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new music mondays, Reviews

New Music: The Lost Releases!

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So, a little bit of a different one this time! Try as I like, I am usually just one man, and can’t always check out and review 20+ albums a week. However, I have been going back and listening to some of the stuff I’ve missed, and a lot of it is damn good! Now, I don’t have the chance to talk about all of them (I’ve counted 165 albums I’ve listened to since December, not counting this weekends, but below are some of our favourites from the last three months that we haven’t reviewed yet. Lets dive in!

Josh Weathers: Neon Never Fades

Right at the start of the year, we had this incredible new-traditional country release drop, Weathers’ first studio release since 2019. And, it’s been a release that’s been stuck in my rotation ever since! Right from the excellent opener, ‘Gambling’, I was hooked from my very first listen, and have listened through the following half-hour multiple times since January. From ‘Boys Chase Girls’ to ‘Honky Tonk Time’ to ‘I Gotta Have It’ there are so many highlights throughout alongside the opener. However, every song is amazing, and the album has an excellent flow to it, going by in a flash. I wasn’t familiar with Josh before hearing this release, but he has a massive new fan in me, not just of this album but all of his stuff! It’s a damn fun release, and has made me desperate for him to come to the UK so I can see some of it live. Until that time, I’m happy to keep spinning this album, as I haven’t gotten bored of it yet! It’s one of the best country releases I’ve heard in a while, and after a good few spins it gets a 9.5/10 from us!

Inborn Tendency: Let There be Sin

This debut death/groove metal album is another release that’s had me hooked since near the start of the year! The fact that this is just a three-piece is insane enough as it is, but that it is also of this high quality is nuts. Oh, and for a debut album, INSANELY good! It’s another short release too, only 30 minutes and very much all killer, no filler. The riffs are incredible, the drums go hard and the screams are brutal throughout. If you are at all into the heavier side of metal, this is absolutely a release for you! The album has certainly gotten some more eyes/ears on the band, including this writer’s, and hopefully they continue their upwards trend. It’s another release I’ll be spinning plenty still moving forward, and it’s a solid 8.5/10 from me!

All the Damn Vampires: VICECORE

This is an awesome sophomore album, and a great mix of retro and modern! It gives off vibes of everything from Genesis and Cutting Crew to LALYE and St. Vincent; a modern electronic soft rock. And, while it is slower paced for the most part, it’s epic ballad after epic ballad, perfectly modernising an 80s Miami sound and feeling. ‘Is This Love’, ‘Last Man Standing’ and ‘On My Own’ are all huge highlights for me, while their cover of ‘(I Just) Died in your Arms’ is utter perfection. Every guest on it works their asses off and brings so much to the sound, but the band themselves kill it too on each track. It’s not an album for everyone, but I loved this, and have listened to it at least a couple of times in the last month! It’s an easy 8/10 album, and well worth checking out!

Andy Smith: Long Time Coming

Another fantastic country release from January, and this time from a guy who certainly isn’t getting the love he deserves for such a great album! It’s 44-minutes of great, rock-tinged and emotion-filled country music that I’d put there with any of its contemporaries on mainstream radio these days. Think Chris Young or Blake Shelton, and up alongside them in terms of quality, too. It’s a tad generic sure, but that’s the same as 90% of popular country these days! From the opening two songs to ‘You Can Love a Memory’ and ‘Hematite For Gold’, there’s plenty to love throughout! However, there really isn’t a bad track on the whole album. Hopefully he gets some more love and exposure soon, as he could be one of the biggest names at least in the growing UK country scene off this release. I’ve been obsessed since I first heard it, and cannot recommend it enough to anyone even slightly interested. A very easy 9/10!

Firmament: Ashes & Awakenings

The debut EP from the UK melodic metallers is a great example of their talent for both playing and songwriting. It’s technical, heavy a little proggy and has plenty of catchiness throughout. ‘Through Tempests’ is probably my favourite track on the release, but the other four are also awesome in their own right! It’s an awesome 24-minutes that immediately leaves me wanting more, which I would argue is one of the purposes of an EP. Still, until we get more from the band, I am more than happy to keep spinning this truly awesome release! The more I have listened the more I’ve fell in love with it, and I can’t give it any less than 8/10.

P.S. I loved the artwork around this release, with each single being a card and the EP being the deck. It’s little nuances like this that I really enjoy, especially in rock and metal!

Bob Saliba: Testimony

So technically this is a 2025 album, but it was December, so wouldn’t have made it onto our 2025 list. Solo album two from the Kingcrown guitarist is an awesome AOR journey from start to finish! He gets to flex his guitar chops just as much here as he does in other bands, maybe even more so, and the band he has backing him are all so damn talented, too. it’s nearly an hour in length but doesn’t feel it at all, going by in a flash. ‘Dark Lands’, ‘Our Constellation 2.0’ and ‘Savengers’ are all personal highlights. It gives off vibes of Queensryche or Night Ranger in the best ways. The riffing and soloing is excellent, while the drumming and powerful, soaring vocals fit all of it excellently! It’s completely different to Kingcrown, but arguably in the best possible way. If you are at all into any of the genres or bands I’ve mentioned previously, I’d highly recommend checking this out, you certainly won’t be disappointed! It’s an album I can see myself listening to on and off all year, and it gets another very solid 8/10 from us!

Jay Buchanan: Weapons of Beauty

More of a chilled-out, slower country release now, but one that won me over more and more on my first listen. While I do usually like this sort of style, 50 minutes of it is normally a bit much for me. However, Buchanan is so damn talented that I couldn’t help but love every minute of this and have listened to it at least a few times in the month since its release. The first couple of songs are beautiful and great, but the gospel-y ‘True Black’ was really what won me over, and put into context the rest of the album. The rest of the album, and subsequently the previous songs after, I was obsessed with. And while they’re all good individually, this is a release that begs to be listened to in full. It all flows perfectly together and somehow each song improves the other. His voice is hauntingly beautiful, full of emotion and giving me goosebumps on more than one occasion throughout. And, the air of indie/soft rock/Americana on a couple of tracks was fantastic, breaking things up perfectly and definitely serving as album highlights. While I’m personally going to give it a 7.5/10, it is still a fantastic album and well worth checking out for anyone even vaguely interested. And, come summer and after more listens, it may get an even higher score!

Nearly Skulls: PAX AMERICANA

Describing themself as ‘grumpy dad rock’ is somehow both perfect and soul destroying, as this is very much the music of my youth (though the back end of it, I suppose). However, one of the hardest working artists around currently, the band dropped this on January 3rd and have put out multiple singles in the two months since. The frequency of their output doesn’t at all diminish the quality of their music though, as this is an excellent release! ‘Only in America’ is fantastic, R.E.M. goodness. Then you have the more Bad Religion-esque ‘Living the Dream’ and the awesome ‘Polarized and Weaponized’ that I’m also obsessed with. Oh, and the other two songs are also great, too! The whole album has a distinct punk vibe to it, and has some of the best lyrics I’ve heard all year. They’re yet another artist from this list that deserve so much more love than they are getting, but either way they have killed it with this EP! They have a big new fan in me, and it’s a very easy 8.5/10

Fear of Domination: Katharsis

This big Finnish metal band are as theatrical as they are industrial, and immediately draw my mind towards Mushroomhead as the closest comparison. However, even that doesn’t quite do the, justice, as it has elements of melodeath as well as a general epicness that can only seem to come out of Europe. It’s another one that has grown on me with multiple listens, and has caused me to since go back and check out their previous releases, making an easy new fan in me! From the opener to ‘Monsters’, ‘Last Words’ to ‘All as One’ there is so much to love throughout. It’s equal parts melodic, heavy and grandiose, and I truly believe it’s impossible not to have a good time listening to it. The band are insanely talented and have crafted something pretty special with this release, maybe my favourite they’ve put out. I can’t give it any less than 9/10, amazing stuff!

