Alberta, Canada's WYCH's debut EP "Agony," was released in early 2021 along with a music video for the single "Alone/Drift." WYCH defines itself as a deathcore band, but truth be told, they are so very much more. Indonesian artist BAHRULL MARTA's handpainted cover art matches the ambiance of "Agony" perfectly. MARTA has designed artwork for many renowned bands, such as ORBIT CULTURE and TOTALITARIAN. It's no wonder he is widely recognized in the music industry for his metal-infused album art. It's genuinely a beautiful cover for a uniquely intense album.

The opening track of the EP, "Lesser Key," sets the bar high. Quickly picked as a favorite for this reviewer, the opening track is vicious and filled with fabulously blackened groove metal layers. WYCH delivers a raucously sludgy dose of groove-laden, heavy metal that quickly attaches itself to the listener's psyche in an intoxicatingly harrowing experience.

"Alone-Adrift," which was delivered to metal fans early, is nothing short of epic from beginning to end. Taking the lead as a favorite track, the vocal stylings are impressive and intense without ever getting sloppy. Power metal-style guitars complement the melodic elements of this brutal attack of every imaginable sense. Perfectly placed death drops are juxtaposed with thought-inspiring, complex lyrics all focused on human nature's iniquities. This track is one of the most intense thrash-infused projects I've heard of in a while.

The intensity of "Alone-Adrift" isn't easily matched. The third track on "Agony" is "Amber," It's another complex and hard-driving track wrought with emotion and intensity. The ferociously crunchy guitars, driving bass and drum work, and sick drops are remarkably intense and damn near breathtaking. This is an album that deserves to be heard, and the track "Amber" is a perfect example of why.

Epic and powerfully theatrical, "Bones" is the album's fourth track and shows off the band's passionate fury and incredible talent while extending distinctive American heavy metal influences. Closing out the album is "1894," a speed, thrash metal masterwork with plenty of hidden nuances and vocals darkened to perfection. The final minute of the song is worth the price of the album alone. There is very little to critique and everything to praise on this track.

The only complaint about this gem of an album is that there isn't more of it. It isn't often that an album feels as of it ends too soon, but this one does and is a journey that immediately bears repeating. Without a doubt, this is an album worth buying. "Agony" is a solid debut, and WYCH is a definite band to watch.