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Welsh metalcore quartet Bleed The Fifth unleashed a devastating force with their second EP, Mortal Heart, released on March 7, 2025.
Discussing the artwork for Mortal Heart, vocalist Jordan Davies shared:
"The EP cover tells the story of the tracks within, continuing the visual narrative we began with our first EP, World Eater. The mask represents how easily we give our hearts away in exchange for hiding the pain inside."
The E.P, as a whole, let vocalist Jordan Davies experiment lyrically with different topics and delve into places that he hopes people resonate with. The songs on this EP are experimenting with darker heavier tones on some tracks such as "Black Sun" and "Psychosis" which touch upon mental health and topics of the mind. "First Flame" lyrically touches on gaming in particular based around Dark Souls, with fast and furious riffage which leads us to "We Belong" which is much more of a chilled big anthemic stadium style track with beautiful melodies that lyrically is based on an anime crossed with the idea of the universe being one singular being. Finally the self titled track "Mortal Heart" was the most difficult song for Jordan to write, which ended up coming the story of Hades and Persephone as well as a Greek tale about the river Styx. This track really brings together all of the bands influences into one solid single with a catchy chorus you won't forget.
Jordan Davies continues by breaking down the EP track by track:
"The EP as a whole allowed me to experiment with various lyrical themes and dive into places I hope people can relate to."
"‘Black Sun’ explores alienation and selfishness—how a victim mentality can cause someone to turn their back on the light: the glow of life, friends, and family. It’s something that might help people recognize patterns in themselves or others."
"‘First Flame’ is a quick, but intense, look at Dark Souls (one of my all-time favorite games). And, let’s be honest, it's metal as f#k! Lewis wrote the lyrical hook, and I used it as a prompt while I was replaying DS1 at the time."*
"‘Mortal Heart’ was an incredibly challenging song for me lyrically. I struggled to figure out what to write and how to approach it. But then I remembered reading about Hades and Persephone and the River Styx. Hades kidnapped Persephone and took her as his wife, while her mother Demeter grieved so deeply that she cursed the earth, causing plants to wither and die. The River Styx—where Achilles was dipped to gain immortality, except for his heel—became a metaphor for Demeter’s broken heart. So, the name ‘Mortal Heart’ fit perfectly with this story."
"‘Psychosis’ is a brief reflection on some of my personal struggles with mental health and bouts of psychosis. It’s a horrible experience—sitting there, thinking of self-harm, suicide, and feeling the paranoid pattern of ‘Is everyone in on something? Do they have a plan against me?’ Though it subsides, it never fully goes away, no matter how hard you try to push it down."
"‘We Belong’ is a love letter to Neon Genesis Evangelion, one of my favorite animes of all time. The concept of the Human Instrumentality Project, where no one is a singular vessel but a part of a greater whole, really resonates with the idea of the universe as one singular being. It’s a belief that the universe experiences life through us, and that death is simply a return to the lifestream of oneness—something I can deeply connect with ideologically."
Bleed The Fifth Online & Streaming:
Novacaine Rating: 10/10
"Bleed The Fifth are truly setting the stage to dominate the UK metal scene with their raw intensity and epic prowess. The band is gearing up for a high-stakes performance at Metal 2 The Masses in Swansea, Wales, on March 23, 2025, where they will battle for a coveted spot at Bloodstock Open Air Festival.
Though the competition is fierce, the release of Mortal Heart has solidified their place as serious contenders. Featuring crushing tracks like Psychosis—a relentless assault both lyrically and sonically—this EP showcases the band's ability to blend brutality with emotion and creativity. With their signature mix of blistering riffs, punishing breakdowns, and guttural vocals, Bleed The Fifth are proving they have what it takes to leave an unforgettable mark on the scene."
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