The Last Sound Revelation: The Proximity Effect

Though instrumental, I would recommend anyone check this out, especially if you are a musician yourself. The talent on display throughout is INSANELY HIGH. And, the composition of each try is great too, constantly keeping me interested, shocking for 46-minutes without any vocals! It’s technical, beautiful, proggy and pretty heavy all in equal measure. The Tool-like ‘Angel of Incidence’ and ‘Hypercube’ are probably my highlights, but I have listened through this whole thing at least a couple of times since its release. I’d definitely recommend just sitting in a dark room with some headphones on and really get lost in this thing. It’s very much a release that won’t be for everyone, but if you are even vaguely interested it is well worth giving it a try. As I said, even if it’s just to marvel at the sheer talent on display. I can’t really dwell on it all too long, but it gets 7.5/10 from us, very damn solid for an instrumental album!

Stone Sea: Ad Astra

This is stoner/doom rock awesomeness for almost a solid half-an-hour! The first album from the Ireland-based band in over a decade, it’s clear the band didn’t lose a step at all between releases. From the huge riffs to the awesome breakdowns, catchy vocals to heart-pounding drums, it all fits together perfectly. And, honestly, it all fits together in such a great, concise 27-minute package that it’s pretty hard to pick individual highlights! Some of the melodies on it are fantastic, and so damn catchy. It’s definitely got some QOTSA to it, but also a healthy dose of Homme’s old work in Kyuss. And there are so many awesome other influences tucked away within, but at the same time Ad Astra feels like something wholly unique to Stone Sea. These guys have really hit their stride from a writing perspective here, and it gets a damn solid 8/10 from us. Hopefully we don’t have to wait another 10+ years for the next album!

Abissi: Paramagia

Long-time readers of this site will know I’m not the biggest fan of modern hardcore music. However, when it’s infused with some of the chunkiest riffs ever, I’m all of the way down! I don’t know what it is about ‘Funerale in Messico’, but I wanted it pumping directly into my veins from the first moment I heard it. It’s dark and heavy, but swaggering and also has an insanely technical guitar solo in it, having really a bit of everything! ‘Le Chiese’ and ‘Cemento’ are also both BANGERS. I have no idea what is being said throughout, but I don’t need to, the music and vibe speak for it! I’m nervous to say it, but honestly, this is like Turnstile if they were good. If you are at all into that sort of energy, but also with a bit more metal and stoner infusion, this is most certainly the album for you! And (I’m sensing a trend through this list…), it’s short and sweet, not giving me chance to get bored or distracted. Another excellent album that I’d honestly recommend anyone give a try to, as there’s a little bit for everyone. 8.5/10

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: Gorillaz, Rob Zombie and More!

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An absolutely MASSIVE week of New Music Mondays for us this time, with a whopping 24 releases for us to check out across the rock, metal, country and even pop world! I even had to enlist the help of occasional Overtone writers Max and Owen to help out! Let’s not waste any time, let’s do this!

Gorillaz: The Mountain

As someone who’s never been massively into the Damon Albarn side project, only liking a few songs over the years, I was not at all excepting what I found myself listening to here. I know they’ve been pretty art rock over the years and incorporated plenty of different sounds into their own, but the occasional Asian theming was not something I was ready for heading in. And honestly, regardless of the theming of the album… this fucking sucks. I’m sorry, I know the band are massive (40M monthly listeners is insane), and there will certainly be people who like this album. If you are one of them, that’s awesome, and I’m glad someone does. But I don’t know how anyone can listen to something like ‘The Hardest Thing’ and think “I enjoyed that, I want to listen again!”. I know that as not a big fan of a lot of modern hip-hop or arty stuff, I’m not the target audience, but this is definitely lower in quality than their early stuff. The closest thing to a good track I found was ‘Orange County’ or ‘The Shadowy Light’, and even then I think that claim is a stretch. Again, if you like this, awesome, but fuck was a it a boring slog of a 56-minutes to get through. 2.5/10, make it stop.

Rob Zombie: The Great Satan

Somehow, it does not feel like nearly five years since the last album we’ve had from the horror master. A lot has changed in those five years, though. Firstly, John 5 is gone and is now in Motley Crüe, while Piggy D is now playing with Manson. However, both have been replaced by original members Mike Riggs and Blasko, making this maybe the most impressive lineup of Rob’s solo project yet. And, because of this, we’ve had the most old-school feeling Zombie album in decades. This has a heaviness and darkness and edge to it that didn’t feel present through his more recent stuff. And hey, I like his previous four albums a lot, but this certainly hits different. The opener feels ripped straight from a White Zombie release, while single ‘(I’m a) Rock “N” Roller’ dials up his industrial edge to 11 and tracks like ‘Black Rat Coffin’ and the excellent ‘The Devilman’ still have the lighter, more radio-friendly elements of his modern stuff. It really has a bit of everything, feeling more of a combination/culmination of his previous works. And there isn’t a bad track throughout; nearly-40 minutes going by in a flash. Heck, the back half of the album is arguably somehow better than the first!

It’s an album for old-school Zombie fans, feeling like a return to form from someone who never really dipped or didn’t feel like he went away! It’s such a fun listen and certainly be spinning this plenty moving forward. I can’t give it any less than 9/10, and goddamn do I hope he tours the UK with it this time!

A Thousand Horses: White Flag Down

This leaned surprisingly more into the rock side of their sound over the country that I was expecting. It’s a lot more early 2000s radio rock inspired, such as a Shinedown, but does at least keep the elements of Southern rock in there too akin to Blacktop Mojo or Black Stone Cherry. It was just a bit of a shock heading in expecting ‘Smoke’ and ‘Song to Remember’. It’s not like it was even a gradual change too, as 2024’s The Outside was still firmly routed in country.

If that sounds like a complaint, however, ir certainly isn’t! As different as it is, it’s still damn good music! It’s 36-minutes of non-stop great rock music with a dark, Southern tinge. It’s a journey through loss and trying not to give up, a theme that is all too relatable these days. I love the way it’s arranged too, with the more heavy, aggravated tracks opening before it opens up into more country/Southern rock ballad territory for the back half. The more I listened, the more I loved it, and the more ended up on my personal playlist! I’ve spun this three times over the weekend and every song is as good as the last; all excellent, emotion-filled and fit the tone of the album perfectly. It’s impossible to pick select highlights, as it’s all so good and flows incredibly. And, from the playing to the vocals, lyrics to the tones to the arrangements, it’s all phenomenally well done.

This is a band who have evolved and tried something different to amazing results, proving that they are some of the best and most underrated songwriters around today. It’s going to be an album I revisit often, and will be HIGH on our albums of the year list come December. I feel like I’ve been a touch harsher than usual this year so far, but this is absolutely excellent, and I can’t give it any less than 10/10. Check this out immediately, regardless of what you are into!

Bruno Mars: The Romantic

Okay, so while strictly more pop than anything else, you cannot argue the inspiration Bruno pulls from the rock world, alongside the likes of Soul and R&B. And I’ve been a fan of his since he broke out, and would be listening to this anyway. And, it’s my magazine, so I can do what I want!

While opening on a slow ballad was an odd choice, ‘Risk it All’ is a beautiful, emotion-filled track that is hard to it to love. The other single from the album, ‘I Just Might’, I’d honestly put up there alongside any of his hits, it really is that good! Then you have tracks like the soft rock ‘Why you Wanna Fight?’ and the bouncy, jazzy ‘Something Serious’ that are also huge highlights. However, there really isn’t a bad track throughout. His vocals are as incredible as ever, instrumentally it’s great (a surprising amount of guitar solos) and the harmonies are utterly phenomenal as always. It’s maybe a touch on the slower side overall than I’d have hoped for, but at only 31 minutes, in a rare case, I’d have happily taken more music. Especially when this is the first mainline release from the guy in a decade! It’s definitely worth a listen if you are at all interested, and gets a solid 8/10 from us!

