Ruff Majik Returns With “Can Of Wyrms,” A Stark Exploration of Grief and Loss

South African heavy rock outfit Ruff Majik have returned with a powerful new single, Can Of Wyrms, confronting suicide from the perspective of those left behind. The track does not romanticise tragedy but presents grief as ongoing, unresolved, and shared, capturing the weight carried by many rather than a solitary experience.

Written several years ago, Can Of Wyrms arrives at a moment of renewed urgency. The release marks Ruff Majik’s re-emergence following a period of silence defined by personal reckoning, distance, and survival. Frontman Johni Holiday has openly discussed his struggles with PTSD, agoraphobia, and cycles of dependency formed during years of touring. These challenges led to the band stepping back from the spotlight, a pause that ultimately informed the honesty and restraint central to the single.

Musically, Can Of Wyrms blends Ruff Majik’s signature stoner-punk intensity with raw vulnerability. Gang vocals, recorded with friends and members of South Africa’s underground music community, reinforce the communal nature of grief. Guest vocals from Ben of Slomosa add an international layer, underscoring solidarity and shared experience in a deeply personal release.

All proceeds from the single and related merchandise will be donated to mental health support initiatives, extending the song’s purpose beyond artistic expression to tangible action. The band has framed the release as a statement rather than a farewell, emphasizing the ongoing importance of addressing mental health and supporting one another.

The single coincides with Ruff Majik’s first live performance since their hiatus, scheduled for 31 January 2026 in Pretoria. The show is positioned not as a celebration, but as a declaration of intent, reflecting the band’s commitment to confronting real-world pressures through music.

Can Of Wyrms is currently available exclusively on Bandcamp, with a full release across all major streaming platforms scheduled for 16 January 2026. Ruff Majik have confirmed that press requests will not be accepted until the completion of this initial release phase, allowing the music and its message to take centre stage.

With Can Of Wyrms, Ruff Majik deliver a track that is unflinching, communal, and emotionally raw – a return that confronts grief honestly and demonstrates the enduring power of music as both expression and action.