Nxmad - The Second Fall (Album Review)

Release Date: July 03rd 2026. Record Label: APF Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

The Second Fall - Tracklist

1.Men's Rea

2.Amber 04:37

3.Domicide

4.Vertigo 04:36

5.Bridge Burner

6.Transmissions

7.Actus Reus

Members

Drian Nash - vocals

Lewis Atkinson - guitar

John Carberry - bass

Liam MacBeath - drums

Taz Corona-Brown - guest vocals on Actus Reus 

Review

Doom/Hardcore/Sludge Metallers Nxmad return with their first album since reforming back in 2021 where they were originally known as Nomad. The band have dropped their Stoner Metal sound that appeared on their earlier records for a heavier style of Hardcore to level out the playing field. There’s also a heavy reliance on Thrash Metal and Speed Metal which you can feel from the opening stages of the excellent record The Second Fall.

Nxmad offer some solid classic hard rock and heavy metal hooks which compliments the dirty Doomed out sounds throughout the album. The band feel influenced by the likes of Motorhead, Metallica, Hatebreed, Crowbar and Kingdom Of Sorrow on this record but with that heart-thumping Hardcore edge giving this album a real modern “METALLIC” vibe.

Nxmad waste no time “FUCKING AROUND” by getting straight down to business of playing this THRASH METAL beatdowns throughout the stunning array of opening tracks Mens Rea, Amber and Domicide. The vocals from Drain Nash are always welcome to hear as he has a pummelling and violent aura to his whole performance. Drain Nash does channel his inner Punk Metaller for this record which works superbly well with the groove metal sounds that dominate the first half of the record.

The Second Fall isn’t over-produced with Nxmad projecting the right balance of modern day aggression and underground seediness which adds to the overall HEAVY METAL effect on the album within the massive thrash beats and sludgy grooves that continue to aim for maximum damage. There is a level of Post-Doom and Psychedelic awareness that develops on this record though mostly hidden in the background which come into play within the final stages of the record.

Nxmad continue to develop a harsh, unforgiving and abrasive energy where the Thrash Metal and Speed Metal aspects of their music fully collide with superb results on tracks Domicide, Vertigo and Bridge Burner. The raw atmosphere does feel like it’s been conjured from a long gone era of Hardcore, Groove and Sludge Metal but Nxmad know how to inject modern based atmospheres into the final mix. 

The standout track on the album has to be the final song Actus Reus which calls upon the amazing vocal talents of Taz Corona-Brown (Coma Smile and Undersmile). I’ve been a huge fan of Taz for years and it feels like it’s been an absolute age since I’ve heard her superb vocals where she really delivers here. The song allows Nxmad to delve into creative surroundings such as Post-Rock, Shoegaze and Post-Doom. The song works best when the quieter parts appear but you need those epic THRASH, DOOM and SLUDGE METAL elements to appear so Nxmad can close the album on an almighty finish.

The Second Fall is a superb record with Nxmad delivering some of their most interesting music yet which should leave the listener ultimately fulfilled with its non-stop amount of punishing sounds that will leave you a shivering wreck before everything is finished.

Words by Steve Howe

The Second Fall is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via APF Records.

Links 

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Urzah - A Tranquil Void (Album Review)

Release Date: June 05th 2026. Record Label: APF Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

A Tranquil Void - Tracklisting

1.At the Mouth of the Cave 03:28

2.The Call Beneath 04:33

3.Infernal Star I 05:50

4.Infernal Star II 05:24

5.Bark & Branches 03:44

6.In the Mouth of the Wolf 06:26

7.Hunter in the Veil 06:23

8.Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos 12:39

Members

 

Ed Fairman - Vocals / Guitar

Tom McElveen - Vocals / Guitar

Dan Bradley - Bass

James Brown – Drums

Review

Progressive Sludge Metallers Urzah return with their sophomore album A Tranquil Void which sees the band strip all the Stoner Metal dynamics that played a major part of their 2024 debut album. Urzah demonstrates an aggressive and violent Post-Metal vibe to their music which travels through the other areas of music that appear on the album that it becomes the dominant theme holding everything together.