Carpenter Brut: Leather Temple

Max: So, I am not the most versed in instrumental music and especially not synth but after this, I think I’m going to have to listen to more. It’s a bit odd and has some familiar themes throughout. However, the bouncy and flowing nature of each track kept me hooked and moving whilst listening. The metal instruments at points were simply quite cool and gave a number of the songs an almost Doom-like epicness which just keeps you going. Whilst, at least to me, it felt like the first few tracks were a little samey, on a second and then third listen, I was able to notice more and more subtle differences which made each track interesting. Whilst it might not be the greatest album ever in that genre, I wouldn’t say it is in anyway bad. For me, a really fun album that I think everyone should listen to! 9/10

Paul Gilbert: WROC

We’ve already checked out this album! Read the full review here!

Phoenix Lake: Seraphina: The Fall From Eden

The highly anticipated debut album from the melodic metallers finally dropped this last Friday. To say it lives up to the hype would be an understatement! It’s a 45-minute journey of a fallen angel perfectly encapsulated in heavy riffs and soaring vocals. The bands unique brand of melodic hard rock, metalcore and modern power metal is amazing and makes them feel pretty unique, easily standing out around a lot of their peers in the UK. And, on top of that, the quality here is insanely high. Personal highlights are ‘This Abyss’, ‘Fractured Wings’ and ‘Bells of Variel’, though there really isn’t a bad track throughout. It also has a perfect flow to it, everything fitting together amazingly and the interludes helping make it more of a concept album. Also, shout-out to whoever mixed and produced this because damn, everything sounds MASSIVE.

These guys have been building a lot of steam the last few years, and this feels like the perfect time to finally be dropping this debut. If you have even a passing liking of metal, I can’t recommend checking this out enough! The band are going to be a big name in metal in the coming years, and this is the perfect jumping-off point for that. I can’t give it any less than 9/10, amazing stuff!

Iron & Wine: Hen’s Teeth

Owen: Prolific singer songwriter Sam Beam brings us Hen’s Teeth, the eighth studio album under his stage name Iron & Wine. With a career spanning over 20 years, Iron & Wine continues to evolve and develop with age and experience. Hen’s Teeth simultaneously manages to bring in familiar elements from previous albums as well as push new directions for the artist. Beam’s unique vocals remain the focus of these 10 tracks, but the production is more polished and the instrumentals elevated. Certain tracks really show a love for 70’s folk-rock, with tracks like ‘In Your Ocean’ evoking the stylings of Fleetwood Mac or Crosby Stills and Nash. I personally would have liked a few more upbeat tracks in this style on the album as this track particularly shines. Hen’s Teeth also includes two tracks featuring I’m With Her, ‘Robin’s Egg’, and ‘Wait Up’, the combination of the bands vocals with Beam’s own vocal and writing skill is a match made in heaven and worth checking out for fans of impressive harmony. 7/10

Check out our previous review of him here!

Internal Decay: Fires of the Forgotten

Returning with new music for the first time in a whopping 33 years, and their first output since their 2023 reunion, this three track release goes hard. It feels a lot more melodeath than I was expecting heading in, maybe even more so than their debut all those years ago. That’s definitely not a bad thing though, as I loved every minute of this 16. However, the epic ‘A Demon’s Bow’ is a particular highlight for me! I’m so glad the band have returned, and I already want more from them! This may be even better than their album, you can tell they’ve matured as songwriters in their time away. If you are at all into the genre, this is an absolute must! 8/10

A Wilhelm Scream: Cheap Heat

Max: This is my first foray in to AWS but I must say the 3 seconds of reading I did about them before hand was pretty spot on; this is a fun and catchy album where you get realed in immediately. I don’t think there was a track on the album that wasn’t interesting, everything felt spot on and thought out so I never felt like it got bogged down. However, something that might be a positive or a negative depending on your perspective, is that the album is very short, sub 30 minutes! For me, it felt like the perfect amount of time and nothing overstayed its welcome. However, equally I can understand the desire to have something longer. Either way, it is certain that AWS can make a punchy and enjoyable album. 8.5/10

No Murder No Mustache: As Everything Else Decays

Album number three from the Celtic punk soloist Owen Crawford is another damn fun release! Clearly pulling inspiration from everyone from Dropkicks to Ferocious Dog to even the likes of Frank Turner and Offspring, No Murder is still very much its own thing, and does its thing with a unique style. It’s a sound that I’m a big fan of, as well as being nostalgic towards, so of course I love this. However, it’s also high quality in its own right. Tracks like ‘Dic Penderyn’, single ‘Wasted’ and ‘Never Again’ are personal highlights, but every track on it is pretty great. The lyrics are fantastic as well, punk through and through and calling out just about everything wrong with the establishment. However, having said that, 14 tracks (even if that’s including the intro and bonus ones) is a touch long. Still, at least the album is broken up by ballads like ‘As Darkness Falls’. If you are a fan of any of the artists I’ve mentioned already, this is still well worth checking out, and the project certainly has a new fan in me! 7.5/10

Utopia Development Corporation: Industrial Area Swimming Center

This debut EP sure is a mouthful. However, it is also a pretty great indie-punk release! It’s dark and pretty heavy too, with definite elements of hardcore. And, at just 15-minutes, it’s the perfect length for me with this sort of music. Much more and I think I’d have gotten a little bored of its similar style, but when it’s just four tracks it’s easy to appreciate how great it is. The band are all massively talented at their style and instruments, as well as being really good songwriters. Both ‘Repeat’ and ‘Dance Demons, Dance’ are excellent songs I’ll happily have in my rotation moving forward, even though I typically am not into this sort of style as much. If you are into any of the styles I’ve mentioned already, this is definitely worth checking out. They are definitely a band to keep an eye on, and this gets a solid 7/10 from us!

Hannah Schneider: In This Room

Owen: “Melancholic and cinematic alternative pop” is how Hannah Schneider describers her sound,
which as I listen to the 10 tracks that make up In This Room seems a perfect description. Raised in Copenhagen by classical musicians Schneider’s musical intelligence shines through early on in
the album, expect a wide range of musical styles, instruments, and inspirations not only throughout the album but within each track. Fans will recognise ‘Lighthouse’, previously released as a single, a stand out track bringing in a range elements from electronica melodies to Spanish
flamenco guitar. Overall the album is a slow chilled out exploration of the previously mentioned description of her music. Schneider and collaborator Christian Balvig have put together an
impressive album, not one that’s going to start a lively party any time soon, but a contemplative thoughtful collection of tracks. 8.5/10

Nerve Star: White Hot

Another debut album this week, this time from the NWOBHM revivalists. For a band that have only been together a couple of years, this is an absolutely amazing release. Every member works their ass off throughout, all being masters at their chosen instrument. It’s very Judas Priest/Saxon in all the best ways. I mean, anything featuring Janne Stark was bound to be good, but this blew away even my expectations! Tracks like ‘Black Ice’, ‘Black Jack’ and ‘The Harder the Better’ are personal highlights. Every track is good, though I do have to admit that the hour-long runtime was maybe a little much when much of it is so similar. Having said that, I did enjoy the little instrumental tracks that show off Stark and his criminally underrated guitaring! Another must for anyone into the old-school style of metal and a very easy 8/10 from us!

