SMALL MERCIES

Where EP is short for ‘Epic Potential’

BLACKGOLD Blackgold KARTEL MUSIC GROUP

There’s not much info about Blackgold, but if you like the kind of street strutting hardcore/hip hop crossover of TRC mixed with some of nu metal’s heavier elements, then you’re going enjoy this. Catchy, bouncy, aggro fun. ■■■■■■■■■■

STEPHEN HILL

GILT Conceit SMARTPUNK

A mix of post-hardcore, noise rock and math come together well on this sophomore EP centred around the theme of grief with a guest vocalist on each track. This Floridian duo are sparkling with potential. ■■■■■■■■■■

ELLIOT LEAVER

SICKSENSE Kings Today SELF-RELEASED

The Agonist vocalist Vicky Psarakis and husbandcum-stuck Mojo frontman Robby J Fonts join forces here for five tracks of groove-laden thunder, whose abrasive yet stoic nu-metal might recalls Korn and Linkin Park. ■■■■■■■■■■

SOPHIE MAUGHAN

COMA HOLE Coma Hole SELF-RELEASED

The debut EP from this Rhode Island drums and bass duo merges prog, doom and grunge into a thundering stoner brew. Completed by mystical, cut-through-the-gloom vocals, it’s an enticing invitation to a new voodoo. ■■■■■■■■■■

DANNII LEIVERS

GUERILLA WARFARE Control EP WRECKORDS

This Kentucky three-piece bring frantic rap metal with distinctive vocals, thrilling fretwork, and equal parts rage and swagger. All 20 minutes here are strong and well worthy of the exemplary first single,

Mulligan. ■■■■■■■■■■

NIK YOUNG

VOID OF VISION Chronicles II: Heaven UNFD

On their latest EP, these Melbournites continue to push their sound in an intriguing direction. Merging hardcore and raging metalcore with ethereal vocals and hedonistic electronics, it’s another blinder. ■■■■■■■■■■ DANNII LEIVERS