There’s a brutal HARDCORE atmosphere allowing Urzah to fully create a highly apocalyptic style of Psych Metal and Ambient themes. The vocals are reminiscent of Neurosis and Mastodon with the band even applying THRASH METAL beatdowns to add a deafening level of metallic aggression into the mix. A Tranquil Void is quite experimental with it’s fractured beats, extended glitches and sonic noises that gives this record an almost industrial feel with Urzah applying a “RELAPSE RECORDS” makeover to their music. 

The instrumental work is superb throughout with Urzah demonstrating a intense Progressive Metal energy compared to their debut album especially on tracks such At The Mouth Of The Cave, The Call Beneath, Infernal Star I, In The Mouth Of The Wolf and Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos which all left me feeling breathless at times. 

Urzah excel at injecting classic Post-Metal themes against the modern day Progressive Sludge Metal environment which lets areas of Post-Rock and Ambient Metal to appear from time-to-time. The album does become bleaker, darker and perhaps even violent with the thuggish and brutal sounds emitting from all corners with the excellent rhythm section of Dan Bradley on Bass and James Brown on Drums which keeps everything grounded.

It’s this musical dynamic that allows Ed Fairman (Vocals / Guitar) and Tom McElveen (Vocals / Guitar) to deliver stunning vocals and sublime progressive instrumental passages that have a thrilling cinematic Psychedelic quality to them.

There’s some great moments of classic Hard Rock instrumental solos that should feel out of place for a record such as this but Urzah pulls this off with great originality and musical conviction. A Tranquil Void is a stunning record on every level that’s backed up by first rate production values. If you want a record that moves into multiple areas of Heavy Metal whilst keeping that Post-Metal quality from start to finish then you can’t go wrong with this epic album that pulls no punches and leaves you a shivering wreck when everything is said and done.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to For The Lost PR for the promo.

A Tranquil Void is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via APF Records.

Links 

Official | BandCamp

Bristol’s Progressive Sludge Quartet URZAH share 3rd single 'The Call Beneath' on APF Records (Mastiff, Video Nasties, Swamp Coffin)

‘A Tranquil Void’ Cover Art (Credit: Putra Satria Nugraha)

Formed in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, Urzah’s intensely collaborative and productive writing process was immediately evident, leading to the quick release of self-titled EPs ‘I’ (2020) and ‘II’ (2022). These laid the foundation for Urzah’s unique brand of ‘progressive sludge’. Inviting comparisons to Neurosis, DVNE, Mastodon and Elder, their forward-looking sound combines the abrasive elements of punk and post-hardcore with atmospheric post-metal passages and soaring melodies.

Urzah’s vision of ‘Earthen Heaviness’, combining oppressive darkness with moments of transcendence and cosmic awe, was realised on their critically acclaimed debut LP ‘The Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF Records). The band’s sonic world draws on both the intensely personal – rage, loss, grief and self-doubt – and a profound awe and vulnerability in the face of the celestial and natural worlds, framing visceral human struggle within vast cycles of death, decay and rebirth.

 
Since their debut, Urzah has refined their live shows across the UK, playing festivals and headline shows, and sharing stages with a diverse roster of heavy bands including Bongzilla, Tuskar, Mastiff, Greenleaf, OHHMS and Dopelord, as well as progressive atmospheric bands such as Hidden Mothers, Underdark and Nadja, demonstrating their strong cross-genre appeal.

The band recently announced that they are set to release new LP ‘A Tranquil Void on 5th June 2026 via APF Records. The record marks a defining moment for the band, following up their critically acclaimed debut ‘A Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF) with an even more assured, mature and ambitious full-length. Conceptually, ‘The Scorching Gaze’ and ‘A Tranquil Void’ function as a visual, musical and thematic diptych; where their debut burned brightly with the rage and destruction of an erupting volcano, their new LP captures the cathartic, contemplative still that follows.

Tom McElveen (vocals/guitar) comments on 3rd single "The Call Beneath”, “this track is about dealing with grief for the first time, and letting yourself be pulled into its depths so the earlier version of yourself can die and a new one can be reborn and ‘rise to the surface’. This process can only happen when you stop resisting it. We play with dynamics and moving time signatures to build and rebuild tension, taking us through to the final cathartic stage of rebirth at the pinnacle.”

