POST DEATH SOUNDTRACK is back with a vengeance, delivering their fourth full-length album, Veil Lifter. This ten-track powerhouse is a tempest of doom, grunge, hardcore, and thrash, merging these genres into a visceral, unrelenting sonic experience. Following the orchestrated industrial soundscapes of their previous album, It Will Come Out of Nowhere, band members Jon Ireson and Stephen Moore have pivoted sharply toward a more organic and live sound. The result is an audacious blend that channels the raw energy of their early influences, such as Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, and Nirvana, while also drawing inspiration from contemporary heavyweights like Russian Circles, Windhand, and YOB.
A New Direction
Veil Lifter represents a significant evolution in POST DEATH SOUNDTRACK’s sound. The album’s sludgy riffs, hardcore intensity, and hypnotic grooves are crafted with an unmistakable precision, creating an atmosphere that is both chaotic and mesmerizing. The music is a relentless charge, capturing the band’s self-described “outsider mentality”—a pack of hyenas, ready to pounce.
This shift in sound was inspired by the sheer volume of guitar parts that Moore amassed, setting the stage for the album’s creation. Jon Ireson recalls the rapid pace at which the album came together: “The bones of the songs came together very quickly, arranging all the drums, rhythm guitars, and some of the bass in two crazy week-long bursts. The album really came to life once we started adding Steve’s great vocal layers, fuzzy melodic bass lines, and the icing on the cake was bringing in Casey Lewis.”
Thematic Depth
Veil Lifter is not just sonically intense; it’s thematically rich as well. The album explores complex themes, including mental illness, spirituality, and the darker aspects of human existence. The title itself is derived from an Eastern philosophy phrase, “lifting the veil of ignorance,” signifying a journey toward uncovering deeper truths beyond superficial appearances. As Moore explains, “Veil Lifter is very much the album I’ve always wanted to make. It was literally written from deep within the shadow during nearly impossible times.”
The album’s lyrics, steeped in metaphor and dream language, touch on ideas from Advaita, the Gita, Zen, and philosophers like Krishnamurti. Yet, at its core, Veil Lifter is a raw and cathartic expression of personal and collective struggle—a meditation on the battles we all face and the resilience required to overcome them.
Standout Tracks
Tracks like “Lowdown Animal” exemplify the album’s raw energy and thematic depth. The hyena, a recurring symbol for the band, represents the outsider—the cunning and resilient drifter who survives against the odds. Moore elaborates on this symbolism: “With lions, tigers, and bears, you have a good idea of what to expect from their brute strength. But hyenas represent the outsider, the unwelcome drifter, the cursed sneak. We’ll sneak up, surround the mighty lion and take it down while laughing.”
Another notable track, “Icy Underground,” serves as the album’s lead single, offering a haunting, doom-laden atmosphere that draws listeners into its depths. The song’s chilling tones and heavy riffs showcase POST DEATH SOUNDTRACK’s ability to create music that is as emotionally impactful as it is sonically powerful.
A Personal Dedication
For Moore, Veil Lifter is not just a creative milestone; it’s a deeply personal project. The album is dedicated to his late father, Ted George Moore, whose memory inspired and fueled the creation of this record. “I know he would be proud of what we’ve created,” Moore reflects, underscoring the album’s significance both personally and artistically.
What’s Next for POST DEATH SOUNDTRACK
Veil Lifter will be released on digital platforms on April 16th, with a limited edition vinyl run expected to follow. Fans can also immerse themselves in the band’s terrifying new music video for “Burrowing Down the Spine,” and stream the album’s lead singles “Icy Underground” and “Lowdown Animal” on Spotify. For those eager to dive deeper into the album, pre-orders and full lyrics are available on Bandcamp.
Veil Lifter marks a new chapter for POST DEATH SOUNDTRACK—one that is darker, more intense, and unapologetically raw. With this release, the band not only cements their place in the heavy music scene but also pushes the boundaries of what doom grunge can be. As they continue to evolve, POST DEATH SOUNDTRACK remains a force to be reckoned with, ready to confront the shadows and lift the veil for all who dare to listen.