Portrayal of Guilt

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Portrayal of Guilt emerged in 2017, a potent force in the American black metal scene. The band's genesis lies in the fusion of two distinct Austin hardcore scenes: guitarist/vocalist Matt King and drummer James Beveridge, veterans of the hardcore outfit Illustrations, joined forces with bassist Blake Given of the screamo band Lyed.

Their self-titled 7" EP, dropped in May 2017, immediately announced their arrival, propelling them onto extensive US and European tours alongside heavy hitters like Centuries, Majority Rule, Planning for Burial, Street Sects, and Slow Fire Pistol. The critical acclaim continued with their March 2018 split EP with industrial hardcore act Street Sects – a collaboration forged on the road – further solidifying their reputation. Deathwish Inc. also reissued their self-titled 7" that same month.

Building momentum, they released a single-sided 5" single, "Chamber of Misery (Pt. 1)," in July 2018, a precursor to their debut full-length. This cleverly orchestrated campaign, launched just before a US tour with French post-hardcore mainstays Birds in Row, culminated in the September 2018 announcement of their debut album, Let Pain Be Your Guide, alongside the premiere of the single "A Burden." The album’s sonic assault was further previewed with the October release of "Your War," a track featuring guest vocals from Dylan Walker of Full of Hell.