Eora/Sydney-based artist Skeleten has dropped his long-anticipated second studio album, ‘Mentalized,’ via 2MR and Astral People Recordings. This record is a raw, honest exploration of our collective struggle to reclaim our mental space in an era of endless noise and digital overload.
Reflecting on the creative process, Skeleten explains, “Around the time I started working on this record, I was thinking a lot about how my friends and I were fighting to resist the commodification of our mental space—to reconnect with ourselves and the world, rather than just getting numb. With everyone trying to tell you how to hack your brain, I felt constantly overwhelmed, like I was being mentalized 24/7, as if under a TV hypnotist. Mentalized isn’t ‘about’ that stuff—it’s the music that emerged as I grappled with it.”
Building on the hopeful energy of his debut album ‘Under Utopia,’ which celebrated a world of collective beauty, ‘Mentalized’ takes a darker, more introspective turn. It asks difficult questions: What does it mean to truly connect with others? Can we ever escape the pressure to conform and let external forces dictate our inner lives? The album’s gritty, industrial and nu-metal textures, combined with dreamlike vocals and abstract pop arrangements, create a sound that is both a danceable tribute to his roots and a deep dive into contemporary existence.
Standout tracks on the album highlight Skeleten’s sonic versatility. The new video for the focus track Raw offers a visually striking glimpse into the album’s emotional core—a moment of raw vulnerability where his vocal melody and instrumentation come together to break through the surrounding angst. “Raw is one of the most personal songs on the record,” he confesses. “It’s the moment when all the noise strips away, revealing a bit of truth. It’s like when life hurts, but you know that pain is real.”
Other tracks, like Let It Grow and Viagra, navigate the tension between surrendering to pleasure and questioning how we allow external pressures to shape our bodies and minds. The album’s closer, Mindreader, serves as a poignant exhalation—a reminder that even when we fall short, there’s solace in shared struggle and the ongoing push to rise again.
‘Mentalized’ is not just an album; it’s a comprehensive creative experience. Skeleten’s work extends beyond music into every visual element—from artwork and music videos to live show visuals—crafting an immersive world where every detail reflects his passion and commitment to his craft.
Critically acclaimed since his debut, Skeleten has earned praise from Stereogum, Pitchfork, NME, The Guardian, and many more. His previous album, ‘Under Utopia,’ charted across multiple ARIA categories and garnered significant award nominations, paving the way for ‘Mentalized’ as his most personal and ambitious project yet.
The release of ‘Mentalized’ comes ahead of Skeleten’s upcoming performance at Golden Plains Festival 2025, where he will share the stage with PJ Harvey, Fontaines DC, Sun Ra Arkestra, KNEECAP, and others.
‘Mentalized’ is available now on all digital platforms, with physical formats available for order. Get ready to immerse yourself in Skeleten’s world—a journey of introspection, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity.
Skeleten Live Dates:
Mar 8–10, 2025 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC
Experience the album, watch the official video for Raw, and join the conversation as Skeleten challenges us all to reclaim our mental space in a world that never stops bombarding us with distractions.
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