Mimi Barks – Dreamstate Of Fear
Release Date: 24th July 2026
Label: DEATHKISS Records
Returning with her latest exorcism Dreamstate Of Fear, the ferocious Mimi Barks redefines her eclectic roots with an EP that further broadens the volatility found in her debut. Forged from her immersion through the underbelly of the industrial scene in Berlin, Barks follows her 2024 album THIS IS DOOM TRAP with a prowling intensity, exploring fear not as a weakness, but as an act of survival. This pioneering blend of Barks’ owns brand of nu metal and industrial trap brings an elevated contrast of influences. While championing more melodic sections alongside the heavier moments of sonic violence, this release built on an emotive sincerity is sure to pull listeners deeper into the world founded through Doom Trap.
Lead single (and EP opener) ‘Dreamstate of Hell’ brings an immediate introduction to Barks’ diversely hallmark sound, complete with pounding 808’s and a flurry of deathcore-style guitar leads that flicker around its synth driven breakdown. With more than a subtle nod to nu metal and even crunkcore, this track keeps certainly keeps its hooks in you. Following with a more traditional approach to noughties nu metal, ‘Ophelia’ balances its decadently sparse verses with stacks of high gain guitars. Barks’ guttural fry screams hit just as hard as her cleaner cadences, breathing a sense of nostalgic familiarity throughout.
At the other end of the spectrum is ‘Power durch Verrat’. Fully performed in German, this return to her roots fully leans into Barks’ well-established trap influence. Adorned with licks of distorted synth pads, (and co written with Wargasms’ Sam Matlock), this beastly groove laden track is welcome variety to this eclectic release. The final track ‘Butterfly in Chains’ further leans back into Barks’ industrial musings. Bookended by a short pair of both instrumental (‘Polarity’) and spoken word (‘States of Consciousness’) interludes; this heavily guitar driven track further explores the balance of harsh rap lead vocals with a more conventional “rock band” led instrumentation.
As a release born out of loss and acceptance (Barks’ unreleased sophomore album was stolen, consequently becoming the catalyst to this EP’s production), it’s clear that the departure of expectation (and self proclaimed pressure) provided Barks a newfound opportunity to explore that journey. With this in mind, Dreamstate Of Fear ultimately stands as a testament to not giving up, and a cathartic stamp of authenticity.
FFO: Flyleaf / House of Protection / Linkin Park
Recommended Track: Ophelia