With their debut EP Empowered By Hatred, Peterborough’s Baelfyr prove that heaviness doesn’t need technical excess to leave a lasting impact. Formed just two years ago, the quintet have already built a reputation for intensity in their punishing live shows and their focused approach to songwriting. In Empowered By Hatred they channel that energy into seven tracks that are as purposeful as they are punishing.
The band’s decision to “retain the rawness and nastiness of the genre” while stepping back from modern metal’s speed and flash results in a sound that feels grounded but forceful. Instead of shredding solos or breakneck tempos, Baelfyr builds their songs around riffs designed to stick. That choice pays off across the EP, from the grim march of “At the Mercy Of A Vain God” to the weighty and deliberate churn of “Rust And Dust”.
“The Consequence Of Endless Expansion” captures the band’s mission with its atmosphere and without losing any aggression. It’s unafraid to linger on a riff long enough to let it bite. The same can be said for “Under A Starless Sky”, where guitar lines and drum patterns drive the mood as much as the vocals. Lorraine Staves’ drumming, in particular, anchors the record with a measured power that underlines the band’s commitment to precision over speed.
The EP doesn’t shy away from difficult ground in the lyrics either. Themes of mental health, abuse, and environmental destruction give the songs weight beyond their sonic punch. There’s a clear sense of intent that Empowered By Hatred isn’t just about sounding heavy, but about confronting the forces that fuel that heaviness.
For a first release, Baelfyr’s restraint is as striking as their aggression. In avoiding overcomplication, they’ve crafted a record that hits hard, holds focus, and signals a band with a clear direction from the outset.
