Review: “Siege The Walls” by Dying Realm

They say you should never judge a book by its cover but adorned by artwork from Ardha Lepa (Creeping Death, Existentialist, Parasital Existence) the debut EP “Siege The Walls” from Birmingham Death Metal quintet Dying Realm certainly looks the part. Add to that the simple fact the record was mastered by Brad Boatright (Obituary, Internal Bleeding, Terror) at Audiosiege and resistance seems futile even before you know who the band are. You see bassist Tom Stokes and vocalist David Blaney have both spent time in the trenches with Bound by Blood and Iron Tomb, while guitarist Sam Thompson very much remains part of Crossover Thrash crew Nerve Agent. Those three are joined by Guitarist Jake Murray was part of Hardcore unit Ill Vision with drummer Mitch Dornan and that wealth of experience makes this record look like an oasis in the desert…

As you might expect given the musicians other projects, there are flavours of Thrash and Hardcore within the confines of this Death Metal record and that’s something that shines through the black clouds over head on urgent opening cut “Graves Of Gods“. Soaked in restless and relentless weighty grooves and pounding percussion, the fierce vocals from Blaney feel like the scorn of a wrathful beast from the black depths, the tasteful solo just a glimpse at what the band are capable of when they’re not battering us to death rhythmically.

There is no remorse or regret shown after the opening punishment beating as “Villainous Incantation” continues the eternal forward motion with a bridge for two stepping between passages of dry throated vocal violence. Thrash leaning Death Groove riffs are plentifully abundant as the five piece demonstrate their prowess, caring not for the purists as Blaney tells another tale of bloodshed in ancient battles with enough force to wake the dead. “Mace Buried Deep” has the finest of the solos gracing it, the menacing and sinister atmosphere barely breaking for the gallop of the mid section. Like all these tracks it has an infectious nature that means you can’t help but want to bang your head even on the first spin.

The lyrical title track is “Abundant Mutilation” and if the title didn’t give it away it’s very much a narrative that depicts the blood lust that is all consuming as a warrior cuts down every enemy that would stand before him. Blaney deserves a lot of credit for his mastery of storytelling, something which shines through on this one in particular and in support of that the band provide all the necessary covering fire. It has to be said that solo apart they’ve saved the best until last with guitarist Jake Murray nailing the mix as well as the sinister leads. This isn’t just a debut EP but a statement of intent from a group of seasoned veterans and as such its seriously impressive [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Graves Of Gods
2. Villainous Incantation
3. Mace Buried Deep
4. Abundant Mutilation

“Siege The Walls” by Dying Realm is out 12th March 2026 and is available over at bandcamp