UK sludge/hardcore band Nxmad return with sophomore studio album »The Second Fall«; out now via APF Records!

Manchester, UK based sludge/hardcore band Nxmad return with their sophomore studio album, »The Second Fall«, which was just released on July 3rd, 2026 via APF Records.

Tracklist:
01. Mens Rea
02. Amber
03. Domicide
04. Vertigo
05. Bridge Burner
06. Transmissions
07. Actus Reus

Courtesy of APF Records:

»The Second Fall« is the second full-length from Manchester’s NXMAD, and their first new album in eight years.

It follows 2019’s »Feral«, a record that established the band’s place within the UK sludge scene. In the time since, NXMAD have stepped away, regrouped, and returned with a clearer sense of direction – reflected in a record that feels more focused, more immediate, and more purposeful in its delivery.

Where earlier material leaned more heavily into traditional sludge, »The Second Fall« shifts the emphasis. The songs move with greater urgency, pulling from hardcore as much as sludge, with a sharper attack and a tighter overall structure. The result is a record that hits harder not just through tone, but through pace and intent – built around direct song writing and a more aggressive rhythmic backbone.

That shift is driven in part by the band’s evolution over the past few years, particularly following the addition of drummer Liam MacBeath. His approach brings a different energy to the material, pushing the songs forward and giving the record a sense of movement that runs throughout.

The album was recorded and mixed by Joe Clayton at No Studio, whose previous work includes Bossk, Pijn, Wode, Leeched and Conjurer. It was mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, known for work with Sleep, Obituary, Yob, Nails and Corrosion of Conformity. Together, that production pairing captures the band with clarity and impact, while retaining the immediacy of their live sound.

Across its runtime, »The Second Fall« presents a band that has moved forward without losing its foundation. The core elements remain – down-tuned guitars, abrasive vocals, and a physical, high-impact approach – but the delivery is more controlled, more deliberate, and more in line with how the band operate now.

Released on 3rd July 2026 via APF Records, »The Second Fall« marks a return, but more importantly, a progression.

Order »The Second Fall« here:
apfrecords.co.uk | nomaddoom.bandcamp.com

All songs written and performed by NXMAD.
Recorded and mixed by Joe Clayton at No Studio.
Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

NXMAD is:
Drian Nash – Vocals
Lewis Atkinson – Guitar
John Carberry – Bass
Liam MacBeath – Drums

Taz Corona-Brown – Vocals on »Actus Reus«

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