Post Self (song)

"Post Self", the introductory and title track of Godflesh's eighth studio album, is one of only a few songs on the release to feature a traditional metal riff.[3] Structurally, "Post Self" can be seen as a microcosm of its host album;[4] just as Post Self begins with a three metal-oriented tracks,[5] "Post Self" the song's first half is dominated by aggressive guitar and guttural vocals, and just as Post Self becomes more somber and experimental in its latter stages,[6] so too does the song.[4] Peter Helman of Stereogum described the song as "crushing",[7] and Zoe Camp of Revolver called it "relentless".[8] Noisey's Phil Witmer highlighted the song's distortion, hip hop-inspired percussion, screaming, low-tuned guitar and overall grinding sound as "a great primer" for the band.[9] Some critics labeled the song as post-punk.[10][8]

"Post Self" was well received by critics. AllMusic writer Paul Simpson called the main riff "instantly striking."[3] Vince Neilstein, cofounder of MetalSucks magazine, said that "Despite the press copy's claim that Post Self will be 'less metal,' this track still goes really fucking hard."[11] Denise Falzon of Exclaim! wrote that "Post Self" "contain[s] those instantly recognizable pulsating beats and crushing sludgy heaviness, while Broadrick's distinct vocals are as powerful as ever."[12] Also writing for Exclaim!, Brock Thiessen praised the song, saying, "[it] is a crushing sonic assault, loading on thick, damaged layers of industrial-minded sludge. It's right in line with what you'd expect from Godflesh, and that's definitely not a bad thing."[13]

Credits adapted from "Post Self" liner notes[2]

• Justin Broadrick – vocals, guitar, production, rhythm programming
• G. C. Green – bass guitar