Sydney-based alternative outfit Forever at Midnight has unleashed their electrifying new mini EP, Diabolical Girl, and it’s nothing short of a sonic spectacle. Seamlessly merging the high-octane hooks of pop punk with the crushing weight of synth-driven metalcore, this three-track offering is a fearless statement of the band’s evolving artistry.
Clocking in at just three songs, Diabolical Girl is short, but it doesn’t waste a second. It’s an emotional rollercoaster packed with introspection, catharsis, and pure, unfiltered intensity. With themes of self-worth, anger, and resolution, Forever at Midnight crafts an experience that’s as relatable as it is musically devastating.
What makes Diabolical Girl stand out is its genre-defying nature. On one end of the spectrum, the EP offers catchy, anthemic hooks reminiscent of pop punk’s finest, while on the other, it embraces the heaviness and aggression of metalcore—enhanced by an electrifying layer of synths. This fusion allows the band to deliver moments of raw vulnerability followed by crushing breakdowns, ensuring a listening experience that keeps fans engaged from start to finish.
Forever at Midnight has always dabbled in darker, heavier soundscapes, but here, they take things to another level. Whether it’s the emotional depth of the lyrics, the dynamism of the instrumentals, or the sheer versatility in vocal delivery, Diabolical Girl feels like both a progression and a declaration: they are here to push boundaries, and they’re doing it with confidence.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. Shattered Pieces – A Thunderous Opener
The EP kicks off with Shattered Pieces, a song that immediately sets the tone. Opening with a haunting synth melody, it quickly explodes into a wall of distorted guitars and pounding drums. Sidonie Winer’s vocals steal the spotlight, effortlessly shifting between impassioned cleans and guttural screams. The chorus is anthemic, an earworm that demands to be screamed at the top of your lungs. Lyrically, it grapples with the fragments of a broken identity, reflecting on self-worth and the struggle to piece oneself back together.
2. I Swear, I’m Fine – A Relatable Cry for Stability
The second track, I Swear, I’m Fine, takes a more melodic approach—at least at first. The intro features atmospheric synths and a more restrained vocal delivery, creating a sense of fragility. But as the song progresses, the tension builds, culminating in an explosive chorus. The instrumentals are layered with intricate guitar work from Josh Kim, while Dan Hennighan’s bass lines add a deep, brooding undertone. The contrast between the delicate verses and the heavier breakdown makes this track one of the most emotionally powerful on the EP.
3. Hollow Eyes – The Perfect Closing Statement
Closing out the EP is Hollow Eyes, arguably the most intense song of the three. Here, Forever at Midnight fully embraces their metalcore roots, delivering punishing breakdowns, relentless drumming from Evan Hughes, and eerie synth elements that amplify the song’s haunting aura. The lyrics delve into anger, disillusionment, and ultimately finding resolution, making it the perfect conclusion to the emotional journey that Diabolical Girl takes us on.
With this release, Forever at Midnight continues to prove they’re not content with staying in one lane. They are constantly evolving, incorporating new influences and refining their sound in a way that feels natural and exciting. Fans who have been with them since their early days will appreciate how Diabolical Girl expands their musical universe, while new listeners will find themselves immediately hooked by the EP’s genre-blending appeal.
The production is crisp and powerful, allowing each element—whether it’s the synths, the breakdowns, or the soaring vocal melodies—to shine. The band’s chemistry is undeniable, and their ability to balance raw emotion with technical precision makes this EP a must-listen for fans of modern rock and metal.
Diabolical Girl may be short, but it packs an emotional and sonic punch that lingers long after the last note fades. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt, anger, or the search for resolution, wrapped in a soundscape that is as exhilarating as it is cathartic.
With this release, Forever at Midnight isn’t just making music—they’re making a statement. They’re proving that they’re a band unafraid to take risks, push boundaries, and carve out their own place in the alternative music scene. If this EP is any indication of what’s to come, then the future for Forever at Midnight is looking very, very bright.
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