Harmful If Swallowed by GLDN: Review

by Gabe Finch September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

GLDN, the brainchild of the enigmatic Nicholas Golden, has returned with a haunting single titled “Harmful If Swallowed.” This track is a teaser for the upcoming remastered and expanded deluxe edition of their debut release, “First Blood,” set to drop on October 20th, 2023. Known for his dark and unsettling sonic landscapes, GLDN’s latest offering delves into the psychological abyss, creating an atmosphere that’s as disturbing as it is compelling.

The journey into “Harmful If Swallowed” begins with creepy piano notes that immediately disorient the listener. It’s a deliberate choice, setting the stage for a song that thrives on psychological tension rather than brute force.

What sets “Harmful If Swallowed” apart is its ability to evoke a sense of unease and foreboding without resorting to overt aggression. Instead, it delves deep into introspective and desolate emotions, all the while maintaining an undercurrent of tension that hints at a looming reckoning.

Around two-thirds into the track, the mood takes a dramatic turn. A heavy, clanking guitar riff crashes in, and the sense of impending apocalypse intensifies.

It’s a track that embraces the complexities of emotion and texture, creating an atmosphere that’s as oppressive as it is entrancing. GLDN’s ability to craft a dark and dense sonic experience without resorting to clichés is commendable. This song serves as an enticing glimpse into what promises to be a compelling reissue of “First Blood.” Be prepared to be disturbed and enthralled in equal measure.