Behind Bars – As I Wait For Death

Behind Bars is a Belgian hardcore quartet comprised of; Ian Huyskens (vocals), Steven Vandermosten (guitar), Andy Philips (bass) and Bjorn Van Olmen (drums). The band was founded in 2015, whilst Ian Huyskens first joined the band in 2023. The release of their All in Due Time record, everything changed as their sound became heavier, metallic and more in your face.

At the end of 2025 the band from Geel released their new and second EP titled As I Wait For Death. This latest EP, with five songs on it, has been released through Death Wake & Ondergrond Records.

Tracklist:

1. P.A.I.N.
2. As I Wait For Death
3. Spiral
4. Where Truth Lies
5. Anthem

The new EP, As I Wait For Death, offers intense metallic hardcore mixed with thrash and groove-laden metal. All of the five songs are heavy and aggressive while delivering smoldering guitar riffs, hard hitting breakdowns, gruff and raw vocals, pounding drums and crucial/high-energy backbone bass lines.

As I Wait For Death opens with “P.A.I.N.”, setting the tone immediately. This opening track mainly relies on heavy riffs, pounding drums and raw vocal delivery. Title track “As I Wait For Death” has some classic 80’s style bay area classic thrash riffs and a short nice solo to add a spice. Furthermore it has some gang chant moments adding depth and texture to a tune. Third song “Spiral“ brings something different again, with its crushing sounds, blast beats even with a few punchy charming death metal elements. “Where Truth Lies” explores themes of media propaganda as it receives backing from a driving rhythm section, thunderous percussive battery and groove laden guitars. Closing track called “Anthem” is exactly what the title suggests – a straightforward hardcore anthem featuring some stomping rhythms and chanting vocals. It works well as a finale, ending the EP on an energetic- and optimistic tone.

Lyrical themes are socially conscious dealing with subjects of resilience, personal struggle and social critique. The sound is aggressive, mosh-pit-ready and designed for live performances, because it’s packed with gang chants and delivered at breakneck speed, but also due to its numerous high-energy breakdowns. Thus, the production includes heavily distorted/industrial/modern sound with appropriate raw and aggressive tones.

In a short, Behind Bars aren’t reinventing the wheel here, but As I Wait For Death is still a short yet very aggressive and impactful five-tracker release – a solid, punchy continuation of their previous work, maintaining a reputation for relentless, aggressive musical output. Especially recommended for fans of a solid blend of 80s thrash, metallic hardcore, groove-laden modern metal and bands like Hatebreed, Lionheart, Caliban, Lamb of God, Pro-Pain etc.

You can find As I Wait For Death over at bandcamp, or just give it a spin follow the link below.