Cryptic Shift: Overspace & Supertime

Max: There are lots of albums that come out that try and really encapsulate what a certain genre or combination of genres should be like. It is this blend of progressive thrash that really like to stand out and in an aggressive way. From the almost soothing scales played as breaks across certain tracks to the jump and strange timing of other rifts its hard to pin down at any point and you really can’t say that it is in any way simple. Whilst it’s not an album for me, just as a case study for excellence you really can’t hate it. Sure you may not like it, but it is oozing with talent and skill through out. The insane feat of the half-an-hour track ‘Stratocumulus Evergaol’ is a particular highlight, and could easily be an album of its own 8/10

Jon Langston: Thing About Me

Somehow only the second album from the rather long-standing country star, it follows up Heart on Ice rather perfectly! It’s a rock-infused country album that is packed full of fun (if a little cliche) songs! It’s does feel like a hangover from the bro-country days, especially from the lyrics, but when the genre isn’t everywhere constantly, it’s enjoyable to get the odd release of it! And, shockingly, 46-minutes goes by in a flash here! From ‘Whiskey Weather’ and ‘Thing About Me’ to ‘Comes Out in the Whiskey’ and the heavier duet with Rory Rodriguez, ‘Find You’, it’s packed full of awesome songs! If you are into 2010s country, like I am, this is definitely an album worth giving a spin. Outside of his big tracks I hadn’t heard much from him, but he’s definitely good at putting out full albums, too! This is a solid 7.5/10 from us!

Necrofier: Transcend Into Oblivion

Album number three from the Texan black metallers goes just as hard as their previous two! This is nearly an hour of dark brutality and, while long-time readers will know the genre usually isn’t my go-to, I had a blast listening to this! It’s also hard to pick singular tracks as highlights, mainly because it is all a similar level of quality, but also because nine of the tracks are bunched together in three parts of the same song, following on perfectly from each other each time. Having said that, the first part of ‘Servants of Darkness’ was particularly awesome! Even in a niche genre, the band deserve to be bigger, and hopefully this is the release to take them to that point. Give this a spin if you like the heavier side of metal, and thank me later! 7/10

Philip Shouse: Side 1

The first solo release from the Accept guitar legend is a fun little jaunt through five great hard rock tracks! He still gets to show off his incredible guitar skills even when not in a metal environment, and it was actually nice to hear a different style from him. Heck, the punky, poppy ‘The Naked Empress’ was probably my favourite track on here, though they’re all good! It’s just a fun, light-hearted release that’s impossible not to have a good time listening to. I already cannot wait for Side 2, whenever that may drop, but I’m happy to wait it out and keep spinning this. I’m honestly shocked he’s not done a solo venture before now, as he clearly has a different style he wants to play and is damn good at writing it! A solid 8/10 from us, good stuff!

Pil & Blue: You Have Chosen Darkness (Level 5)

The first revisit of the (Level)s format since their 2014 debut, the melodic/melancholic/ vaguely proggy rock duo do a great job at continuing on their sound here. Firstly, the fact that they get this level of sound and depth out of just two of them is insane, being equal parts emotional and epic throughout. It gives off very big Chevelle vibes in the very best ways, also mixed with a healthy dose of Placebo. ‘Somewhere In Between’ is the perfect opener for this, while it is followed up incredibly by the thrashy, punky ‘222’. The awesomeness doesn’t stop there either, as the other five tracks on this are just as good, honestly! They are such incredible players and songwriters, and it’s easy to see why they are getting so much love in their home country. They have a big new fan in me, and I’ll certainly be going back and checking out Levels 1-4! It’s one of the best 30 minutes of music I’ve listened to all year so far, and I can’t give it anything less than 9.5/10. Check this out ASAP!

Daniel Young: Another Golden Hour

Album number five from the country-infused soft rocker is a beautiful, chilled-out 46-minute collection. It’s not going to be for everyone reading this, but I had a blast listening. It’s such an easy listen, and all 10 tracks are as good as the last! It gave off vibes of everyone from Jack Johnson to Charley Crockett to Pinegrove throughout. Maybe it was the better weather that this album seemed to summon with its release, but it’s perfect for relaxing in the sun with! If you like things a little slower and more chilled, this is definitely the album for you! Daniel’s vocals and lyric writing are both amazing, and the vague blues/country instrumentation fits both perfectly. I can’t give it any less than 8/10, great stuff!

Lone Assembly: Knots & Chains

The Swiss new wave/post-punk quartet dropped their highly anticipated debut this last Friday, and honestly blew me away with it! It’s a genre I have an up-and-down relationship with, but something about this drew me in immediately and didn’t let me go for its full 38-minutes. They wear their Sisters of Mercy and The Cure inspirations firmly on their sleeves, yet also sound modernised, the fantastic production most likely helping on that front. From the opener to ‘Nocturnal Vision’ to ‘You’re Pulling at the Same Strings’, there is plenty to love throughout! It’s a style that seems to be coming back, at least in the underground, and newer bands like this are building on and continuing the sound perfectly. It’s another incredibly easy listen, all 10 tracks going by in a flash, so check this out if you are at all curious. It gets an incredibly solid 8.5/10 from us, what a hell of a debut!

Owls Over Oaks: O.O.O.

Another massive debut album, this time from the Italian drone-doom collective. First things first, I really enjoyed the idea of this being a three track album, and each is just one word from the band name. Hilarious. However, it’s not a genre/style I think I ‘get’. I suppose the other positive is that there are some nasty tones in this, in the best way. Guitar, bass, drums and even the vocals all sound awesome from a production standpoint. But each track is 10+ minutes of the same thing over and over, and at a pretty slow pace overall. If you are into this sort of thing, more power to you, but it’s definitely not the sort of thing I’ll be rushing back to listen to again. The band members are clearly all talented, it’s just not for me. Maybe I’d get it more in a live setting. However, for now, I can’t give this much more than a 3.5/10, sorry guys. The repetition was just too much for me.

Scratch One Grub: One

Oh look, another debut album! This time it comes curtesy of the Welsh six-piece and their proggy, heavy sound. It’s very hardcore, but also very death/black metal, a splash of gothic or emo, and has plenty of metalcore elements too, making it one of the most unique listens I’ve had recently. The closest thing I can think of as a comparison is Tallah, but even then it doesn’t fit perfectly. The band are also insanely talented, crafting some wild riffs, brutal screams and crushing breakdowns throughout, all fitting together perfectly. Tracks like ‘Vagabond’, ‘Bad Habit’ and single ‘#1’ are all personal highlights, but honestly every track is pretty great, it all flowing together perfectly! I have to see this live, it’s the kind of chaotic energy that already had me wanting to pit on my own in the living room. However, it is also excellent on track, and will certainly be one I’ll be spinning plenty in the weeks and months to come. The band have a big new fan in me, and I can’t give this any less than 9/10, amazing stuff!

Magoo: What a Life

I LOVE that this sort of style is still coming out of newer bands, and this is an absolutely fantastic debut release from the Americana/bluegrass four-piece. They had me hooked right from the opening with that harmonised chorus, ‘Ohio Blues’ being an incredible early highlight. Then you have tracks like the chilled ‘Big Fall’, the Sam Bush-featuring ‘Angel of Telluride’ and the beautiful title song that are also big highlights. Plus, can we just appreciate the sheer mind-blowing playing on ‘Rippin Richard’? Insane! The whole album is packed full of highlights and fantastic songs, and nearly an hour went by in a flash. If you are even vaguely country-leaning, this is an absolute must of an album for you. And for this to be a debut album is even more incredible. It’s a modern, more radio-infused bluegrass, and I’m a little obsessed! Some amazing instrumentation and lyrics throughout, and it’s an incredibly easy 9/10 from us!

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New Music Mondays: Megan Moroney, New Found Glory and More!

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An absolutely stacked week of releases for us to dive into, from rock to metal to country. Let’s do this!

