REVIEW: Higher Walls - No End

Hot off the heels of their critically acclaimed ‘Tear Them Down’ EP last year, London hardcore outfit Higher Walls return with No End - a self-released, six-track barrage of unfiltered rage and pure disdain.

Based across London, Higher Walls are a politically charged hardcore band known for their uncompromising sound and DIY ethic. Featuring members originally from Moldova, New Zealand, and the UK, the band blends classic hardcore aggression with a modern metallic edge. Since their debut, they've steadily built a reputation in the underground scene, sharing stages with the likes of Grove Street, Splitknuckle, and Death Goals, and earning praise for their intense live shows and socially conscious lyrics.

Clocking in at just over 15 minutes, No End wastes no time. It's a tightly wound burst of sonic fury: raw, relentless, and urgent. For the uninitiated, Higher Walls are essential listening for fans of Terror, Nails, and the kind of hardcore that’s as politically charged as it is pit-ready. This is music that demands to be heard loud, fast, and in the thick of a sweat-drenched crowd.

Tracks like 'Cloak & Dagger' and 'So Much, For So Long, For So Little' (covered here in our preview) show a band unafraid to confront the world’s hypocrisies head-on. Blistering riffs and breakneck drumming collide with lyrics that seethe against systemic violence, state neglect, and the grinding realities of working-class life. There’s no room for subtlety here, and that’s precisely the point - this is hardcore at its most urgent and unapologetic.

In a release packed to the seams with incredible musicianship, it's difficult to highlight any specific track, especially with the EP’s concise six-song format. That said, the opening track 'History’s Eyes' makes a bold, furious first impression. At the same time, closing track 'So Much, For So Long, For So Little' feels like a final nail, driven home with conviction. From start to finish, No End is brutally unrelenting.

What truly sets this EP apart though is its unwavering focus. Each track feels like a direct hit to the gut; everything is sharp, efficient, and deliberately composed. There’s no bloat or self-indulgence. The band’s international makeup brings a unique perspective, channelling a broader sense of global unrest into a distinctly London-flavoured strain of hardcore. This is music born of frustration and fury, but it doesn’t wallow - it fights.

No End isn’t trying to reinvent the genre, but Higher Walls have undeniably raised the bar. There's clarity in the chaos, driven by tight musicianship, razor-sharp production, and a deliberate pacing that avoids the genre’s common pitfall of becoming a blur. Every choice here feels intentional, every hit lands exactly where it should. This EP is also a reminder of the power of brevity. In just 15 minutes, Higher Walls achieve more than many bands do across full-lengths. They cut straight to the point. Just purpose and passion, zero filler or waste.

In a political climate as bleak and frustrating as the UK’s currently, this release couldn’t feel more necessary. Higher Walls are a band with something to say, and they say it loudly. We can’t wait to catch them live later this year in support of this outstanding release.

Score: 8/10

No End was released on April 25th 2025.

Words: Andrew Nile

Photos: Higher Walls