History Of Guns, the underground goth-industrial band from Hertfordshire, England, celebrates the 25th anniversary of their debut single with “Little Miss Suicide (25).” Originally penned in 1998, this track takes on new life with a fresh mix, modern production, and a sharper sonic edge. While the song’s themes of depression and suicide remain as poignant as ever, its ironic use of major chords and melodic hooks creates a captivating contrast that defines the band’s metamodern approach.
At its core, “Little Miss Suicide (25)” is a song of contradictions. The title itself is a darkly satirical reference to The Little Miss series of children’s books, highlighting how mental health issues in young people were often dismissed in the late ‘90s. Yet, instead of presenting an entirely bleak soundscape, History Of Guns infuse their gothic-industrial roots with an unexpected pop sensibility. The chorus, built on triumphant major chords, stands in stark contrast to the song’s harrowing subject matter, creating an effect that is both ironic and deeply moving.
The juxtaposition of dark, introspective lyrics with uplifting melodies reflects the complexity of real-life struggles with mental health—where moments of pain can sometimes be accompanied by bursts of clarity, rebellion, or even euphoria. This duality is what makes “Little Miss Suicide (25)” such a compelling listen.
This new version benefits from a modern mix by keyboardist Max Rael, who originally recorded and produced the song using Cubase in its early days. With Rael’s evolved production skills and assistance from drummer Caden Clarkson, “Little Miss Suicide (25)” retains its raw energy while gaining a newfound depth and clarity. The band’s signature drum machine is still present, now enhanced with more refined loops that give the track a driving, hypnotic pulse.
Recorded at Max Rael’s mother’s house in its early form, the song’s origins are as DIY as they come—a testament to the underground ethos that defined History Of Guns in their early years. Now, with this updated mix, the track has a second chance to reach a wider audience, no longer confined to the limitations of early-2000s independent music distribution.
One of the most fascinating aspects of “Little Miss Suicide (25)” is its ability to exist in multiple emotional spaces at once. The band describes their approach as metamodern—blending irony with sincerity, darkness with light, and industrial grit with pop accessibility. It’s a fine line to walk, but History Of Guns pull it off masterfully.
Listeners familiar with goth-industrial giants like Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy will recognize the moody undertones and shadowy textures. However, the infusion of major chords and hook-laden melodies pushes the song into a realm closer to Darkwave Pop, making it both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
History Of Guns acknowledge that the landscape of independent music has changed dramatically in the 25 years since this song’s original release. Back in 2000, underground bands struggled to get their music heard; now, with streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever to release music—but harder than ever to stand out. This re-release is both a celebration of the band’s past and a statement about their relevance in today’s digital era.
Adding to the revival, a new video has been created using archival footage recorded at Earthworks Studio in Barnet, North London. The grainy VHS aesthetic ties the track back to its origins while giving it a nostalgic, lo-fi visual appeal.
“Little Miss Suicide (25)” is more than just a re-release—it’s a reimagining of a song that still feels deeply relevant. By embracing their roots while refining their sound, History Of Guns have crafted a track that is both a time capsule of late-‘90s underground goth and a bold statement for 2025.
For longtime fans, this new version offers a fresh perspective on an old favorite. For new listeners, it’s an introduction to a band that refuses to be boxed into a single genre or mood. Haunting yet uplifting, ironic yet sincere, “Little Miss Suicide (25)” is a testament to the enduring power of music that challenges, provokes, and ultimately connects.
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