Genital Shame/Lust Hag – Split (Review)

This is a split between two US black metal solo acts.

We start off with Genital Shame; two tracks in eight minutes. This is not a band I know. Lust Hag drew me to this split in the first place, of course, but having now heard these two songs, I am not disappointed in what the artist behind Genital Shame has to offer.

Quite the opposite in fact. The unassumingly titled Notes Are My Friend opens up with an expressive blackgaze feel; mystical, yet playful. It’s well-played, awash with emotion, and only enriched when the static-like screams enter the picture. The song paints a picture in luscious tones and sweeping brushstrokes. It’s far more intricate and accomplished than I was expecting, and it immediately deeply immersive. It walks an interesting line between colourful brightness and cold monochrome. It is, I think, quite a wonderful way to spend five minutes.

The next and final song is a shorter one named War on Cars. This is harsher and more aggressive, with somewhat of a black/death feel and deeper screams. It steamrolls through the idyllic landscape of the previous song, nonetheless dragging some of that piece’s atmospheric presence with it, despite its brutality.

The artist behind Genital Shame has impressed. Her music is definitely something I need to keep a closer eye on moving forward.

The second half is from the always impressive Lust Hag. If you’re unfamiliar with Lust Hag’s work, then make sure you check out this, this, this, this, this, and this. It’s safe to say I’m a firm fan.

Here we get two tracks across nine minutes.

Everything Ends begins gently, with a graceful prelude that manages to restrain itself for a minute and a half before erupting into blackened violence. Yep, this is the stuff. Sharp, lethal, laced with dark melody and driven by drums that want you dead, Everything Ends is murderously good.

Next up is the longer Another Loss, which wastes no time in unleashing  a winding blackened guitar, before the mayhem starts again. It’s a tempest of classic black metal fury, with piercing screams and scathing atmosphere. There are riffs that drown you in swirling darkness as they descend into Hell, and the entire song doesn’t relent in its intensity. The atmospheric presence is potent, augmented by a venomous aggression that’s infectious.

The artist behind Lust Hag has once again cemented why she is so damn talented when it comes to black metal.

Well, I came here for another dose of Lust Hag, and stayed for both of these impressive artists. This is the sort of underground black metal that deserves far more attention. Make sure you don’t miss out on this short split release.