Paleface Swiss - The Wilted EP (Self Released)
Swiss heavies Paleface Swiss kick off 2025 with an EP of new tracks that were written across months of touring in 2025. It's a record that deals with issues such as burnout and emotional regrowth, all of which were felt after the band rapidly ascended on the back of their previous album Cursed.
On Cursed they were full of fear and anger, an emotional reckoning that leads to downfall but with The Wilted, Paleface Swiss continue with the journey that follows, rebirth, redemption and coming to terms with everything that broke you. Triumphant ultimately but done so through a more melodic and introspection.
Both reflected in the music as they still have some heavy beatdowns, showing their core beginnings but with the five songs of this EP they move further into cleaner realms vocally and musically shifting to the cinematic. The Wilted then is a continuation but it's also an evolution. How do you follow up your most successful record? Well you keep the trajectory of it but add some new tricks too. 8/10
Osiah - Aion EP (Unique Leader Records)
In keeping with the sound they have been battering heads with for more than 10 years now, UK act Osiah have been shifting the goalposts of what deathcore can be since their debut.
However it was with previous album Kairos in 2023 they managed to cement their sound as they now merge filthy, disgusting breakdowns with technically impressive performances and an extra layer of discordance that comes from heavily distorted riffs and gutturals from hell. So with Kairos solidifying Osiah's place at the table, this follow up EP Aion is their first music since then and keeps the sonic modernity and outright brutality coming through.
A slightly conceptual four tracker where sci-fi landscapes are discovered through cutting edge metal inspired by not only the acts that influence them but also pays homage to their fan base who have taken this journey with them. Aion gives you a fifteen minute crush as Osiah keep nasty British deathcore alive. 7/10
Knives - Reglitter I (Marshall Records)
Bristol band Knives have a new project, reworking songs from their debut album Glitter along with unreleased tracks that may been left on the cutting room floor otherwise.
Reglitter will be coming in two parts, the second comes later this year, however the first part is a four tracker that features some reworked tracks from the debut. Knives are joined by friends from other bands to give these songs a different edge.
From the opening blast of Corazo'n which has C.A Francis of Ditz joining the punk noisemaking while Sugar has Carson Pace of The Callous Daoboys giving it his unique delivery alongside Jay Schottlander, over the propulsive backing of Erin Cook's drumming and the conflicting noisy guitars of Dan Farren and Josh Cook.
On The Dagger, Death Goals bring a electronic thump with breakbeats and the gang vocals, as Ben Marshall's bass drives PHD which features Chest. Knives breathe new life into these tracks alongside their collaborators, raising the excitement for part 2. 7/10
Second Harbour - Coalesce (Sharptone Records)
Coalesce is the debut EP from Montréal post-hardcore band Second Harbour and from the first moments you can very much hear that brothers Xavier and Vincent Morency along with drummer John Muggianu wearing their influences on their sleeve.
From catchy pop punk to cathartic emo/post-hardcore, they cite influences as wide as Blink-182, The Cure and Neck Deep and this EP features the band delivering songs that have been honed on D.I.Y stages around their native Canada, but when they entered the studio with producer Kyle Marchant they crafted songs that showcase the band at their best, the pop sounds glistening as the heavy side is heavier.
Written as a soundtrack to the end of the world, Coalesce is about coming together with this you love at the end and ultimately finding meaning and what is important. Coalesce heralds Second Harbour's arrival with an EP of intricate, emotional and catchy music. 7/10
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