New York-based noise rock outfit YHWH Nailgun have made a sudden return to the music scene with the surprise release of their new album, 'Magazine'. The record, which packs ten tracks into a concise 11-minute runtime, marks their first offering under the prestigious independent label 4AD. This follows their critically acclaimed 2025 debut, '45 Pounds', which garnered significant attention and was named one of NME's best albums of that year.
'Magazine' is described as a departure from conventional album structures, leaning instead towards a 'fragment pulled from an endless transmission'. The band continues to push boundaries within no-wave and experimental alternative rock, incorporating intricate rhythms, industrial percussion, unique sound sampling, and the distinct, raw vocals of frontman Zack Borzone. This release solidifies their reputation for adventurous and challenging musical exploration.
To celebrate the album's unexpected arrival, YHWH Nailgun is set to play a free, secret pop-up show in Central London this Sunday afternoon, June 14. While the exact venue remains undisclosed, the event is being hosted by NTS Radio. Fans interested in attending can find more details and sign up via the radio station's channels, adding an element of exclusivity and excitement to the launch.
Beyond the London pop-up, UK audiences will have further opportunities to experience YHWH Nailgun live. The band has a series of UK tour dates scheduled for late August and early September. These include appearances at Rally Festival in London on August 29, Bristol's Forwards Festival on August 30, and the End Of The Road Festival in Dorset on September 3. Additional dates include stops in Nottingham, Newcastle, and Cardiff, providing widespread access for fans across the country.
The band's unique approach to songwriting was previously discussed by frontman Zack Borzone, who noted, "Sometimes you can find you’re trying to say something without knowing what it is that you’re trying to say. It’s not a controlled thing." Drummer Sam Pickard added to this sentiment, describing their process as a 'chicken and egg' scenario where the relationship between words, symbols, and music is fluid and undefined. This philosophy underpins the experimental and often intense sound that has become their hallmark.
Their previous work, '45 Pounds', was lauded by NME for being an 'entrancing, addictive listen' for those willing to explore the 'outer reaches of indie'. The publication described it as a 'writhing, genre-defiant 21-minute shapeshift with an unrelenting percussive drive', showcasing the band's ability to present 'propulsive, progressive ideas so crazy they just might work'. This latest release on 4AD, a label known for its diverse and influential roster of artists, is expected to further cement YHWH Nailgun's position within the experimental music landscape.
Source: NME