L.O.W, the heavy hitting hardcore band from Wollongong, are set to release their highly anticipated debut EP 'Ruination' on Limited Edition vinyl 7" on May 23rd via Fowl Taste.
In a short time, L.O.W have eared a reputation for their explosive live shows and an impressive list of acts they've supported, including Speed, Xibalba, Volatile Ways, Fleshwater and Terminal Sleep. Ruination marks the band's first recorded material as a full unit, delivering a fierce mix of hardcore, punk and thrash with ruthless intensity. Described by the band as "Neanderthal Hardcore".
From the band:
'Ruination' is the first time we’ve written songs together as a full band, and I think you can really hear that shift. We recorded the EP over two days with Dan Antix at Def Wolf Studios in Kurnell. We really wanted the record to sound like us, no studio tricks or overproduction. Just five people playing hard and fast in a room. Dan totally got it and was able to bring out the raw energy in the best way. We tracked most of it live, guitars, bass, drums all in the same room, and I did vocals in the control room. No click tracks, no overthinking. We’ve put the work in at practice, so we just let it rip. Dan also mixed and mastered the whole thing, he’s got such an insane ear, we barely had any notes. The guy’s a weapon.
Thematically, 'Ruination' is me processing the last five years; breakdowns in relationships, watching people change into someone you don’t recognise, the feeling of shared blame when things fall apart. It’s about the cost of living, the systems we’re stuck in, and the way we deal with it all, good or bad. There’s a lot of self-reflection in there too. Looking at my own habits and how much of it is just part of the culture down here on the South Coast, stuff we inherit, stuff we don’t always question. It’s personal, but I think a lot of people will see themselves in it.
The artwork was done by our mate Owen Jackson (@habitholes) from High Hopes Tattoo. He did a piece for a previous single and nailed the vibe again for 'Ruination'. He’s a hardcore kid too, so he just gets it. Bold lines, timeless style, and a strong sense of place.
We’re proud of these songs and what they represent. It feels like a proper summary of everything we’ve done up to now, and to have Fowl Taste behind it means the world. Being supported by people we admire in our own scene—that’s the biggest win.
This release also marks the debut of Fowl Taste, a new heavy music label from Wollongong, dedicated to amplifying local talent while shining light on the best heavy music Australia has to offer. You can expect to see more exclusive releases very soon from Fowl Taste.
Ruination will be released on a limited edition vinyl 7" on May 23rd.