EP Review: Betrayers – Falling Through the Hourglass (Self Released)

Hailing from the Southwest of the UK, Betrayers are a hostile and aggressive band, and their new EP is the summation of those feelings, and so much more. It is ‘Falling Through the Hourglass’, and it is out now.

The band themselves describe this EP as the encapsulation who they were, how they got to this stage, and who they are now. A six-track EP that shows off the very best of their aggressive, horrid, and intense noise that can be best summed up as ugly, but seriously addictive.

I don’t know what it is about music like this, where a lethargic tempo and instruments that are fuzzed up to the point of irritation, just hits so right. Especially when it comes with vocal growls and roars that could be the sound of a demon, or the sound of a clogged-up drain. This is Fucking Hollow, and it’s a bloody beast of an opening track. Chances are, if you don’t care for this one, you’re not going to get along with the rest either.

Which is a shame, as then you’d be missing out on something stupidly feral like Cuntitative Easing. It’s absolute nonsense, and I’m all in on it. I’m also all in on the brutalising heaviness of The Sound of Jon Pissing, which has a much thicker sound, and feels more in line with the hardcore side of the metal scene.

Missing that sludgy and doomy sound that came at the start? It’s back with mighty aplomb on Heart of the Tinman. It’s no surprise that in Betrayers’ history, this track was written around the same time as Fucking Hollow.

Angela Lansbury Vs Nicholas Cage (Extra Angela)? What does Extra Angela mean? It’s because this track was on Betrayers first EP, and they re-recorded it to showcase their development and to showcase Mark Liley from Svalbard, who is on drums throughout the EP. I didn’t know the original when I first heard this, and having heard them both now, I can vibe more with this re-recording. Not only is it better produced, but it’s even more ferocious and, unsurprisingly, the drumming is beastly.

How much fun has this EP been? Alright, it’s not for everyone, I know, but I love it. Hence my disappointment in seeing it end with False Horizon. Thankfully, it’s another killer slice of brash brutality that delivers even more ugly intensity. Take a bow, Betrayers! Few releases this savage, are as addictive as this one is.

Betrayers – Falling Through the Hourglass Track Listing:

1. Fucking Hollow
2. Cuntitative Easing
3. The Sound of Jon Pissing
4. Heart of the Tinman
5. Angela Lansbury Vs Nicholas Cage (Extra Angela)
6. False Horizon

Links

LinkTree | Bandcamp | Facebook