Welcome back, music enthusiasts! I'm thrilled to dive into another round-up of extraordinary EPs, singles, and splits that have graced our ears in 2025. These shorter musical offerings often fly under the radar, but they pack a punch and deserve their moment in the spotlight. So, let's explore some hidden gems and uncover the unique charms of these concise yet captivating releases.
Panopticon: A Masterful Capsule of Emotion
Panopticon's 'The Poppies Bloom For No King' EP is an intense and beautiful journey. With its epic length songs, this release captures the essence of Panopticon's unique sound. The title track is a masterpiece, blending waltzing strings with crashing percussion and heartfelt cries. What makes this EP stand out is its ability to evoke such powerful emotions. The inclusion of a speech by a Persian-American friend adds a layer of depth and cultural significance. It's a protest on behalf of the oppressed, a call to compassion, and a reminder of the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants. Austin Lunn's dedication to donating profits for legal defense is a testament to the band's commitment to their art and their cause.
Sindre Nedland's Emotional Legacy
'Embers' by Sindre Nedland is a bittersweet release, given the artist's passing. This solo EP showcases Nedland's exceptional vocal range and authentic emotion. His rich timbre creates a harmonious sound, almost as if he's singing with himself. The use of piano adds a layer of feeling that words cannot convey. 'Embers' is a fitting tribute to Nedland's talent and a noble cause, with all proceeds going to his children. It's a reminder of the impact an artist can have, even in their final months.
Unto Others: Halloween All Year Round
Unto Others' 'I Believe in Halloween II' EP is a fun and campy take on gothic hard rock. With tracks like 'Robots', 'They Came from Space', and 'What I Did...', the band captures the essence of classic horror topics. The EP is a perfect blend of humor and catchiness, with earwormy vocals and a unique twist on crossover thrash. The inclusion of covers from Misfits and Ramones adds to the Halloween vibe. This release proves that Halloween is a state of mind, and Unto Others knows how to keep the fun going all year round.
Behölder: Epic Doom with a Conan Twist
Behölder's 'Tower of the Broken God' single is a true epic. From the opening drums to the wall of backing vocals, this release is massive. The band takes inspiration from Robert Howard's classic Conan tale, 'The Tower of the Elephant', creating a perfect musical adaptation. Behölder's dynamic musical turns match the narrative twists, resulting in a captivating listen. The single is paired with a solid cover of Savatage's 'The Dungeons Are Calling', making it a must-hear for fans of epic doom.
Pythia: Power Metal with a Semi-Serious Twist
Pythia's 'V, Pt. 1: Unhallowed' is a solid introduction to the band's well-executed power metal style. While they don't lean into the campy or cheerful varieties, Pythia offers a semi-serious and semi-dark take on power metal. The EP features galloping riffs, mid-tempo beats, and a fantastical feel. Sophie Dorman's vocals add a perfect melody to the mix. 'V, Pt. 1: Unhallowed' is a narrative-driven record with occasional power metal flourishes, making it an enjoyable surprise with each listen.
Old Nick: Whimsical Black/Synthy Metal
Old Nick's 'The "Where Poison Apples Grow" EP' is a whimsical journey into dark fairy tales. The band's signature raw black/synthy metal style is on full display, with energetic songs and infectious synth beats. The guitars may sound muffled, but the drums and synths punch through, creating a unique and fun sound. Tracks like 'Where Poison Apples Grow' and 'Tears of a Crying Wolf' showcase the band's ability to blend synth-forward approaches with catchy riffs. Old Nick's eclectic set of tunes is a showcase of their creativity and fun-loving spirit.
Olde Bard: Raw Black 'n Roll with a Swampy Twist
Olde Bard's 'Sons of the Swamp' takes a different approach, opting for straight-up, riff-heavy black 'n roll. The EP opens with a frenzied riff salad, reminiscent of Fell Omen. However, Olde Bard adds plenty of atmosphere, capturing a stoner and grunge vibe. The bass takes center stage at times, providing a groovy experience. The vocals, with their lo-fi and echoing quality, add to the raw and tunnel-like sound. Despite the incongruous mix of styles, Olde Bard pulls it off with confidence and kinetic energy. 'Sons of the Swamp' is a unique and shocking listen, a true swampy adventure.
Sallow Moth: Eccentric and Essential
Sallow Moth, with their dual EP drop, 'Blue Permutations' and 'Deformity in Ceremony', continues to push boundaries. These releases are described as side quests, but they wander into new sonic territories while maintaining the band's idiosyncratic edge. 'Deformity in Ceremony' explores brutality and welds it with folksy darkwave, creating a unique blend. 'Blue Permutations' takes on a different approach, marrying the complexity of Akercocke with the dynamism of Edge of Sanity, and adding a touch of jazzy electronica. Sallow Moth's ability to stitch seemingly unconnected puzzle pieces into a coherent whole is a testament to their artistic vision.
Crypt Sermon: Keeping the Momentum
Crypt Sermon's 'Saturnian Appendices' is a collection of four new songs that were cruelly snubbed during the sessions of their previous album. Despite being B-sides, these tracks showcase the band's strength. 'Only Ash and Dust' proves the existence of 'fast doom' and is a dramatic and heavy tune. The layering and ambition on display are impressive. Even their cover of a Mayhem song is an improvement! Crypt Sermon's gargantuan riffs and vocals are a force to be reckoned with, and this EP is a teaser for what's to come.
In conclusion, these EPs, singles, and splits offer a unique perspective on the music industry. They showcase the creativity and dedication of artists, often in concise and captivating ways. From Panopticon's emotional intensity to Sallow Moth's eccentric derring-do, these releases are a testament to the power of shorter musical formats. So, let's embrace the accessibility and brilliance of EPs and continue to support these talented artists.
