Bellicose, a New York Hardcore/Metalcore outfit hailing from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Long Island, has burst onto the scene with their debut EP Modern Mammal. Released at the start of August 2024, this three-track offering wastes no time showcasing the band’s gritty and visceral sound. Combining influences from hardcore, metalcore, and groove metal, Bellicose brings a vicious yet familiar energy that demands attention from the first note to the last.

"Born to Lose" kicks things off with a statement—literally and sonically. The high-pitched feedback intro grabs your attention, but it’s the way the sound slows down into a crushingly cool drum groove that really sets the tone for what’s to come. The production on this track is massive, giving each instrument its proper space while still maintaining a sense of overwhelming heaviness. The songwriting shines through with expert use of tempo changes, a detail some hardcore bands overlook in such short song structures and they just go full tilt. These shifts keep you engaged, The songs are given room to breathe but without you realising they are actually compressing your lungs with the heavy chunky riffs. Some first statement for a debut EP and soon into the second track you realize Bellicose isn’t just here to play – they’re here to dominate.

Have a listen to the EP below while you read ->



"Bound To The Bone" has a nice build up guitar intro with the reverb dissonance leads leaking through the speakers. It's really well textured with the production on the vocals, very solid throughout, the drums and bass lay a great foundation for the guitars to slam really thick and heavy riffs. This track is a showcase of tension and release, balancing raw aggression with carefully timed build-ups and breakdowns. The drum transitions are particularly noteworthy, guiding the song seamlessly between its varied tempo changes.

"Mental Wealth" pulls no punches right from the first second. The opening riff slams into the listener, immediately signaling that something special is about to unfold. The vocals here are a highlight, delivering gut-wrenching lines filled with angst and raw emotion. As the song progresses, it weaves between crushing heaviness and groove-laden hooks that beg for repeated listens. Midway through, the drums ramp up, with relentless double-bass kicks that sync perfectly with the bass guitar's sliding undertones. The vocals remain abrasive and urgent, contributing to the melancholic atmosphere that permeates the track. This final song explores themes of personal struggle, with each lyric steeped in a kind of internal, almost animalistic war that's as relatable as it is cathartic.

Overall, Modern Mammal is a powerful debut from a band that's poised to carve out a lasting place in the scene. Bellicose seamlessly blends their hardcore and metalcore roots with fresh ideas, resulting in an EP that's both fierce and thoughtful. With their dynamic songwriting, intense energy should try elevate them within a very crowded genre, Bellicose is clearly on a path to make a significant impact. This is just the beginning, and it’s only going to get louder from here. Nicely done lads.

Instagram? Check out Bellicose here!