EP Review: Indian Nightmare – Banished Into Endless Chaos (High Roller Records)

Five years after their second LP, By Ancient Force, Indian Nightmare are finally back with a new EP titled Banished Into Endless Chaos.

The Berlin-based tribal metal punks’ latest EP features three tracks that serve as a harbinger for the band’s third studio album later in 2025. Banished Into Endless Chaos will be released on the 21st of February via High Roller Records.

A five year gaps a long wait, but with a good reason as the band went through a period of change including needing to find a new vocalist. Friend of the band, Alban from Tracer stepped in temporarily allowing Indian Nightmare to continue playing live during the wait before they found the right person with Jaguars Claw from Leipzig speed metallers Morbyda now on the mic. Having been an Indian Nightmare fan, he was a perfect fit in every respect, enabling the group to branch out even further now and into the future.

In the meantime, the artwork for Banished into Endless Chaos underscores the musicians’ self-concept:

“The sword stands as a testament to resistance, while the flames and mirror shards reveal the harsh reality we often ignore.”

Indian Nightmare is Jaguars Claw on vocals, Butch and Dodi Nightmare on guitars, Cedro Ced on bass and Corrado “Lalo” Linzi on drums.

So we have three tracks and around 15 minutes of music to get stuck in to here on Banished into Endless Chaos. Things get underway with the opener, Looking into the Fire. Screaming guitars lead us in and I must admit to being surprised by the mix of sounds and styles. While the punk attitude is there, and there is a bit of a core beat and delivery, there is a lot more to this. There is a clear heavy metal vibe musically, as well as a light black metal tint through some of the vocals styles. It adds up to a high energy, thrashy song with wicked lead guitars and solo work and banging vocals that are snarled and spat at you, with occasional jumps into squealing instead. Drums are fire, delivering punky rhythms and heavy metal fills. It’s a damn good song.

Secret Path raises the energy even further and has a bit more of the horror punk, or gothic punk shining through. Its really fast and fiery, from a music perspective but also the speed of vocal delivery. The drums and riffs are absolutely frantic – how much fun would this song be live? Chuck in a mammoth solo too which is really cool. It moves through a few different phases from screaming fire to a more rhythmic instrumental section. This is pure entertainment and I can just picture myself with a beer in hand, headbanging, moshing and having an absolute blast with Indian Nightmare.

Banished Into Endless Chaos closes this short run with Lucifer and shows another aspect of the band, for a bit. Starting with a much more melodic, but Gothically toned, slower intro. It’s stompy, still showcasing a lot of guitar mastery as the leads build up layers of melody. Once we are well bedded in, the switch comes with building riffs and an explosion of bass notes and drum fire. Vocals are barked at us, with moments of gang vocals just accentuating sections. The gruff and snarling vocals are menacing and have power, with a unique little twist occasionally where a word or sentence just transforms to a pinched scream or squeal. It’s an interesting and memorable style. Banished Into Endless Chaos ends as it has been throughout though with an impressive display of energetic heavy metal with plenty of lead guitars, insane drums and speed riffs.

It’s a short EP, I suppose, though I have heard much shorter, but you do get 3 absolute bangers on here. Indian Nightmare deliver 3 songs of impressive energy and creativity mixing moments of thrash, traditional heavy metal and gothic punk to deliver a pretty unique sound. It sounds great on record, but you feel this is music that excels in a live environment. It’s just fun. I love the energy that flows from the speakers – you feel tired and sweaty just listening to Indian Nightmare. If you are looking for something to pick you up, some in your face, fiery and fast music, or something to put a smile on your face on a miserable day, look no further.

Tracklist:

1. Looking into the Fire
2. Secret Path
3. Lucifer

Indian Nightmare Links

Facebook – Instagram – Bandcamp – Spotify – High Roller Records