Burnchurch – Self-Titled LP

Artist: Burnchurch

Title: Burnchurch

Release: LP / Digital

Year: 2015

Labels: Dogs and Vultures, Contraszt! Records, Up The Punx, Trująca Fala

Burnchurch is a five-piece melodic crust band from Dublin that features former members of Easpa Measa, Silence (from Poland), Rats Blood, and more. If you’ve been following the Irish DIY punk and crust scene, Easpa Measa likely needs no introduction. They were one of the most important and influential bands until their disbandment in 2012, and it’s no surprise that several excellent acts have emerged from their ashes. With Burnchurch, the Irish scene joins forces with punks from Poland, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this band’s sound.

The album features ten tracks of modern neocrust that hits hard with urgency, emotion, and razor-sharp political commentary. The dual female/male vocal interplay adds depth and intensity, with Cloadgh’s passionate delivery standing out as a highlight. Her vocals evoke the spirit of beloved bands like Witch Hunt, Ballast, Preying Hands, and Signal Lost—powerful, resonant, and utterly gripping.

The production is top-notch, giving each track a sense of weight and immediacy. Released by Dublin’s label Dogs and Vultures Records in collaboration with Contraszt! Records (Germany), Up The Punx Records, and the legendary Polish label Trująca Fala, this album solidifies the strength of international DIY cooperation. Here’s a band that brings passion, urgency, and a blend of international influences that set them apart. Whether you’re drawn to the fierce political messages or the neocrust melodies in vogue right now, this release is a must-listen.

P.S. Despite what the name might suggest, Burnchurch isn’t just a symbolic title. It’s actually a nod to Burnchurch Castle, a historic site in Kilkenny, Ireland, tying the band even further to their ancestral roots.