EP Review: Wounded Touch - They Promised Eden (Vol. 1)
Wounded Touch - They Promised Eden (Vol. 1) EP Cover
Following on from their 2025 full-length, “A Vivid Depiction of Collapse”, Michigan/New York metalcore outfit, Wounded Touch return with the front half of their upcoming material; 3 weighty tracks unintentionally created by their new line up to result in, “They Promised Eden (Vol. 1)”.
There’s no build up and no preparation time, you’re thrown straight into this EP with a menacing 00s inspired riff and bellicose vocals, backed by downtuned, caveman rhythm guitar that you’ll instinctively follow by demonstrating boulder-like moves wherever you are while listening. To start off with this level of visceral aggression and determination, and manage to retain excitement for the entire opening track, just proves that you mean business with your art and intention with your words. Removing The Arrows contains lyrical tones of anguish towards figures in power who cause suffering to the most targetable in society, but it acts as a flame of inspiration that those who are hurt are not defeated, and have the capability to rise above and deflect the adversity bestowed upon them, “Let your survival be their curse.”
Breaking the EP up by inserting an instrumental in the middle of the two full band tracks seems like a wildcard, for some this may seem misaligned, for others, it holds its purpose and offers a time for reflection and acts as the “calm before the storm.” Cachexia [definition: a complex, involuntary metabolic syndrome associated with severe chronic illnesses. Characterized by severe loss of skeletal muscle and fat that cannot be fully reversed by conventional nutrition, resulting in significant weight loss, functional impairment, and high mortality] is experimental and holds its ground as compelling and resentful. With radio chatter laced under the atmospheric guitar, the ominous strength pierces through speakers to fill an entire room with chills.
Weapon In God’s Country is exactly what it says on the tin; a tale of force and reckoning from the frontlines of calamity, projecting threats through sharp tongues, and determination through tall stature. Instruments take the backseat in the performance of this track, acting as a support system to the indignant vocals delivering the lyrics, and although they remain to be menacing, the true power comes from the words. “So long as the stream flows, or the rock may be cast, or the spark ignites the torch, our weaponry draws breath,” solidifies the ideology used throughout this EP that those who have been made victim at the hands of others will always be formidable, object to relinquish, and use their unwavering courage to defy the perpetrators. 156/Silence vocalist, Jack Murray, fits this track flawlessly, with his cadence and innate tone helping to take it up a notch in intensity. His deliverance of his verse is so viciously perfect that it could make the devil himself cry.
For an EP with only 3 tracks, “They Promised Eden (Vol. 1)” is an astounding demonstration of human willpower in the face of adversity, and can be interpreted as having an overall message as simple as, “You can’t fuck with us, we won’t back down.” Pair the raw, contentious lyrics with melodic riffs inspired by the 00s, and make the sound creative decision to split this release in half, your result will be this; an exceptional statement piece of art that will stand out among the rest simply because it means something.
FFO: Chamber, Vein.fm, Church Tongue
Score: 7/10
“They Promised Eden (Vol. 1)” is out on all streaming platforms at midnight on Friday 8th May 2026 via Smartpunk Records.
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