Jumping back into the EP for a the first time in 2025, we have two incredible metal release for us to sink our teeth into. Let’s do this!
Sypha: Borderland
The modern metal Brits are set to release their debut EP this coming Friday, and the world is in for a treat! We’ve already had two of the three tracks released already, with closer ‘The Afterparty’ being a new addition. It’s just as good as the other two, and that’s saying something! The band certainly wear their inspiration on their sleeves, it having very much a City of Evil-era Avenged feel, but more in line with the more modern metal scene, akin to Phoenix Lake and even South of Salem. All three tracks are incredible in their own right, and all feel pretty individual and unique, yet all fit perfectly together for this release. The plodding, epic opener is incredible, and Alicia’s harsher vocals heading into that breakdown are amazing. Then you have the faster, heavier ‘Limbo’, an idea choice for a single thanks to the catchy chorus, and the awesome, balls-to-the-wall closer.
This is an absolutely amazing release. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone into a more modern metal style, it really does have a bit of everything! The band are clearly insanely talented and excellent songwriters, and it’s easy to see them being a massive name sooner rather than later. If anything, as excellent as this release is, it’s just made me want a full album from them. I need more! However, this easily gets a 9/10 from me!
Corroding Soul: Self-Titled
The third EP from the post black metal project of David Lovejoy is nothing if not an epic affair. I have to admit, I’m very up and down with the genre, but I really liked this. Somehow, it almost felt uplifting; the atmosphere feeling positive and epic despite the insanely heavy vocals and riffing. There was more than a smattering of power and folk metal in there in the instrumentation, which was awesome. I’ve not quite heard anything like it before, and I was intrigued as much as loving it. Just the opening track is enough on its own, but all four songs on this release are pretty fantastic. And while all being pretty similar, they all click together perfectly and form one fantastic release. It’s a little long so could border on album territory, but I feel like even with long tracks, if it’s just four it’s an EP. It certainly won’t be for everyone, but if the genre scares you give this a try, you may be pleasantly surprised! David is an incredibly talented songwriter and player. It’s a solid 8/10 from me!