South African heavy rock outfit Ruff Majik return with “Can Of Wyrms”, a stark and emotionally unguarded single that confronts suicide from the perspective of those left behind.
Rather than romanticising loss or dressing it up in spectacle, the track documents grief as something unresolved and ongoing – a weight that lingers, shared by many rather than carried alone.
Although written several years ago, “Can Of Wyrms” arrives at a moment that gives it new urgency. The release marks the band’s re-emergence after a period defined by silence, distance, and personal reckoning – a pause that proved necessary for survival rather than retreat.
The song does not attempt to provide answers. Instead, it acknowledges absence, confusion, and the quiet battles fought by those still standing.
Frontman Johni Holiday has previously spoken openly about his experiences with PTSD, agoraphobia, and cycles of dependency formed during years of touring. These struggles ultimately led to Ruff Majik stepping away before the consequences became fatal.
That decision – and the clarity it forced – shapes the restraint at the heart of “Can Of Wyrms”. The track resists grand statements, choosing honesty over resolution.
Musically, the single balances Ruff Majik’s signature stoner-punk urgency with raw, anthemic vulnerability. Gang vocals, recorded with friends and members of the South African underground music community, form the emotional core of the track, reinforcing its central message: grief is communal, not isolating.
The song also features guest vocals from Ben of Slomosa, adding another layer of shared voice and international solidarity to an already deeply personal release.
All proceeds from “Can Of Wyrms”, including associated merchandise, will be donated to mental health support initiatives – extending the song’s purpose beyond expression and into tangible action.
Ruff Majik are returning to the Stage with Purpose
The release of “Can Of Wyrms” coincides with Ruff Majik’s first live performance since their hiatus, taking place on 31 January in Pretoria, South Africa. Rather than a victory lap, the show stands as a clear statement of intent.
In the band’s own words: “There is work to be done.”
“Can Of Wyrms” is not positioned as a farewell or a tribute. It exists as a warning, a remembrance, and a refusal to buckle under the pressures of the world – a song that confronts reality without softening its edges.
The single is currently available exclusively on Bandcamp, with a full release across all major streaming platforms scheduled for 16 January 2026.
The band has confirmed that no press requests will be accepted until the completion of this initial release phase.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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