The first band to appear in our reviews with more than one release is, „surprisingly,“ Shaved For Battle. The label Under The Watchful Eyes put out this EP in 2025, and Muna also provided the artwork.

The opening track, Diehards, belongs among the very best that Shaved For Battle have ever recorded. The song’s build-up, lyrics, and vocals make it a total anthem and an obvious closer for any live set. Sure, it’s a bit „stadium-like,“ a little „pathetic,“ and somewhat „idealistic,“ but every now and then that’s exactly what we all want. Especially when it’s about shouting into the mic together with the band at a show. The song is dedicated to the diehards – those for whom subculture is fanaticism and faith. „Only the diehards will remain, so many years, we’re still the same, this way of life will never change, only the diehards keep the faith.“

The second track, the faster Sinking Ship, deals with the theme of a society sinking into poverty. The most rock’n’roll-influenced song is the third one, Born To Lose. The EP closes with Forever Young, which starts with a longer acoustic intro and feels quite untypical for SFB’s work thanks to its country flavor.

According to the booklet, there have been some lineup changes in the band. It also includes lyrics and acknowledgments. The result is yet another high-quality release from SFB. I have to repeat myself – on my personal list, Shaved For Battle rank very high, and this EP is another record I keep spinning on my turntable again and again.

Top Track: Diehards