Buffalo, NY’s Split From the Mind has released their self-titled debut EP, a blistering introduction to their unique blend of heavy rock and metal. With emotionally raw lyrics and politically charged themes, the EP dives deep into human struggle and resilience, while never shying away from calling out the powers that be. From the very first track to the last, this EP is a cathartic journey, combining intricate guitar work with intense, honest songwriting.
“It is paradoxical, to feel like an insignificant being with a profound message”. – Split From the Mind
The EP kicks off with Patterns Of.., immediately setting the tone with a bass line that grabs you and distorted guitars that hit hard. The lyrics cut through the noise clearly and crisply—a rare feat in this genre. The opening track captures the feeling of being stuck in a destructive cycle, desperately trying to break free. A hard-hitting snare drum and an uplifting scream at the end give the song a sense of release, as though the cycle is finally being overcome. This track sets the stage for what’s to come, showcasing the band’s tightness and dynamic sound.
Following that intensity, Falling.. shifts gears with a slower pace, giving the vocals more room to shine. The clean guitar tone on this one lets the lyrics take center stage, and the delivery of the second verse plays with rhythm in a way that stands out. It’s a moment of reflective pause before the song erupts into a more complex guitar riff. Lyrically, the track goes deep, touching on feelings of isolation and desperation, but with a hopeful reminder to breathe and trust that things will get better.
The political undertones begin to emerge as the EP moves forward. Power Is.. focuses on the systemic oppression that keeps people stuck while the rich get richer. Soaring guitar solos and hard-hitting drums bring this song to life, and the repeated line “I’ll be no prisoner” resonates with anyone who’s ever felt trapped by a system they can’t control. The intensity of this track is undeniable, with double kick drums adding to the sheer force behind the message.
The following track, For Fuck’s Sake.., ramps up the protest energy even more, opening with a catchy guitar solo before launching into rhythmic vocals that feel urgent and raw. The band channels the spirit of Rage Against the Machine with this one, especially with the line “Why the fuck won’t you listen?” It’s a rallying cry, a call to action, filled with unrelenting energy that will make you want to get up and do something.
But it’s not all anger and frustration. Spit From the Grind.. takes aim at those who talk about systemic issues but fail to take any real action. This song is all about challenging the complacent and reminding listeners that complaining alone doesn’t create change. The heavy guitars and intense vocal delivery add fuel to the fire, creating a perfect backdrop for this call to arms.
The EP closes with a bit of a twist—A Beat in the Dark.. offers a slower, more reflective track that feels almost like a ballad. But don’t let that fool you; the themes of struggle and perseverance are still present. The guitar riffs here are catchy, drawing you in while maintaining that raw, emotional core that runs throughout the EP. It’s a beautiful, powerful conclusion that leaves you with a sense of hope despite the harshness of the world.
A Beat in the Dark.. is my personal favorite. It is a song about struggling with self, and in some ways is the story of making this EP. The line, “I decorate my wings in my walls, I’ll never use them. The way that I protect them is the way I abuse them.” In many ways reflects my story as an artist, working on music in my basement, feeling like it was getting better, but never wanting to share it. Lines like “Schrodinger’s dreams live if I sit and just wait” shows another side of the same thinking. “Hey, if I never release my music to the world, never nurture it, never give it chance, then like the cat in Schrodinger’s box the possibility of my dreams can stay at least 50% true, where if I share this with the world and it is rejected, that is where the dream dies”.
I felt as I got older and older that other people had similar stories about things they wish they had done or wish they could still do, but for whatever reason they don’t think they can. I deeply empathize with that, and unfortunately, the song doesn’t offer a resolution to this problem, it can’t. But I want people who hear it and who connect with it to know that I get it, but what you do about it is going to be up to you. All I can do is hope the music speaks to something deep in your bones. – Split From the Mind
Overall, Split From the Mind’s debut EP is an impressive and cohesive record that blends heavy rock and metal with politically charged, emotionally raw lyrics. The musicianship is top-notch, and the songwriting is deeply personal and relevant to the current climate. The EP is a strong first step for the band, and it’s clear they have a lot more to say. If you’re into bands like TOOL, Nine Inch Nails, or Audioslave, this is definitely an EP worth checking out.
“I really struggle with the balance of wanting to promote this, wanting people to hear it, wanting people to care, and also wanting to do things my own way in a music industry that feels like it has a different set of rules than what I am comfortable with. Like yeah I would love to headline Coachella, I imagine these songs in arenas and songs like For F*ck’s Sake being a retort to the Trump era white boys.. but right now I am a guy with a week old EP and 25 followers on Instagram (haha). Ultimately, what I decided, is I that can live with whatever happens. so long as I feel like I stayed true to myself.” – Split From the Mind
Listen to it on Spotify now:
Written by Ryan Cassata
Submit a single, here.
Submit an EP or LP, here.
Submithub Coupon. here.
One thought