YHWH Nailgun
YHWH Nailgun | |
|---|---|
 YHWH Nailgun performing in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Philadelphia, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels | |
| 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. VICE has called them "the last good band left in New York".[1] 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.[2]
History
YHWH Nailgun originated during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Philadelphia, where roommates Zack Borzone and Sam Pickard began collaborating musically.[3] 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.[3] The band quickly gained attention in the underground music scene,[4] performing at DIY venues and festivals, including SXSW.[5][6]
The band released their debut full-length in 2025, 45 Pounds, which was met with critical acclaim.[7][8] The group signed to British record label 4AD in May 2026[9] and released their second album Magazine on June 11, 2026.[10]
Musical style
YHWH Nailgun's music is characterized by its fusion of dissonant motifs,[11] polyrhythmic patterns, and explosive noise elements.[12] Drummer Sam Pickard's use of rototoms and complex rhythms has been highlighted as a defining feature of their sound.[13] 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.[14][15]
Members
Current members
- Zack Borzone – vocals (2020–present)
- Sam Pickard – drums (2020–present)
- Jack Tobias – synthesizer, electronics (2020–present)
- Saguiv Rosenstock – guitar (2022–present)
Discography
Studio albums
| Album | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 45 Pounds | 2025 | AD 93 |
| Magazine | 2026 | 4AD |
Extended plays
| EPs | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| YHWH Nailgun | 2022 | Self-released |
| No Midwife and I Wingflap | 2022 | Ramp Local |
Singles
| Single | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| "White Sleepy" | 2020 | Self-released |
| "Mallet" | ||
| "Look at Me, I'm a Rainer" | 2022 | Ramp Local |
| "Castrato Raw (Fullback)" | 2023 | AD 93 |
| "Tear Pusher" | ||
| "Penetrator" | 2024 | |
| "Sickle Walk" | 2025 | |
| "Animal Death Already Breathing" |
Remixes
| Title | Artist | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Leaving (YHWH Nailgun Version)" | LEYA | 2025 | NNA Tapes |
| "Violet (NHWH Nailgun Remix)" | Maria Somerville | 2026 | 4AD |
References
Notes
- ↑ YHWH is the name of God in the Hebrew Bible; see Tetragrammaton for further information.
Citations
- ↑ Smith, Adam Christopher (May 11, 2026). "An Anatomy of 'The Dude'". VICE. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ↑ "45 Pounds by YHWH Nailgun". Metacritic. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- 1 2 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.
- ↑ Green, Walden (May 13, 2026). "YHWH Nailgun Sign to 4AD". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
- ↑ Monroe, Jazz (June 2, 2026). "YHWH Nailgun's New Album is 11 Minutes Long". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
- ↑ "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.