EP Review: Underking – Dungeon Crawler (Self Released)

Underking, the epic rock and metal solo act composed of multi-instrumentalist Maxwell Jeffries, will release the brand-new EP, ‘Dungeon Crawler’, on November 28th, 2025.

I do enjoy Underking’s fantasy-infused rock and metal efforts and am consistently amazed that what I’m hearing is all the work of one individual, but hey, that’s talent for you and Underking has tons of it. Yet, what really pleases about this release is that it shows a more developed musical palette, draws from a wider range of genres, and as a complete listen, is cohesive and addictive.

The Necromancer begins things in punchy fashion, delivering a heavy and energetic extravaganza that feels big and comes across bold. It’s the kind of track that could only ever open a record because of the riffs, but damn if that chorus doesn’t give it an epic feel.

Speaking of epic though, it’s The Isle of Crooked Stone, a track based in heavy metal, but with a sprinkling of power and hard rock, evident by the soaring chorus that fills the heart and soul with warmth. Whereas Danger! Darkness! Dwarves! looks to create the next heavyweight anthem to dig under mountains to. A cool track, and even more evidence of the dynamic variety on show here.

A compelling head-banger, King Under the Mountain is a fast paced, exciting, and extremely likable slice of heavy music, and just like everything so far, it’s filled with anthemic qualities. I really dig the outro on this one too. Leading into the short, frenetic, and potent Dungeon Crawler. The sound of Underking at its thrashiest.

Finally, it’s a big one and a fitting end, Fields of Fire. Where melody, softer tempos, and a soaring chorus ends things in stylish fashion. I really like this side of Underking, and when coupled with the faster, heavier, more power-driven efforts, it has even more of an effect.

An artist that deserves a ton more attention, Underking’s Dungeon Crawler is a great showcase of modern capabilities. Exciting and fresh, but familiar.

Underking – Dungeon Crawler Track Listing:

1. The Necromancer
2. The Isle of Crooked Stone
3. Danger! Darkness! Dwarves!
4. King Under the Mountain
5. Dungeon Crawler
6. Fields of Fire

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