YHWH Nailgun
YHWH Nailgun | |
|---|---|
 YHWH Nailgun performing in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Philadelphia, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels | AD 93 |
| Members | Zack Borzone Saguiv Rosenstock Jack Tobias Sam Pickard |
| Website | https://yhwhnailgun.com/ |
YHWH Nailgun (pronounced Yahweh Nailgun[a]) is an American experimental rock band formed in 2020, known for their abrasive sound that blends elements of punk, noise, and electronic music. The quartet consists of vocalist Zack Borzone, drummer Sam Pickard, guitarist Saguiv Rosenstock, and synthesist Jack Tobias. Their debut album, 45 Pounds, released in 2025 on the London label AD 93, received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to post-rock, post-punk and noise rock.[1]
History
[edit]YHWH Nailgun originated during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Philadelphia, where roommates Zack Borzone and Sam Pickard began collaborating musically.[2] They later relocated to New York City, expanding the lineup by adding Jack Tobias on synthesizers and Saguiv Rosenstock on guitar. Rosenstock initially joined as a producer for their debut EP, YHWH Nailgun (2022), but eventually became a full-time member.[2] The band quickly gained attention in the underground music scene,[3] performing at DIY venues and festivals, including SXSW.[4][5]
The band released their debut full-length in 2025, 45 Pounds, which was met with critical acclaim.[6][7]
Musical style
[edit]YHWH Nailgun's music is characterized by its fusion of dissonant motifs,[8] polyrhythmic patterns, and explosive noise elements.[9] Drummer Sam Pickard's use of rototoms and complex rhythms has been highlighted as a defining feature of their sound.[10] Vocalist Zack Borzone delivers lyrics with intense, guttural expressions, drawing comparisons to the raw energy of no-wave pioneers. The band's influences span a wide range, including modern hip-hop, reggae, techno, and avant-garde rock.[11][12]
Members
[edit]Current members
[edit]- Zack Borzone – vocals (2020–present)
- Sam Pickard – drums (2020–present)
- Jack Tobias – synthesizer, electronics (2020–present)
- Saguiv Rosenstock – guitar (2022–present)
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Album | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 45 Pounds | 2025 | AD 93 |
Extended plays
[edit]| Album | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| YHWH Nailgun | 2022 | Self-released |
| No Midwife and I Wingflap | 2022 | Ramp Local |
Singles
[edit]| Single | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| "Mallet" | 2020 | Self-released |
| "Look at Me, I'm a Rainer" | 2022 | Ramp Local |
| "Castrato Raw (Fullback)" | 2023 | AD 93 |
| "Tear Pusher" | 2023 | |
| "Penetrator" | 2024 | |
| "Sickle Walk" | 2025 | |
| "Animal Death Already Breathing" | 2025 |
References
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ YHWH is the name of God in the Hebrew Bible; see Tetragrammaton for further information.
Citations
[edit]- ^ "45 Pounds by YHWH Nailgun". Metacritic. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Ravens, Chal; Schwartz, Sophie (February 5, 2025). "Their Songs Sound Like Controlled Explosions". i-D. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Krohn, Zans Brady; Turock, Ben (May 23, 2025). "YHWH Nailgun Plays The Long Game". By the Byline. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Bell, Kate (November 23, 2022). "Weeping Icon, YHWH Nailgun, JWC @ Alphaville". Full Time Aesthetic. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Davis, Ted (February 3, 2025). "YHWH Nailgun's technical rock will rip you to smithereens". The Fader. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Zanes, Anna (March 20, 2025). "YHWH Nailgun find calmness in chaos". Alt Press. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Kelly, Chris (April 9, 2025). "YHWH Nailgun defies classification with music both sacred and profane". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "YHWH Nailgun: "I remember thinking: what would I like to see instead of this bullshit?"". Crack Magazine. May 3, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Cartledge, Luke (March 10, 2025). "Screaming inward with YHWH Nailgun". Loud and Quiet. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Larson, Jeremy D. "YHWH Nailgun: 45 Pounds Album Review". Pitchfork. Conde Nast. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Jones, Abby (March 18, 2025). "Album Of The Week: YHWH Nailgun 45 Pounds". Stereogum. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (March 21, 2025). "YHWH Nailgun: 45 Pounds review – a singular spin on funky NYC post-punk". The Guardian. Retrieved May 23, 2025.