Review: “Exit Here” by Onryō

Comprising current and former members of much loved bands including Seething Akira, Harper and Gaia, Japanese Horror inspired quartet Onryō have been making waves long before the arrival of their debut EP “Exit Here“. They made their live debut alongside supporting Seek & Strike Records signings Survivalist and Devilhusk in Brighton in May before joining the likes of Mastiff, By Virtue Fall and Symbyote at Norfok’s inaugural Parentheses Absolute Festival in September without even having shared a single track. From those performances we’ve heard great things, the suggestion being that they are able to seamlessly blend Deathcore, Nu-Metalcore and Tech-Metal to create horrifying apparitions some might refer to as songs. But there is also something else lurking in the background with the record described an exploration of the exploitation, oppression and lasting effects of bullying while remaining steadfast and defiant to provide hope…

They say that it pays to expect the unexpected but nothing can truly prepare you for the monumental style shifts that Onryō have managed to execute within each and every song on their debut EP. Each one is achieved with the precision, verve and swagger as the band clearly have the utmost confidence in the material that they have created and it has to be said they’ve managed to strike a intriguing balance between style and substance. An eerie introduction makes way for bombastic bass and staccato riff breaks as title “Exit Here” makes a big impression with rap screams that are reminiscent of Sicksense before KoRn and SikTh inspired clean vocals change the direction completely. It’s that gives the piece an almost schizophrenic quality with six or seven different voices from the impressive James Moffatt in the mix, not to mention guest vocals from Stephanie Moffatt of Æl-Fierlen giving some of the melodies an almost ethereal touch.

Bringing out the dead “Monochrome” has potent Tech-Metal orientated riffage with the eclectic and perhaps even eccentric vocal stylings opening the mind to what is possible given the time and space to achieve it. Buried keys are a little low in the mix to be as effective as they could be, the band opting to have the guitars front and centre instead but they work incredibly well in the final moments as they rise from a huge Deathcore inspired breakdown to give an air of melancholia. The soaring clean vocal moments of “Soul Factory” have an 80’s pop quality to them but Onryō are only ever a breath away from a bloodcurdling roar, borrowing a few Nu-Metal scat moments to chemically enhance the track with something achingly familiar that gives it instant appeal. If you’re not snapping your neck to brutal final moments and that hilariously good fun snort then you’d better seek medical advice because there is something wrong.

Just when you thought you had it figured out, another wave of terror comes crashing down with “Tongues Of War” which twists and contorts in insanity inducing ways as it floats between cutting Nu-Metalcore riff laden madness and almost ambient passages. You know the violent turbulence is coming but you can’t quite predict it as the band keep you on your toes throughout in sublime fashion, taking their cues no doubt from a the psychological horror movie genre. Vicious barked vocals set the cat amongst the pigeons at the start of “In Ignorance” before a clean verse offers warmth that becomes a towering inferno as the band put bounce in the mosh pit with a bombastic flourish, the seamless genre blending reaching new heights before the blood stained curtain comes down on this collection. Onryō wear their hearts on their collective sleeves with this ripper of a debut record, achieving nirvana in a way which is totally unexpected [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Exit Here (ft. Stephanie Moffatt of Æl-Fierlen)
2. Monochrome
3. Soul Factory
4. Tongues Of War
5. In Ignorance

“Exit Here” by Onryō is out 23rd October 2026 and is available over at bandcamp