Finnish blackened sludge/post-metal quartet Askel presents their new four-track EP »Sundered«; cassette out now via Iron Corpse!

Helsinki, Finland based blackened sludge/post-metal band Askel has just released their new four-track EP »Sundered« on May 2nd, 2025.

Says the band: “Our new EP »Sundered« is out now! As usual the cassettes didn’t make it for the release day, but otherwise the EP should now be up on Bandcamp and streaming services.”

Tracklist:
01. Conflagration
02. Vermin
03. Sun
04. Machine Gun (Portishead cover)

Following on the trail of last year’s »Cycles Of Ruin« LP, »Sundered« marks Askel’s third solo release, carefully crafted over the band’s third year of existence. With four songs that clock 25 minutes, the EP sees the quartet push their dissonant sludge sound further into the disquieting realms of noise and chaos.

The three originals on the EP blend together into a single suffocating mass, where even the brief moments of stillness do not allow respite. The oppressiveness is equally present in the lyrics, which continue to revolve around the individual and collective failures of humanity, presenting bitter reflections on a world aflame.

To wrap up the EP, Askel take their shot at covering Portishead’s »Machine Gun«, with the minimalistic serenity of the original transformed into a harsh industrial dirge that eventually escalates into a full-on maelstrom of sonic havoc.

Photo by Markus

Cassette released by Iron Corpse. Order your copy here: ironcorpse.com

All music and lyrics by Askel except for »Machine Gun« by Portishead.
Recorded and mixed by Matti Vainionpää in early 2025.
Mastered at Black Floyd’s Analog Studio by Tapio Lepistö.

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well