It’s been a couple of weeks, but we’re back with some more awesome EPs to check out, from country to death metal! Let’s dive right in!
Underwater Father: Without Waves
Clearly we are having a very blackened death metal week! Not that I’m complaining, this is an awesome four-track release! It’s packed full of awesome riffing, brutal screams and incredible drumming. However, it also has a smattering of cleaner vocals throughout, as well as a couple of groovier riffs that really sets it apart from it’s peers in the genre, and pushes the boundaries of what the genre is about. ‘My Name is Your Name’ is probably my favourite track on here, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the songs are any less amazing. It’s a 22-minute assault of atmospheric brutality, and I’m all here for it! It’s a real testament to just how amazing the band are as songwriters, as well as players. And for the band to have come out of nowhere this year and this be their first major release is honestly insane. If you are in any way into the heavier side of metal, I can’t recommend this enough. It gets a solid 8.5/10 from me!
HARDY: COUNTRY!
Apparently this is a follow-up/spiritual successor of sorts to his WHERE TO FIND ME EP, released way back in 2019. While I’m not 100% sure how, it does have a different feel to at very least Quit!!. It feels like it leans a bit more into his country roots, and could have more easily made it onto a FGL or Thomas Rhett record. Having said that, the songs do still have a bit of his signature rock edge to them, still. ‘Buck on the Wall’ is a catchy, emotional track and a fantastic single. The following two are equally beautiful songs but more acoustic-ballad territory. ‘Luckiest Man Alive’ is a found more neo-traditional country song, and another big highlight. Then you have the huge lead single to close things off that I have loved since it first came out! It’s an incredibly solid EP that is arguably far better than his last album. I really enjoyed it and hope that he sticks to more of this sort of style moving forward, honestly. If you are into his particular brand of country I’d recommend checking this out. 8.5/10
Gtarzee: Ducks in a Row
The follow-up to his 2022 album (which we enjoyed), the Finnish classic prog rock guitarist returns with something to prove. From the two singles, the instrumental ‘In the Wee Hours of the Morning Light’ and the cover of a traditional Finnish folk song, it was already setting out to be a fantastic release. The other four tracks that make up the release are also great; some amazing folky prog rock! A lot of it is instrumental, but ‘Destiny Mmxxv’ had some of his great vocals on it, and because of that was another big highlight for me. Don’t get me wrong, I know it won’t be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it, and as a continuation and follow-up to his album it did a great job! It’s a solid 6.5/10 from us!
Gareth: Steel Your Thunder
The Northern Irish country-folk artists sophomore originals EP release is somehow even better than his debut! Blending modern country-pop sounds akin to Jelly Roll or Morgan Wallen with a slight Irish folk vibe works far better than I expected it to. His voice is so powerful, adding weight and emotion to every track. Opener/single ‘Answered Prayer’ is amazing and sets the tone of the album perfectly. Then you have songs like the incredible, more up-beat ‘Last Thing I do’ and the rockier, almost Black Stone Cherry-like ‘Steal Your Thunder’ that are also massive highlights. However, every song on this is excellent, and it’s wild that a guy from Ireland has such a solid grasp on incredible country music. He’s going to be an absolutely massive name in the UK and country scenes, maybe (hopefully) globally, and this release will surely be looked back on as one of the starting points. I’ve spun this a lot over the last week or so since I got it sent over, and am becoming a little obsessed at this point! Whether you’re into country or not, check this out, it’s honestly incredible and well worth a listen! It’s a very solid 9/10 from me, and I am desperate to see this live!