Listen now: https://lnkfi.re/91RJX1aJ / https://youtu.be/RNRSz6cDeOQ

Across 8 tracks, ‘A Tranquil Void’ pushes Urzah’s sound even further, combining brutal riffs, complicated meter and searing guitar tone with deeper explorations of space, dynamics and atmosphere, incorporating folk influences and drones built from cello and guitar. 13-minute album closer ‘Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos’ sees Urzah at their most ambitious; across multiple interlocking sections, enriched by guest vocals from friends in the Bristol scene, the song builds from a haunting whisper to a planet-obliterating roar.

ALBUM TRACK LIST

1. At the Mouth of the Cave
2. The Call Beneath
3. Infernal Star I
4. Infernal Star II
5. Bark & Branches
6. In the Mouth of the Wolf
7. Hunter in the Veil
8. Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos

Recorded at Stage 2 Studios, Bath, in November 2025, the LP was produced, mixed and mastered by Josh Gallop. Cello was provided by Luke Clemenger, with additional vocals from Dave Cook (Empire of Dust), Chris Wilson (Row of Ashes) and Victoria Bourne (The Spark’s Desire). The album artwork was created by Indonesian artist Putra Satria Nugraha.

ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY, EXCHANGE BRISTOL – 25th July 2026

To celebrate the release of their new album, Urzah are hosting a launch party at Exchange Bristol (main room) on Saturday 25th July with special guests HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN, MOUNTAINSCAPE and DEAD SPACE CHAMBER MUSIC.

Urzah are proud to be part of Bristol’s thriving and diverse music scene, so this specially curated line-up is intended to showcase the best cutting-edge, genre-defying and progressive heavy music.

This immersive, atmospheric and crushingly heavy night will feature experimental gothic doom from Dead Space Chamber Music (Bristol), soaring cinematic post-metal from Mountainscape (Reading), crushing atmospheric post-metal from Hundred Year Old Man (Leeds), and brand-new material from Urzah’s long-awaited sophomore album ‘A Tranquil Void’.

LIMITED EDITION ‘SUPERNOVA’ VINYL VARIANT – https://apfrecords.co.uk/albums/a-tranquil-void

To celebrate Urzah’s new album, APF Records will be offering a limited-edition vinyl. The ‘Supernova’ variant features a blue and white burst, evoking the celestial vortex of the LP artwork.

URZAH LIVE:

Saturday 23rd May - Bristol, Loco Klub (Temple of Doom festival)
Friday 29th May - Bath, The Bell
Wednesday 10th June - Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge
Thursday 11th June - Brighton, The Pipeline
Friday 12th June - Kent, Poco Loco, Chatham
Saturday 13th June - London, The Devonshire Arms, Camden
Friday June 26th - Newport, McCann's Rock N Ale Bar
Sunday June 28th - Torquay, Arena
Saturday 25th July - Bristol Album Launch Party, Exchange
Saturday 1st August - Chelmsford - Bay Days Festival

URZAH ARE:

Ed Fairman - Vocals / Guitar
Tom McElveen - Vocals / Guitar
Dan Bradley - Bass
James Brown – Drums

Links

Urzah website and socials
APF band profile

Thanks to For The Lost PR for the details.

Bristol’s Progressive Sludge Quartet URZAH announce Sophomore Album ‘A Tranquil Void’. Released 5th June 2026 on APF Records

‘A Tranquil Void’ Cover Art (Credit: Putra Satria Nugraha)

Formed in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, Urzah’s intensely collaborative and productive writing process was immediately evident, leading to the quick release of self-titled EPs ‘I’ (2020) and ‘II’ (2022). These laid the foundation for Urzah’s unique brand of ‘progressive sludge’. Inviting comparisons to Neurosis, DVNE, Mastodon and Elder, their forward-looking sound combines the abrasive elements of punk and post-hardcore with atmospheric post-metal passages and soaring melodies.

Urzah’s vision of ‘Earthen Heaviness’, combining oppressive darkness with moments of transcendence and cosmic awe, was realised on their critically acclaimed debut LP ‘The Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF Records). The band’s sonic world draws on both the intensely personal – rage, loss, grief and self-doubt – and a profound awe and vulnerability in the face of the celestial and natural worlds, framing visceral human struggle within vast cycles of death, decay and rebirth.

Since their debut, Urzah has refined their live shows across the UK, playing festivals and headline shows, and sharing stages with a diverse roster of heavy bands including Bongzilla, Tuskar, Mastiff, Greenleaf, OHHMS and Dopelord, as well as progressive atmospheric bands such as Hidden Mothers, Underdark and Nadja, demonstrating their strong cross-genre appeal.

