Vialism

Last updated: May 22, 2025

Vialism is the official belief system and doctrine enforced within the city of Dema in the Trench universe. It is upheld by the Nine Bishops and used to control the city’s citizens both spiritually and psychologically.

Core Principles

• Obedience to Bishops: The Bishops use Vialism to legitimize their rule. It promotes blind loyalty and unquestioned obedience.
• Repression of Emotion: Emotional expression, creativity, and dissent are discouraged. This aligns with the themes of depression and emotional control in the album Trench.
• Fear-Based Control: Vialism uses fear and manipulation to prevent citizens from seeking escape or rebellion.

Canonical Mentions

• In the reversed intro of “Nico and the Niners”, a voice says: “We denounce Vialism. You will leave Dema and head true east.”

  “We denounce Vialism. You will leave Dema and head true east.”

• The phrase marks Vialism as the system the Banditos reject, revealing it as an oppressive ideology.

Symbolism

• Suppression of the Self: Vialism is symbolic of internalized negativity or societal pressure.
• Manipulation Through Faith: It critiques systems that use religious or moral justification for harmful control.

Related: Dema, The Bishops, Clancy