The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with an STO element and configured to direct an electric current between elements of the write head. A first example embodiment describes a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head. The PMR write head can include a main pole comprising a tip portion disposed adjacent to an air bearing surface (ABS) and is configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. The PMR write head can also include a spin torque oscillator (STO) element disposed adjacent to the main pole. The PMR write head can also include a side shield layer with a portion of the side shield layer disposed adjacent to the ABS. The PMR write head can also include a metallic side gap layer disposed between the main pole and the side shield layer.