Labels: Self-Released/Cavernous Records/Dry Cough Records
Formats: Digital/CD/Tape
Release Date: 12 Mar 2026
Tracklist:
1. Graves Of Gods
2. Villainous Incantation
3. Mace Buried Deep
4. Abundant Mutilation
Why does it feel so right to be reviewing this EP during the hellish inferno that is this early summer heatwave? Maybe it's the baying skeleton army and the backdrop of the burning castle, or it might just be that everything feels on fire today. I like the heat, but we're not geared up for it at all.
Birmingham, UK death metallers Dying Realm released their debut EP Siege The Walls in March of this year, making it available digitally. The EP also saw it's was onto physical formats with a CD run from Cavernous Records and a tape run from Dry Cough Records, as well.
Once again the UK death metal scene is the gift that keeps on giving. This time that gift comes in the form of Brummie newcomers Dying Realm. Members and ex-members of Nerve Agent, Bound by Blood, Iron Tomb, Odessa and more have formed a quintet of epic proportions. Kicking off their debut EP Siege The Walls with ‘Graves Of Gods’, Dying Realm’s death metal is a mix of both old and new (at least to my ears). Slamming, blasting, technical and filled with screeching leads. The vocals deliver both high-pitched screams and raspy lows.
‘Villainous Incantation’ has a much higher tempo, as kick-drums lead the way. It’s not without its downtempo moments though, as Dying Realm infuse slower passages and bridges, where atmosphere and even subtle doom elements creep in. It’s super sick! This EP is such an awesome listen thanks to the recording and mixing job by the band’s own Jake Murray at Just Noise Audio, coupled with mastering from Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.
Moving into the second half of the EP, ‘Mace Buried Deep’ starts off with more slam-like riffs and furious percussion, giving way to verses that are filled with thrash influences and some really great technical guitar/solos. Looking past the experience Dying Realm have in their ranks. It’s impressive to hear what they’ve been able to put together.
‘Abundant Mutilation’ ends Siege The Walls with blistering intensity. Exactly as death metal should be played, Boatloads of heaviness, more than matched by melody too. David Blaney (vocals), Jake Murray (guitar). Sam Thompson (guitar), Tom Stokes (bass) and Mitch Dornan (drums) have delivered a really solid EP.
There are more death metal bands than ever, from all over the world, trying to reach fans right now. Each country has its own sound and approach, but I have to say the UK is really moving forward with the quality of bands this island is producing. Dying Realm deserve to be right up there after this. Fingers crossed for more to come!
You can stream and purchase Siege The Walls digitally via Dying Realm's bandcamp page below:-
You can also grab physical copies and other merch from them here -https://dyingrealm.bigcartel.com/products
Physical copies are also still available from the labels below:-
Cavernous Records (CD) - https://cavernousrecords.bigcartel.com/product/dying-realm-siege-the-walls-ep-cd
Dry Cough Records - https://www.drycoughrecords.com/product/dying-realm-siege-the-walls-cassette-dc85
Dying Realm Instagram - @dying_realm
Cavernous Records Instagram - @cavernousrecords
Dry Cough Records Instagram - @dry_cough_records