Megan Moroney: Cloud 9

Album number three from the current country megastar arrived to a LOT of hype this last Friday. Being big fans of her last couple of releases, we were excited to finally hear this, especially after a slight mixed-bag of singles. However, the album as a whole is great, and nearly an hour goes by in a flash. From ‘Medicine’ to ‘Stupid’, ‘Liars, Tigers & Bears’ to ‘Change of Heart’ to ‘Who Hurt You?’, there are some really fantastic tracks throughout that I’d put up there with Megan’s very best, honestly. She is one of the best lyricists in the game today, be it tongue-in-cheek comedic stuff or more emotion-filled ballads. And while there is maybe one or two too many slower tracks on the album for me personally, I feel the up-tempo or rockier stuff is spread out pretty perfectly, always coming in when I start to lose a bit of interest.

While I wouldn’t still quite say it’s as good as her debut, I did enjoy it more as a whole than Am I Okay?. It’s easy to see why she has quickly become one of the biggest names in country; her output in the last few years has been incredible. Part of me wants to say ‘she’s not an album artist’ as her hits and singles each time are that good, but at the same time I’ve enjoyed every album she’s put out! I’ll definitely be spinning at least the tracks I’ve mentioned a bunch moving forward, and probably the album as a whole too. It gets another solid 8.5/10 from us, and the emo cowgirl definitely lives up to our hype for her release once again! 

New Found Glory: Listen Up!

The first electric album from the Floridian pop punkers in six years picks up right where Forever and Ever x Infinity left off. The band feel like they haven’t lost a step in their nearly three-decade career, which is at very least admirable! I have to admit they were always the side of pop punk that I never got into quite as much, though I am nostalgic towards Sticks and Stones and Catalyst; both are banging albums still to this day! While this isn’t quite as good as those, tracks like ‘100%’, ‘Beer and Blood Stains’ and ‘You Got This’ definitely hooked me and are personal highlights. However, if you are into this sort of style, this is certainly an album worth checking out! It’s not something I’d throw on often, but I had a good time listening through it. We enjoyed their acoustic release a few years back, but it’s nice to hear the band get back to what they do best! A solid 7/10.

Sylosis: The New Flesh

The first studio outing from the UK melodic thrash/deathers since 2023’s A Sign of Things to Come. Max enjoyed that when it dropped, while I sadly didn’t get much time to sit with it. However, if it’s anything like this, their seventh album, I’d probably love it! It’s the perfect blend of metalcore and melodeath and, honestly, is fucking AWESOME. Think Hatebreed meets Orbit Culture. *chefs kiss*. It’s 47 minutes of brilliant brutality mixed with catchy melody, and it’s almost impossible to pick specific highlights. From the insane riffing to the mind-bending drums to the great growls and powerful cleans, it’s all so damn good, and paints the band as one of the most talented and underrated in metal today. I cannot recommend this enough to anyone who has even a slight interest in metal. I’d always heard the name around but they were a band I just hadn’t gotten around to listening to much. Well, I’m disappointed in myself, as they have a HUGE new fan in me! This is surely going to be high on our top albums list come December! I can’t give it any less than 9.5/10, amazing stuff!

The Enemy: Social Disguises

The indie rockers returned with their first new album in over a decade this last Friday. I’m not hugely into the genre so came into it not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised! Opener ‘The Boxer’ packs one hell of a punch and is a fantastic early highlight, while tracks like ‘Controversial’ and ‘Serious’ are other top tracks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still probably not something I’d listen to often, but it’s definitely the good side of indie and I had a good time with it. Was it worth the 11 year wait? Who knows, you’d have to ask a fan who’s been waiting on it all this time. But it was certainly a good release, and well worth it for anyone into the genre. A solid 6.5/10 from us!

Mothica: Somewhere In Between

The alt metal rising star brought us a highly anticipated follow-up to her 2024 album this last weekend. It’s a great, all-too-short collection of five awesome radio rock songs. ‘WEAPON’ and the title track are personal highlights, but every song is awesome and they all fits together perfectly. Her vocals sound as amazing as ever, her lyrics are excellent and it’s very much an ‘in’ style right now. Hopefully it’s a stop-gap en route to a larger release, but for now I am more than happy to keep spinning this, especially at only 14-minutes in length! If you are at all into her particular brand of noise, I’d highly recommend checking this out, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I do! 8/10

Mumford & Sons: Prizefighter

After a big ol’ gap in releases at the turn of the decade, we’ve now had two albums from the folk rockers in two years, aren’t we lucky?! We loved RUSHMERE, and I always have some nostalgia for the band as they got big while I was in school. So, for them to put out yet another great, beautiful, chilled-out release, I can’t not love it! From the opener to ‘The Banjo Song’ to ‘Begin Again’ and ‘Shadow of a Man’, there are plenty of highlights spread throughout. It does have a slight lull in the middle for 2/3 tracks, but none of them are bad at all, and I’d have not cut them either if it were up to me. It’s all just so beautifully written and packed full of emotion. Heck, ‘I’ll Tell you Everything’ practically reduced me to tears! Despite exploding onto the scene when they debuted, they feel somehow slept on these days, while they are every bit as good as they were back 15 years ago. Do yourselves a favour and check this out, regardless of what you are into, you may very well love it as much as I do! 8.5/10

Eye of Melian: Forest of Forgetting

We’ve already checked out this awesome release! Read the full review here.

Crowen: Through the Dying Mist

Following up 2024’s Where the Darkness Falls, this is an incredibly solid third EP for the melodeath band. ‘Ember Wraith’ sets the tone perfectly, while songs like ‘Line of Silence’ and the epic, melodic closer are all great too. And that’s not to exclude ‘I Am the Sorrow’, which is just as good as the others! If you are into the genre at all, I can’t recommend checking this out enough. How they aren’t bigger already is beyond me! They are all insanely talented and I already can’t wait to hear where they go from here. For now though, this gets a very easy 7.5/10!

Lovebites: Outstanding Power

After a rather confusing release build-up, this album feels slightly like it’s dropped a little out of nowhere. The buildup to it was all about its release in Japan on the 18th (a Wednesday, which was weird enough as it was). Then, when it hit the 18th, it was announced the band had signed with Napalm, that physical copies would drop on May 8th, but that it was going to be available on streaming that very day. Yeah, weird, right? But still, we have some sudden, awesome new Japanese heavy metal this week, so it’s hardly a complaint!

It’s old-school heavy metal riffing and drumming at its very best, with a healthy dose of power metal thrown in for good measure. It’s the perfect band for Napalm, and I’m shocked they haven’t snapped them up before now. The level of musicianship is off the charts, every band member being so damn good at their chosen instrument. I even started to get into the vocals by the end; a point of contention for some listeners, and definitely something that took a little getting used to. Tracks like ‘Silence the Void’, ‘Blazing Halo’ and ‘Reaper’s Lullaby’ are all personal highlights. They clearly read our review of their last album too, as we get an awesome, beautiful ballad in the epic ‘Eternally’. However, it may be a touch late in the album, potentially. Still, as a whole, it’s a damn good album. If you’re a fan of the band I cannot recommend checking this out enough, and I’d easily put it up alongside any of their other top releases. I’ll certainly be spinning some of this again soon, and I can’t give it any less than a 7.5/10

Jimmy Fretwell: Analog Dream

Considering for the most part this is just one man and his guitar, it is a damn good listen. He gives off big Willie Nelson vibes, but also has an air of Jack Johnson to him at times. Plus, he is a great rock’n’roll/blues guitarist and writer, some of the playing and riffing on a few of the early tracks being awesome, almost begging for a full band version alongside the acoustic one. And then you have the tracks with the incredible guests on that add even more to the sound. Whether it’s the fiddle and beautiful harmonies of Beth Chrisman or the extra guitar of Darrell Scott or Bill Kirchen, all three add even more depth to the sound. He’s an excellent songwriter and storyteller, and tracks like the opening three songs, ‘Barn on Fire’ and ‘Never Gonna be my Baby’ are all personal highlights. However, none of the album is bad, by any stretch! His delivery is also incredible, whether it’s fast-paced bouncy stuff or more emotion-filled ballads. It’s certainly not going to be for anyone, but it’s a beautiful, fun, stripped-back release, and Jimmy has a new fan in me! A very easy 7.5/10.

Struck/Down: Queue for the Cure

This debut album somehow combines together so many different sides of metalcore and its adjacent sub-genres together into something truly pretty unique. There’s the obvious comparisons to the likes of Killswitch and Atreyu, but also an edge of the heavier old-school metal sound as well as having a modern edge to it in terms of the production and some of the playing and composition. And, on top of that, there’s also elements of some Down/CoC-like groove metal too, which adds yet another incredible layer to the already awesome sound. And heck, at times the vocals give just a little bit of a young Brent Smith, alongside the obvious Howard Jones.

If you can’t tell already, I love this album. They’re a name I’ve seen around a lot over the last few years, but I sadly haven’t had the chance to check them out. I’m so glad that changed today. This is 10 INCREDIBLE tracks, all as good as the next. It’s impossible to pick highlights as I was hooked from start to finish. The riffing and breakdowns are amazing, the vocals are powerful and full of attitude and catchiness and the drummer is going hard throughout. We even get some awesome soloing to go along with the riffs, both guitarists being insane technical players. They have clearly (and deservedly) grown a great reputation of solid singles and EPs over recent years, and it really feels like they’ve picked the perfect time to put out an album; they feel at their writing peak right now. If you are even a passing metal fan, I’d recommend checking this out immediately, it has something for everyone. These guys are surely going to be massive in the years to come, and this album will be seen as the jumping off point for that. 9/10, amazing stuff!

Keeley: Girl on the Edge of the World

Album number four from the fuzzy, punk/alt rockers very much takes you on a journey, creating a huge, surprisingly warm soundscape throughout. While not typcially my sort of thing, it’s impossible not to get hooked in by the bands talent for musicianship and songwriting. ‘Crossing Lands’, ‘Who Wants to See the World’ and the beautiful ‘Fell in Love with a Ghost’ are all personal highlights. And, while it did drag a little as it’s not something I’m typically into, if you are into an 80s style such as this you’ll probably have a blast with the whole release! It is certainly not bad by any stretch and as I said, the members of the band are clearly all insanely talented. If you are at all curious, check this out! Another pretty solid 6.5/10 from us.

Exhumed: Red Asphalt

The San Jose death metal legends are back with album number 10. I have to admit, the classic 90s style of death metal is one that, try as I might, I just can’t get into. And, as usual, I think it mainly comes down to the mixing. I get that, especially at this point, it’s a stylistic choice and expected from bands like this, but I cannot get on with the tinny, background growls and questionable drum mix. I know there are plenty who can, and if you are one of those then you will definitely love this. But yeah, it is not my thing. I love Death metal, but not like this. ‘Shovelhead’ was probably my favourite song here, and even then I wouldn’t rush back to listen again. It’s a shame too as the band are clearly all insanely talented musicians. I’d probably get into it a lot more live, but on track I can’t give this any more than a 4/10, sorry.

Serpent Gates: The Veil of Darkness

This thrash-infused heavy metal release is an awesome debut album from the Finnish collective. Clearly taking inspiration from everyone from Iron Maiden to Judas Priest to Megadeth, they wear these on their sleeve while also feeling like it has a modern edge to it, especially when it comes to the excellent production. And, from the opener to the title track, ‘Down the Cross’ to ‘The Czar Will Fall’, it is absolutely packed full of highlights, there really not being a bad song on it. If I did have one note, I’d love to hear the band do a slower song; I feel like Anthony’s voice and the bands overall sound and talent would do an amazing ballad. However, for a debut album, going balls-to-the-wall from start to finish is probably a good idea, and there isn’t a track on this I’d cut in favour of something else! The band are all insanely talented and have crafted something amazing here for a first album. An absolute must for anyone into their old-school metal and a very easy 8.5/10 from us!

The Band of Heathens: Country Sides

The ninth official studio album from the confusing-historied folk rock band is a fun, chilled-out 40 minute romp. I somehow hadn’t really heard of them before, but had a great time listening to this! From ‘High on our Own Supply’ to the powerful ‘Lead Don’t Follow’ to ‘Take the Cake’, there is plenty to love throughout, and there really isn’t a bad song on it! If you like things on the more relaxed side, this is well worth checking out. It gives off big Uncle Lucius or even Drew Holcomb vibes, both in the best ways! There’s honestly not much else to say about it; the band are insanely talented with some cool playing and some amazing harmonies throughout, and are clearly good songwriters to boot. It’s a very easy 8/10 from us, and they’ll certainly be a band I’ll be revisiting in the future!

Clawfinger: Before we All Die

The first album from the European rap-metallers in a whopping 19 years finally dropped this last Friday and, honestly, it was nearly worth the insane wait! This is a heavy, chaotic and incredibly fun album that doesn’t at all feel like 40-minutes in length, going by in a flash. Single ‘Scum’ is an awesome way to open things up, while everything from ‘Tear You Down’ to the very 90’s ‘Going Down’ to the massive closer is all amazing too. It had some fun dynamics too, with some being more hip-hop focused while others were straight-up metal. It gave off everything from Stuck Mojo to Hed(PE) and I loved every moment of it. If you are at all a fan of the band or their turn-of-the-century sound, this is definitely worth checking out, and I’m so glad they’re back! 8/10

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New Music Mondays: Larry Fleet, Story of the Year and More!

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Another typically stacked week of new music, from rock to metal to country! Let’s dive in!

Larry Fleet: Another Year Older

We’ve already checked out this awesome album! Read our full review here.

Story of the Year: A.R.S.O.N.

I clearly had a different band in my head, because I was not expecting so much awesome melodic hardcore heading into this! The seventh album from the Missouran quartet is an old-school post-hardcore powerhouse from start to finish. ‘Gasoline’ is the perfect, aggressive opener, while tracks like ‘See Through’ and ‘Into the Dark’ are all massive highlights on top of that. Also, Jacob Shaddix does an amazing job on ‘Fall Away’, definitely another big high point. However, there really isn’t a bad track on the album, even the slower stuff that wouldn’t typically be my thing is amazing. It’s very emo but certainly in a good way; like My Chem mixed with I Prevail, with a surprisingly healthy dose of Mikey D riffing mixed in with it all. I had a great time with this, and will definitely be revisiting it again soon! Check this out if you are at all interested, and it’s a solid 8/10 from us!

No Worth of Man: The Killing Streets

The debut album from the modern metal/deathcore band really makes a statement; the band standing tall and proud and saying ‘we are here to take no prisoners’. This thing goes hard. From the heavy riffs to the crushing screams to the solid drumming, it all fits together perfectly to create something truly awesome. There isn’t a bad track on the album, but songs like ‘Those of Our Kind’ and ‘Alarmus’ are big personal highlights. My only slight complaint is that I’ve heard half of the album before in there 2024 EP. Don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoyed that release, but it would have been nice to hear a full collection of new songs from the band. Still, as an introduction to a band for new listeners, this is awesome, and I would fully recommend it to anyone into the heavier side of metal. The band are all hugely talented, and have a bright future ahead of them. Another solid 7.5/10

Angel Du$t: COLD 2 THE TOUCH

Album six from the Maryland melodic hardcorers goes a lot harder than their previous release, and is much better for it. I enjoyed BRAND NEW SOUL, this is much more up my street from a style perspective. The opening two tracks and ‘Zero’ are Turnstile-meets-Dog-Eat-Dog awesomeness, while ‘Jesus Head’ almost has a late 90s RHCP vibe to it. The album as a whole is amazing though, without a dud throughout. It blends Justice Tripp/Trapped Under Ice’s beatdown style with the more pop-friendly influence from the Turnstile lot who used to be part of the band. They’ve had considerable lineup changes in the last couple of years, but hopefully this is the solid lineup moving forward for a while, as it feels like the band are finally back on track and putting out music up their with their best.

It’s a release that blew me away a lot more than I expected it to, and is one I’d recommend if you are into any of the styles or bands I’ve mentioned previously. And, it’s another short album, which is always a win these days! I’ll definitely be revisiting it in the coming weeks, and don’t be surprised if it sneaks onto our top albums of the year list come December. 8.5/10

Pokey LaFarge: Travelin’ With Pokey LaFarge: Voice and Guitar, Vol 1

One of my favourite discoveries over the last couple of years, I’ve been excited for this to drop for a few months now. This solo EP dropped on his brand new record label and is a more stripped-back affair than we’re used to with his recent releases. However, he’s such a good songwriter, and him with… well… his voice and guitar, still makes awesome music. Opening on an awesome duet with the awesome Addie Hamilton before launching through five amazing solo rock tracks spanning everything from rock’n’roll to swing to country. ‘Walk Your Way out of This Town’ is a particular highlight. It’s all simple but beautiful and really great music, a solid 18-minutes of old-school sounds. It’s maybe not for everyone who’s typically a fan of the guy, but I really enjoyed it, and will definitely be listening again. It’s the perfect release to just sit back and chill-out to. A very solid 7.5/10 from us!

Hellgrimm: Resurrection

Another sixth album, this time from the Texan metallers. The band do a great job of blending together multiple different styles, from stoner to thrash to whatever Motörhead wanna be classed as today, and even elements of NWOBHM and melodic metal. They honestly remind me a lot of Rattlesnakes or Wailing Banshee. It’s a mystery why they aren’t bigger as they are clearly fantastic songwriters and musicians. My only slight nitpick is that maybe the mix could be slightly bigger, but I only really notice it on occasions around the vocals. Songs like ‘Reign of Terror’, ‘Dead Superstar’ and their big single, ‘Dog Trash Must Die’ are all big highlights. However, the whole album is enjoyable, including their Kreator and Stones covers! It’s not something I’d revisit as a whole massively often, but the individual tracks will surely be in my rotation for a while! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the band moving forward as they definitely have a new fan in me. 7/10

The Lone Bellow: What a Time to be Alive

The first studio album in going-on four years from the indie folk/Americana trio is another infectiously fun release. 46 minutes of chilled-out alt country and soft rock, giving off vibes of everything from James Bay to Kings of Leon to Drew Holocomb to even Zach Bryan. The band did a great job at choosing the singles as they are definite album high point, but tracks like ‘Common Folk’ and ‘I’m Here for You’ are definite highlights too. The whole album is excellent though, and has such a fantastic flow to it throughout. The harmonies on each song are amazing, and make every chorus huge and so very catchy.

I’d not checked the band out much outside of a song or two here and there, but I’m definitely going to have to go back and check out their back catologue, as I had a blast listening to this. Hopefully they come over to the UK soon too as I’d love to hear all of this live. Until that time, I happily just keep spinning this whole thing, though! 8/10, and it may grow on me even more with more listens!

Gorgol Bordello: We Mean it, Man!

We’ve also checked this one out, aren’t you lucky?! Check it out here.

Converge: Love is Not Enough

I’m sorry, but this album FUCKS. The mixture of aggressive death metal, hardcore and sludgy riffing is amazing and makes me want to punch everything. The first new studio release from the band since their collab with Chelsea Wolfe back in ’21, and their first solo release in nearly a decade, this had a lot of hype to live up to, and smashes all of it to pieces. Everything about it is awesome, and is the perfect 30 minutes of aggressive, brutal, OG metalcore. It’s impossible to pick highlights, I listened to this whole thing through a couple of times and loved every second of it (though ‘Beyond Repair’ goes maybe a minute too long). I am so damn glad these guys are back to releasing new music again, and am already desperate to see all of this live. If you’re into heavy, this is ABSOLUTELY the album for you. I’ve claimed a few times the last 12 months or so that hardcore is back in a big way, and weeks like this just keep proving me right. I can’t give it any less than 9.5/10, damn.

Max Jackson: Dangerous in Denim

The first studio album in nearly six years from the country star, and it at very least lives up to the hype! While the opener is a little too ‘Panderin‘‘ for me, her unique brand of stadium-country is a lot of fun, and makes for a very easy half-an-hour listen. Tracks like ‘Goin’ Nowhere Now’, ‘We Invented Love’ and the Shania-like ‘1990 Somethin” are all personal highlights. However, the more I listen, the more I fall in love with the album. It’s impossible not to have a good time listening to it, and Max has such a fantastic voice and vocal delivery that it keeps it fun, and emotional where needed. And, instrumentally it’s great, some real high points from the drums, guitars and bass throughout, too. Plus, the back-half of this album is truly awesome. Even revisiting ‘Red Dirt ROCKNROLL’ within the context of the album as a whole after, it has certainly grown on me. I would highly recommend this to any 90s or 2000s country music fan reading this, and Max has certainly gained a new fan in me! A very easy 8/10 from us!

Frozen Ocean: Askdrömmar

The first album from the Russian black metaller in a full decade is honestly pretty fantastic, and I’ve never been the biggest black metal fan! It’s not straight-up black metal, there’s some vague electronic and even gothic elements to it too, which definitely helped keep my interest. Tracks like ‘Bortkastade dödsrunor’ and ‘Jag sover’ are personal highlights. However, there isn’t a bad song throughout, even if the album as a whole does get a bit repetitive towards the back half. However, Vaarwel is an incredibly talented musician, and that sort of tunnel-vision is going to happen when there is just one working on a project. If you are into the genre at all, this is well worth checking out! As I said, I enjoyed my listen to it, and certainly wouldn’t turn it off if it came back on again. It gets a 6.5/10 from us!

Clay Street Unit: Sin & Squalor

The debut album from the folk/Americana collective dropped to a lot of hype and expectation on Friday, and lives up to all of it! The big-band feel is always something I love, and they have it in spades here. The hints of bluegrass in the instrumentation keep the pace bouncy and light, while the voice grounds it in country, adding some emotion, depth and some HUGE choruses. It has elements of the likes of Wyatt Flores, White Buffalo, Uncle Luscious, Zach Bryan and American Aquarium all perfectly blended together. It’s also packed full of awesome songs; 40 minutes of incredible music that’s nearly impossible to pick highlights from. From the opener to ‘Where Have you Gone?’, their duet with Lindsay Lou to the more ballad-like ‘Left Unsaid’ to the beautiful closer, it’s all so good. If you’re a fan of all things vaguely country, this is an absolute must-check-out! I can’t give it any less than 9/10, excellent stuff!

The Beautiful Darkness: Pain to Purpose

The debut EP from the mind of Nerys John blends so many different styles together, and does so incredibly interestingly. From folk to grunge to goth to punk to melodic hard rock, they really touch on a bit of everything through the release. Honestly, it’s a great introduction to the group! They have a cool, interesting sound to them, and constantly keep you guessing what’s coming next while listening. ‘The Narcissist’ is possibly my favourite track of the five, but all certainly have their charms. Generally it’s a touch slower pace for me as a whole, but that doesn’t mean it is any worse an EP. This will have so many fans, and I can see a bright future ahead for them, this being the perfect jumping off-point for that. Nerys’ vocals are incredible, and the band that she’s found are all hugely talented players. Another solid 7/10 from me!

