Germ, an enigmatic figure in the black metal and shoegaze music scene, is an avant-garde artist who melds elements of these genres into a distinctive sound known as "blackgaze." The project is the brainchild of Australian musician Tim Yatras, who is known for his work with other bands such as Austere and Grey Waters. His solo endeavor, Germ, began taking shape in the early 2010s and has since carved out a niche in underground music with its atmospheric and emotionally charged compositions.

With releases such as "Escape" (2016), "Loss" (2018), "Grief" (2020), and "Wish" (2022), Germ has shown a persistent evolution in terms of both musical and thematic exploration. Each album delves into introspective and often melancholic territories, with Yatras's work articulating the complexities of human emotion through a tapestry of lush melodies and raw, impassioned vocals. The fusion of post-black metal with dreamy, shoegaze elements results in soundscapes that are as haunting as they are beautiful, resonating deeply with listeners who are seeking solace in the cathartic power of music. Despite the inherent darkness in much of Germ's subject matter, there is often a shimmering thread of hope woven throughout, allowing a sense of transcendence to permeate the work.