Review / 200 Words Or Less
Cape Of Bats
Transylvania

Holy Terror (2012) Jon E.

Cape Of Bats – Transylvania cover artwork
Cape Of Bats – Transylvania — Holy Terror, 2012

Cape of Bats is probably the least known about band in the Holy Terror Roster. Cape has slowly been releasing songs online for free throughout the past couple years. Now one the cusp of their first physical release one may ask what are they about. Well, with as many ill founded conclusions one could come to between their name and EP title let me assure any reader that there is no silliness or twilight related stupidity to be found. Instead this is an EP based on lore of a place that one of their members live near. This lore is highlighted within the liner notes through an essay.

The music itself is a very caustic blends of first wave black metal, crust and a slight bit of old school deathrock. All of these elements are blended in such a way that each track seems to flow without sapping energy away from their attack. Opener "To Transylvania" starts with plaintive piano before delving into a nasty lurching song replete with caustic screams that eventually lead to short bursts of fury. Within this one song Cape of Bats not only introduces themselves but also shows you what they have up their sleeves musically without giving everything away. Simply put Cape of Bats deserve your notice the songs are a mix of many things without ever feeling forced and the artwork and essay are a perfect outer shell for the music that lies beneath.

8.4 / 10Jon E. • February 13, 2012

Cape Of Bats – Transylvania cover artwork
Cape Of Bats – Transylvania — Holy Terror, 2012

Recently-posted album reviews

Ace Enders

Posture Syndrome
Pure Noise (2025)

If the name Ace Enders sounds familiar, it should. He’s been the voice behind The Early November, one of Drive-Thru Records’ cornerstone emo bands in the early 2000s. While that scene exploded, Ace carved his own path with that band, as well as solo experiments under the name I Can Make a Mess, and the occasional record as Ace Enders … Read more

Summer Blue

Self Titled EP
New Morality Zine (2025)

You may not be familiar with the band Summer Blue, but that’s your issue. If you do know the San Jose, CA based band, then you know how enjoyable they are to listen to. For some background for the newcomers, the band started in 2022 as a side project between friends already orbiting the Bay Area DIY and indie scenes. … Read more

Relay For Death

Mutual Consuming
Helen Scarsdale Agency (2025)

At a time when experimental artists are constantly churning out new music, it is curious to find some that take their time. Rachel and Roxann Spikula might not be the most prolific creatives, but when they make an appearance, it is worth paying attention. The twin sisters have performed in Towering Heroic Dudes and Boyzone, but it is their own … Read more