SMALL MERCIES

Where EP is short for ‘Epic Potential’

BLODET Vision CHURCH ROAD

As well as finding a singer, Swedish experimentalists Blodet have discovered that less is more. Vision is epic, ambitious and graceful – a decluttered departure from their debut that deftly explores post-rock, posthardcore and post-metal. ■■■■■■■■■■

ALEX DELLER

DOMINICIDE The Architecture Of Oppression SELF RELEASED

Now back and better than ever after a line-up change, these Glaswegians sound unstoppable. Featuring ferocious tech, death and thrash-flavoured tracks, this four-track EP is an explosive listen. ■■■■■■■■■■

EDWIN MCFEE

RITUALS Awake SELF-RELEASED

Newcastle heavies Rituals make a bold entrance with their diverse debut EP, trying their hands at a selection of metal tropes, including haunting melodics, menace-laden metalcore dual vocals and relentless industrial chaos. ■■■■■■■■■■

ALI COOPER

CRISIX The Pizza EP LISTENABLE

Nuclear war aside, thrash’s favourite subject matter is partying. Spain’s premier speed merchants’ homage to the ultimate party food – and Jurassic Park – is as juvenile as it sounds, but done with the necessary precision and charm. ■■■■■■■■■■

ADAM REES

INSOMNIUM Argent Moon CENTURY MEDIA

From the bleak darkness of quarantine misery, these Finnish melodic death metallers have swapped the acerbic for a taste of atmosphere, their softer side unveiled via this EP’S four tracks of bewitching Northern melancholia. ■■■■■■■■■■

SOPHIE MAUGHAN

VOW Icarian SURVIVING SOUNDS

Icarian’s windswept guitars, forlorn vocals and rolling rhythms are usually associated with post-metal. Thankfully Vow remember the metal part of the equation with blastbeats and doom-laden riffing balancing the ambience. ■■■■■■■■■■

JOSEPH STANNARD