December is a month that is packed by end of year lists, wrapped postings and festive period joys. It’s a small disruptor in listening habits, with it arguably being the month that Releases You May Have Missed is most relevant. In the chaotic month that is December, here are some of our are favourite LPs and EPs from the month.
moreru – 闇の軽音楽で包丁を弾く (Musicmine Inc)
moreru delivers a hellish and bloodthirsty infusion of screamo and 90s raw punk, which, from its opening moment, seeks to wreak jarring havoc. Its cassette-style production amplifies the chaos and echoes the work of Carcass Grinder. With doomsday lyricism, and commentary on the technological-authoritarian society we are locked in—and the subversive political actors that emerge—闇の軽音楽で包丁を弾く stands as December’s most cutting release, in more ways than one.
FFO: TWINK OBLITERATOR, I’m letting unseen forces take the wheel & Carcass Grinder
Rion – Under a Crimson Moon (Blackheaven Records)
Another equally evil Christmas Day gift comes in the form of Rion’s Under a Crimson Moon. This four-track record blends gnarly influences from melodeath, black metal, and a hint of late 90s metalcore. It sits in a similar but darker and deathlier vein to Vatican’s earlier material, such as Ache of Eternity. As the New Year haze wears off and listening habits return to normal, Rion is poised to garner more attention.
FFO: Arkangel, At The Gates & Moondark
Commoner – Winter Promo (NEW MORALITY ZINE)
The Winter Promo EP marks an exciting chapter for Tucson-based Commoner, showcasing their evolution with reimagined versions of fan favorites “Misery Mistaken” and “Whatever’s Left Is Yours”, alongside a remix of “Scar to Fade” by Photographic Memory. The tracks embrace a bold, evocative sound that fuses early 2000s alternative metal and emo with Commoner’s signature emotional depth. Themes of abandonment, neglect, and healing resonate through soaring guitars and dynamic rhythms, hinting at the band’s growth and setting the stage for their upcoming 2025 EP.
FFO: OVERSIZE, Post Heaven & ASkySoBlack
Delilah – bloodonyourhands (Independent)
bloodonyourhands is tailor-made for fans of the ongoing metalcore revival, where one quality release after another has dominated 2024. Delilah’s sharp and harrowing vocals draw from acts like I Killed The Prom Queen, with melodic influences reminiscent of Still Remains. Combined with breakdowns reminiscent of early Job For A Cowboy, this debut could easily land on year-end EP lists—if only we all (us included) didn’t wrap those up prematurely in December.
FFO: Killing Me Softly, Cauldron & Razel Got Her Wings
Baosbheinn – The Mountain Calls (Yuggoth Studios)
Baosbheinn—a name you write once and then let autocorrect handle—descend from Sheffield’s uplands with a mix of Pict-rock and druidic-sludge. While their riffs suggest sprawling 20-minute tracks, their songs are refreshingly short, leaning into groovy rhythms. The Mountain Calls captures their raspy, unpolished sound, evoking a modern band warped back to the ‘60s. Krist’s guttural vocals shine amid the rustic production, drawing listeners into their grim narratives. Selling out their first local show (in a chapel, no less) hints at their readiness to cast a larger shadow.
FFO: Eyehategod, Thou & Chat Pile
dream fatigue – the lady in the sky (Independent)
The nostalgic allure of 90s alternative rock-turned-metal has surged in recent years, with bands like Fleshwater, Superheaven, and Narrow Head gaining widespread attention. Enter dream fatigue, who balance grungy riffs with delicate, atmospheric vocals. While rooted in the same genre as their contemporaries, the lady in the sky reveals unexpected layers, proving dream fatigue’s potential to stand apart.
FFO: Mad Honey, Brutus & Bleed
Chorus of Demons – Dominion of Pure Suffering (Independent)
As 2024 drew to a close, Dominion of Pure Suffering by Chorus of Demons arrived as an unrelenting barnburner. This duo’s debut EP delivers crushing riffs that oscillate between deathcore brutality and metallic heaviness. Snarling, revival-style deathcore vocals make for a visceral and ferocious listen, ensuring the year ended with an explosive bang.
FFO: GRAY STATE, Domain & SLEDGE
Apathy UK – Phasing Through The Layers (Independent)
With its blend of heavy, noodly riffs and emotive, impactful vocals, Phasing Through The Layers firmly establishes Apathy UK as one of the UK metalcore scene’s most promising newcomers. Following performances across the country and an appearance at Bloodstock 2025, this release could mark the beginning of something much bigger for the quartet.
FFO: Swarmed, Stitched & Memorist
Rifle – Pack Mentality (YEAR0001)
Pack Mentality is a visceral, unrelenting EP packed with overloaded basslines, anarcho-punk-style vocals, and feedback-drenched guitars. Its punchy runtime—just shy of five minutes—captures Rifle’s raw, furious energy in a way that commands attention, proving their ability to distil chaos into their own unique form.
FFO: Born In Luton, The Armed & Glorious