Photo credit: Jenny May
Chicago’s Motherless are cruising up to the September 12th release of their new full-length, Do You Feel Safe?, coming via Prosthetic Records. In advance, the band has unveiled their first single, “Weaponized Goodwill.” Check it out below and find out more.
Stream “Weaponized Goodwill” here: https://ffm.to/weaponizedgoodwill
Comments vocalist/guitarist Stavros Giannopoulos, “Not to take anything away from anyone’s personal experience, but the last 5-6 years have been particularly challenging for me, and for the entire world. This song, and record as a whole, is a musical roadmap of making it through that for me.”
Featuring eight punishing tracks – including the searing singles “Weaponized Goodwill,” “Reptile Dysfunction,” and “Insect Politics” – this record doesn’t ask questions. It kicks the door in. Motherless is rooted deep in the city’s longstanding tradition of doom and riff-driven metal. Formed by veterans of the local heavy scene – Stavros Giannopoulos and Alex Klein of The Atlas Moth and Gary Naples and Anthony Cwan of Without Waves – Motherless brings a raw, unfiltered sound that prioritizes weight and atmosphere over theatrics. Their live ethos says it all: “No fog, no light show, just riffs.”
The band has quickly become a fixture within Chicago’s metal circuit, appearing on stages at LiveWire Lounge, Reggie’s, and major events like the Forever Deaf Fest VI Pre-Party and Heavy Chicago. Motherless consistently delivers crushing sets that resonate with fans of heavy, dynamic music grounded in authenticity. Their sound combines elements of punk and hardcore with a bleak, driving intensity that reflects both personal darkness and industrial urban weight. There’s no gimmick here – just thick tones, sharp songwriting, and a commitment to keeping heavy music honest.
Do You Feel Safe?, which features artwork by Rosario Scimeca, was produced by Sanford Parker with vocals produced by Stavros Giannopoulos, mixed by Sanford Parker, and mastered by Brad Boatright. The record will be available across all streaming services. As they continue to carve out their place in Chicago’s storied metal landscape, Motherless stands as a reminder that in a city built on grit, the heaviest voices often rise from the underground. Fans of Intronaut, The Ocean, Kylesa, ISIS, High On Fire, and the like, pay heed.
Do You Feel Safe? tracklisting:
01 Reptile Dysfunction
02 Abrupt Violence
03 You Seem So Damn Sure
04 Darling, You Don’t Look Well
05 Weaponized Goodwill
06 Christian Math
07 Insect Politics
08 The New Romance
Motherless Live:
8/12/2025 Kite String Cantina – Chicago, IL **Do You Feel Safe? Listening Party**
8/29/2025 Burlington Bar – Chicago, IL Record Release Show w/ Death Pose, Something Is Waiting, Barren Heir
Motherless:
Anthony Cwan – Lead guitar, vocals
Alex Klein – Bass
Gary Naples – Drums
Stavros Giannopoulos – Vocals, rhythm guitar
Follow Motherless:
https://www.instagram.com/motherlesschicago
https://www.facebook.com/Motherless-Chicago