EP REVIEW: Mizery – Mizery

Their first release in 10 years, MIZERY‘s self-titled EP reckons with all that has come their way in the last decade. Following the passing of their drummer Cayle Sain in 2023, the band discovered he had tracked drums for some of their demos, which they were able to obtain and use for the EP. Each track uses his recordings, with the exception of closing track Eulogy which was built from his programmed drums, with David Stalsworth (MILITARIE GUN) stepping in to record them. 

Reckoning with loss, grief, and also the chaos, fear, and violence in the world, MIZERY present six incendiary tracks that not only process these ideas, but channel them into something new entirely. It’s a brash and confrontational output from the off, with Renegade Rhythm and 99 To 1 bursting into a gnarly force of metallic guitar riffs and undeniable groove beneath the bass and drums. But the vocals retain a melodic pace, striking, political, and necessary. 

At the EP’s centre MIZERY mark the core of their approach. The instrumental The Weapon Pt. I enraptures you entirely into the assaulting hit of The Weapon Pt. II. Fast and unrelenting drums pair with the refrain “You take the aim at me / But you’re never gonna stop me” as they tackle confrontations with a bold clarity. 

Through A Bullet Hole takes a trippier diversion. A brief pause in the full force journey and one that is just weird enough sonically that it is entirely captivating amidst the EP’s stormier approach. But it is on the final track Eulogy that MIZERY let loose. Tracing the themes of loss, grief, and frustration at the world, they tackle each with the propelling force that elevates each from more than a theme and into a full on reckoning. The featured vocals from Sammy Ciaramitaro (DRAIN) add another layer of explosiveness behind it all, and from there a guitar line soars out and the culminating “I’m not a wasted opportunity / You should have recognised the truth I seek” rings out.

As their self-titled EP, Mizery stands as a testament to both what the band have been through, and where they seek to aim their music. It’s a deeply passionate project that pays one hell of a tribute to Sain. With his drum parts built into the very foundation of its creation, their reckonings could not be more poignant, and their political voice could also not be more potent.

Rating: 8/10 

Mizery is out now via Flatspot Records. 

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