‘The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry)’ is the latest song released by As It Is, off their upcoming album The Great Depression.

The loud, anthemic tune is a powerful commentary on the way in which men’s emotions are treated within society. Lyrically, it’s a reflection of the stigma that surrounds mental health. A negative attitude toward mental illness within men is ingrained within society due to ever-present toxic masculinity. Lines like “keep it all inside, ’cause boys don’t cry” remind us of the sad reality that expressing emotions has long been considered feminine, and is to be avoided.

With the announcement of the song, the band stated “This song and video tackle toxic masculinity, gender expectations and the long overdue need to rebel and speak out against outdated ideals that to this day continue to threaten individuality. The eponymous ‘stigma’ is that sense of blemish and shame so often associated with showing and expressing emotion, that causes too many to hide who they are”.

The Great Depression

In their initial announcement of the record, the band stated that The Great Depression serves to “ask questions rather than give answers” and is an exploration of “the societal romanticisation of depression and the disrepair of human connection, through the story of a man who finds himself face to face with Death“.

They started off their new album cycle strong with their release of The Wounded World last month. The song debuted a far heavier sound than any of their previous releases, surprising many. With the announcement of their new aesthetic came backlash from both fans and naysayers, who disapproved of the new look the band have adopted. In the music video for The Stigma, the band also address gender norms

WATCH: ‘The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry)’ below:

The Great Depression is out August 10th via Fearless Records.

The article was originally published on Don't Bore Us