– ”I’m Afraid of Americans” singleSpotify and Apple Music
– ”I’m Afraid of Americans” video on YouTube
Dharma Guns have teamed up with Rami Helin to take on one of David Bowie’s most provocative songs, “I’m Afraid of Americans”. Released today alongside an official music video, the single offers a taste of the five-track Subculture War EP, due out on 20 November. The remaining tracks are original Dharma Guns compositions that continue in the vein of the band’s critically acclaimed Nightmares and Broken Dreams album, released in April 2026.
Originally released in 1997, Bowie’s song addressed concerns about the influence of American culture and politics. Nearly 30 years later, its message feels more urgent than ever. Dharma Guns have also made a music video for the track, confronting the darker sides of contemporary American life with chilling directness.
Taking on a David Bowie classic is a bold move, but Dharma Guns have never shied away from a challenge. The band have made the song their own, bringing their unmistakable sound to the track and offering a fresh interpretation.
In August 2026, Dharma Guns signed a record deal with Australian label Golden Robot Records. “I’m Afraid of Americans” is the band’s first release on the new label.
Dharma Guns’ Pete discusses the band’s decision to cover the song and team up with Rami Helin:
‘We recorded a bunch of covers just for fun last spring. They were all songs from the ’90s alternative era, and some of them relied heavily on synthesizers and loops. We thought it would be fun to see what they would sound like stripped down to just drums, bass and two guitars. “I’m Afraid of Americans” came to mind, and since the song feels more relevant than ever today, we decided to give it a go.’
‘My old friend and bandmate Rami Helin has been compared to Bowie all his life, so we figured we couldn’t possibly record a Bowie song without getting him involved. I think our version sounds very much like us, both musically and lyrically, without hiding our debt to the original.’
‘We’ve shot music videos for all our singles, and “I’m Afraid of Americans” depicts present-day America in all its gory glory. It’s like watching a horror movie.’
Dharma Guns have been moving forward at a rapid pace. Their debut album, Ex-Generation Superstars, was released in late 2024, followed by their second album, Nightmares and Broken Dreams, last spring. Several singles have been released from the two albums, each accompanied by a music video.
The “I’m Afraid of Americans” single and the upcoming EP mark a logical next step for Dharma Guns as they move forward under the wing of an international record label and set their sights on new stages.
”I’m Afraid of Americans” single:
Spotify
Apple Music
“I’m Afraid of Americans” video:
YouTube
Dharma Guns’ November live dates
21 Nov – Last Train, Oslo
27 Nov – Kuudes Linja, Helsinki
28 Nov – Bar Kotelo, Tampere
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