Gothic mysticism meets analog grit in "MK Ultra," the new single from The Behaviour, the solo project of veteran drummer and producer Marshall Kilpatric. Released via Rexius Records on August 15, 2025, the track marks the first chapter of a powerful new era, following the acclaim of his debut album A Sin Dance.
Driven by reverb-drenched guitars and a brooding sense of urgency, "MK Ultra" channels the primal edge of garage rock with the emotional density of post-grunge and slowcore. The song invites listeners into a dark, introspective space, where fuzz-drenched riffs, reverb-soaked production, and hypnotic pacing echo Kilpatric’s eclectic influences—from the gothic sensuality of my bloody valentine to the distorted swagger of Queens of the Stone Age, with layered textures and themes of Pink Floyd and Leonard Cohen underneath it all.
With "MK Ultra," The Behaviour initiates this new chapter in a sonic journey that blurs the line between spiritual introspection and raw, analog rebellion. The single delves into themes of control, inner conflict, and spiritual awakening - its title referencing the infamous CIA mind-control program - repurposed here as a metaphor for personal reprogramming and liberation, while facing the end of one phase of existence and preparing for what lies beyond in the next realm. It is also a reference to a loved one who lost his battle with cancer, as a tribute to him; but also for many others who passed on during the making of this recording.
"MK Ultra" is more than a song; it’s a ritual in sound—one that reflects Kilpatric’s philosophy of shadow work, healing, and reclaiming one's voice from the noise. It is a gothic anthem that pairs haunted introspection with hypnotic energy, taking you into The Behaviour’s luminous abyss.
Words and Music: written, arranged, performed by Marshall Kilpatric
Recorded by Marshall Kilpatric @ Quaternal Studios, Sturbridge, MA
Mixed by Eric Graves @ The Gravy Cave, Lawrence, KS
Mastered by Mike Nolte @ Eureka Mastering, Portland, OR
Produced by Marshall Kilpatric
Additional Production: Scott Mackey
Cover Design: Andre Vines, Marshall Kilpatric
Publishing: BaronMetrics (ASCAP)
℗©2025 The Behaviour LLC, under license to Rexius Records
Lyrics
On the horizon
See the shadows gather, the sky is crying
Echoes of the light once shining
Trickle through the cracks, form smiling
Creatures all around you trying to
Keep you in their arms, all binding
Protection from what is inside you
Consuming the consumer, and it’s so…
Near…
Crossed the pages of time blown by the
Wind…
Leave the pain behind and step through the
Mirror…
Reach the other side and have no
Fear…
What waits is your reflection’s thorough….
…Fare is paid, the path of travel is
Forged and seen as a river unraveled
Overhead the cosmos spiral
Directs you to that which we aim for
Character of the marvelous carnival
Played the part now you take one more bow
Made this stage your own, step forward now
Closer to the edge, it is so…
Near…
Crossed the pages of time blown by the
Wind…
Leave the pain behind and step through the
Mirror…
Reach the other side and have no
Fear…
What waits is your reflection’s thoroughfare…
Find your way back to me
Find my way home to you
Find your way back to me
Find my way home to you…
In the current well lies the 93
Where love’s the law and love is under will
When the light’s down low you’ll find your inner strength
We move to pierce the veil and for the heavens we swing…
Lyrics reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
℗© 2025 The Behaviour LLC/BaronMetrics (ASCAP), under license to Rexius Records.