Top 5 EPs of 2013

Ok, so I've already posted my top fifteen albums of last year, but I realised that, seeing as some of the best music of last year was released on EPs, I should do a list for them, too. For the purposes of this list, any release under fifteen minutes counts as an EP.

5. Methmouth
Demo

Just when I thought hardcore was over, Methmouth came along to prove me wrong. Their recent demo is seven minutes of pure rage, channeled through production so raw it makes Minnor Threat look like Queen.

4. Endless Swarm
Mindkiller

Endless Swarm offer something of a change of pace after Methmouth, choosing as they do to pummel the listener into submission using a relentless barage of low-frequency rumble. Aside from that, the two bands have a lot in common - they both have throat-shredding vocals that sound considerably more human than the open-throat screams and growls that most extreme bands these days seem to prefer; they both revel in cheap, sleazy production; and most importantly, they're both brilliant.

3. Besta
Herege

Besta's Herege is a classic example of how to produce grindcore. The production is well thought out and effective, but it never detracts from the sheer aggression of the band. Instead, the distorted vocals and constant background of well-calculated fuzz add to the atmosphere, giving this EP and extra layer of heaviness that puts it head and shoulders above most grindcore releases.

2. Islam85
S/T

Islam85  starts slowly, with a few atmospheric chords, before the band slip into the irresistible headbanging chug that is their trademark. Islam85 are a band that know how to get you moving, and their self-titled EP is an adrenaline-fuelled masterpeice - if you can listen to this without grinning liike an idiot while headbanging furiously, there's something wrong with you.

1. Gets Worse
Year of the Bastard

I wrote all I need to say on this album in the original review, so here it is again:

The words "fucking awesome" come to mind. This is powerviolence at its finest - each track is a dirty, gritty, pummelling assault on the senses. It's a teasingly short record - four songs go by in less than five minutes - but not a second is wasted. Each track comes at you like an angry bull, all guttural roars and churning, distorted guitar. The production is perfect - distorted and nasty enough to make it clear this is PV, but good enough that the band's pure fury is undiluted. Plus, final track Year of the Bastard has what has got to be my favourite sample ever. There isn't really much left to say about this EP, other than - buy it.