CAGE FIGHT are a fairly new addition to the hardcore/metal scene, only forming in early 2021. The trio released their debut single the same year, which was the demo version of their track "Hope Castrated". This year has been a much busier time for the group, releasing three further promotional singles "Shine Don't Fade", "Respect Ends" and "Killer". All four of these tracks appear on CAGE FIGHT's first self-titled studio album "Cage Fight", which was released on May 13^th, 2022, via Candlelight Records. The first track on the album is "Intro", featuring the British music DJ/producer, Jeremy Sylvester. This is honestly the perfect introduction to what is to come on the release. In the 1 minute 24 second length, I get such a clear idea of what the album is going to sound like, and it makes me very excited!

"The Mirror Shattered" ups the ante right away, with the unclean vocals of Rachel Aspe kicking the track off in the best way possible. Even though the track is shorter than I imagined, it is still just as impactful and brutal. "Killer" shows that there is no stopping CAGE FIGHT, as their unbelievable energy just screams throughout the track. The guitar riff featured within the chorus is so catchy, getting me grooving in no time! Some of the riffs sound pretty similar to STRAY FROM THE PATH, which is such a win from me. "Hope Castrated" really shows off the vocal talent of Rachel Aspe throughout. The band have certainly polished up the track from the early demo days and it shows. They really have a knack of creating breath-taking melody lines, creating something beautiful every single time. "Make A Decision" is yet more musical proof that this is the perfect direction musically for CAGE FIGHT. Again, I am met with addictive instrumentals, not to mention a staggeringly good chorus. "Guillotine" starts us off on the right foot, with a chant like verse which instantly keeps me interested. Midway through the track, Rachel Aspe incorporates some spoken word vocals into the mix, which is a pleasant break from the constant energy that this album provides.

"Cage Fight!" sounds as though it is destined to feature in NXT or WWE, with the "Cage Fight!" chant providing that much needed hype for potential wrestlers in the ring. This track is slightly different in that it contains some rap style vocals nearer the end of the interlude, keeping me intrigued for what's left to come. Next up is "Shine Don't Fade", which provides me with a head banging riff from the get-go! This theme carries the song through, with the riffs constantly changing throughout. "One Minute" is fiery and full of energy right from the start, just like pretty much every other song on this release. The track progresses very quickly, which keeps it exciting and fresh. "Tell Me What Real Is" also has a chant like mentality at the beginning of the track, which keeps the lyrics well and truly in your head! I feel like I will be singing this song for months to come! "Respect Ends" and "Eating Me Alive" are another couple of feisty, high energy tracks on the album. Even though this release is amazing in every way possible, it is getting kind of predictable at this point. "My Dreams" is slower in comparison to begin with, before leaping into their typical hardcore sound. It is great to have a change of pace at this stage of the release. It is the longest song on the record at 6 minutes and 28 seconds, but honestly, I feel like that it would have been ideal at 3 minutes. It just seems to go on forever.

The final track is "Bitch In The Pit", which is the perfect ending to this fantastic album. The riffs are just irresistible, and this track even features clean vocals from Rachel Ashe, which I really love. I would love to hear more vocals like this in their future work. Overall, CAGE FIGHT's self-titled album "Cage Fight" is most definitely worth a listen! There are so many highlights on this release, with the majority of the tracks just getting stuck in your head so quickly. This genre is right up my street and I feel like more female fronted hardcore bands need to come out of the woodwork. I am seriously looking forward to seeing what they have in store musically over the next few years - I will be keeping up to date, that's for sure!