The Audio of a Horror Movie

Godflesh released their first album in 1988. Through a hiatus and many years of albums that closely resemble the highly popular post rock genre of today, Godflesh carve out a special niche for themselves in metal. There is not much out there that matches the style of this band as they continue their unique trajectory with Post Self.

Throughout Godflesh’s discography, it becomes clear that the band does not venture too far out of the boundaries of their sound. Every song traditionally repeats the same rhythms and melodies throughout, and is also subject to some spastic cookie monster vocals that intrude every so often. This is a formula that some may not enjoy, but for fans of Godflesh there is no doubting the band’s consistency and dedication to their music.

One thing to note about Godflesh is the ever present bass lines. Though they rarely evolve and change, the bass lines are consistently mesmerizing in tone and delivery. Bass and drums make up the most highlights on Post Self, as well as the rest of the Godflesh repertoire. As a result, most every Godflesh song sounds like the backing track of a stressful scene in any one of the Matrix movies. The thing about the songs on Post Self is that they’re not necessarily what most people consider “songs,” but they evoke feelings of fear and anxiety that are not replicated in any other music today.

For example, “Be God” is simply terrifying. Listening to that song alone has the ability to startle and generate pure anxiety. That song coupled with the skin crawling synths of “Mortality Sorrow” beg the question why Godflesh have never signed up to make a score for a horror movie. Most of the album contains an ambient yet unsettling aura, however a few songs branch out of that to put some rhythmics on display.

“Parasite” is certainly the most “metal” song on this album. The vocals are deep and rough while the instrumental rhythm is repetitive yet addictive. The pounding drums persist throughout the track and really keep the listener intrigued. The album often uses repetition as an asset rather than a detriment, as the beats are so infectious that it’s difficult to stop listening. “No Body” is also a culprit of the same acts. The drum and bass pops in the song truly keep the listener invested in the industrial metal scene that Godflesh portrays so well.

Post Self delivers classic Godflesh, plain and simple. Although many metal music fans could be turned off by the album, it is certainly a work that will excite (and probably frighten) anyone who takes the proper time to listen. Godflesh fans will have no choice but to love this album, as it is truly Godflesh at their finest.