2021 has been on onslaught of EPs, with most dropping as surprise releases or with little run up, keeping track has at times been a challenge. Now that the dust has settled and there’s no more surprises left, we can take a look back at some of the best EPs 2021 offered up.
25. Onslow – Onslow
Frontman Sean Harmanis and guitarist Scott Kay combine in this musical endeavour to create a cathartic journey on their debut EP, with a wide range of genres at hand from shoegaze, emo, and grunge. Tracks such as “Gauze” fully embrace their shoegaze influence mixed with pop rock vocals. Then there is the confessional “Freddie Mercury” which presents the EPs high point, the introspective intensity of the track drives at the emotions to close off the EP. Onslow is yet another exciting project from the the shores of Australia. [Full Review]
24. ExitWounds – Heaven is Empty (Hell is in My Mind)
Groups such as ExitWounds ensure the future of nu-metalcore is in safe hands. Visceral scorchers such as “Heaven is Empty” and “Gravrobber” provide an aggression and angst that few recent nu-metalcore releases manage to live up to. With each single and EP it’s becoming evident this unit are becoming better and better, it’s only a matter of time before a full length release shows what they are fully capable of.
23. 8485 – plague town
Churning out projects of different sounds and experimentation, 8485 quietly released plague town earlier this year. The magical and beautifully put together synths and instrumentation blend with a porcelain-like vocal performance to make for a charming listen. High points “hangar” and “southview” make for perfect night listening with their melancholic tones. With new material releasing already, 8485 will undoubtly continue to grow next year.
22. Cathedral Bells – Ether
One of the more difficult releases to categories on this list, Cathedral Bells take influence from dream pop, alt rock, and coldwave to create a sonically alluring listen. The eerie atmosphere to Ether pulls in listeners to its dark and psychic sound, with the mix sitting perfectly on the ear. The dream-like qualities make for a listen that makes it difficult not to drift off into the imagination.
21. Maggie Lindemann – PARANOIA
The Dallas based solo artist has had much hype behind her since breakout single “Pretty Girl“, the alternative pop debut EP more than lives up to it. Switching between the amplified bass of “GASLIGHT!” and moving melancholy of “Different“, Lindemann has shown the aesthetic at hand can be backed up on the musical front. It will be difficult not to be aware of this rising star in the coming years.
20. Kero Kero Bonito – Civilisation II
Offering up an eclectic and different sound since their debut Intro Bonito, Kero Kero Bonito have continued to explore and expand their offering throughout the Civilisation series. The EP is culminated with one of their boldest and longest tracks in “Well Rested“. Mixing in familiar electronic sounds with those of bygone trance sounds and ambiance, it makes for a complete cocktail of sound that makes for a pleasant listening experience. Whatever comes next for this trio will be a completely unique experience.
19. The Last Martyr – Purgatory
Diving into 2021 late on this December, The Last Martyr have ensured they are ones with to keep an eye on with their debut EP Purgatory. There’s plenty to enjoy across the five tracks with each of them offering up something fresh and exciting. Whether it’s the breakdowns of “Hindsight” or trap verses of “Afterglow“, The Last Martyr have shown they can mix it up and deliver to whatever sound they put their hand to. [Full Review]
18. Cane Hill – Krewe D’Amour, Vol 2.
Yes, as it stands Krewe D’Amour, Vol 2. is a brief two tracks. However it’s unquestionable that both “Blood & Honey” and “Bleed When You Ask Me” are two of the best tracks released this year. The former having incredible memorable lyricism and an ethereal atmosphere. “Bleed When You Ask Me” ramps things up with a rapid tempo and a hypnotizing groove that completes the two track EP. Blood and honey blackened by the sun, you were the only one.
17. Memorist – ONI//KIJO
There is a variation to ONI//KIJO that gives the EP its noteworthy charm. Whether it’s the catchy beat on “Slither” or the melodic vocal hooks on “The Empiric“, there’s something about the five tracks that make cause for return. There is an argument to be made that is one EP this year that will undeservedly go under the radar. With any justice, listeners will endeavour to give Memorist’s latest release a chance.
16. Hurtwave – Night Therapy I
After teasing synthpop and wave elements in Dayseeker’s 2019 record, Sleeptalk, Rory Rodriguez fully embraced this sound with Hurtwave’s debut release Night Therapy I. Entrancing vocal performances from Rory himself and features Landon Tewers and Seneca, combined with pitch perfect synths make for a captivating listen. With a new Dayseeker full length and Night Therapy I follow up on the horizon, next year could be a busy year for Rodriguez.
15. Like Moths To Flames – Pure Like Porcelain
Like Moths To Flame pushed their boundaries further with Pure Like Porcelain. Showing off a brave vulnerability on moments such as “Views From Halfway Down” and “Do Not Resuscitate“, they make their mark with fierce lyricism and crushing riffs. If the last two releases are anything to go by, then Like Moths To Flames will be making their way up the metalcore food chain over the coming years. [Full Review]
14. Left to Suffer – ON DEATH
On Death gave 2021 anger in a bottle and it’s unlikely 2022 will present a challenge to this rage fuelled record. Featuring an array of vocalists from Alpha Wolf’s Lochie Keogh or Darko’s Tom Barber, the is arguably one of the most brutal releases of 2021 which will cause carnage at venues across the world. With new material coming out since, one can only hope 2022 sees a full release from one of the hottest new acts going.
13. Cherry – Safe In Your Stare
Australian supergroup Cherry swapped out their traditional metalcore breakdowns seen in groups such as Thornhill and Void of Vision for indie-pop ballads. Soothing tracks such as “Call Me By My Name” and “Alice” were an irresistible listen and their charming vocal hooks strummed the heart strings of listeners. Hopefully there will be more to come from this project in the future.
