I Promised The World prove your Myspace-era obsession wasn’t just a phase with five tracks of unapologetically nostalgic metalcore mayhem.

Words by Felix Bartlett  | Jan 13, 2026

---

The phrase “it was never a phase, mom” has never rung truer than when I Promised The World’s self-titled EP came crashing through my speakers like a wrecking ball made of eyeliner and emotional damage. I’ll be honest, I had to physically restrain myself from raiding Depop for those ripped skinny jeans I swore I’d never wear again. This EP got me dangerously close to reversing that decision, and I’m not even mad about it.

Where most nostalgia trips feel forced or cynical, I Promised The World drags you back to the Myspace era with zero apologies and somehow makes it feel like reuniting with your best friend from high school. You know, the one who introduced you to I Killed The Prom Queen and ruined your Spotify algorithm forever? Yeah, that vibe exactly.

What’s wild is how well this actually works. “Future Worth Dying For” and “Bliss in 7 Languages” aren’t just doing the throwback thing; they’re nailing it with modern clarity while keeping that raw, desperate energy intact. The guitars hit like 2006, the vocals whine in all the right ways, and those breakdowns? Chef’s kiss. Oh and even the video for “A Pure Expression” feels like it was made to be played on Suzz TV’s Saturday morning show.

The real standout moment comes with “Emerald Waltz,” which closes things out with this gradual, emotional build that genuinely might make you tear up if you’re in the right (or wrong) headspace. It’s softer, more deliberate, and shows the band can do more than just pummel you with nostalgia.

Look, if you’ve been mourning the death of good metalcore this EP is your salvation. I Promised The World proves that sometimes looking backward is the best way to move forward.

Bottom line: your teenage self would be proud. Hell, your current self should be too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some skinny jeans to buy.

For fans of: I Killed The Prom Queen, Finch, Split Chain

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀💀

I Promised The World releases Friday 16th January via Rise Records, and is available to pre-order here.