Zabus Premieres Atmospheric Single “Shadow Genesis”

As a musical unit, Zabus maintain some higher-level objectives for your listening experience. If you’re a newcomer, you’ll catch on to what we mean with their brand new single “Shadow Genesis,” the title track of the Washington, DC band’s latest EP, due for release tomorrow. (We previously reviewed Zabus’ last album, Automatic Writhing.)

Its sound and style were heavily influenced by band leader Jeremy Moore’s desire to return to the instinctive style of blues that originally motivated him to become a musician. Given that it was recorded in one take, the improvisational tone of the song is no surprise. It’s like a dark folk song, quite unlike anything Zabus has done before. Moore wanted a more stripped-down, bare-bones arrangement for “Shadow Genesis” to convey the point of the song. Lyrically, it’s about the cycles of incarnation, and the stripped-down approach is meant to convey the “end-beginning” part of the cycle.

Elaborating on the conceptual basis of the song, Moore states:

“People fear the premonition and ultimate reality of death. Invert this notion—imagine living in the spirit realm at peace, and knowing your life cycle is about to begin again; you know the emotional and physical pain that awaits an earth lifetime. Your past failures set a blueprint for the lessons to be learned—the prospect of enduring the darkness and torment of corrupted humanity with the sole purpose of perfecting the soul and achieving enlightenment is the true barrier to overcome. To reconcile this reality and still return to a corporeal existence is where true life begins and courage prevails. ‘Shadow Genesis’ is just the beginning of an unending journey, unique to everyone who chooses to fight for a better future.”

“Shadow Genesis” is the closing track to the EP and serves as a transition into the next phase of Zabus. It will also appear on the new Zabus album Whores of Holyrood, which will be released in August. Shadow Genesis was recorded throughout 2024 and 2025 in Washington. It’s highly experimental, exploring themes of existentialism, spiritual evolution, and the cost of escapism. Moore and company want to make you think when you listen to their music. Their music is designed to prompt reflection rather than dole out plain concepts and easy answers.

Foundationally, Zabus is experimental post-punk at its finest with a lot of mood and atmosphere. Introspection is part of their goal, which is inspired not just by the lyrics but also by the unconventional song structures and bleak soundscapes. It evokes urgency, but also a healthy dose of authenticity. Essentially, Zabus records music meant to be experienced, not just something to tap your foot and nod your head to.

Zabus “Shadow Genesis” single artwork