Post-rock and metal artist Shuggah emerges from the depths of South Africa’s underground music scene with her debut single and music video, Amas Veritas, the first release from her upcoming conceptual album, Her Chrysalis, out on the May 2nd, via Mongrel Records.Shuggah’s sound is a unique fusion of aggressive walls of guitars, punchy drums, and dreamlike textures, rooted in her background as a producer and DJ in the underground techno community. Influenced by Russian Circles, Chelsea Wolfe, Psychonaut, and Cult of Luna, she has crafted a dark, etheric, and ritualistic sonic experience that transcends conventional genre boundaries.
“Amas Veritas was inspired by ancient love stories of the Greek gods—tales of tragedy, war, and the fight against death,” says Shuggah. “The title means ‘the truth of love,’ which often inspires chaos and ends unhappily, but the love itself is all-consuming and passionate. There’s always a deep struggle, facing war and even death.”
The single was born from a deeply immersive creative process. “I would sit for hours, experimenting with guitar sounds, using tons of found samples for inspiration,” she explains. “Back then, I was meditating in the bathtub a lot—my house had an enormous reverb, and it felt like floating in an ancient hall while guitars bounced off the walls.” The recording process spanned an extended period, meticulously layering sounds and featuring multiple guitars, including a deeply personal instrument: “I used an axe from my brother after he passed away, called Axecalibar—fitting that the video should feature me wielding a sword.”
Buy / Stream Amas Veritas
The music video for Amas Veritas is equally cinematic and symbolic. Inspired by the gritty, monochrome aesthetics of artists like Amenra and Chelsea Wolfe, Shuggah envisioned a spiritual and battle-like visual. “I wanted the video to feel like an epic battle had taken place—something raw, ritualistic, and deeply personal.” Shot on location at Remhoogte Farm in Riebeek Kasteel, the video captures the vast landscapes and primal energy of the track. “We climbed a mountain and set the earth on fire for the circle shot,” she recalls. “Unfortunately, the wind didn’t allow the flames to hold, but we still captured the essence—fire, smoke, and raw emotion. It felt like a war had gone on within myself. I had the sword on fire too—I felt like a warrior on that mountain.”
The video was directed by Shuggah herself, with aerial cinematography by Werner Botha, whose expertise in film added depth to the visuals. “He was really excited to see the pyro effects and gave amazing advice,” she adds.
Amas Veritas marks the beginning of an era for Shuggah, an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of heavy music and visual storytelling. With Her Chrysalis set to be a deeply spiritual, visceral journey, this debut single is only the first glimpse into the dark and immersive world she has created.
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“Amas Veritas was inspired by ancient love stories of the Greek gods—tales of tragedy, war, and the fight against death,” says Shuggah. “The title means ‘the truth of love,’ which often inspires chaos and ends unhappily, but the love itself is all-consuming and passionate. There’s always a deep struggle, facing war and even death.”
The single was born from a deeply immersive creative process. “I would sit for hours, experimenting with guitar sounds, using tons of found samples for inspiration,” she explains. “Back then, I was meditating in the bathtub a lot—my house had an enormous reverb, and it felt like floating in an ancient hall while guitars bounced off the walls.” The recording process spanned an extended period, meticulously layering sounds and featuring multiple guitars, including a deeply personal instrument: “I used an axe from my brother after he passed away, called Axecalibar—fitting that the video should feature me wielding a sword.”
Buy / Stream Amas Veritas
The music video for Amas Veritas is equally cinematic and symbolic. Inspired by the gritty, monochrome aesthetics of artists like Amenra and Chelsea Wolfe, Shuggah envisioned a spiritual and battle-like visual. “I wanted the video to feel like an epic battle had taken place—something raw, ritualistic, and deeply personal.” Shot on location at Remhoogte Farm in Riebeek Kasteel, the video captures the vast landscapes and primal energy of the track. “We climbed a mountain and set the earth on fire for the circle shot,” she recalls. “Unfortunately, the wind didn’t allow the flames to hold, but we still captured the essence—fire, smoke, and raw emotion. It felt like a war had gone on within myself. I had the sword on fire too—I felt like a warrior on that mountain.”
Amas Veritas marks the beginning of an era for Shuggah, an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of heavy music and visual storytelling. With Her Chrysalis set to be a deeply spiritual, visceral journey, this debut single is only the first glimpse into the dark and immersive world she has created.
Follow Shuggah
Thanks to Mongrel Records for all of the details.
