heightening the breath-taking sense of “oh, something’s going to go down”. Spiralling into an orchestral symphony of rollercoaster emotion, haunting strings leap out when a female voice interjects as your stomach drops, your head pounds, and your heart is clutched by an icy hand.
Once you feel suffocated by the turmoil and terror of the protagonist’s vigilante attack (also the death of the fiend), the melody shifts from tragedy to optimism as he “rejoices in the certainty that the perpetrator can no longer cause harm…” A final whisper of “shot him dead” leads you out of the story settling your heart in the knowledge of justice, security, and peace.
Find out more about Anton Commissaris on his Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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