Lifecycles, the latest band to emerge from San Antonio, has unleashed a brand-new EP that takes you on a sonic journey into the unknown. The sound they’ve crafted blends the crushing heaviness of Pantera, the fiery intensity of Power Trip, the hard-hitting riffs reminiscent of Judiciary, and the guttural power of death-metal vocals. It's a brutal yet captivating combination, pulling from some of Texas's heaviest and most revered bands, both past and present.

This band has an incredible ability to wear their influences proudly while putting their own unique spin on things. The drums are a standout, with slow, thunderous beats that land like a sledgehammer but are also capable of intricate, tasteful fills that never feel out of place. When it comes to the riffs, Lifecycles delivers a blistering attack, fast and sharp, cutting through the mix with precision. They’re not just fast for the sake of it—they’re calculated and aggressive, making every note hit with purpose.

The bass is no afterthought either. It’s fully integrated into the sound, adding layers of depth and complexity to the tracks. The low-end work here doesn’t just fill the space—it drives the music forward and complements the shredding riffs and pounding drums in a way that feels seamless.

Vocally, the EP doesn’t disappoint. The performance is consistently heavy, with guttural growls and raspy screams that match the intensity of the instrumentation. There’s a raw, unfiltered energy that gives the songs a sense of urgency and power, making it clear that Lifecycles is not here to play around.

The production on this EP is one of its strongest points. Every instrument cuts through with clarity, and the mix has a crisp, satisfying crunch that enhances the heaviness without losing definition. You can feel the weight of the music, and it comes through with a polished yet aggressive edge that makes the whole thing feel huge. It’s the kind of production that perfectly complements the genre.

That said, the interlude track is a bit of an anomaly in the EP. It feels slightly off, almost as if something’s out of tune or missing. While it doesn’t detract from the overall experience, it does stand out as a moment where the flow of the album falters just a touch.

Despite this minor hiccup, Lifecycles' new EP is a thrilling and ferocious debut. I’m excited to see where this band goes next. They’ve clearly got the talent and the drive to make a major impact, and I can’t wait to hear what they’ll come up with in the future.