Album Review: Nxmad – The Second Fall (APF Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

‘The Second Fall’ is the second album from UK sludge/hardcore band Nxmad. Released by APF Records on July 3rd, 2026.

 

 

Hell yeah! How good is this record!? It almost passed me by too, so I’m really glad I was able to check it out. Especially as it’s quite an evolution for the band, moving away from the stoner metal sound to deliver something that sits in the sludge and hardcore camps, albeit a little awkwardly as there are thrashy and metal elements mixed in too. No complaints though, as this kind of genre bending suits Nxmad and the end result speaks for itself.

There are a ton reasons to bang your head and stomp your feet here, and across seven mighty tracks, Nxmad make sure the listener is left feeling the ache. Beginning the album in explosive fashion (you’ll get some thrash influences here) via Mens Rea, before delivering chuggy riffs and beatdown groove with Amber, then unleashing a harsh assault of raw heaviness via the excellent Domicide. A personal favourite.

Banger after banger, and there’s still more to come, as this collision of styles is unendingly appealing. Rawer and more abrasive, Vertigo takes us past the halfway point, right into the cacophony of riffs and sludge-infused heaviness that Bridge Burner offers. Before Transmissions reminds us just how much two-step hardcore potency Nxmad has too. Another personal favourite.

How about Actus Reus though!? I don’t know what I expected as a finale, but it wasn’t this, but that’s not a complaint. As not only does it feature the vocal talents of Taz Corona-Brown (Coma Smile and Undersmile), but it sees Nxmad experimenting with a wider array of genres. Displaying an ear for atmosphere with haunting gaze like elements, before unleashing a cacophony of wild and heavy chaos in an instant. It’s the most layered track on the album, and one hell of a finale.

Check the album out, you won’t regret it.

Nxmad – The Second Fall Track Listing:

1. Mens Rea
2. Amber
3. Domicide
4. Vertigo
5. Bridge Burner
6. Transmissions
7. Actus Reus




LinkTree | APF Records

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Nxmad – The Second Fall (APF Records)
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