Now the band are set to release new LP ‘A Tranquil Void on 5th June 2026 via APF Records. The record marks a defining moment for the band, following up their critically acclaimed debut ‘A Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF) with an even more assured, mature and ambitious full-length. Conceptually, ‘The Scorching Gaze’ and ‘A Tranquil Void’ function as a visual, musical and thematic diptych; where their debut burned brightly with the rage and destruction of an erupting volcano, their new LP captures the cathartic, contemplative still that follows.

‘A Tranquil Void’ draws inspiration from both personal introspection and awe in the face of the vast cosmos. Lead single ‘Infernal Star I’ reflects on the power of memory and connection to cast light in the darkness of a vast and uncharted universe. Listen to the track now:

https://lnkfi.re/teVrV8bO or below

‘In the Mouth of the Wolf’ examines forgiveness and personal healing, while ‘Hunter in the Veil’ explores cycles of death and renewal through grand elemental imagery, while other tracks grapple with overcoming grief (‘The Call Beneath’), rejecting apathy for aspiration (‘At the Mouth of the Cave’) and creating art and meaning in spite of adversity (‘Bark & Branches’).

Across 8 tracks, ‘A Tranquil Void’ pushes Urzah’s sound even further, combining brutal riffs, complicated meter and searing guitar tone with deeper explorations of space, dynamics and atmosphere, incorporating folk influences and drones built from cello and guitar. 13-minute album closer ‘Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos’ sees Urzah at their most ambitious; across multiple interlocking sections, enriched by guest vocals from friends in the Bristol scene, the song builds from a haunting whisper to a planet-obliterating roar.

Credit Naomi Jane Photography

ALBUM TRACK LIST

1. At the Mouth of the Cave
2. The Call Beneath
3. Infernal Star I [Lead single]
4. Infernal Star II
5. Bark & Branches
6. In the Mouth of the Wolf
7. Hunter in the Veil [2nd single]
8. Entwined, Twisted Roots of Chaos

Recorded at Stage 2 Studios, Bath, in November 2025, the LP was produced, mixed and mastered by Josh Gallop. Cello was provided by Luke Clemenger, with additional vocals from Dave Cook (Empire of Dust), Chris Wilson (Row of Ashes) and Victoria Bourne (The Spark’s Desire). The album artwork was created by Indonesian artist Putra Satria Nugraha.

ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY, EXCHANGE BRISTOL – 25th July 2026

To celebrate the release of their new album, Urzah are hosting a launch party at Exchange Bristol (main room) on Saturday 25th July with special guests HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN, MOUNTAINSCAPE and DEAD SPACE CHAMBER MUSIC.

Urzah are proud to be part of Bristol’s thriving and diverse music scene, so this specially curated line-up is intended to showcase the best cutting-edge, genre-defying and progressive heavy music.

This immersive, atmospheric and crushingly heavy night will feature experimental gothic doom from Dead Space Chamber Music (Bristol), soaring cinematic post-metal from Mountainscape (Reading), crushing atmospheric post-metal from Hundred Year Old Man (Leeds), and brand-new material from Urzah’s long-awaited sophomore album ‘A Tranquil Void’.

LIMITED EDITION ‘SUPERNOVA’ VINYL VARIANT – https://apfrecords.co.uk/albums/a-tranquil-void

To celebrate Urzah’s new album, APF Records will be offering a limited-edition vinyl. The ‘Supernova’ variant features a blue and white burst, evoking the celestial vortex of the LP artwork.

Please note: Pre-orders from 3rd March via the APF Records website and from 6th March via Bandcamp.

URZAH LIVE:

Saturday 28th March - Hitchin, Club 85
Saturday 23rd May - Bristol, Loco Klub (Temple of Doom festival)
Friday 29th May - Bath, The Bell
Wednesday 10th June - Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge
Thursday 11th June - Brighton, The Pipeline
Friday 12th June - Kent, Poco Loco, Chatham
Saturday 13th June - London, The Devonshire Arms, Camden
Friday June 26th - Newport, McCann's Rock N Ale Bar
Sunday June 28th - Torquay, Arena
Saturday 25th July - Bristol Album Launch Party, Exchange
Saturday 1st August - Chelmsford - Bay Days Festival

URZAH ARE:

Ed Fairman - Vocals / Guitar
Tom McElveen - Vocals / Guitar
Dan Bradley - Bass
James Brown – Drums

Links

Urzah website and socials
APF band profile

Thanks to For The Lost PR for the details.

