Release date: August 1, 2025

Manchester, UK… it’s a city steeped in over 170 years of industrial grit and cultural innovation. Recently, it has birthed yet another force in their musical legacy and heavy metal lineage: Wailing Banshee. Formed in 2019, this five-piece outfit didn’t arrive with fanfare or flash. They built their name the old-fashioned way: through relentless gigging, a string of fiery singles, and the raw energy of their debut EP Fight to Be Free (2023). Brick by brick, riff by riff, they’ve carved out a loyal following in the underground of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal.

Now, with the release of their second EP Worlds Apart (August 1, 2025), Wailing Banshee continues their ascent. They are staking their claim in the metal landscape with conviction and clarity. This isn’t reinventing the wheel; they’re fortifying it. Their sound is a battle cry for tradition, delivered with fresh fire and unwavering respect for the genre’s roots.

At the helm is Dani Bentham, whose powerhouse vocals channel the spirit of the band’s namesake. The wailing banshee from ancient folklore, not evil nor benevolent, is a harbinger of transformation or passage who emits a powerful cry. Flanked by Al McKenzie and Harry Darbyshire on guitars, Richie Parkhouse on bass, and Sean Murphy behind the kit, the band is a tight, formidable unit. Each member brings precision and passion, forming a sound that’s both classic and vital.

The symbolism of the banshee fits. Wailing Banshee isn’t here to mourn the past, they’re here to mark a passage. From humble beginnings to a rising force, they’re guiding traditional metal into its next chapter. And with Worlds Apart, they’re proving that legacy isn’t inherited… it’s earned.

Review

The album opens with Lord of the Flies, a commanding lead track that sets the tone for Wailing Banshee’s ascent. A solitary guitar rings out like a call to arms, then the full band roars to life. The track locks into a bounding rhythm, each member driving the machine with precision: razor-sharp leads, a firm and assertive bass line, crisp percussion, and vocals that soar as the crown jewel. It’s a showcase of unity in motion: five parts, one powerful engine. More than just a strong opener, it’s a statement of intent. This is a great song that reveals the promise of a band on the rise.

With Silence, they shift from battle cry to ritual. It’s a hard rock gem that is tight and driving. A highlight is that the vocals start to stretch beyond those in the first tune, reaching new heights with emotional and imaginative force. Lyrically, it conjures moonlit forests flowing with ancient powers that is inviting listeners to dance, to worship, and to feel the pull of temptation from beyond. The spirit it evokes isn’t bound by good or evil, it’s something older and more primal. A testament to the band’s evolving voice, the song is both a celebration and a summoning. Though, you may not be safely returned from dancing so close to the void.

The title track Worlds Apart is a showcase of Wailing Banshee’s full power. It kicks off with a crunchy, mid-tempo groove before shifting into high gear where they are tight, relentless, and unmistakably confident. Dani Bentham’s vocals continue to evolve, adding layers of depth and gravitas that command attention. One standout moment hit like a curse unbound: “I am the hunger, I am the thirst, you chained me to the curse” and is delivered with venom and conviction. This tune tells the tale of a fallen angel cast from the heavens above, and the fire of vengeance that burns in its soul while in exile. It’s this fusion of lyrical bite and musical precision that sets the band apart. On this track, Wailing Banshee exudes what makes them an unstoppable underground force.

His Dark Materials closes the EP with a slow-burning descent into shadow. It’s a track steeped in murky depth that is part ballad, part dirge, and fully immersive. This is a new facet of Wailing Banshee’s range: moody, deliberate, and emotionally charged. Midway through, the song awakens with fierce intensity where the vocals turn spiteful, guitars surge, and the bass work channels the galloping spirit of Iron Maiden’s golden era. At over five minutes in length, it’s the EP’s most ambitious track. It lands with impact. His Dark Materials proves that Wailing Banshee has tapped into something powerful to power their music. It’s a testament to their ability that they are not afraid to explore the darker corners of their sound and lyrics.

Conclusion

Worlds Apart is a deeply promising release from Wailing Banshee. They are a band firmly rooted in traditional heavy metal, yet already carving their own distinct path. Musically, they’re a powerhouse: tight, confident, and commanding. From a songwriting standpoint, they’re operating with master-level precision, crafting four tracks that reveal impressive depth, dynamic range, and emotional resonance.

The standout is undeniably the title track, Worlds Apart. It’s a perfect storm of fierce vocals, sharp instrumentation, and lyrical bite that encapsulates everything great about this band. And while Dani Bentham already delivers powerhouse performances throughout, there’s a sense that her voice holds even more potential waiting to be unlocked. Her continued growth could elevate Wailing Banshee to even greater heights.

With proven live chops and a clear artistic vision, Worlds Apart feels less like a stepping stone and more like a launchpad. Wailing Banshee isn’t just rising they’re ready to go well over the top. They’ve got some tour dates to finish out 2025, let’s hope to see them go on to conquer the stages of the world.

Be sure to show them full support on their campaign!

TheNwothm Score: 9/10

Links

Bandcamp: https://wailingbanshee.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wailingbansheeofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wailingbansheeofficial/?hl=en