Godflesh frontman Justin Broadrick to end band after health scare

Justin Broadrick, singer and guitarist of pioneering industrial metal duo Godflesh, has announced that the band will soon end its nearly four-decade career. The decision follows years of groin pain caused by the physical strain of shouting over the band's music since he was 18. By the time he underwent surgery this February, the hernia had grown to 13 centimetres. Now 57, Broadrick says he still feels discomfort and expects it could take nine to twelve months to fully recover.

Broadrick formed Godflesh in Birmingham in 1988 with bassist Ben Green, using a drum machine that cost around £500. The band became hugely influential in heavy music, with members of Metallica, Slipknot, Korn and other acts citing them as an inspiration. Despite this influence, Broadrick has largely avoided the spotlight and now lives in a remote village in Wales. He was diagnosed with autism in 2022, which he says has shaped both his personality and his approach to music.

Before ending the band, Godflesh will release a new album, Decay, recorded prior to the surgery, followed by a final album titled The End, planned for later this year. On it, Broadrick will use higher-pitched vocal techniques that are safer for his health.

Broadrick has also recently collaborated with singer Phoebe Bridgers, playing guitar on tracks from her new album. After Godflesh concludes, he plans to continue with his other projects, Jesu and the electronic solo act JK Flesh, and will launch a new heavy industrial solo project called White Light District.