There are a few things I still retain from the numerous Psychology classes I took while pursuing my undergraduate degree–mainly the notion that correlation does not equal causation and the infamous Milgram Shock Experiment. The experiment in question was conducted to examine the justifications behind the horrific acts of genocide performed at the behest of authority figures during World War II and builds the foundation for socio-political activist and artist grandson’s latest shocking video.

“Stigmata,” which is taken from grandson’s sophomore EP a modern tragedy vol. 2, is an explosive offering of what the new-age punk artist does best. Blending larger-than-life bouts of alternative rock and thunderous electronic production with imagery that questions how we unfairly treat those who shed light on the failings and misgivings of a corrupt government institution, grandson absolutely pulls no punches.

The video itself nods to the infamous psychology experiment as we open on a monochromatic scene of supposed authority figures delivering electric shocks to a woman strapped to an electric chair. Grandson spoke further on the inspiration behind the “Stigmata” video, sharing in an Instagram post,

“The video is based around The Milgram Shock Experiment, an infamous study on human behavior and obedience to authority figures conducted in 1961. The results overwhelmingly suggested that ordinary people can be pushed to do extraordinarily inhumane or immoral things to their fellow man. Some few brave people, however, stood up for what they believed in and proved to be the outliers of the experiment.”

The importance of speaking out in the wake of some of the most questionable and difficult times the world has seemingly faced weaves throughout not only “Stigmata,” but all of grandson’s music. He is undoubtedly an artist we need now more than ever.

Watch the video for “Stigmata” below:

For more from grandson, revisit our “All Eyes On” performance and interview with the artist and activist below: