Roses In December have crafted ‘Inferno,’ a track about the claustrophobic grip of political collapse. Walls close, skies fall, and the forces destroying the world wage war on agency itself.
They pledge to follow you into the inferno—this descent is their solidarity. When institutions crumble and optimism evaporates, the inferno becomes the only honest space left. The band describe it as their “proggiest song to date,” highlighting their “despair at the increasing likelihood of the world becoming a spherical flame pit either from global warming, war, or a nuclear holocaust,” with “world leaders/oligarchs snatching more and more power from the people via force or covert means.”
The repetition of “Don’t give up or give up / We’ll break you” operates with brilliant ambiguity. Oppressor’s threat or survivor’s internal fortification? Listen closely and the line between aggressor and resistance blurs entirely.
Musically, the track leans heavily into the band’s progressive side, but they retain punk rock urgency.
‘Inferno’ has no redemptive arc, no climbing back out, just acceptance of apocalyptic conditions and the decision of who stands beside you when everything burns. The transformation promised isn’t salvation but becoming “something new” in the ruins, remade rather than destroyed.
Roses In December have tapped into a nihilistic reckoning with capitalism and the powerlessness of individuals against systems designed to divide and conquer.
‘Inferno’ is out now on all streaming platforms.