Progressive metal mastermind and Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor has once again found himself in hot water after leaked documents revealed he has been accepting undisclosed payments from major pharmaceutical companies. Fans have now begun combing through Periphery’s discography, discovering what appears to be an alarming number of covert references to prescription medications hidden in the band’s lyrics.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when a whistleblower from within the music industry—who wished to remain anonymous but goes by the handle @Dj0ntWhistleblower420—leaked financial records allegedly showing that Mansoor had received substantial payments from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly over the past decade. While it was initially assumed that these payments were unrelated to his music career, internet sleuths quickly made a shocking discovery: Periphery’s song titles, lyrics, and even album themes seemed to contain subliminal references to high-powered prescription drugs.
“Looking back, I can’t believe we didn’t see it earlier,” said long-time Periphery fan Derek Hargrove, 34, while frantically highlighting lyrics from Juggernaut: Alpha. “Take Scarlet, for example. ‘Take what’s inside me / All the way to the surface’—that’s obviously about Adderall. The Bad Thing? C’mon, that’s literally about the side effects of opioid withdrawal. Zyglrox? That just sounds like a new antidepressant they haven’t released yet.”
Other fans have pointed out more subtle references hidden in plain sight. The song Blood Eagle, for instance, includes the line “I can feel it, I can feel it,” which some claim is a direct nod to the initial euphoria of starting an SSRI. Even Icarus Lives! is now being interpreted as an endorsement for high-risk pain management medication.
Mansoor, who is notoriously active online, attempted to defend himself on social media. “This is ridiculous. There are no hidden references to prescription drugs in our music,” he posted on X. “Also, Periphery VII: Cymbalta is not happening, and anyone saying otherwise is spreading misinformation.” However, fans were quick to note that the tweet was suspiciously deleted within minutes, leading to further speculation that Periphery VII: Cymbalta might actually be in the works.
The backlash has intensified as pharmaceutical executives have refused to deny any ties to the band. When asked about the alleged payments to Mansoor, a spokesperson for Pfizer cryptically responded, “We support artists who encourage a balanced, healthy lifestyle, and if certain metal musicians wish to emphasize the importance of mental health through their work, we’re happy to have that conversation.”
As outrage grows, music critics are now re-examining Periphery’s overall impact on the progressive metal scene. “We thought they were djenting because of their love for polyrhythms,” wrote one critic. “But maybe they were just experiencing withdrawal symptoms from whatever Mansoor’s been pushing.”
Despite the controversy, some fans remain loyal, arguing that Periphery’s music has genuinely helped them through tough times—whether through intricate song structures or, perhaps, subliminal pharmaceutical encouragement. “Honestly, I don’t care if Misha’s been getting paid off by Big Pharma,” said one diehard fan. “If Periphery VIII: Xanax drops, I’m pre-ordering the deluxe vinyl.”