Annulment – The Nihil of Vibrant Soul

Annulment feels like a molten eruption, a lava flow of metallic hardcore that demolishes everything in its path. Their ’90s-inspired sound is a violent storm you can’t escape, and honestly, why would you want to?

Hailing from Long Island, Annulment has been crafting their chaos since 2013, and The Nihil of Vibrant Soul marks their fourth release. This one-sided 12-inch EP is a total beast, complete with a stunning poster tucked inside. Across its 17 minutes of relentless intensity, the record delivers crushing riffs, chaotic rhythms, and razor-sharp hardcore energy that leaves you wrecked by the final note.

What sets Annulment apart is their deep focus on lyrical content. Every song feels deliberate, with layers of meaning woven into both the lyrics and their sequencing. The band isn’t just slinging noise—they’re making a statement. A prime example is the second-to-last track, “Unbowed Before the Devouring Sun.” Vocalist Anthony John Czerwinski describes it as “a reappropriation of totalitarian language, turning it inward against absolutist powers—whether material, spiritual, or illusory. It’s a song of clarity, a prelude to accepting death through triumph or an ending of some kind. But it’s intentionally not the last song on the record.”

Annulment doesn’t just play heavy—they think heavy, too. Their music is layered, intentional, and emotionally crushing. If you’re a fan of metallic hardcore with soul-crushing breakdowns and lyrics that make you think as hard as they hit, you need this record.

The Nihil of Vibrant Soul deserves a spot next to your favorite heavy hitters like Pulling Teeth and Racetraitor. Get ready to feel obliterated.