The prospect of writing a ‘difficult third album’ can be a make or break moment for many bands but Venom Prison have surpassed all expectations with their new album Erebos, justifying the hype surrounding what’s to be one of the most exciting record releases of 2022.

In 1980 the Cockney Rejects sang “they all try to ignore us, but we won't let 'em win, the wankers try to put us down, but we will smash them in”, just one of many lines that captured the true spirit and meaning of the term ‘Punk’. Over forty years later and that fire burns just as brightly as ever in the hearts and stomachs of East London’s Clobber.

Whilst black metal and extreme bands tend to revel in their infamy or notoriety, there are also those that will often choose to maintain an air of mystery about them, only making their presence known when they have something to declare. French outfit Celeste are one such group.

The average lifespan of a hardcore band often tends to be rather short. Fortunately the same can’t be said of Canadian punks Comeback Kid.

“Make no mistake, Enslaved is an album band. The making of an album is such a massive undertaking, though, that sometimes even lovers of long-winded lyricisms like ourselves like to dabble in the art of shorter statements. Now is such a time.”

Over three decades ago the idea to start an underground band that wouldn’t take themselves too seriously and likely only release one album, somehow took off and resulted in the formation and success of Carcass.

“I am relentless, I am incessant, I am the ocean and all who dare look upon me swear eternal devotion”.

If there’s one thing that a majority of us can agree on, it’s that over the past year we’ve all had a lot of time to look inward, sometimes a little too much...