Lástima

Lástima is a black metal/screamo project from Philadelphia. Initially founded in 2019 as a studio-only solo project by composer, engineer, & bandleader Richie DeVon, the project soon recruited frequent session collaborators and friends, eventually growing into a live outfit that includes members of from across Philadelphia's heavy music scene. Musically, Lástima blends influences from black metal & emo with elements of romantic era classical & traditional latin music, exploring themes of latino-identity, depression, & existentialism. Lástima’s debut LP, "a pain bloomed from my lungs", sees the quintet further developing their unique sound, taking advantage of the full-length format to showcase greater musicianship and more deliberate songwriting. Recorded & mixed by Richie DeVon & mastered by Magnus Lindberg , this debut LP features a polished professionalism that nonetheless perfectly captures the raw emotion of Lástima's live performances. Soaring violin, punishing drums, shrieking vocals, haunting keys, & walls of howling guitars accompany lyrical themes of loss, generational trauma, & the struggles of immigrant identity, creating a record that is equal parts beautiful and vicious, pummeling and heartbreaking.