No Terror in The Bang – Existence EP

If I had to make a list of all the bands that have impressed me recently, No Terror In The Bang would be on it. I very quickly made that decision in 2024 when I reviewed their second album ‘Heal’. So, I am happy that this French group are back again, this time with a five track EP called “Existence”.

Anyone who has encountered the band or witnessed them playing at ProgPower Europe in 2024 will know what I’m talking about. The jewel in their crown is vocalist Sofia Bortoluzzi whose performance at said festival actually brought me to tears. That’s not to diminish the talents of the other musicians in the band, but her range is phenomenal.

This EP runs out to roughly 20 minutes and starts with a bang (no pun intended). The first track and single from this release – ‘Moon’ – opens with Sofia flexing her vocal cords to produce harsh screams. This soon melts into the sweeter side of her repertoire. These extremes of her range swap back and forth as the song progresses. Complex riffs and drumbeats duck and dive ending in an infectious rhythm that has been lurking throughout the track.

Single number two is also song number two on the EP. Softly does it on ‘Heroine’ with acoustic guitars and Sofia at her daintiest. At least initially that is, it’s not long before the mood shifts to heavier realms. All the numbers on the EP are relatively short, but this track is no exception when it comes to variety. The song finishes with a catchy melody before a final chorus.

Complex time changes, clean and harsh vocals are the main hallmarks in ‘Goat’, which seems longer than its short 3:16 minutes. I love the bits where Sofia’s vocals build and soar heralding in the next ultra-heavy section.

A soft but ominous piano/synth intro to ‘Human Race Kills’ is cut short abruptly. This is replaced by pounding riffs and Sofia’s vocal acrobatics. Those pummelling assaults make the track one of, if not the heaviest on the EP.

In contrast the last song in this little musical adventure, ‘Chasm’ is much mellower, at first anyway. After a few heavy choruses and blood curdling screams the track gradually gets more extreme before winding down to the finish.

This is essentially half an album’s worth, and I am really hoping that there is much more to come. I’m also hoping I get to see the band again someday. These five tracks will keep me satisfied for a while, but I have a hunger for more from this excellent band.

Track-List:

1. Moon
2. Heroine
3. Goat
4. Human Race Kills
5. Chasm