Portrayal of Guilt - …Beginning of the End

Release Date: April 24th, 2026

Label: Run For Cover Records

The blokes in Sabbath wanted to make music to scare people, Portrayal of Guilt make music that terrifies people.

Portrayal of Guilt from Austin, TX, really is that band. Black metal, screamo, hardcore, death-noise. One of the most consistent and nightmarish bands, they never cease to offer up high quality hellscapes of sound to consume. Their new LP, …Beginning of the End, is their latest offering, one that is a must listen. 

Death From Above is a moody and airy floor stomper, the assault of guitars and heavy drums drop out and chill during the verses for a bit, but when they kick back in it surely sounds as the title suggests, Death From Above. Heaven’s Gate continues that vibe a little bit in the way the instruments do chill out briefly, but instead of an assault from above, it feels more so like you’re swallowed into a hellish pit when the instruments are really kicking into it. Definitely the furthest thing from Heaven’s Gate. The opening drum beat of Ecstasy strangely reminds me of the Hero’s Come Back opening of Naruto Shippuden, which is weird I know, but it does. I fucking loved that opening too. I like rap, Slim Guerilla is good, but on Chamber of Misery Pt.IV it breaks the immersion of horror for me. It’s cool though for sure. Portrayal of Guilt constantly push the envelope of extremes in all directions, and it’s always awesome to hear it.

While I am compelled to share I prefer their prior release, the orchestral nightmare fuel that is Devil Music, …Beginning of the End is a menacing and fantastic follow up. Those who are brave enough, should experience this record and this band. Go listen and get sucked into the nightmare!

Score: 8.5/10