Review: “What We Leave Behind” by The Crawling

“The EP is an acknowledgement that the past is behind us. We spend too long lamenting what has been, rather than being mindful of the present and the joy it can bring. Then, when we finally realise time has slipped away, we begin mourning that as well. The constant mourning of time is a sickness.” ~ Andy Clarke

Adorned by artwork from Redamaut (Perpetual Paradox, Mother Crone, Altar Of Moss) and with drums captured at The Parlour Recording Studios (The Haunted, At The Gates, Napalm Death) a new EP in “What We Leave Behind” by Lisburn, County Down based Doom Death trio The Crawling is an intriguing prospect. Not only is the record the first studio material to emerge since their critically acclaimed album “All of this for Nothing” but it’s also their first with a new line up if you don’t count live album “Live in Belfast MMXXIV” which was released back in January. Lead by founder, mastermind, guitarist and vocalist Andy Clarke (Honey for Christ, Sollein, Devilmakesthree) who has alongside him bassist Adrien Crozet (Lost Brethren, Zombified) and drummer Ant Deane (Lost Brethren, Isaiah, Basement Torture Killings), the trio already have a wealth of live performances under their collective bullet belts but how does that chemistry translate from the stage to the studio?

A Blackened Death Doom offering of the finest order “A Song To Nurse The Sickness” finds The Crawling in a sombre and melancholy disposition and yet still able to deliver something with a satisfying crunch. A meandering melody from the guitars with a couple of really tasteful tapping sections works very well, as do moments where the bass rises to the surface because its bolder in the mix. Almost tribal drum patterns and a soaring melodic lead moment give the song a forlorn feel to match the bleak and almost haunting nature of the lyrical narrative, bursts of blast beats giving it a final flourish that only adds to the captivating experience. The poise in the gravelly vocals from Clarke makes the piece feel more poignant and by the end the dark reflections become a compelling tale.

An acoustic re-imagining of a song which takes pride of place on their 2023 album “All Of This For Nothing” this new rendition of “Bound To The Negative” maybe two minutes and three seconds shorter than the original but it is potent and powerful as the original. The clean vocals from Clarke are glorious with dark folk influences that go back to medieval times while remaining morbid and miserable throughout. A soul stirring rendition that resonates, musing on how we relive the past in our minds over and over without anything changing, if anything this feels like it opens the door for more acoustic burnt offerings [8/10]

Track Listing

1. A Song To Nurse The Sickness
2. Bound To The Negative (Requiem)

“What We Leave Behind” by The Crawling is out 2nd October 2026 via Grindscene Records