Gollums Cave describe themselves as
an underground raw punk black metal project, formed in Kent, England in 2024.”
And though I can’t confirm the time and place of their formation – though why anyone would doubt it is beyond me – what I can say with certainty is that Gollums Cave, and Strands of Hell, delivers some of the rawest, most exhilarating punk infused black metal I’ve heard in ages. If this isn’t one of the best musical concoctions I’ve thrown back in years, then slap me silly and call me Susan.
Their debut release, Strands of Hell, clocks in at just around seven minutes, spread across three blistering tracks and one that is so out of leftfield I had to check I was still listening to the same band.
The opening trio – Long Nose, Riddles, and Silent Death – are a masterclass in raw, unfiltered blackened punk. Think distorted, fuzz-drenched guitars paired with frantic, pogo-worthy drums and throat-shredding shrieks that wouldn’t be out of place in a frostbitten forest. These tracks are infectiously catchy, like a does of clap in a convent but infinitely more fun.
No pretentious technical wizardry here—no 15-minute solos or over-the-top buzz saw riffs—just pure, unapologetic slam-dancing power chords that’ll have you up and moving whether you like it or not. (Speaking from experience: this is kitchen bounce music at its finest.)
Then comes the curveball: the final track, Father Forgive Me. Here, Gollums Cave veer sharply into uncharted territory, evoking the somber, melodic feel of a Final Fantasy soundtrack. Picture a reflective scene where the heroes mourn on a cliffside, gazing out at the sea. It’s a startling shift from the relentless fury of the other tracks, but oddly enough, it works. In fact, I quite enjoyed it, though it might catch you off guard.
Gollums Cave are onto something fresh and exciting with their fusion of black metal and punk, and it’s been far too long since I’ve been able to say that about a new band. If Strands of Hell is any indication, they’ve got a bright (or perhaps suitably grim) future ahead.
You can grab the EP now on their Bandcamp page, don’t sleep on it.
