Review: “The Collapse of a Bitter End” by The Cartographer

After a decade of destruction and an unholy trinity of extended plays the time Derby Deathcore powerhouse The Cartographer have made one small step for a man and one giant leap for mankind by presenting us with the gift of their debut album “The Collapse of a Bitter End“. The bleak title is one inspired by the departure of founding member James Harrison with some of his final cryptic writings with the band appearing upon it having been sculpted by their current line up to retain his character. In the past the five piece have used their sonic abrasions to vent their frustrations at the state of world address and with a flair for creating dense brooding atmospherics and unhinged vocal tirades… so have vocalist Jay Roberts, guitarists Dan Gorman and Josh Pearson, bassist Tom Broadhead and drummer Josh Woodhouse created another monster?

The answer to that is that a leopard doesn’t change its spots, a phrase which rings true within the first few seconds of opening cut “Blood” as programming opens the gates to this hellish new dimension. Glitchy Nu-Metalcore riffs inspired by the likes of Alpha Wolf tear through the cranium as Roberts screams like a psychopath about wanting to see a sea of red. The lyrical narrative maybe dark but it resonates with a catchy chorus while demanding two step action in the mosh pit. The power and poise of this one is undeniable and grabs the attention instantly before the eerie programming of “Snake Tongue” begins. That offers chemical beats and for Roberts to scream to before the dense seven or eight string guitars cut through them like a chainsaw in the hands of leatherface with Emmure like groove. Roberts spits venom about an abusive upbringing and the hate he feels inside and it resonates, the false ending masterfully executed.

The guitars chug with staccato riff breaks as “All Things Rot” takes shape, Roberts once more finding catharsis in his lyrics as lets the darkness out by musing on themes of neglect and deceit. As you’d expect the soundscape matches that darkness pound for pound with syncopated guitars creating a dense wall of noise against the haunting horror movie like programming. Its enough to decimate the weak and thin the herd as the blood runs cold with the thought provoking nature of what Roberts speaks of and yet despite all the odds it forms the push that makes you want to move. The first of two back to back sub three minute ragers in the middle of the record is “Apparitions”, a pummelling tune about dealing with the burden of self doubt and its a lethal dose of Northern hatred with a bombastic breakdown sequence that commands movement.

The opening riff of “Dirt” is reminiscent of Australian DJent fuelled Rap Metal act DSVR before switching up to something darker and more crushing as The Cartographer get wild with lyrics that bite so hard they make your brain bleed even before the riffs have the opportunity to carve flesh from bone. If the previous cuts didn’t offer a white knuckle roller coaster ride through Nu-Metalcore riffs as Roberts releases the knots from his stomach then “Soul Chamber” amplifies the intent, the band attacking in sonic waves with moments that put bounce in the mosh pit. How can something so fun be so dark? “Greifworn” is another example of that as Roberts speaks of severing ties and shedding skin against wave after wave of pummelling percussion, rumbling bass and groove laden guitars, the intensity and energy of which is unmatched.

Arguably the albums finest point is “Into the Gloom“, a track that will resonate with anyone who has suffered from anxiety or depression as Roberts muses on feelings of trying to let go of the misery and become a better person while feeling he can never be good enough. A cleaner guitar solo rises from the abyss of distortion to provide a haunting melody, the sheer brutality of the soundscape and vocal performance providing all the grit and integrity you could ever wish for. This is real pain, these are real tears and the vulnerability in the tension filled sonic bloom is something you can feel. That being said there is a shaft of light through the dark clouds overhead in the haunting and yet vicious “Exodus“, a Gloom Metal brute written in perpetual agony which has a KoRn like stomp while begging for release [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Blood
2 Snake Tongue
3. All Things Rot
4. Apparitions
5. Dirt
6. Soul Chamber
7. Greifworn
8. Into the Gloom
9. Exodus

“The Collapse of a Bitter End” by The Cartographer is out 18th September 2026