Cork-based noise merchants WORN OUT self-released their highly anticipated sophomore EP, LOW, today. The EP follows the release of the single “Deeper” in July and the announcement of a headline tour of Ireland later in 2024, with backing from Grief Ritual and Lure In.
LOW unleashes a relentless barrage of chaotic, razor-sharp metallic hardcore, combining harsh intensity with dark, ambient overtones that leave no room for compromise.
LOW sees WORN OUT embrace the harsh, abrasive, and chaotic aspects of their metallic sound, while also digging deeper into the more ambient side hinted at in earlier releases.
The four-track EP, mixed by Joe Clayton and mastered by Sam Bloor, with the band handling the majority of the production, blends a wide range of elements, including clashing melody, dissonance, and strong rhythms, with a scathing vocal delivery.
Since the release of lead song “Deeper,” the band has acquired major attention, particularly from Alex Baker of Kerrang! Radio, who named the group his featured band of the week in late July, characterizing the band as “off the chain” and “unbelievably good.”
This adds to the group’s record of critical accolades, which began with their debut EP, WASTE, receiving high praise from publications like as Overdrive.ie (9/10), GBHBL (10/10), Distorted Sound (8/10), as well as MetalSucks, who praised the band’s “menacing intensity,” and Heavy Blog Is Heavy, who gave the group the coveted moniker of “maybe the meanest sounding band in Ireland right now.”
The band has also collaborated with Ripcord Records and Death Farm Records for physical releases, with vinyl and cassette tapes available in each outlet. You can discover all of the physical editions of LOW here.
WORN OUT’s headline. The Ireland tour begins in October in Belfast, travels to Dublin and Limerick, and concludes in November in Cork, the band’s hometown.
Since 2017, WORN OUT has had a significant impact on the Irish hardcore and metal communities. The band, described as “Razor Sharp Metallic Hardcore” by Distorted Sound, has played performances with noteworthy acts such as God Mother, Palm Reader, and Conjurer, helping to build a reputation as a powerful live act from the start.
Following a string of successful songs, a debut EP, and significant touring throughout Ireland, their single “Bridgeburner” was released in 2022, with guest vocals from Justin Paul Hill of tech-metal pioneers Sikth. The aftermath solidified their status as a hardworking DIY band, with tours alongside hardcore/noise luminaries like Cro-Mags and Unsane.