‘Exuvia’ is the skin shed by arachnids, crustaceans and insects to make way for a new stage of life. It’s a fitting title for Cage Fight’s second album, a record of rebirth.

After the rapid rise of their 2022 self-titled debut, Cage Fight took their time, pushing deeper into songwriting, melody and atmosphere without losing their raw hardcore edge. New bassist Will Horsman joins James Monteith, Rachel Aspe and Nick Plews, bringing fresh ideas and lyrics. Recorded by Sam Bloor and mixed by Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Malevolence), the 11 tracks pair crushing grooves with a broader, more layered sound, and a new appetite for experiment: ‘Pick Your Fighter’, featuring Benighted’s Julien Truchan, borrows from Nâdiya’s French pop hit ‘Et c’est parti…’.

It’s also a breakthrough for Aspe, who wrote lyrics for eight songs, tackling anxiety, assault, grief and loss. The title track was inspired by her grandmother’s fight with cancer, and written with her, a theme echoed in artwork depicting a radiation mask.

Having toured with Sepultura and Cro Mags, supported Napalm Death and Employed To Serve, and played Summer Breeze and Bloodstock, Cage Fight emerge heavier, tighter and surer of who they are.