Sugar Spine - Violent Heaven (EP Review)

Sugar Spine - Violent Heaven
‍Released: August 21, 2025
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‍Lineup‍

Josh Muncke // Vocals
Sietse de Krieger // Guitars
Koen Vroom // Bass
Tom Verstappen // Drums

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A few months ago, Sugar Spine outlined details of their EP Violent Heaven, which was unearthed on August 21. As detailed upon second-single release 'To Fade Quietly', Sugar Spine are now a fully-fledged four-piece-majority Dutch group after originally forming with soloist Josh Muncke from Sydney. The creative-come-fitness-apparel-entrepreneur has nurtured a metal band that's grown a heap of fructose grey matter to be the spine it was born to be. Following a retrospectively lonely nucleus with 2022's Mirror Talk, Sugar Spine spawned into its European era with Emerald that turned heads with flagship singles 'Hisashi' (feat. Cabal's Andreas Bjulver)' and 'Pseudo Panther'. It was this Netherland release that fuelled the band's touring explosion, which included support slots for Breakdown of Sanity, Jesus Piece and Misery Signals.

Violent Heaven has now arrived; it's the first official EP from Sugar Spine and it's an all-killer-no-filler spectacle of genre-bending madness. The more-notable turn sees Muncke laying down unregretted nu-metal style vocals that nods to Slipknot's 1999 era, while also blending in the modern metal influences. The band have sourced a serious cult following on social media, particularly Instagram - where fans engage with the fascinating dichotomy of an Aussie in The Netherlands, where he anecdotally releases tracks with titles like 'Go Outside (C**t)'. Up to speed? Sweet, let's get into it.

'Burnt Beyond Recognition' is the nuke button on this 17-minute pearler and it sets the tone for the excellence and stature of the release. Following a nu-metal purge from Muncke across a mathcore bounce, Sugar Spine kick into a chaotic-yet-rhythmic groove next to a production setup that feels like a big step up since Emerald. The whammy-pinches paired with gruff vocals send you right to IOWA. "I hate the fact that I love myself" - that's the mosh call, the breakdown, the precipice of destruction. Let's just say this EP opening is a very strong start.

As we strap our boots for 'Stomping Ground', it's easy to hear a slight change in approach - and this is one of the things I love about the diversity and eclectic approach to Sugar Spine. They don't force or retrofit a sound so everything fits nicely - they just let the creative juices guide them. This track induces a higher level of anxiety and probably sweeps into more of a hardcore lane, whilst maintaining a heavy metallic force that holds the right momentum. Muncke's vocals appear extremely coached, clean and notably intentional - despite the gruff delivery style. Whilst enjoyable, I was personally hoping for that disgusting breakdown to hit a bit sooner than it did - it felt like a bit of a grind until we got there, but boy - once we did, it was tasty.

'To Fade Quietly', features Chris Zuehlke of German sweethearts Half Me. Once again, Violent Heaven twists and turns for an another angle. The track delves into themes of nostalgia and loss, with Muncke expressing deep feelings of despair and the fading of childhood dreams. It blends the band's heavy custom riffs with Muncke's raw lyrical vulnerability in the form of brutal screams; we also get a glimpse of his gorgeous singing in between. This is the magic here, people. It's rare to hear the single frontman nail both the vocal styles, so let me tell you - Muncke's singing is worth writing home about. But before you allow yourself to be fully serenaded, prepare for the bipolar spin into mathcore chaos, where we hear Zuehlke join Muncke for a tornado that's sonically similar to that of Invent Animate, early Northlane and Silent Planet.

I think my favourite track on this release is called 'Chrome Coloured Ribcage'. The mixing on this three-minute number is the fabulous finish to some stellar songwriting and delivery. You think you're listening to Deafheaven with the opening strums and then the modern metal crunch slaps you in the face. An artful mess ensues with pithy cohesion. I've mentioned Slipknot a few times already but the chopper-style rap that Muncke breaks into is not only impressive, but completely unexpected with a perfect pairing with the bassy-whammy metalcore orchestra. This is pure talent - across the whole lineup. I personally love the carefully curated pandemonium that Sugar Spine deliver to carry us to the end of this one.

'Violent Heaven' is the title-track that closes us out. It's the truest metalcore tune on this record, with some of the genre's signature sounds breezing through it. With a melodic-emotive tempo, a full-range of high-tuned riffs - Muncke once again showcases his vocal range with another rendition of wonderful singing. So much heart goes into this track, with hardcore elements seeping through its veins. Muncke and the boys give it one last oomph before calling it, while on top of their game.

This is a fun, nasty and cunning release that was formed with utmost passion. The EP has limited shortfalls, and whilst a little too short and punchy - it also may be susceptible to growing pains where the band may be growing faster than their capacity to release new music. That being said, this chapter is the most important yet for Sugar Spine, and will be the driving force needed to kick it up a notch or two further to become unstoppable.

Rating: 7/10
Violent Heaven is out now on. Stream here
Review by Ricky Aarons