GGGOLDDD’s frontwoman, Milena Eva, was raped when she was 19. There simply aren’t words to describe how horrific that is. Despite having lived through such an awful ordeal, Milena has never used GGGOLDDD as a medium to express her trauma (at least not in an obvious way). Until now. This Shame Should Not Be Mine is an album that’s addressed entirely toward her rapist and it makes for a stark and uncomfortable listen. It has an important message to deliver, however, so it’s important to stick which it, even if you don’t think it concerns you – especially if you don’t think it concerns you.

What’s most striking about this record first and foremost are the lyrics. While a lot of artists would try to dress their experiences up in poetic metaphors, Milena is direct and to the point. There are no beautifully nuanced rhyming passages, she goes straight for the jugular with lines such as “I want to shower until the skin comes off”. This matter of fact, confrontational manner is complemented by instrumentals that are a kaleidoscope of industrial and alternative rock. There are sprinklings of black metal to be found, particularly on tracks such as Like Magic, where frenzied tremolo riffs amplify the feelings of anger.

This isn’t an album that’s an enjoyable listen. It’s unsettling, provocative and bleak. GGGOLDDD have a message to deliver and it’s imperative that the message is heeded. The time of the victim is over. We live in an era where more and more women are standing up and refusing to live with the shame inflicted upon them by society for the non-consensual acts their bodies are forced into. History is being made and your reaction this record decides which side of that your fate lies on. Choose wisely.

(8/10 Angela Davey)

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