GOST
GOST “Prophecy”
By Dr. Abner Mality
This is a deep dive into some hard and dark electro music. I first saw GOST at the 2023 edition of Milwaukee Metalfest, where they were one of the more off kilter bands on the bill. Despite the fact that their music is overwhelming driven by synth, there’s enough edgy darkness here for metal fans to relate to it. Yes, Virginia, there are actual “riffs” on “Prophecy”...quite a few, in fact. So I would say GOST would appeal to open minded metal fans who like KMFDM, FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY and even FEAR FACTORY.
There are guitars here, but they are way in the back, only used to give occasional extra heft to a tune. It’s the inverse to how keyboards are used in many metal tracks. Vocals also only pop up now and then and are by no means a major part of GOST’s make-up. The focus is always on hard, dark synth hooks. And the hooks here are HARD. Cuts like “Death In Bloom”, “Obituary”, “Golgotha” and “Through The Water” are full of deep, driving beats, usually layered with uneasy effects and melodic flourishes. A stripped down NINE INCH NAILS that’s more focused on riffs is a good comparison. And yes, you can dance to these tunes...dance or headbang, whichever floats your boat.
Add in themes that seem to do with death, hell and the oncoming apocalypse and GOST is a techno-industrial band that can straddle that divide between electro and metal. Just don’t expect metal to dominate the balance here.