12. 156/Silence – Dont Hold Your Breath
The brief but exhilarating journey through 156/Silence’s latest release is certainly a memorable one. With each moment building to the epic finale “Coup de grâce“. 156’s entire performance is elevated on their latest release, whether its Jack Murray’s uncleans or Jimmy Howell’s ravage riffs. With this EP, it’s clear this band is only going in a positive and exciting direction. [Full Review]
11. Invent Animate – The Sun Sleeps, As If It Never Was
The beautifully harrowing EP The Sun Sleeps, As If It Never Was explores experiences of drummer Trey Celaya and his family in navigating drug addiction. Showing off his finest vocal performances since joining the band across the two full tracks, Marcus Vik has shown the potential to become one of the scene’s leading vocalists. Along with the release, Invent Animate crafted one of the most gorgeous music videos this year, which across an expansive 10 minutes showed off fitting cinematography for these two stunning tracks. [Full Review]
10. Void of Vision – CHRONICLES I: LUST
With debut full length, Hyperdaze, Aussie group Void of Vision put the scene on notice with their nu-metalcore brutality. Taking the “nu” part up a notch with their latest chronical EP, the tinnitus inducing blast beat and savage breakdowns inject nothing but excitement for the future of this group. With a handful of other Australian groups set of releases next year, 2022 could be the year of the Aussies. [Full Review]
9. Desolate – The fate of destruction is the joy of rebirth
Despite a drawn out release schedule, Desolate‘s sophomore EP is a captivating and unique listen. Drawing on themes from pop culture and fellow musicians, there is plenty to explore and embrace in The fate of destruction is the joy of rebirth. The flurry of emotions and aggression in “Destruction” are contrasted with moments of serenity in ambient tracks “Instrumentality“. The EP is then topped of off with the crescendo “Rebirth” which offers up deep introspection that closes off this enthralling listen.
8. ten56. – Downer: Part 1
The pummelling sounds of ten56.’s debut record Downer: Part 1 make for a stank-face inducing listen. The supergroup fronted by Aaron Matts’ throw listeners into the fierce world that the EP presents, with each breakdown and verse giving an aural assault on the ears. The chaotic frenzy here might not be for everyone but for those who can handle the intensity it’s an elevated experience. [Full Review]
7. Lorna Shore – .. And I Return To Nothingness
Following a tumultuous year for the band, Lorna Shore return in stride with an EP that houses the most developed and unique music the band have penned to date. Featuring even further elevated symphonics and cinematics, the New Jersey deathcore outfit are clearly not intent on letting their already-stellar sound become stagnant, continually pushing the envelope for their style. Newcomer frontman Will Ramos stands as a highlight here too, proving to be one of the most insanely talented vocalists in metal right now. [Full Review]
6. Structures – None of the Above
Making their return seven years on from their previous full release, it would seem Structures have not lost a step. A cut through narrative combined with some top tier songwriting and instrumentation, Structures reminded us all that they were not to be forgotten about after all these years. Tracks such as “6” and “Fortune Fades” will not be done justice until they are played on countless dates across the US and other countries. [Full Review]
5. nightlife – new low
Maryland ‘Soulpunk’ outfit nightlife come out of the gate swinging, with one of the most electrifying debut releases of the year. Combining elements of Contemporary R&B, Soul, Funk, Post-Hardcore and Djent; in just two tracks and a cover, nightlife cement themselves as one of the most exciting bands in alternative music right now.
4. Mourn – The Next Life
Emerging from the ashes of bygone projects such as Continents and Casey, Mourn put their talents to work on the four track EP, The Next Life. Bursting out of the gates with “Hell To Pay“, the group perked up ears worldwide with their debut single. What followed did not falter and combing furious blast beats with moments of sombre melancholy, crafting together an outstanding EP and marking themselves as one to watch in the UK scene. [Full Review]
3. Static Dress – Prologue…
Initially released at Slam Dunk and Static Dress’ panic room V.3. tour via CDs sold as merch, Prologue… was never due to see the light of day on wider streaming platforms. Eventually frontman Olli Appleyard made the decision to fully release the EP after the response of the secretive release. The short but sweet story told in Prologue… shows off why Static Dress are destined to be the nest big thing in the UK scene. Tracks such as “disposable care“, “sober exit(s)” and “vague” are sublime pieces of musicianship which will have fans itching for whatever this unstoppable unit have planned next.
2. Knocked Loose – A Tear in the Fabric of Life
Metalcore darlings Knocked Loose return with their most harrowing, creative and outright brutal release yet in A Tear in the Fabric of Life. A surprise release, the Oldham County metalcore act prove they know how to keep fans on their toes – both in the comfort of their own homes, and in the pits at their world-class shows. Tracks like “God Knows” (featuring a tasteful Beach Boys sample) and “Forced To Stay” demonstrate why Knocked Loose sit comfortably at the top of the food chain in their genre. Good, ole’ fashioned metalcore doesn’t get any better than this.
1. The Devil Wears Prada – ZII
The sequel to one of the last decade’s greatest EPs, Zombie, brought the sort of excitement and anticipation that would be expected. With ZII, The Devil Wears Prada demonstrate why they have continued to be one of the genres defining mainstays, as they enter their third decade as a group. Presenting some of their heaviest and most developed material yet, the aforementioned anticipation was more than met. The ferocity of tracks like “Forlorn” and melodic moments in “Contagion” show off the true strength in each and every aspect of TDWP’s songwriting. [Full Review]