5th April 2026

Review: “Existence” by No Terror In The Bang

Exploring humanity’s downfall across cosmic, physical, social, environmental, and mortal dimensions, “Existence” is the third record from French Cinematic Progressive Metalcore quintet No Terror In The Bang. Each track exposes a distinct layer of collapse, interrogating destiny, purpose and the deeply rooted self-destructive impulses that define the human condition. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sébastien Langle (Death Decline, Interria) the record follows their well received 2021 album “Eclosion” and it’s 2024 successor “Heal“, the band taking their name from the Alfred Hitchcock quote: “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it“…

Known for crafting a sound that moves in vicious circles between restraint and violent outburst with expansive atmospheres that feel both intimate and catastrophic, the reputation of No Terror In The Bang precedes them and with opening cut “Moon” they live up to it, wearing their collective hearts on their sleeves. Delicate melodic moments are decimated by crushing guitars and sirens screams with all the twists and turns of a Stephen King novel and yet, despite it’s infusion of beauty and mindless violence it doesn’t feel chaotic or disjointed in any way, shape or form. Instead it hangs together cohesively when everything suggests it should not with Sofia Bortoluzzi’s incredible vocal range just one part of a sophisticated offering.

An acoustic introduction to “Heroine” with melancholic clean vocals leaves you waiting for the explosion and when it happens it feels like Jinjer meets early Deftones with spiraling riffs and vicious screams. The claws are out during the verse the soaring melody of the guitars offering a little richness on a track which actually feels like it stops short when there was plenty more fuel for the fire.

By way of contrast “Goat” feels almost schizophrenic and Avant-garde in nature with the air of “Alien” era Northlane about the heavier parts thanks to the guitar work from Étienne Cochin and Clément Bernard. The melodic counter points are light and airy in comparison, everything slotting together incredibly smoothly.

A piano introduction to “Human Race Kills” is a nice touch, offering a moments respite before the band get rowdy once more. Crunchy guitars move seamlessly through styles, flirting with dark and brooding melodies before snapping back to something darker and heavier. The complexity and variation within a single vessel is part of what makes it an absolute dream, the swift and incisive changes of direction without losing the atmosphere or intensity a demonstration of impeccable musicianship. Then there is the crushing breakdown passage with nightmarish screams to round it off in style.

Never being afraid to express themselves means that “Chasm” has an acid jazz like introduction before climbing into the tar pit of weighty riffs, Sofia Bortoluzzi once again stealing the show with her incredible vocals. Twisting and contorting she goes from beauty to demonic beast and back effortlessly on multiple occasions, helping to create the bands infamous tension and contrast, where fragile melody collides with furious power in ways seldom heard so organically. If you think you’ve heard everything, try this… [8.5/10]

Track Listing