Review: “Merely Mortal” by ForeignWolf

“This EP is about the parts of being human we don’t always talk about. It looks at self-doubt, fear, emotional dependency, and the connections we struggle to let go of. We wanted to capture what it feels like to be trying to grow while still feeling fragile and imperfect.” ~ ForeignWolf

The steady downpour of singles touching on subjects of anxiety, self-doubt and depression as well as perseverance and triumph as well as that cover of “Swerve City” by Deftones have kept us warm for the past five years as Belfast natives ForeignWolf thought about offering up something more substantial. Wearing their collective influences on their collective sleeves, the four piece of vocalist and guitarist Gerard McCann, lead guitarist Dave Brady, bassist Conor Forbes and drummer Max Couhig have promised heavy riffs and emotionally charged song writing with “Merely Mortal“, their first EP since 2021’s impressive “Your Weapons, Your Words”…

Putting traitors on the ropes like prize fighter, the Alternative Metal four piece roar out of the gate with “Tyrant“, an opening cut of fierce vocals, pummelling percussion and urgent razor sharp riffs which lean into the Metallic Hardcore. The harsh backing vocals and violent bursts of aggression make it arguably the heaviest track the band have pieced together as they promise to dance with the devil before a sinister atmospheric break, the bruising bass line making it feel like a third rhythm guitar in the mix. A first glimpse at melody comes with “Hollow“, a soul stirring tune that returns to the bands Post-Hardcore influences with intricate and inventive drumming from Couhig paving the way. A tension you can cut with a knife runs through the veins of this one, the scream-a-long chorus a glorious moment of intelligent song writing as the band ride a toxic wave of dark thoughts for heavier than expected finale. In truth this is one you don’t want to come to an end and could easily have gone on another minute or so comfortably, it’s that good.

While it has to be said that there most of the lyrics on this record will resonate in some way shape or form, “Imposter Syndrome” is the one that does the most because there won’t be many who haven’t been touched by the maddening feelings of it. What the band to well with this one is infuse their rich melodies with the darkness of their heavier side, bringing home the bacon as the saying goes with a crushing downtempo breakdown which is the absolute Chef’s kiss. The American accented vocals of “Resolve” point to the influences once more but the key is the diction as McCann’s voice doesn’t crack at any point during this anthemic tune to help you breathe more easily. A piece that reinforces the musicianship and craft that the band have in their hands, this one takes the richness of the melodies they are able to conjure and puts them to phenomenal use. As a record “Merely Mortal” is nothing short of a triumphant return for a band who deserve a lot more attention [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Tyrant
2. Hollow
3. Imposter Syndrome
4. Resolve

“Merely Mortal” by ForeignWolf is out 3rd April 2026