TORSO - Annihilation Day (Album Review)

Release Date: August 28th 2025. Record Label: APF Records. Formats: CD/DD/Tape/Vinyl

Annihilation Day - Tracklisting

1.THE HALLS RUN RED (Rita’s Death / The Thrill of The Kill / Dorm of The Dead)

2.SATANIC NIRVANA (Tolls of Death / Christine’s Theme / The Sound of Blood) 07:56 video

3.BLAST FURNACE (Killer’s Theme / Vengeance In Their Eyes / Too Many Humans)

4.SHOW YOUR FACE (Christine Kills / Dripping Corpse / Bloodbath to Paydirt)

Members

Graham Bywater

Guest Appearances

Lisa Bywater, Thomas House, Sam Marsh, Paul Waller and Stephen Franklin.

Review

TORSO returns with Annihilation Day and Graham Bywater the creative mastermind behind this sinister effort blends Doom, Sludge, Stoner, Grind, Thrash, Noise Rock and Black Metal to devastating effect which results in TORSO’s most demented and violent record yet. That is saying something after their celebrated 2024 album Brain Cells.

This time round, Graham has a bigger and murderous playground drawing upon his usual style of 1980’s Horror Movies influences allowing TORSO to conjure up the following storyline:

“Annihilation Day is TORSO’s first concept LP. Set on January 1st, 1984, it tells the twisted tale of a small-town university campus invaded by an escaped madman and ex-student on prom night. The town’s fate lies in the hands of two girls, Rita and Christine…and all hell breaks loose!”

Perhaps classic horror styles from John Carpenter and American Horror Stories are the main influence for the storylines but maybe some Italian seediness comes into play as well. Though, lets focus on the music that surrounds itself the violent and sometimes brutally funny storyline comes into play. The music is quite ELECTRONICA obsessed with a grindcore style of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal developing at full throttle within the brilliant opening track of THE HALLS RUN RED (Rita’s Death / The Thrill of The Kill / Dorm of The Dead).

The record is highly volatile, violent and aggressive but also superbly melodic with touches of Prog Metal appearing within the more subdued and outlandish parts of the record. TORSO has allowed some of his friends from the underground scene to be part of the action with appearances from the likes of Paul Waller (OHHMS), Thomas House, Stephen Franklin, Lisa Bywater and Sam Marsh who all provide KILLER support along the way. The vocals are a great mix of different styles that has echoes of 1990’s Alt Metal, Grunge and Shoegaze to give Annihilation Day quite a unique and grizzled sound compared to TORSO’s previous records.

The second and third tracks of SATANIC NIRVANA (Tolls of Death / Christine’s Theme / The Sound of Blood)  and BLAST FURNACE (Killer’s Theme / Vengeance In Their Eyes / Too Many Humans) just amplifies the action to a grislier and seedier level with profounding bursts of NOISE ROCK energy that feels like WHORES jamming out with the likes of MOTORHEAD, TORCHE, SOUNDGARDEN and THE MELVINS. Simply outrageous but one that never feels out of place with TORSO outlining, developing and delivering a Classic Horror Storyline that would have easily been banned under the infamous (UK 1980’s) banned Video Nasties furore / craze if this was ever committed to celluloid. 

Graham does become quite obsessed with Glitchy Noises, Ambient Beats and Psychedelic Synths which has a surreal Tangerine Dream effect that isn’t too dis-similar to modern day Post-Rock sounds before returning to his HORROR OBSESSIVE ways.

The final two tracks of BLAST FURNACE (Killer’s Theme / Vengeance In Their Eyes / Too Many Humans) and SHOW YOUR FACE (Christine Kills / Dripping Corpse / Bloodbath to Paydirt) are perhaps my favourite tracks I’ve heard from TORSO to date. As they’re an expert mix of different styles dripping with gloomy atmospherics with a sudden shift to MASTODON-esque melodies, rhythms and progressive soundscapes whilst still being it’s own thing at the same time.

Annihilation Day is an exhilarating experience from start to finish with a non-stop style of exciting Sludge/Stoner Metal sounds being played that will leave you in a very nervous disposition indeed. This is TORSO’s most technically impressive and cinematically sounding record to date. I’m hoping that Graham will announce some LIVE SHOWS in the future as I want to fully experience and feel the intense music that he’s delivered with this record.

