2024 Retro - SELBST

"At the end, you'll only be able to count your scars!" ('When True Loneliness Is Experienced')

We now turn our retrospective spotlight onto the latest album by Latin American Black Metal combo SELBST, released in April 2024. This record, crowned by a successful autumn tour alongside labelmates ULCERATE, marks a significant evolution in the band's artistic journey. For those who wish to revisit earlier episodes of the series, check out the retrospectives on WAIDELOTTE and PESTILENGTH.

SELBST's third opus, the aptly named "Despondency Chord Progressions", preserves the raw, dissonant intensity of their Black Metal roots while showcasing a distinct evolution in the band's sound and influences. Elevated songwriting, commanding vocal work, intricately detailed musicianship, and exquisitely crafted melodic leads of the highest calibre are seamlessly bound together by the impeccable drumming of Jonathan Heredia (AVERSIO HUMANITATIS, ETERNAL STORM).

The band's creative mastermind, N, spared no effort in shaping these seven exceptional compositions. As he shared in an interview with Heavy Music HQ:

"I spent a long time preparing and acquiring recording equipment and also learning some related stuff. I even bought my first electroacoustic guitar to record this album, so I guess this was the most challenging and exciting part. Also, the fact that it has been the most complete and complex album I made so far, due to the use of many layers of guitars and vocals…"

"A gangrenous mechanism,
lubricated with blood,
lubricado con sangre y dolor!" ('Third World Wretchedness')

True to the band's reputation, the album finds composer and mastermind N maintaining a conceptual focus on psychological pain, solitude, and melancholic hope – striking a poignant balance between introspection and anger. This delicate equilibrium is conveyed through seamlessly flowing arrangements imbued with fervent, emotive melodies.

N remarks:

"Lyrically, I have created manifestos of self-contempt and reflection that flowed through this solitary journey towards the edges of loneliness, attesting to how insignificant and futile we are in the face of the blind and indifferent nature that surrounds us, of which we will ultimately become a part at the end of our insignificant passage through this world, when it finally consumes us..."

These themes and lyrical concepts find their perfect visual expression in the music video for the song 'Chant of Self Confrontation'. Watch it here:

"After so long I have discovered that some doors are not meant to be opened,
with all this suffering that I could have avoided in sight..." ('Chant Of Self Confrontation')

Listen to the full album directly below, on our YouTube channel and via all streaming platforms:

N also shared his top 10 albums of 2024, offering insights shaped by the band's touring experience alongside Death Metal luminaries ULCERATE:

01. ULCERATE "Cutting the Throat of God"
It is impossible for me not to mention this album! Beyond the inspiring personal experience of touring and getting to know the musicians behind this music, it's undeniable that the impact it has had on the scene speaks for itself! Without a doubt, it is the album of the year when it comes to Extreme Metal!

02. THE CURE "Songs Of A Lost World"
I had the chance of witnessing their show at the end of last year in Chile, and it was by far one of the best concerts I have ever seen! I got to enjoy part of this beautiful release before it officially came out... That's why it resonated deeply with me.

03. DAVID GILMOUR "Luck & Strange"
A beautiful album that takes you back to the golden era of PINK FLOYD while adding a personal and slightly more modern touch. This man is truly a master of the guitar craft. There's so much to learn from an album like this! Also, it is a wonderful collab with his daughter.

04. BLACK CURSE "Burning in Celestial Poison"
05. ASPHALT GRIEVING "Lack of Certainty"
06. THE OLDEST HOUSE "A Worm Through Time"
07. PESTILENGTH "Solar Clorex"
08. MARILYN MANSON "One Assassination Under God"
09. SMASHING PUMPKINS "Aghori Mhori Mei"
10. MGLA "Torn Aether" (yes, a live album but fuck it...It is a unique experience as is seeing them playing live)

While remaining tight-lipped about specific plans for 2025, SELBST are in the process of finalizing select live performances for the coming year, featuring a special lineup. As of now, the only confirmed appearance is at Fortress Festival in the United Kingdom, scheduled for late June – find more info here!