Draft:GLDN

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GLDN is an American industrial metal project formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 2017 by multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Golden.[1] The project began releasing music in 2022 with its debut EP First Blood, and has since released a second EP, a studio album, and a remix album, gaining international press attention and receiving varied critical reception.[2][3]

History

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Formation and early development (2017–2022)

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Nicholas Golden established GLDN in Brooklyn in 2017, initially working as a solo project while developing his compositional approach.[1] Golden's early material centered around synthesizer-based compositions before he transitioned to guitar-driven songwriting, which became the foundation for GLDN's heavier sound.[1]

As the project developed, Golden began incorporating outside collaborators into his creative process. He worked with Collin Cleaver, whom he describes as his "good friend and creative partner," on "Parasite," marking the only co-written track in GLDN's catalog. Cleaver also contributed to the project's visual component by directing music videos for "Parasite" and "Animal."[1] As GLDN continued to evolve beyond Golden's solo work, he assembled a live band featuring additional musicians on guitars, bass, and drums for performances in the New York metropolitan area.[4]

Recording career and live performances (2022–2024)

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First Blood, released in July 2022, marked GLDN's entry into the independent music press.[5] The remix album Hemophilia followed in October 2022, reworking and expanding upon the debut material. Golden created this album during an extended period of isolation in upstate New York.[6]

The project continued with the Hole EP in February 2023, followed by First Blood (Deluxe Edition) in October 2023. The deluxe edition included remastered versions of the original tracks alongside "Suicide Machine" and "Metamorphosis" from Hemophilia, plus a newly completed version of "Harmful If Swallowed."[7]

GLDN's live activities also expanded during this period. In summer 2023, the project went on tour throughout the Northeastern United States.[8] In February 2024, the band performed at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, which became the venue's final headlining show before its permanent closure.[9][10]

Musical style and production

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GLDN's sound draws from industrial metal and alternative metal, creating compositions that critics have characterized as dark and cinematic.[2] Numerous reviews have drawn comparisons to Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Deftones, and Puscifer.[5][4]

Aural Aggravation noted specific influences from Nine Inch Nails' The Downward Spiral, particularly in terms of "nuanced composition and dynamics."[3] Dejected characterized the project's aesthetic as "unhinged, dark, unnerving and bizarre," comparing it to "a little horror movie encapsulated in a project."[11]

Golden has maintained creative control by serving as engineer and producer on all releases.[1] The project's visual elements include music videos directed by Cleaver for "Parasite" and "Animal," and by live guitarist Kevin Marambio for "Harmful If Swallowed."[12]

Discography

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EPs

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  • First Blood (2022)
  • Hole (2023)

Albums

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  • Hemophilia (2022)
  • First Blood (Deluxe Edition) (2023)

Reception

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Critical reception of GLDN's work has varied across international publications.[2] The Razor's Edge described First Blood as "a fierce combination of Nine Inch Nails and an in-his-prime Marilyn Manson," calling it "exhausting and exhilarating in equal measures."[5] Ever Metal gave Hemophilia an 8/10 rating, describing it as "that rare thing – a remix album that's better than the original."[13]

In contrast, RockmusicRaider offered more critical assessments, providing mixed reviews that noted challenges in some material while acknowledging potential in certain tracks.[14] ReGen Magazine took a measured approach to the First Blood (Deluxe Edition), describing it as adding "a thoughtful layer of polish to an early work that was already a solid listen."[15]

GLDN has received coverage from publications including Brazilian outlet Headbangers News, Spanish publication Rockear, French publication Infomusic, and various other independent music outlets such as Amplify the Noise, Aural Aggravation, and Mesmerized.[16][17][18]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Interview: Nicholas Golden of GLDN". Getting It Out. August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "GLDN: transgressor projeto de metal industrial lança single e videoclipe "Hole"". Headbangers News. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  3. ^ a b "GLDN – Harmful If Swallowed". Aural Aggravation. September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "ALBUM REVIEW: First Blood (Deluxe Edition) by GLDN". Amplify the Noise. November 3, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "EP Review: GLDN - First Blood". The Razor's Edge. July 17, 2022. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  6. ^ "A Chat with GLDN". The Other Side Reviews. October 6, 2022. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  7. ^ "GLDN Unveil "Harmful If Swallowed"". Getting It Out. September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  8. ^ "GLDN announces summer tour of the Northeastern U.S." ReGen Magazine. June 12, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  9. ^ "GLDN, Live, FULL SET, February 15, 2024, Saint Vitus Bar". YouTube. February 15, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  10. ^ "UPDATE: Legendary Metal Club Saint Vitus Bar Has Permanently Closed". Ghost Cult Magazine. 2024-08-18. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
  11. ^ "New Reviews: Comaniac, Aidan Latham, GLDN, My Burning Daylight, Static Ivory". Dejected. 27 November 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  12. ^ "GLDN reveals first single from newly remastered and expanded version of debut EP". ReGen Magazine. 12 September 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  13. ^ "GLDN – Hemophilia". Ever Metal. October 6, 2022. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  14. ^ "GLDN - Hemophilia (2022) - Review". RockmusicRaider. December 30, 2022. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  15. ^ "ReView: GLDN - First Blood (Deluxe Edition)". ReGen Magazine. January 4, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  16. ^ "El artista estadounidense Nicholas Golden nos presenta su canción Hole". Rockear. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  17. ^ "Faites le plein d'énergie en écoutant le single original Harmful If Swallowed de GLDN". Infomusic. 27 September 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  18. ^ "GLDN – Hole". Mesmerized. 2 February 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
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