“Coward, you’re a coward, tried and true.”
Over the years there has been fervour towards the Australian scene, even to the point that the rather menial term “Aussiecore” has been coined. Since then, many of the bands who rode that wave have seen themselves become strewn and stale in their recent material, leaving a space for something inspired to come to the forefront. In the new decade, Terminal Sleep have become one of these bands, sitting alongside the likes of Vengeance, Volatile Ways and Honest Crooks in their unbridled energy and fury that is captivating and brimming with quality.
Terminal Sleep‘s latest EP, Chapter 2: Elicit Fear, comes swiftly after their debut EP, with Chaper 1: No Solace releasing in November of last year. Debut single and title track “Elicit Fear” showed that the quartet were simply going to turn everything up a notch, from the fearsome vocals and slamming riffs. It’s a track of sheer violence that does not let up, and for the better; with double kicks, riffs and callouts such as the staple “Terminal Sleep you dogs” in place to hook onto.
Fellow single “Tried and True” saw its debut at recent live shows and opens up the EP. The main groove on the chorus sees the guitars and drums hit some catchy rudiments, one of the many highlights across the track. There’s plenty more highlights, whether it’s brief two-step beat, the thick breakdown or sludgey closer. This leads into “Red Sun“, a near-three minute experience that is full of force. Unbelievably pissed off, Thorwesten‘s barking vocals here and across the other three tracks are some of the best this year with their sheer impact.
Seeing the EP out is “Disintegration“, which doesn’t take it foot off the pedal with each and every aforementioned element coming to the fore. What Terminal Sleep offer a parting gift is the heaviest breakdown of 2023 so far; the unrelenting and pounding double blended with pacey riffs, it’s a fist throwing, spin-kicker of a closer.
With a second EP of unquestionable quality under their belts, it’s difficult to see past Terminal Sleep being one of the most exciting prospects going, not only in their country but the wider genre. Each track is drenched with purpose that comes through in each chord and vocal delivery. A changing of the guard is due, and Terminal Sleep should be front-and-centre of that after dropping what will be one of the top EPs of this year.
9/10
Chapter 2: Elicit Fear releases May 23rd via self-release, and can be pre-ordered here.