EP Review: Davghter – Mask Casket (Self Released)

Davghter, the trans black metal band from London, will release their new EP ‘Mask Casket’ on December 1st, 2025. An EP that takes the misanthropic aggression of black metal and points it at the reality of living in a world that tries to define you out of existence. This is black metal as a site of collective survival rather than spectacle.

An inspiring band, breaking down boundaries, and reminding all the pig-headed fools of the world that the word ‘alternative’ is self fucking explanatory and that it applies to everyone. The idea of taking black metal, a notoriously rigid genre, and using it as a voice for the most marginalised, is very cool and Davghter do this with gusto.

There’s a ton of creativity here, and while the focus is on blackened intensity and savagery, it’s far from the only genre that Davghter explore. Starting things off in scathing fashion with Hide in Plain Spite, before unleashing the sinister aggression of Monstrous Flesh, and delivering a more post-tinged and melodic effort with the glorious Pick Up a Brick. Talk about a bloody anthem!

Across the EP, There’s some real heft behind the instruments, but plenty of melodic flair too, and vocalist Izzy “DeadName” Bale sounds like a woman possessed throughout. Davghter have refinement that gives them a sharper edge, avoiding the raw expectations that come with independent black metal music. Instead, that rawness comes from the subject matter and how viscerally minds are spoken.

One of the EP’s best efforts is Forge Your Name, an anthem of defiance in the face of the removal of trans healthcare. Here, Davghter move their sound into melodeath territories, albeit with a blackened twist, and it turns out that they’re really good at it. The chorus is fire, and trust me, this one will stay with you long afterwards.

How about something darker and moodier? Of course, even then it comes with blackened fire. It’s When We Are Dust and it’s a showcase of a more developed musical palette as it starts to explore post soundscapes. Which is something Mourning the Mask fully embraces, notwithstanding the blackened twists that makes Davghter such a powerful listen. It’s a finale that touches the soul, while being suitably severe, nonetheless. You’ll feel the pain of those trans people (way too many) who have been tossed away like garbage, when all they want to be is respected and loved.

A mighty release that showcases immense creativity born from the souls of those who believe in what they are doing. This is black metal with feeling, black metal with a point, and black metal that everyone can embrace.

Davghter – Mask Casket Track Listing:

1. Hide in Plain Spite
2. Monstrous Flesh
3. Pick Up a Brick
4. Forge Your Name
5. When We Are Dust
6. Mourning the Mask

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram