British Thrash Punks AWAP (Ant-Walking Alligator People) Are Hauling ‘Cargo’ On New Single!

Following on from the release of the blistering ‘Panikos’, British Thrash Punks AWAP (an anacronym for Ant-Walking Alligator People) are back with their latest single, ‘Cargo’, which is set for release on September 11th.

Speaking about the single, the band have said:
“People crammed into boats, into the back of lorries. Animals crushed into cages on wheels. This blackened thrasher of a song addresses the trafficking of all live ‘Cargo’ – whether it is due to desperate choice or enslavement.”

The news comes following the announcement of their new EP “Clown Carousel”, which is set for release on October 9th. Those new to the band are in for a violent treat, especially fans of Municipal Waste, Power Trip, and The Haunted.

The tracklisting for “Clown Carousel” is:
1. Clown Carousel
2. Cargo
3. Panikos

Formed in 2017, AWAP (Ant-Walking Alligator People) began as a project to give a bunch of like-minded dudes somewhere to squeeze their creative juices. With a political persuasion to the band’s outlook and lyrics, AWAP is a metaphor not just for anti-war sentiment but also muses on the collective experience of all that stand at ‘ground zero’ in relation to social injustice and discrimination.

Made up of guitarists Aaron Sly & Dan Beadle, bassist Alex Ratcliffe, vocalist Matt Mason, and drummer Rael Bearman, the band are typically viewed through the lens of punk and thrash. However, a deeper listen reveals more post-punk and melodic influences ingrained in the fabric of the music.

The band released their first two EPs ‘Bigger Society’ in 2021 and ‘Mongrels’ in 2023, and now, the band are set to release their third EP, ‘Clown Carousel’, on October 9th, 2026.

From the anarcho-thrash of the title track—a scathing critique of political theatre that doubles as an infectious, fist-pumping anthem—to the mythologically steeped fury of “Panikos”, which exposes how media moguls and trolls weaponize fear and rage to manipulate the masses, through to the harrowing “Cargo”, a brutal indictment of human and animal trafficking in all its forms. AWAP returns with another, socially conscious assault on the absurdities and injustices that plague modern society.

Legendary producer Scott Atkins lent his talents to the drum recording and mastering of the three new tracks: “Panikos” (set for release August 7th), “Cargo” (set for release September 11th) and “Clown Carousel”. Elsewhere, the band’s own Aaron Sly took up engineering, production and mixing duties for the remaining elements. ‘Clown Carousel’ continues AWAP’s raw power whilst seeking progression in sound, production and musicianship.

Known for kinetic and chaotic performances that place themselves outside the usual super-serious metal/punk fare. AWAP have gigged extensively throughout the country and are remembered by anyone who has seen them.