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.^[4] Structurally, "Post Self" can be seen as a microcosm of its host album;^[5] just as Post Self begins with three metal-oriented tracks,^[6] "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,^[7] so too does the song.^[5] Peter Helman of Stereogum described the song as "crushing",^[8] and Zoe Camp of Revolver called it "relentless".^[9] 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.^[10] Some critics labeled the song as post-punk.^[11][9]

"Post Self" was well-received by critics. AllMusic writer Paul Simpson called the main riff "instantly striking."^[4] 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."^[12] 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."^[13] 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."^[14]

Credits adapted from "Post Self" liner notes^[3]

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