Brendan’s Top Ten EPs of 2018
2018 has been another supreme year for the rock and metal world. So many amazing albums came out from old and new band’s alike. Away from albums though, there have also been a really strong collection of EPs out that deserve a mention. Thus this article. My Top Ten EPs of 2018.
You can also read my Top 50 albums of 2018 – Part 1 here, Part 2 here, Part 3 here, Part 4 here and Part 5 here.
Number 10: Cast the Stone– Empyrean Atrophy (Agonia Records)
Intensely heavy, very traditional but with a few more progressive elements scattered throughout the songs to show they have variety and creativity aplenty. A cracking release and let’s hope they don’t leave it another 13 years before we get another one.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 9: Democratus – Staring Again (Self Released)
Starting Again has a lot to offer fans of metal. Some great riffs, strong vocals and expert drumming with a nice, unpolished feel to it all. Music to mosh to. Music to bang your head to. Coupled with some relevant and important lyrical content. It is a very strong debut. Expect to hear a lot more about Democratus in the future.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 8: Departures– Death Will Tremble (Self Released)
While sold as an EP, Death Will Tremble is actually a single 15 minute long song. It is truly heart wrenching and touching, but that isn’t the only reason why it is very good. It is musically clever and pulls on your emotions. Lyrically it is very personal and will be something many people can relate to. Certain to leave even the most cheerful of people feeling a little sad and introspective, Departures is not for the faint hearted.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 7: Seven Hells– Prologue (Self Released)
Calling forth the gods of groove and hardcore, Seven Hells bring an impressive amount of high-velocity rhythm with Prologue. Metal to open the pits, to get the head-banging and the body shaking. Watch Seven Hells very closely, they are something very special.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 6: Vulgore – Bliss (Self Released)
Delivering crushing heaviness alongside moments of vocal clarity and kicking some serious ass. I love this EP. It’s always a pleasure to see, not just bands, but good bands, emerging from the UK and Vulgore are a thrilling addition. This EP is a hell of a debut.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 5: Godthrymm– A Grand Reclamation (Transcending Records)
Godthrymm have an interesting ability to deliver memorable doom. One that sits happily at home alongside the genre family but still holds an outsider moniker. The epic delivery, the more classic metal moments and the blood-pumping vocals makes this an EP to remember.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 4: Dark Buddha Rising – II (Neurot Recordings)
It is impossible not to be fascinated and excited by what is on show. It is quite unique and really intriguing. Over the two tracks you really get a sense of what Dark Buddha Rising are about. It is heavy, it is huge and it worms its way inside your brain to an almost unbearably suffocating level before slowly releasing its grip. Clever stuff.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 3: Rotting Kingdom – Rotting Kingdom (Godz Ov War Productions)
A blend of melodic doom and death metal, the three tracks that make up this EP are a bleak but addictive listen. The strength in this EP comes from the guitars but alongside the deep bass & bludgeoning vocals, perfection is nearly achieved.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 2: True Believer– My Satan (Hexed Recordings)
As far as debut releases go, My Satan sets a really high standard. It places a nice and high bar that the band will now have to endeavour to reach. I have no doubt that they will manage that though. There is an abundance of talent in the band and they have that sound and energy you just feel could take off. Expect to hear a lot more from these guys.
Read our full review of the EP here.
Number 1: Dream Troll – The Witch’s Curse (Self Released)
Epic, in song length, but also epic in song quality. Listening to Dream Troll just brings a big beaming smile to my face. I love their music. They are supremely talented musicians but also extremely clever in regards to the song structures and lyrical content. Each one taking you on a fantastical journey through a mythical world. Heroic stories, head banging riffs, powerful drums and brilliant singing – this is heavy metal.
Read our full review of the EP here.
