Cell Games – You Have (Not) Heard These Songs Before (2025)
Bringing the ferocity, intensity, and weight of nu-metal to the modern masses, Irish group Cell Games is leading the pack in a revolutionary revamp of the scene. While nu-metal is daubed with iconic sounds of Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Korn and Slipknot, this new wave simultaneously draws on yesteryear while flecking the genre with pioneering, new tinges of something seriously exciting. Technically formed in 2021 when Maximillion Foy (vocals) and Tristan Carroll (guitar) thought of creating a band with the live session recording of ‘Filthyweight’ – a track on the EP we’re about to dissect – the concept of Cell Games came to fruition. Joined by Deb O’Brien (bass) and recently recruited drummer Niall O’Carroll, the burgeoning gem of a new nu-metal band saw the light of day. Join us as we delve into the EP, You Have (Not) Heard These Songs Before.
Propped by a series of blistering singles, Cell Games delivers a memorable experience for audiences, both live and streaming. The first track off You Have (Not) Heard These Songs Before is the recently released single, ‘Lament Configuration’. A reference to the cult horror film Hellraiser, ‘Lament Configuration’ is a brash wall of sound assaulting you from every angle. Jagged and angular, the scorching guitars brush against you, while pounding drums keep the pulsating heartbeat; a steady break of bold bass punches from beneath, while Foy’s vocals oscillate from rich soothing to soul-tearing screams. Interestingly, while Cell Games incorporate pop references in their music, as in the film, there is a deeper theme weaving through the melodies – in this case, as Foy shares, “the song is my thoughts on the rise of far-right movement and people’s sense of empathy gradually eroding…”
An abrupt ending gives way to the single, ‘Let’s Go To Therapy’. A twirl of high-powered drums runs across the melody, grabbing your hand and dragging you along at breakneck speed. O’Brien’s bass pierces the track, enhancing the metal-infused tone; however, for some reason, Foy’s vocals insert a rich warmth in both the rich soothing and the scorching background screams.
The EP’s title may be You Have (Not) Heard These Songs Before, but that’s not entirely true. We have heard ‘Lament Configuration’ and ‘Let’s Go To Therapy’; however, the remaining two tracks have not graced many ears. Songs pre-formation of Cell Games, ‘Filthyweight’ appears less, um, intense than ‘Lament Configuration’ and ‘Let’s Go To Therapy’. With all instrumentation carrying you on a wave of nu-metal, but there is a leaning further toward alternative rock, with energy flooding the rawness of a hard-hitting tune. Yet, this is a type of eye of the storm as Cell Games flings you to the heavy track, ‘Relics’. Ending off with ‘Relics’, Cell Games sends you off with your ears ringing in a powerful nu-metal crash of sound.
Find out more about Cell Games on their Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Old Crow Promotions.
