Chicago duo HIDE make intense, confrontational industrial dance music which expresses frustration and anxiety related to personal issues as well as problems of society as a whole. Consisting of visual artist and lead singer Heather Gabel and electronic musician Seth Sher, the duo began recording and performing in 2014, and quickly built up a following for their commanding, theatrical stage show. Following several EPs, their debut full-length, Castration Anxiety, arrived in 2018. Prior to HIDE, Gabel was known for her graphic design and collage work, while Sher had played in experimental noise-rock groups such as Coughs and Oakeater. The two formed HIDE in 2014 and soon developed a striking live show, with Gabel shouting and stomping over harsh industrial beats, surrounded by fog and strobe lights. After building up a local following, HIDE opened for Marilyn Manson on the North American leg of their world tour in early 2015. Following two cassette singles ("Possession" and "Resurrection"), HIDE made their vinyl debut with 2016's Flesh for the Living EP, issued by Midwich Productions. The politically oriented Black Flame EP appeared on Joyful Noise in 2017. Castration Anxiety, HIDE's debut full-length, was released by Dais Records in 2018. While many of the album's songs were initially recorded a few years prior, the duo reworked them in the studio so that they were more reflective of the HIDE live experience. In 2019, HIDE released the single "Girl on Girl" as part of Sub Pop's singles club, as well as their second full-length for Dais, Hell Is Here. ~ Paul Simpson