Hayden Silas Anhedönia, also known as Ethel Cain, has one of the most unique voices in the music world. Her music is like stepping into a dream: beautiful but slightly unsettling, mixing haunting vibes with raw emotional storytelling. Cain pulls from indie, alt-rock and Southern Gothic influences. Her songs dive deep into heavy themes like trauma, identity and loss, with a real focus on spirituality and the dark side of life. Cain released her newest album “Perverts” on Jan. 8, 2025.
Her debut album “Preacher’s Daughter” was released just three years prior in 2022 and blew up because of its cinematic feel. The album blends gospel, folk and dark pop in a super personal and almost otherworldly way. Cain’s voice and lyrics have an intense, confessional quality that makes you feel like you’re hearing someone’s most vulnerable thoughts. It’s the kind of music that’s both beautiful and painful, giving you a bittersweet look at life, love and growing up in the South.
Cain’s new album “Perverts” continues her last album “Preacher’s Daughter,” which is like a wild trip through a dark, twisted version of the American South. Renowned for her evocative, filmic soundscapes, her lyrics are raw, brutal and personal, diving into themes like identity, trauma and feeling trapped in a world that doesn’t understand you. This album feels like a soundtrack for a movie you can’t stop thinking about — one that’s equal parts beautiful and messed up.
Cain’s voice is hauntingly soft, but her stories are anything but. She writes about the struggle of dealing with religion, shame and sexuality, making it feel like you’re hearing someone confess their deepest secrets. It’s not just music; it’s a whole mood, an emotional experience that drags you in and doesn’t let go.
Her song “Punish,” from “Perverts” is everything to me. It’s raw, haunting and honestly terrifying (in the best way). The song feels like a scream for justice, with Cain tackling themes of trauma and revenge in a way that hits you in the chest. One lyric that stands out is “Bathe their eyes in fire / Let them see what they’ve done.” It’s intense and feels like she’s calling out everyone who’s ever done something horrible. Another line, “I’ll be the ghost that haunts you at night,” gives me chills. She’s saying she won’t let people forget the pain they’ve caused and it’s incredibly powerful. The song has her usual dreamy and eerie sound, but the lyrics make it way darker. It’s more than just music; she’s trying to make people uncomfortable and forcing them to think.
With “Perverts,” Cain proves once again that she’s one of the best storytellers in our generation. The album feels both personal and universal, hitting hard with its dark, intimate storytelling and cinematic, almost dream-like production. If you’re into haunting, emotional tunes that make you think and sometimes even make you uncomfortable, this album is for you.
