(We present Daniel Barkasi’s review of a new album by Pittsburgh-based Selfgod that was released by Veles Records on October 31st.)
Selfgod’s Serge Streltsov (ex-Necrophagia, ex-Automb) has been busy since the release of debut album Born of Death back in February of 2022, with multiple tours under their belt (one that included a stop at our current location of Tampa at the famous Brass Mug), and timing-wise, the band’s next step felt imminent. There were some rumblings, but nothing concrete, until now. Sure enough, the second full-length Left Hand Pagan was announced in mid-October for a quickly approaching Halloween release, this time by way of his own newly formed label, Veles Records.
To the uninitiated, Selfgod conjures a technical, riff-driven sort of death metal that dabbles in the occasional black metal aesthetic. Think Hate, God Dethroned, Azarath – that sort of approach, coupled with a Pagan thematic presence, which is emphasized further by the new record’s title. As an aside, we explored Streltsov’s personal beliefs and close connection with his home country of Ukraine in an interview we did here at NCS a few years ago, and they’re front and center with this release, which sadly was marked by a personal tragedy for Streltsov during the lead-up (more on that later).
From the first note, Left Hand Pagan emits a darker, thicker affront via “Death’s Divination,” boasting a gristly, monstrous guitar tone and booming growls that feel even more emphatically forthright than we’ve ever heard from this project. The lead work is technical, with a hint of melody to balance the overall approach, further tempered by varied and pulsating drum patterns, beefing up proceedings to a definitive, dominant maiming.
The title track follows, adding ethereal keyboards, cultivating a pronounced symphonic atmosphere that’s fresh and invigorating, though the increased emphasis of this element doesn’t take away from the full-on guitar-propelled onslaught. A stylistic movement that weaves together amiably throughout Left Hand Pagan (“Chernabog,” “Pagan Horde” and “Sorrow of Native Land” stand out as particularly effective).
The aforementioned “Chernabog” stands as a cut that serves Selfgod’s adventurous side, doubling down on foreboding atmosphere whilst being searingly direct. A doubtless blackened trickle seeps into moments of the lead play, adding to the track’s character and dynamism. “Winter Spell” walks the death/black line tightly – especially the delectable lead passage beginning at the 1:55 mark, swelling towards a rumbling, sometimes melodic payoff.
“Awaken” gives the ominous vibe that may inadvertently summon an ancient lake troll in its mantra-like vocal persuasion; crushing and enticing. “Sorrow of the Native Land” is mournful in moments, encased in precise rhythms and an all-encompassing, anthemic aura, where closer “Trample the Cross” is blunt in every sense of the word, leaving the listener with a mid-paced trampling to provide a final vicious aural eradication.
Scott Elliot of Chernobyl Audio handled the production duties once again (he also produced Born of Death), meeting the moment to present Streltsov’s vision as it needed to be. The sound profile is more robust and fuller than the debut record, giving a suffocating punch that elevates the songs, while also allowing the individual characteristics to shine clearly and cohesively.
Speaking on the tragic incident that befell Streltsov, not long before Left Hand Pagan’s release, an apartment fire destroyed almost everything he owned, including his extensive vinyl collection, a lot of his music equipment, clothes, etc. He’s going through a rough time when it should be a celebratory one surrounding this release, so we’re going to share a gofundme below that was set up to help him out. Donate if you can, and with how many have fallen on hard times these days, it’s totally understandable if you can’t, but even a share can go a long way!
When it comes to Left Hand Pagan, the forward development of the songwriting and the grandiose elements being given a greater significance, Selfgod have refined their sound to a sharpened point. Left Hand Pagan is an authentic, riff-filled bludgeoning that blasts away with uncontrolled fury while dialing into an intrinsic focus, ultimately making this Selfgod’s most intriguing and hard-hitting creation in a still budding creative pathway. Curiosity is piqued on where they go next, and connected to that thought, we hope Streltsov is able to recover quickly from all that he’s going through, so he can focus on more positive things like Selfgod – he’s got a fine thing going for him.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfgodband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfgodband/
Bandcamp: https://selfgod.bandcamp.com/album/left-hand-pagan-2