EP Review: Final Coil - 1994 (2026, Grunge)

One of the reasons why I love listening to releases by this band is that you never know what comes next.

In recent years Final Coil became well know for the progressive sounds mixed with thoughtful and in-depth lyrics. But between the full albums the band always found time to put together smaller albums that were different of the usual sound.

It has been like this with Somnambulant as well as with the Somnambulant II mini-albums and now we have the 1994 EP in front of us. It's a love-letter to the grunge era of the 1990s. What I love so much about the four songs is the direct sound. It feels like they were done direct at the rehearsal space by the input of all of the band members. No time has been wasted but the band recorded the feeling and spontanity that has been hanging in the air on the recording sessions.

This feels great to me in a time of over-thinking and the "need" to be perfect. I love that it's so raw and not running around trying to archive something. Instead it gives me the feeling of hanging with the band and listening and watching them perform the songs of the EP.  If you've ever been at such a place you surely know what I'm speaking about. It's Grunge like Grunge has been meant to be. Direct and in your face. Nothing else.

Since it's such a great journey back to 90s I recommend to pick up the cassette or CD digipack edition or better the Cassette /CD bundle that are available of the band's Bandcamp page. The tape comes in a coloured case with a NFC chip inside. The Compact Disc has been put into a 4-panel-digipack with liner notes by Phil Stiles. 

Back in those days there was a need to visit a record store in the occassion of such a release but those stores have become rare. It would be great to see a copy of this in a record store anyway.   

Voices Of Extreme kick off the year properly

How to start the new year? I think one of the best ways is to listen to the brand new single by Voices Of Extreme. 

The song "Stoned Babies" feels like a call to action for all you've thought about to achieve in these times. With it's massive vocals and strong guitars it feels like one of the kickass songs that give you this "now it's time to start something new" feeling.

Voices Of Extreme introduce themselves with the kicking "Stoned Babies" single.

I like the way the song builds up with the drums by Rod Morgenstein kicking it in. The vocals jump on the train instantly and before you start to realise you're already in starting to rock straight away. The vocals in the refrain are rough but it feels organic. A solo section shows some variations of the sound and the abilities the band members are able to perform on the instruments. This is something not to be found in songs like this usually. Finally the drums close the song - a great way to finish it.

"Stoned Babies" is the first single taken of the upcoming album "Faith in Action" which is going to be released on BraveWords Records in 2026. The band will play some shows this year so make sure to check the band's website from time to time for details.