Yom-Ma-Lok (Blue)

Self-designated as "Bangkok Evilcore" Whispers, based out of Thailand, are bringing an immense sound to modern metallic hardcore. Originally formed in 2014, the band picked up steam in 2021 with the release of their Narok Bon Din EP grabbing international attention. Now Whispers join the growing roster of pivotal heavy music label Flatspot Records for the release of Yom-Ma-Lok.Hitting the studio in Spring 2024, Whispers set out to make a heavy, intense record that connects on an emotional level. The band worked with Suchai at Sixthirty Recording Studio in Bangkok to hone in on their sound, before sending the EP to Andy Nelson at BrickTop Recording for mixing and Brad Boatright at Audiosiege mastered it. Influence from bands like All Out War and Merauder comes through across the seven songs, giving a tough as nails delivery packed with menacing riffs. Thematically, Yom-Ma-Lok addresses realism and human nature through a global perspective. Yom-Ma-Lok opens with the aptly titled, instrumental "Bangkok Evilcore" before diving into the crushing "A Choice To Survive." A hostile delivery is juxtaposed by lyrics of self-reliance based on proverbs from Buddhism. Speed's Jem Siow, who also assisted with lyric translations on the album, guest features at the 2:50 mark of the song amidst a crushing breakdown. Lead single "Retribution" exemplifies the band's ability to deliver a grappling hardcore song made for the mosh-pit while showcasing a knack for serious guitar writing. The guest features on the EP continue as Shaun Alexander of Demonstration Of Power and Stephen Bessac of Kickback lend their vocals to "Wisenheimer" and "Yom-Ma-Lok" respectively. Closing out with the title track, which translates to "world of death people" or "underworld" in Thai, Whispers conjures the feeling of descending into hell and leaves the listener with a stark impression. Over the years, Whispers has brought their menacing live show across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe, and will return to the latter this fall on the Flatspot World tour. With the release of Yom-Ma-Lok, Whispers are setting out to spread the message and sound of Asian hardcore far and wide.