Release date: Out now

Steel Whip roared into existence in 2022, born from the unshakable bond between long-time friends Nick The Whipper, Whipfynder, and Mystic Arne. One wielded the drums, two shredded guitars, and among them burned a fierce passion for heavy metal vocals. What united them was more than talent; it was a shared devotion to the power and purity of classic metal.

From day one, their path was carved in riffs and rhythm. After a long and frustrating search for the right bassist, riddled with scheduling setbacks, Nick The Whipper stepped in and took on the bass himself. That decision solidified Steel Whip as a lean, blistering power trio focused, fearless, and creatively relentless.

In 2024, they entered Big Snuff Studios to capture their raw energy. The result: a demo that hits with full force, released in July 2025. It’s more than an introduction, it’s a warning shot. Heavy riffs collide with a driving rhythm section, each track dripping with attitude and soaked in vintage fire. Unpolished by design, classic at its core. The songs don’t just play they strike. Steel Whip doesn’t ask for your attention. They demand it.

Review

Iron Griffin opens with wind drifting through a barren soundscape; no drama, just atmosphere. A lonely guitar picks its way through the gloom; a few notes linger before stepping aside for the main event. When the full metal kicks in, it doesn’t hesitate; the rhythm guitar drives things forward like a workhorse; lean, forceful, and unrelenting. It’s the backbone of the track; carrying the weight without any frills. Vocals slot in neatly; rough-edged but solid, channeling that underground ’80s vibe without overreaching. They carry just enough attitude to complement the heaviness; present but never overbearing.Towards the end, the bass briefly punches through the mix; a low-end jolt that adds a subtle lift to the closing stretch. It’s short, but a welcome bump in the atmosphere. A slow, eerie solo follows; minimalist and creeping rather than soaring. It adds tension without overstating itself; a perfect match for the track’s no-fluff ethos. The final chorus lands with intent; no flourishes, just a last hit that echoes the song’s core which is gritty, grounded, and unpretentious.

Therapy Of Steel opens like sunlight on chrome; its glistening melodic guitar intro paired with cascading drum phrases catches the ear instantly. The early momentum pulls you forward, but then the track shifts into something more playful: a slow, stop-start interplay where guitar, bass, and drums tease the rhythm, stretching tension and release. It’s here that the riffs really dig in, hard-edged and deliberate, while the vocal melodies rise with more confidence than the previous track—stronger, steadier, more sure of their place in the mix. The solo enters at a patient pace, not flashy but thoughtful, each phrase contributing rather than competing. It unfolds gently, continuing to glide over the bed of instrumentation with a sense of layered intention, a subtle but clever touch. And just when you think it’s winding down, the song serves a heavy, slow-burning riff section perfect for headbanging: a thick slice of sonic grit before closing on one final chorus that feels earned.

Opening on a solitary guitar line drifting through empty space, “Battle of the Crypt” immediately sets an ominous tone. That haunting intro doesn’t linger long before being swallowed by a familiar trudge of heavy riffs—reliable, thick, and deliberate. It’s a straightforward composition, but one that knows exactly how to carry its weight. The lower vocal delivery this time around shows tighter control, fitting better with the song’s pacing, though a few choice ideas might raise an eyebrow. Compared to the first two tracks, this one feels more dynamic, not necessarily in structure, but in mood. The riffs remain the commanding force, alternating between groove-worthy swells and passages that invite a slow headbang. A brief guitar lead flickers through the middle before crashing into a harder-hitting section where the vocals gain real presence. Then comes the solo; tapping, winding, and riff-heavy offering a spike of interest that lifts the song above its predecessors. One final chorus returns to tie things off, closing the track with a sense of resolve.

From its thunderous opening, In Direction Of Trouble doesn’t ask permission, it consumes. Heavy open chords paired with sharp hi-hat taps set a foreboding tone, immediately pulling the listener into its orbit. What follows is riffage that feels less like a melody and more like a march through chaos, locked into a trance and brimming with menace. There’s real power driving this engine. Vocals flow fluidly atop the muscular guitar work, never outshining but seamlessly integrated. Beneath it all, the bass rumbles with weight, giving the track its monstrous presence. Among the four songs on the EP, this one stands out as the live-show punisher; the kind of track that bends necks and breaks inhibitions.

Midway through, the chaos parts to reveal a refreshing, semi-acoustic passage which is brief, beautiful, and expertly placed. A subtle interplay of toms and bass builds tension before the song detonates into another round of crushing riffs. The dynamic contrast only amplifies the impact. The solo section may be short, but it carries intrigue, one of the more inventive moments on the EP, especially with the added texture from supporting instrumentation. Like its companions on the record, the track wraps with a final chorus, closing the loop with satisfying force. This is a song crafted to dominate both speakers and stages, and it absolutely knows it.

Conclusion

Across its four tracks, this debut EP plants its boots firmly. Riffs are purposeful, solos reserved but effective, and each song favours raw drive over embellishment. Vocals may not be the strongest point yet, but they carry grit and with time, there’s every reason to believe they’ll sharpen into a real asset. What’s here is promising: unpolished in places, yes, but also confident in its intentions. From the grinding momentum of Iron Griffin to the crushing weight of In Direction Of Trouble, the band lays down a solid foundation; one that speaks to future growth and unmistakable potential. It’s heavy metal built to last, not to impress, and for a first outing, that’s a bold statement.

TheNwothm Score: 7/10

Links

Bandcamp: https://steelwhip.bandcamp.com/album/steel-whip

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steel_whip_band

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/album/2bbErYmEkqi2OaGVuE1V3N?si=HdoOxJ1zQreF432geJcFeA