Emerging from the depths of South Africa’s underground music scene, post-rock and metal artist Shuggah makes a striking debut with her first single and music video, “Amas Veritas.” This release marks the beginning of her conceptual album, Her Chrysalis, set to drop on May 2 via Mongrel Records.
Shuggah offers a Dark and Ritualistic Sonic Experience
Blending aggressive walls of guitars, punchy drums, and dreamlike textures, Shuggah’s sound is a unique fusion shaped by her background as a producer and DJ in the underground techno scene.
Drawing inspiration from Russian Circles, Chelsea Wolfe, Psychonaut, and Cult of Luna, she has crafted a dark, etheric, and ritualistic sonic journey that defies 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.”
A Deeply Personal Creative Process
The single was born from an immersive creative approach. “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.”
Recorded over an extended period, the track features meticulously layered sounds and 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.”
A Cinematic and Symbolic Music Video
The music video for “Amas Veritas” is as cinematic as it is symbolic. Inspired by the gritty, monochrome aesthetics of artists like Amenra and Chelsea Wolfe, Shuggah envisioned a visual experience that is both spiritual and battle-like.
“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 vast landscapes and primal energy.
“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.”
Watch the video for “Amas Veritas” below:
Directed by Shuggah herself, the video features aerial cinematography by Werner Botha, whose expertise added depth to the visuals.
“He was really excited to see the pyro effects and gave amazing advice,” she adds.
The Beginning of a New Era
“Amas Veritas” marks the dawn of a new chapter for Shuggah—an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of heavy music and visual storytelling. With Her Chrysalis promising to be a deeply spiritual and visceral journey, this debut single offers only a glimpse into the dark, immersive world she has created.
Listen to “Amas Veritas” HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
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