Godflesh

Post Self

BY Denise FalzonPublished Nov 14, 2017

9
Legendary industrial metal act Godflesh follow up 2014's immaculate A World Lit Only by Fire with their new ten-track album, Post Self. The UK duo switch up their approach a bit here, as their eighth full-length to date explores the lighter, more experimental side of Godflesh. The release finds the band focusing more of their attention on the industrial and post-punk aspects of their sound rather than on their dense metallic tendencies.
 
Although Justin K. Broadrick and G.C. Green maintain their aggressive undertones, they highlight their late '70s/early '80s influences and hypnotic, Jesu-style flourishes. Tracks like "Mirror of Finite Light" and "Mortality Sorrow" feature trance-filled rhythms and lush synths, respectively, while tunes like "Be God" place dissonant noise at the forefront of the album.
 
However, Post Self still features that trademark colossal heaviness that Godflesh have become known for over nearly three decades. The title track and "Parasite" contain those instantly recognizable pulsating beats and crushing sludgy heaviness, while Broadrick's distinct vocals are as powerful as ever.
 
The harsh intensity of Godflesh's sound is coupled with themes that deal with anxiety, depression, fear and mortality, as well as paternal and maternal relationships, which add a whole other layer to the album's dark atmosphere. Even though Post Self isn't exactly what was expected, it's a masterful release from two musicians who seem to be incapable of creating anything short of exquisite.
(Avalanche)

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