EP Review: Final Coil – 1994 (Nyctophobic Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Following their titanic conceptual trilogy of albums – Persistence of Memory, The World We Left Behind for Others and The World We Inherited – progressive rock band, Final Coil look back to a musical era which ignited the creative spirit of their youthful selves. Called ‘1994’, the new EP features nods to the bands that inspired them and features Graham Hopkins (Therapy?) on drums. It is out on March 27th, 2026, via Nyctophobic Records.

I love this. Partially because it’s such a noisy bugger. Partially because it calls to my youth too, and partially because it’s nice to hear Final Coil doing something so different. Where you can immediately tell that they had a ton of fun writing and recording it.

Featuring four nostalgia laden tracks that draw from a wide array of influences, this is a chance for Final Coil to ‘let loose’ a little, and it’s addictive. Especially when it kicks off with something as lively as Instant Fix. An explosive start that has jagged riffs, pounding drums, and a vibrant grungy, punky, and groovy tone. It’s so cool to hear Phil snarl here too. Final Coil at their most metal sounding.

Narcissist comes next and has Final Coil keeping things sounding punchy, raucous and daringly anthemic, and those who have seen the band play live will be all too familiar with this track. Whereas Playing Games is a tone shift being moodier and more melodic, albeit with plenty of robust alternative rockiness too. If you want to really feel transported back in time, this one does that with ease.

Finally, we have Woke. A track of two halves. The first, rampaging forth with excitable energy and potent vocals. The second, somewhat dramatic and eccentric, ending things in an interesting way. Did I mention the chorus? It’s banging, but so is the EP overall. I can’t wait to see and hear what the future of Final Coil looks like, but for now, this will tide me (and you) over.

Final Coil – 1994 Track Listing:

1. Instant Fix
2. Narcissist
3. Playing Games
4. Woke




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Final Coil - 1994 (Nyctophobic Records)
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