Sam Smith - Unholy (ft. Kim Petras) [ Perfectly Slowed & Reverb ] May 2026

The slowed-down pace forces the listener to sit with the narrative of the song:

: Kim Petras’ verse, which focuses on designer brands like Fendi and Balenciaga , takes on a more surreal, almost hypnotic tone in this version.

The original track is celebrated for its unique music theory, specifically shifting between and C Phrigian dominant scales. This creates a natural dissonance often heard in Middle Eastern music or horror movie themes. The slowed-down pace forces the listener to sit

: Sam Smith has described the song as a way of "liberating oneself from the clutches of others' secrets". Why It Works

The "Slowed & Reverb" style—a subgenre rooted in hip-hop and vaporwave—is designed to evoke nostalgia and emotional depth. For "Unholy," this aesthetic leans into the "nightmare" or "ominous" quality of the track, making the chorus feel more like a ritual than a pop hook. : Sam Smith has described the song as

: By reducing the speed, the heavy bass synths and 808s become more cavernous and menacing.

The "Slowed & Reverb" treatment of hit "Unholy" transforms the high-energy club track into a haunting, atmospheric experience. By stretching the tempo and layering it with deep echo, this version emphasizes the song's darker themes of infidelity and clandestine secrets. Atmosphere & Soundscape : By reducing the speed, the heavy bass

: It follows a father leaving his children at home to visit a strip club (the "Body Shop") while his wife remains unaware.