It is hard to remember a first EP from a band receiving such hype or anticipation, especially
when you consider the band in question only publicly sprung to life with the release of their first
single ‘In the name of the father’ on May 15th 2025. A chaotic, sweaty and triumphant debut
performance on the Dogtooth stage Download Festival, back in June, gave fans a first hand
glimpse into the mind of PRESIDENT.
There is no doubt that a proportion of the hype surrounding the group will be stemming from the
man behind the eerie, deep wrinkled and waxy mask,the aforementioned ‘President’. Tall,
gravel voiced and instantly recognisable for a great many, whilst potentially imperious and
mysterious to others. One might wonder whether it is simply easier to break the facade or to
simply ride the wave with it. In this instance, we are going along for the ride.
‘King Of Terrors’ opens with the creepy synths of ‘name of the father’. The brutal intro drop
follows, alongside the piercing scream of our new leader. The guitar tone is beefy, yet perfectly
polished, the bass’s low end rumbles and the drums pound, marching us forward with military
precision. It is fitting that the opening lyrics you hear are “this is me, Hell I don’t know where it
went wrong”. This is the band setting out their stall early. It’s a call to arms, it’s a reassuring arm
around the shoulder, perhaps most importantly, it is catharsis. A feral unleashing of emotions
that have long been held in silence.
The chorus is monstrous, hook ladened and perfectly curated for the big stage. Which you will
come to find is a common thread with this EP. These songs have a depth and refinement that
you would not hear on such a young band’s first release. PRESIDENT have created the true
definition of what we would consider true pop/metal.
‘Fearless’ follows with blistering power and focus. An intro wall of noise that could blow you out
of your chair, a subtle verse full of sorrowful vocals and huge chorus that will unquestionably
inspire mass sing a longs. Were you to teach a young person how to structure and write music
for metal fans, alongside a mainstream audience, then this is the blueprint to follow. This lesson
has been learnt over years and years by the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, PRESIDENT are
already steps ahead.
There is beautiful sorrow and melancholy to RAGE. It is not quite a ballad, rather a beautiful
combination of house and metal that perfectly blends together, the song rises and falls, gently
drifting at times, exploding with passion at others. The outro is immense: heavy, atmospheric,
and cathartic, leaving the listener suspended between weight and release.
There is more of the same on ‘Destroy Me’, except this time gone is the house, replaced this
time by more focused driving hip hop rhythm. The chorus is still huge, the pop structure is still
prominent but what really makes the song is the brutal bridge that catches you by surprise. It’s
snarling, vicious and packs one hell of a punch. It’s no more than 40 seconds, however It is a
perfect tease of what this band can be capable of when a full length album arrives.
There is so much to love over the course of this 20 minute EP. It’s the encapsulation of a man’s
struggle with loss, religion and finding a safe space within this new music. Alongside his new
bandmate’s Heist (Guitar), Protest (Bass) and Vice (Drums), who have joined to help facilitate
this new project, President has found his calling and an outlet for the noise inside his head.
Conclave rounds out this first sermon. And of all tracks that may draw comparison to their
anonymous brothers Sleep Token, it is this track that rings closest. From the electronica and
piano intro, to the hip hop inspired verses and layered, choral vocals. The pop influences remain
paramount, no matter how heavy it might get.
There cannot be much doubt that PRESIDENT are on the fast track to the main event. An arena
support slot supporting Architects, will only serve to propel them even further into the spotlight.
And should the negative cries of ‘industry plant’ continue to be screamed into the endless abyss
of social media, I hope they continue to be rendered meaningless by the songwriting and
production of this calibre.
‘King Of Terrors’ is out now on all platforms. PRESIDENT are on the CAMPAIGN TRAIL, their first ever European headline tour, culminating with a sold out show at the 02 Forum Kentish Town on the 21st April 2026. Find out more at the bands Campaign HQ.
