The new EP from Florida-based metalcore band Heavy // Hitter brings both moments of misery and glimpses of joy. True to their name, this band doesn’t shy away from bringing the heat with punishing riffs, explosive breakdowns, and a raw energy that defines their sound. One standout element that elevates the EP above generic metalcore is their impressive drummer, whose dynamic playing gives the band a unique edge. From the way his kit is tuned to his intricate, high-energy style, he ensures that Heavy // Hitter doesn’t blend into the crowd.

Take, for example, the opening of "No Mercy, No Remorse." The drummer sets the stage with an epic, battle-ready feel, combining a deep, thunderous drumbeat with a sharp, snappy snare. It’s the kind of introduction that makes you feel like you're about to head into war, and it's this kind of bombastic style that helps make the band stand out. His playing continues to impress throughout the EP, creating bold, boomy moments that add depth to tracks like "Waste of Life" and "Heaven's Gate." He’s also remarkably tight when it comes to blast beats, showing versatility and control.

While the drummer consistently steals the show, the other band members certainly hold their own, though a few moments feel less polished in execution. The most notable example is the opening track, "Deposition of Violence." This is the wildest song on the EP, and while it’s full of energy, it also feels a bit inconsistent at times. The riffs are heavy for the sake of being heavy, but they lack the creativity or complexity to keep things interesting. The bass, unfortunately, doesn’t make a strong impression here, and the vocal style—mostly guttural growls—feels at odds with the rest of the EP's more nuanced approach.

In contrast, songs like "Dead End" and "Heaven’s Gate" showcase the band’s ability to create more engaging, melodic riffs that break away from the typical metalcore formula. The riffs have a darker, almost "churchy" vibe at times, but they also groove with a rhythmic fluidity that gives the songs a strong sense of structure and flow. The bass, especially on tracks like "Dead End," has a vibrant presence, filling out the sound without feeling buried beneath the guitars. On "Waste of Life," the bass also shines, providing a solid backbone to the track and adding weight to the overall sound.

The vocals, led by the band's frontman, are another point of comparison. His guttural screams and intense delivery will inevitably draw comparisons to other heavyweights in the genre, particularly Kublai Khan TX. On "Heaven’s Gate," the midsection features low, guttural vocals that echo the Kublai Khan sound, with aggressive drums accompanying the raw vocal delivery. However, by the end of "Waste of Life," the vocalist shows a more refined side, mixing up his vocal style with a blend of fry screams and mid-range shouts that add some variety to the overall sound. He excels when utilizing his mid-range voice, where he brings a commanding presence that matches the band's heavy, pummeling energy. His vocal performance on "No Mercy, No Remorse" is especially noteworthy, as he matches the intensity of the band’s relentless riffs and tight rhythm section.

As for the band's overall style, it’s clear they rely on straightforward heaviness, with huge breakdowns and harsh, aggressive vocals. When these elements click, the impact is undeniable—such as during the breakdowns in "No Mercy, No Remorse" and "Waste of Life." At other times, though, the breakdowns feel more formulaic, lacking the same punch. Similarly, while the lyrics mostly focus on themes of betrayal and rising above adversity, they don’t always break new ground, often sticking to familiar metalcore tropes.

The production on this EP is clean but minimal, with no flashy effects or over-the-top embellishments. The instruments are well-layered and balanced, but there are no extra bells and whistles to make the sound feel quirky or experimental. This is a straightforward, heavy-as-hell record, and it’s clear that Heavy // Hitter are more interested in delivering raw power than in trying to reinvent the genre. While the production is relatively simple, it suits the band's vision well—focusing on heaviness and intensity without trying to be something it’s not. And in that regard, the band succeeds.

Overall, Heavy // Hitter has created a solid EP that will resonate with fans of aggressive metalcore. While there are moments of inconsistency, particularly in terms of riff choices and vocal execution, the band’s raw energy, dynamic drumming, and powerful performances make for a compelling listen. If you’re looking for no-frills, heavy music that packs a punch, this EP delivers exactly what it promises.