EP Review: ButcherBird – Drought/Deluge (Drowning Sea God Records)

London-based hardcore/metal outfit ButcherBird are set to release their debut EP, titled ‘Drought/Deluge’, through Drowning Sea God Records on May 30th, 2025.

The first word that comes to mind as the opening track Of Roads and Realms arrives in smashing and crashing style is ‘noisy’. The cacophony of instruments and vocals is wilder then expected, and it’s where the metal part of ButcherBird’s hardcore sound is really on display. Let it settle though, as this track goes on, it starts to show off more rhythmic power and staunch dynamism.

It’s a hefty start, but heftiness is what ButcherBird do and do with mighty aplomb. Hitting the gas pedal and sounding wilder with the punchy (and somewhat groovy) Trajan’s Massive Column and getting creatively eccentric with the heart-pounding mania and melodic drops of Be the Rabbit. Both tracks have fabulous twists on the hardcore formula, sometimes familiar, sometimes unique, and always memorable.

Still, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of stomp? Which is exactly what we get with the abrasive Dead Cat Strategy. Albeit with choppy rhythms, sinister tone shifts, and a rawness that gets under the skin. It’s ButcherBird at their most dangerous sounding. Whereas I’ve Walked in Space is them at their most dramatic and moody. The dark hues around this one, and the way in which ButcherBird intensify things, is so impressive.

An unforgettable EP is then wrapped up with something utterly chaotic. It’s Circadian and it’s the sound of a very confident band throwing their all into making as much noise as possible.

ButcherBird – Drought/Deluge Track Listing:

1. Of Roads and Realms
2. Trajan’s Massive Column
3. Be the Rabbit
4. Dead Cat Strategy
5. I’ve Walked in Space
6. Circadian

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Drowning Sea God Records