Review: “Nightshade” by Broken Habit

Recorded and Mixed by Josh Sid Robinson (Survivalist, Uragh, Archives) at JSR Audio in Belfast, “Nightshade” is the sophomore EP from Dublin Nu-Metalcore quartet Broken Habit. A band formed back in 2019 by drummer Andrew Harvey, vocalist John O’Reilly and guitarist duo Rob Stone and John Foley, they began their journey down the left hand path with one goal: to play exhilarating live shows with hard-hitting instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics. Initially a Nu-Metal tribute band, they did exactly that but four years on they had a change of heart and began to write their own material. In August 2024 they unveiled their debut EP “S.E.D.A.T.E“, a concept record about an individual suffering from Mental Health issues and now, 18 months on they’re returned for a second round knock out…

Broken Habit might self describe as a Nu-Metalcore band but the opening verse of “Reign” hits with the swagger of Groove Metal, even having a couple of tasty lead licks to push the envelope. The vocals move between a weighty death growl to a shout that’s almost clean for the chorus which is straight out of the Hardcore world, O’Reilly reaching up the the void into Slam vocals for the final screams. Its a powerhouse move that you don’t see coming, especially after the shouted parts but it works really well with a perfectly executed slow down in the final minute or so. A sample serves as an ominous warning “For every suffering a wisdom is gained… you should have run!” before the powerhouse first verse of “Nightshade” before things take a curious stylistic turn as if conceptually inspired by “The Crimson” era Atreyu. While that works for the most part it does feel like the band are trying a little too hard to cover all bases when they don’t need to. Yes, variety is the spice of life but you can’t help but feel that if they stuck to the Nu-Metalcore of the verse and cut the Emo of the chorus loose the overall song would be stronger. That being said the early 2000’s guitar tone and chunky riffage is deeply satisfying while offering something of a nostalgia trip so that concern is repetitively minor.

The chorus of “World Eater” is an interesting change up with O’Reilly injecting the verve and swagger of Liam Cormier from Canadian Hardcore Punks Cancer Bats into his performance to offset the fierce verses in glorious fashion. That gives the track a sing-a-long quality as well as subliminally suggesting the presence of two vocalists when there is only one, such is the contrast between the two parts and the cleans on the earlier tracks. O’Reilly’s range is impressive, how the band best utilize that going forward is certainly going to be interesting. This one also shoehorns in a pile driver of a breakdown which hits with a metallic thump before the distinctive introduction of “Forevermore” reveals itself. A song with a hummable melody and an air of nostalgic familiarity about it, this one brings mid-tempo guitarist and abrasive vocals, throwing back to “Traumatised” from their previous EP in the process. A solid record that could use a little streamlining with the outside ear of a producer in the recording studio, this one bodes well for the future with its slick stylings and musicianship [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Reign
2. Nightshade
3. World Eater
4. Forevermore

“Nightshade” by Broken Habit is out 12th December 2025 via Broken Records