I specifically requested the new Sicksense Funerals EP (Independent) in part because I reviewed their last album in February 2025 and really enjoyed it. So I checked my records, pulled it up, and if you want to check it out, it’s valid. It’s also a lot of what I’m gonna say here.
Instead of spending time comparing this terrific Nu Metal group with other Nu Metal groups, it’s an EP; I’m gonna work through the tunes.
“Artificial Irrelevance” starts with a little synth riff for maybe twenty seconds before breaking into pretty brutal Metalcore. That lasts about a minute before rapping breaks out. Truly Nu Metal and proud. Based on the lyrics, a better title may have been “Waiting for the Bright Side.” It’s a solid opener, and metal enough to satisfy several genres’ worth of fans.
“Newsflash” follows, choosing to start with Limp Bizkit-style rapping before breaking into “Rollin’ “- reminiscent riffs and screams. A genuine and splendid tribute to a major Nu Metal pioneer (even if Fred Durst ain’t the greatest guy to be honoring).
Tune three of four, “Seller’s Remorse,” keeps the relentless pace, using Vicky Psalkis‘ (ex-The Agonist) Amy Lee-like vocals. The track comes off like Evanescence with aggression and Metalcore. Breathtaking. A genuinely delicious song.
Closing out the four-pack, “A Moment of Violence” dials the pace all the way back to a piano ballad, making full use of Psalkis’ skills. Emotional delivery and pace build begins halfway through the song before including Robbie J. Font‘s screams. Unlike a Shepard Tone that increases constantly and never peaks, this one peaks at the conclusion. Climaxes, you might say.
They’re opening for It Dies Today in early October in a city near me. I am gonna try to get there. Their solid formula kicks a lot of ass. If you don’t get this EP (why won’t you?) at least check out last year’s album Cross Me Twice. Worth the time, worth the search, worth the bucks.
Look, I know I said I would skip the comparisons, but sometimes they’re the only thing that’ll do the trick. Enjoy!
Buy the album here:
https://ffm.to/sicksense-funerals
9 / 10
LARRY ROGERS
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