“As I lay here with you may this moment always last.“
If you’re even remotely into hardcore or real metalcore in the UK, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of The Coming Strife. One of the UK (and arguably the world’s) premier spaces for DIY hardcore and metalcore, the Birmingham-based label has been ahead of the game for quite some time now. They have steadily been putting out releases and merch for bands that later go on to become scene staples. With the likes of Cauldron, Contention, and Long Goodbye having worked with them over the years, you already know to expect something special. Now, releasing their third compilation, Dusk’s Cold Embrace, The Coming Strife is once more looking to spotlight up-and-coming talents from across the globe.
Containing names from across the globe, there’s a mixture of representation here, showcasing metalcore from across the globe. Canada’s A Mourning Star sits back-to-back with the Spanish lads in Faced Out, and IMISSYOUALREADY from the UK. There’s a cultural and geological mix of styles and sounds here, which gives you a taste of what’s happening globally without needing to leave your room. We won’t be formally reviewing the compilation here, but we would like to offer our opinions as to what some of the standout tracks are on the release.
Up first, we have IMISSYOUALREADY, a new band who have been quickly making a name for themselves in the North-East of England. Yet another project containing Long Goodbye‘s Patrick Morton, you already know that there’s going to be a base level of quality going into things, then, when you hear them, your expectations are blown out of the water. One of our Ones To Watch picks for good reason, their throwback style of riff-forward metalcore is something which has seen less love in the ongoing resurgence. Even then, many who have attempted it have paled in comparison to those who came before. IMISSYOUALREADY changes this entirely, hitting the mark flawlessly and making it look effortless. Lose all prior expectations, this is a completely different beast, and one which we wholeheartedly believe will be playing line-ups across the country in no time at all.
We’d be remiss to not mention the new Crowquill track, “Deathbed” here as well. A relentless barrage of noise, Liam Turton‘s screams are nothing short of ferocious. Backed up by breakneck-pace guitars and thunderous drums, this track is absolute carnage. A divergence from their previous material, taking things in a much more “Converge-y” direction, which will undoubtedly surprise many. It’s this stylistic change, combined with that signature Crowquill quality, which makes this track stand out, and will undoubtedly turn crowds into warzones when performed live.
xSERAPHx’s “Alteration” is another shining example of the breadth of styles going on across the world right now. A much more DIY sounding track compared to most of the compilation, it still manages to shine through as a standout moment. The Twin Cities scene is something of a legend already, steadily pumping out underground heroes across the entirety of the alternative scene, and xSERAPHx state their case here as new entrants into the hall of fame. Having only recently made it into our Top 25 Singles of 2025 list, “Alteration” is the lads showing that they’re only just getting started. Straight edge metalcore done right, this band is going places, and you don’t want to miss out.
Finally, we have crossmyheart, whose bass drops and menacing riffs alone are enough to put a smile on your face. Flying the flag for Liverpool, crossmyheart blends riffy metalcore with elements of hardcore and deathcore to form something which can only be described as cinematic. This track takes you on a journey, fraught with surprises at every turn. It’s brutal, menacing, and at times outright evil. crossmyheart are already slowly becoming mainstays within the UK scene, and with the release of this compilation, we only expect this to accelerate as more and more people flock to shows to experience this live.
All of this and more, Dusk’s Final Embrace is a labour of love to the small bands who’re giving it their all right now. It’s a love letter to metalcore, both old and new. It’s a sampler and a time capsule at the same time, capturing elements of the past and showcasing the new blood’s take on it. The Coming Strife has an eye for this, and if you’ve not already been paying attention, then you absolutely should be. Let this compilation (and the label’s previous two) be a sign – modern metalcore and hardcore don’t need to be overproduced, soulless slop. There’s plenty out there if you look for it, and there are helping hands like The Coming Strife who will point you in the right direction if you need some help finding it.
You can see the full track list below, with preorders for physicals being available on the 28th of February via The Coming Strife‘s website.
- “To Understand Such Great Loss” – Rosemary
- “Moonlight Guides My Faith” – A Mourning Star
- “Grief Unbound” – Faced Out
- “Like Winter Thawing” – IMISSYOUALREADY
- “Deathbed” – Crowquill
- “Everything But The Rain…” – Until The Day I Die
- “A Time Of Arson” – Four Winds Away
- “Blood Of The Lamb (I Stayed)” – A November Morning
- “What Appears At Dawn” – Even If The Sky Is Falling Down
- “Alteration” – xSERAPHx
- “Il Était Une Forêt” – CrossMyHeart
- “Lacerations” – uponbrokenapologies
- “Signs Of Regression” – Pieces of Eden