There is a chance that we will reach new heights – or in some ways more like new lows – when it comes to discussing the end-of-year list delays. We’ve given up on our 2022 compilations, but no one can escape our 2023 toplists! To start the series, I’ve brought you five EPs that I’d confidently recommend for brighter and darker days too.
When it comes to releases, I’m more interested in albums, but listening to an EP can be a great experience as well, not to mention that the latter are more consumable because of their length and easier to form an overall opinion about their quality. EPs are easier to fit into busy weekdays, yet in recent years I’ve somehow always ended the year by saying “well, I’ve managed to avoid EPs this year once again”. Last year was no exception, which means that you won’t read about five EPs from a huge selection, but rather about discs that I would be happy to recommend to anyone, regardless of the other releases in the 2023 line-up. Let’s see which EPs I’m talking about!
5. Divent. – Minden, ami most kell
Band: Divent. (HU)
EP: Minden, ami most kell (3+1 tracks, ~19 minutes)
Genre(s): Progressive metal, metalcore
Release date (YYYY/MM/DD): 2023/11/24
Label: –
If there’s a predictable choice, then in my case it’s Divent. and their debut EP. “Minden, ami most kell” (or “Everything You Need Now” in English) is a pretty solid opening for a young band in the making, both domestically and, in my opinion, internationally. It is noticeable at certain points that the band is still at the very beginning of their journey and there is still room for improvement, but there are a lot of positives to go with it. Creative and ambitious guitar themes, quality female dirty vocals with screams that many would admire and an overall album concept with the right length and without taking unnecessary risks. I won’t go into further detail about the reasons of my choice, because I think the answer is given.
4. Moodring – YOUR LIGHT FADES AWAY
Band: Moodring (US)
EP: YOUR LIGHT FADES AWAY (3 tracks, ~11 minutes)
Genre(s): Alternative metal, nu metal
Release date: 2023/07/14
Label: UNFD
In 2022, there were several albums that made me regret that we missed out on writing our best of 2022 lists. One of these LPs is Moodring‘s “Stargazer“. On the one hand, it is a very bizarre release, due to its mix of shoegaze and alternative metal, and on the other hand, it is a difficult album to place in terms of its overall impression, which takes us back to the ’80s and ’90s. In 2023, instead of the nostalgia train, they came up with a completely different EP, with nu metal in the foreground and shoegaze in the shadows. “YOUR LIGHT FADES AWAY” is no less a unique experience compared to its predecessor. I have a feeling that with the inclusion of nu metal and with the heavier stuff, more people were interested in it than in Stargazer, which was undoubtedly a more relaxing release that immersed itself in the atmosphere created.
3. PETOFI – Levelek a föld alól
Band: PETOFI (HU)
EP: Levelek a föld alól (4 tracks, ~17,5 minutes)
Genre(s): Melodic hardcore, post-hardcore
Release date: 2023/04/19
Label: –
To be honest, getting to know PETOFI’s music was something that took a while in my case until the year 2023. Apart from a small period of my life, foreign bands and musicians have been my priority for most of the time, and only a few bands (e.g. AWS) or artists have kept my interest longer when it came to the local scene. My listening habits were significantly reshaped by Wayo. Partly because it demanded more of my attention when something new came out, and partly because we had more direct contact with Hungarian formations through requests. As part of this process, I discovered PETOFI’s new EP, and I didn’t know what to expect. It’s no secret that melodic hardcore and post-hardcore are close to my heart, so you could say that this relationship was well founded. When I got the chance to write an “On The Horizon” about the guys, focusing on their new release, I was pleasantly surprised. I can honestly say that listening to Levelek a föld alól (“Leaves from the ground” in English) immediately made me want to know more about PETOFI’s music. This EP is a lovely record from the previous year, with both Réveteg and Komorebi being regulars in my current selection of songs to listen to. Shortly after the review, I had the chance to see and hear the band in person at Dürer Kert – for which I thank them again – and I was also able to see that what the band has envisioned for the EP works so well on stage.
2. Karmanjakah – Ancient Skills
Band: Karmanjakah (SE)
EP: Ancient Skills (4 tracks, ~21 minutes)
Genre(s): Progressive metal, progressive rock
Release date: 2023/05/12
Label: –
I cheated a little bit with this one, as unlike the other EPs, Karmanjakah‘s latest release only knocked on my door in 2024, just to storm into my room with a battering ram after a gentle introduction. It could easily be the case that if I hadn’t been introduced to Karmanjakah and “Ancient Skills” this year, I’d be explaining why it was my EP of the year, but it ended up coming in second place. One thing’s for sure, you could make memes about how I discover a random Scandinavian (in most cases Swedish) band that sweeps me off my feet and becomes my absolute favourite. Progressive metal and progressive metalcore have become very close to me in the last year or two, so I was very happy when the newest Swedish band of my life represented exactly this direction. Karmanjakah’s second EP, the abovementioned Ancient Skills, is a four-track EP that creates a huge vibe with its offbeat approaches. I refer here not to the outstandingly pleasant vocals, the classy piano or the tasty riffs, but to the moment when saz (also known as baglama) comes out of nowhere and pushes you into a whole new spiritual dimension. The EP is an epic journey of meditative music combined with the atmospheric and nostalgic visuals of the music videos. Without question one of the best productions of last year!
1. Spiritbox – The Fear of Fear
Band: Spiritbox (CA)
EP: The Fear of Fear (6 tracks, 25 minutes)
Genre(s): Metalcore
Release date: 2023/11/03
Label: Rise Records
My EP of the year is Spiritbox‘s latest release, The Fear of Fear! I don’t think this is the moment when people’s jaws drop. In the case of both Spiritbox and The Fear of Fear, we could have a long discussion about whether the hype is justified or just too much. The Canadian metalcore outfit had me hooked with Eternal Blue and I consumed their heavier and lighter stuff with equal pleasure. The EP doesn’t follow the example of the previous EP, Rotoscope, it follows much more the recipe of Eternal Blue, but perhaps that’s why there was no question whether I would fall for what this release represents. Sometimes we hear melodic guitar themes (Jaded), sometimes cheeky low tuned guitars (Cellar Door), in some moments Courtney LaPlante‘s unforgettable screams lead the way, while in others the Spiritbox singer mesmerizes us with pure vocals (Too Close/Too Late). There’s a lot to say about the songs on their own, but a better way to judge the EP is to prepare yourself for a 25-minute emotional and musical rollercoaster ride. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, you can do it below:
by: Wolfy
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