My advice - Be afraid, be very afraid for an outstanding record that will no doubt claim some potential ALBUM OF THE YEAR spots before the year is out.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to APF Records for the promo.

Annihilation Day is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl/Cassette via APF Records.

Links

BandCamp | Instagram

GOBLINSMOKER - The King's Eternal Throne (Album Review)

Release Date: July 25th 2025. Record Label: APF Records. Formats: Cassette/DD/Vinyl

The King’s Eternal Throne - Tracklisting

1.Shamanic Rites

2.Burn Him

3.The King's Eternal Throne

4.Toad King (Forest Synth Offering)

Members

Adam Kennedy - vocals, guitar, bass

Michael Guthrie - drums

Review

Doom/Sludge Metallers GOBLINSMOKER finally return after a five year absence with The King’s Eternal Throne which is the final part of The Toad King Trilogy which started with 2018’s Toad King and continued with 2020’s A Throne in Haze, a World Ablaze. The band has supported the likes of Venom, Eyehategod, Goatwhore, Bongzilla, Slomatics, Belzebong, Discharge and Mastiff. This has allowed them to become one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the UK Doom/Sludge Metal scene.

These experiences may have shaped the sound of The King’s Eternal Throne with deeply rich and complex storytelling themes being heard throughout the album. The monolithic and downtuned Sludge Metal sound is played at a perfect slow-to-mid decaying pace within the opening track of Shamanic Rites. With a grizzled and aggressive ELECTRIC WIZARD influence shining through with a slight detour into CONAN territory with GOBLINSMOKER still creating their own highly original slice of DISTORTED DOOM with extra levels of destructive fuzz. Adam Kennedy’s harsh vocals are projected by a bleak Sludge Metal atmosphere which feels inspired by the NOLA scene in certain aspects. 

GOBLINSMOKER are never in a hurry to get to their next destination allowing the whole journey to play with an ice-cold focus with levels of Frozen Ambient sounds being played on the final stages of the opening track which does appear on other parts of the record.

Second track Burn Him is another slow-to-mid played track with GOBLINSMOKER transforming the mythical storyline of the album to greater narrative pastures. The sound is bleak, cold and demonic but the music is wonderfully OVER THE TOP on a grand scale with some of the best grooves appearing on this track alone. 

The music does become slightly faster with Michael Guthrie’s drumming being the real catalyst for Adam’s intense sludgy guitars destroying everything in its wake. The use of dramatic Psychedelic and Trippy effects brings an air of the classic 1980’s SWORD & SORCERY films into the album. Though, the record still has a serious tone throughout with the epic track. Levels of down-tuned distortion can be quite deafening at times but GOBLINSMOKER are having way too much FUN to perhaps even care about that aspect of their music.

Third track The King’s Eternal Throne uses a Psychedelic and Ambient score which fans of BELZEBONG will find absolutely thrilling with GOBLINSMOKER quickly playing that demonic style of Doomed Out Sludge/Stoner Metal with that dangerous AMPLIFIER swagger having a certain Progressive energy appearing. This is perhaps the most riffiest track on the record with GOBLINSMOKER laying down the heaviest and superbly played moments of the record. With that decaying FUZZED OUT sound generating in fine amounts of destructive energy that’s some of the most interesting sounds that the band have released to date.

The final track of Toad King (Forest Synth Offering) is an Ambient Instrumental based track which closes the album in the best way possible. It allows GOBLINSMOKER to close their celebrated trilogy in great fashion. It maybe a bit subdued but it brings a refreshing and gloomy finish to an outstanding record.

The King’s Eternal Throne is a masterclass of modern day Doom/Sludge Metal that allows GOBLINSMOKER to claim their place and cement their reputation as one of the most exciting bands the UK underground scene has to offer at the moment.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to APF Records for the promo.

The King’s Eternal Throne is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl from APF Records.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Exclusive Song/Video Premiere Of Doom/Sludge/Noise Rockers ELAN vs ELAN New Song MY ENGLISH TRUTH

APF Records is thrilled to welcome Elan to the family and announce their upcoming release, "Elan Vs Elan", a split album with a twist—two personalities, one band. 

