Review: “Ultra-Violence” by Break Them

Having delivered a mighty fine debut self titled EP in the summer of 2024, after performances in the Metal 2 The Masses competition in Leicester alongside eventual winners Baelfyr, Peterborough Hardcore crew Break Them finally admitted guilt. They had a sophomore EP waiting in the wings with guest appearances from members of Full Contact and Low Life making us wonder just how long they had been stalling before handing over the evidence. They say it was recorded at the Wizards lair before being mixed and mastered Tom “Beeman” Alexander from The Tura, so after shows with Compounds and Higher Walls at which two steppers got to hear the cuts early, its time to bring your daughter to the slaughter…

A heavy hitting tub thumper of a title track “Ultra-Violence” is borders on classic Beatdown Hardcore with its chord progressions, the cry of “BREAK THEM ALL!” not nearly enough to prepare you for the violent onslaught of the record. Featuring members of Full Contact, the battle cry of “Bury The Hatchet” adds a lethal dose of hatred to the bands previous burnt offerings because its sharper and more focused, the ferocious vocals and weighty guitars a constant threat. Its not so much about the hatchet as where it’s buried and in the skull of the bands enemies, right between the eyes is where you know you’re going to find it. Low Life join the party for “Until Every Bridge Is Ash“, a fleeting moment of Trinidadian steel drum a wonderfully unexpected introduction that is just class before the thunderous war drums pound once more. The groove laden riffs are undeniable, the step up in production value when compared to the bands debut record helping ensure that this is one that this is one you’re going to feel in your gut.

The first record made great use of Movie and TV quotes to bolster it and the introduction to “Hollow Words” repeats that holding pattern offering a moment of respite and a call to the mosh pit because you know violence will follow. Bark and bite in the lyrical flow and a riff that’s a headbangers delight with endless groove should be more than enough to wreck the place, especially when its accompanied by arguably the finest kit performance on the record. This one is one that is born of live performances, the verve and swagger of it making it absolute class. Reaching Metallic Hardcore territory “Deadbeat” continues to push the boundaries of what Break Them are about, flirting with some more involved riffage as they come out swinging. A stand out cut, if it doesn’t find you wanting to throw your friends around during their next show then you need to go and see a shrink to find out what the hell is wrong with you. Released in October 2024 as the band put it “because it’s an absolute banger” their cover of “Davidian” by Machine Head doesn’t feature on this EP but now is as good a time as any to talk about it, so lets do that. The raw drum sound is nailed to perfection, the riffs a little faster and the vocals a little more furious. The pump action shotgun sound after a moments silence before that slowdown for the finale we all know and love being an absolute masterstroke [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Ultra-Violence
2. Bury The Hatchet (ft. Full Contact)
3. Until Every Bridge Is Ash (ft. Low Life)
4. Hollow Words
5. Deadbeat
6. Davidian (Machine Head Cover) (Non-EP Track)

“Ultra-Violence” by Break Them is out 1st August 2025 and is available over at bandcamp