What might seem like an unconventional concept is simply business as usual for Elan. "Elan Vs Elan" showcases the distinct creative duality of its founding members, Shane Miller (A Horse Called War, William English) and Joseph Woodbury (William English, Armed with Books). The album is divided into two halves, both recorded at Bombstore Studios, but at separate times—emphasizing the band’s fractured yet cohesive musical identity. This marks Elan’s second release, following their 2015 self-released demo. 

Hailing from Norwich, Elan is a two-piece sludge metal and noise-rock project built on raw energy, dark atmospheres, and a deep love of film and TV. With Shane handling vocals, guitar, and bass, and Joe on drums, they craft a sound as intense as their inspirations. The band's alter egos, Billie and Dianne, add another surreal layer—rabbit-masked figures born from the unsettling world of David Lynch. 

Originally formed in 2015, Elan was put on hold when Joe relocated to the US. With his return in 2019, the project was reborn, culminating in the recording of eight new tracks in 2023. Each song on "Elan Vs Elan" draws inspiration from cult cinema and television, weaving together the band’s love for savagely experimental soundscapes and visual storytelling. 

APF is honoured to support this unique and uncompromising release. Prepare for something truly off-kilter, heavy, and unpredictable. Welcome to the world of Elan.

We/re beyond excited and honoured to premiere the new video/single for MY ENGLISH TONGUE from the forthcoming debut album ELAN vs ELAN due out April 25th 2025 on CD/Cassette/DD via APF Records

Thanks to APF Records for all of the details.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Praetorian - Pylon Cult (Album Review)

Release Date: January 31st 2025. Record Label: APF Records. Formats: Cassette/CD/DD

Pylon Cult - Track Listing:

1.Fear and Loathing in Stevenage 04:49 

2.Chain of Dead Command 06:37

3.Gutwrenching 05:00

4.Tombs of the Blind Dregs 07:30

5.Dormant Psychosis 01:10

6.Remnants of Head 08:44

7.Pylon Cult 04:13

8.Burly Haemorrhoid 07:20

Members

Tom Clements - Vocals

Mark Wilkie - Guitar

Richard Stevenson - Bass

Andrew Bisgrove - Drums

Review

Doom/Thrash/Blackened Sludge Metallers Praetorian finally release their debut full length Pylon Cult into the world and the end result is a harsh, vindictive and punishing encounter of violent fast-paced and pissed off grooves. The record is highly unapologetic with its blend of Thrash, Death, Grind and Crust Metal assault that pushes this record firmly into the Extreme Metal vortex. There are a wide amount of musical tempo changes which keep with the bleak and violent aesthetic that Praetorian brings to the table.

With added moments of menacing Psychedelic textures hidden in the background with Tom Clements downright nasty vocals offering a Grindcore/Doom Metal delivery with guttural screams that could cause nightmares for the uninitiated. Though Tom does offer some cool clean sounding Post-Doom vocals on the more ethereal parts of the record.

The opening tracks of Fear And Loathing In Stevenage, Chain Of Dead Command and Gutwrenching portray a band with nothing to lose and everything to gain with the sheer amount of different extreme styles they have at their disposal. I even enjoyed the dynamic and dramatic shift to softer Post-Doom or Psychedelic pastures before the band returned to the dark vortex of Extreme Metal.

Though that’s only a small glimpse into Praetorian’s creative world as they’re quite adept at conjuring deeply melodic and progressive sounds on different parts of the album. There is deep rich style of storytelling within Pylon Cult despite the gloomy subject matter and disgusting sounds that the band submit the listener to.

Standout tracks include: Fear And Loathing In Stevenage, Gutwrenching, Tombs Of The Blind Dregs, Remnants Of Head and Burly Haemorrhoid with Praetorian coming across like a heavier version of Mastodon and Neurosis at times though with a faster style of carnage being delivered.

Aiding the band on this perilous mission is ace UK record producer and engineer Wayne Adams who once again applies his expert musical knowledge to make whoever he works with sound like a million dollars and that is the case for Praetorian for this record. This is an outstanding and groundbreaking slice of Extreme Brutality from the UK underground scene with Praetorian firing on all cylinders and hopefully building an exciting future for themselves. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to PR Trail for the promo,

Pylon Cult is available to buy now on Cassette/CD/DD via APF Records.

Links

LinkTree | BandCamp