Temple Balls: Self-Titled

Album five from the hard rock/AOR Finns is just as massive as their previous outings. Sounding like the natural evolution of Santa Cruz, H.E.A.T. and Van Halen, the band channel an awesome rock energy throughout, driven by pounding drums and awesome riffs. It’s nearly 40-minutes of sleazy goodness, arena-filling choruses and a fantastic bounce that will keep your head bobbing throughout. The band are insanely talented at their chosen instrument, and are also fantastic songwriters. From the opening two numbers to ‘We are the Night’ to ‘Stronger than Fire’, there are so many massive highlights on this thing, though there isn’t a bad song throughout. They fit perfectly in this revival of hard rock in Europe recently, and would fit awesomely into the NWOCR scene in the UK, so hopefully we can get them over here soon so I can see this live! However, for now I am more than happy to keep spinning this awesome album, and would urge any rock fan out there to do the same. A huge 8.5/10!

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New Music Mondays: Karnivool, Mayhem and More!

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An absolutely packed week of NMM this week, with plenty of releases across the rock, metal and country worlds for us to check out. Let’s dive right in!

Karnivool: IN VERSES

The first new album from the modern prog legends in nearly 13 years finally dropped this last Friday, to plenty of hype! Honestly, it about lives up to said hype, too! ‘Ghost’ is an excellent opener, setting the tone well. ‘Drone’ follows it up perfectly too, being an easy album highlight! However, the whole album is pretty amazing from start to finish, there not being a bad song on it. Heck, the band have been sat on All it Takes for years now, and it’s still a banger! Don’t get me wrong, and hour plus of steady paced, similar stuff may be a little much for some, but I just sat back and got absorbed into it all, and it truly took me on a journey. Do yourselves a favour and stick some headphones on in a dark room and thank me later. It’s not quite Tool, but when Tool are so slow at their output these days, Karnivool are a fantastic alternative. The band are insanely talented songwriters and players, and have put out a release to rival any of their three previous. If you’re a prog fan, this one is certainly for you! 8/10

Mayhem: Liturgy of Death

The black metal legends returned once again this last weekend with album number seven, their first since 2019. If you are familiar with the band at all, you know exactly what to expect here. Brutality, epicness and darkness for a full 48 minutes. As a celebration of four decades as a band, it’s a fitting addition to their discography. As a throwback black/extreme metal release, it’s probably great. As an album for me personally… I can take it or leave it. It’s certainly not bad by any stretch, and the band are clearly all talented players and songwriters. The production on it is also surprisingly great for the genre, which is also a plus (even if it is a bit ‘wall of sound’-y at times). But as a style as a whole, it just isn’t by bag. I like it in small doses, or if something is added to the black metal to keep me interested, but nearly 50-minutes of the same feel and pace is a little much for me. The closest to a highlight track for me was either ‘Despair’ or ‘Funeral of Existence’, though all the rest were pretty similar. Again, if you like the genre or band, you’ll probably get a lot out of this. However, it didn’t do a great deal for me overall, so I can’t give it any more than a 4.5/10. I want to like it more, if that helps. Maybe I’d get into it more live.

Silversun Pickups: Tenterhooks

The first album in four years from the American alt rockers is an odd one for me. I like the overall vibe of it; it’s got some great riffs, tones, melodies and overall playing. And the vaguely proggy writing at times feels like it is right up my street. However, for whatever reason I just wasn’t hooked into this. Maybe it was the more generally indie vibe to it? I remember checking out their last album when it dropped and looking back I clearly got bored of that one too as I didn’t even give it a score! I would say I enjoyed this one more as I at least liked stuff like single ‘The Wreckage’ and ‘Thorns and All’. There is no denying the band are damn talented, and there is a massive audience that will love this. However, it sadly just didn’t do much for me. It may grow on me more with more listens, but with all the amazing releases already this year, I’m not in a huge rush to revisit this. A solid 5.5/10 for now; certainly not bad but incredibly average.

Puscifer: Normal Isn’t

Somehow MJK’s most consistent output these days, the experimental rock band put out their follow-up to 2020s Exsistential Reckoning last Friday. And, to the shock of no one, they are just as odd and quirky as ever. First things first, it is certainly not for everyone. It wouldn’t normally be my sort of thing, but I am such a big fan of Keenan and his ‘stream of consciousness’ is captivating with this project. It’s like the lighter end of NIN’s stuff, which generally I don’t go for much, but I love it here. Tracks like the title one, heavier single ‘Self Evident’, ‘A Public Stoning’ and ‘ImpetuoUs’ are all personal favourites. However, there isn’t a bad song on here and it has a great flow to it, the nearly-hour going by in a flash.

I’d put it up there alongside their previous release in terms of quality, if not slightly higher, making this maybe the best thing Maynard’s released in nearly a decade. That’s not to take away from the other two members, who work their ass off throughout and are insanely talented, too. But, make no mistake, Maynard is the star here. His vocals are still so incredible some 40 years into his career, and his lyric writing is as good as ever. He almost sounds angry at times, the first time in years; definitely a refreshing throwback to his hayday.

This is certainly an album I’ll be revisiting a fair bit moving forward, and I’d recommend to anyone even a little bit curious. While I impatiently wait another decade plus for new Tool music, this will more that satiate that hunger! 9/10

Tailgunner: Midnight Blitz

We’ve already checked out this awesome release! Read the full review here!

Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence: Havin’ a Talk

This is an incredibly fun collaboration. The old-school country pair fit like two puzzle pieces together; it feeling pulled straight out of the 30s and 40s as both of them have such the perfect throwback style. Melissa’s voice is like it’s coming straight out of a gramophone, while Theo’s is a smoother, Sinatra type. They contrast amazingly, and very much do exactly what they advertise; have a talk throughout! It’s certainly an acquired taste, but from the opener to ‘Dat Ain’t Right’ to ‘Joyous Time’, I enjoyed my listen! The pair and the musicians they worked with on this are all super talented, and have crafted something that isn’t heard too much these days. The closest comparison I can make is probably The Tailspins, who I also love! If you’re at all curious give this a spin, you may be surprised how much you like it, like I was! I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on both artists moving forward, and it’s an easy 7.5/10 from me?

Ablaze: Slow Death

This new EP from the post-hardcore collective goes hard. It wastes no time in getting into the heaviness, ‘No’ being chaotic awesomeness, a mess of mathy riffs, solid drums and some great screams. ‘Life’ follows that up with an awesome riff and some almost proggy heaviness, a definite release highlight. And the other two tracks are just as good, honestly. The closest comparison I can make outside of the post-hardcore scene is Tallah, which is definitely a compliment. The talent on display between the guitaring, bass, drums and vocals are all off the charts, and they have crafted something truly creative and unique with their sound. If you are at all curious, I’d highly recommend checking this out, the band certainly have a new fan in me! 7.5/10

Paganizer: As Mankind Rots

More brutality this week, this time curtesy of the death metal Swedes. I tend to find myself getting into straight-up death metal a little easier than black metal, and something about this release hooked me in even more than usual. It’s 40-minutes of straight-to-the-point heaviness, packed full of amazing riffing, drumming and screams. And, much like with Mayhem further up, the mix is surprisingly excellent for a heavier album. Tracks like ‘Devoured’, ‘Put on Your Gasmask’ and ‘Afterworld’ are all massive personal highlights. Don’t get me wrong, it is all a touch samey, but when it’s this high quality that’s hardly an issue. If you like the genre or the heavier side of metal at all, I’d definitely recommend giving this a spin. It gets a solid 7/10 from us!

Lakelin Lemmings: Get Around Boy

The debut EP from the rising country star is a fun collection of modern radio hits. It’s very much in the same vein of Megan Moroney, Cassadee Pope or even early Taylor Swift, but also feels pretty modern and easily distinguishable as Lakelin. All five tracks are awesome, if a little similar, and it’s hard to pick just one or two as highlights! There’s some amazing vocal performances and lyric writing from Lakelin throughout, and her band do a great job playing around her, too. She’s got an incredibly bright future ahead of her, even in the saturated country music scene, and this is a fantastic jumping off point for that! Any fans of the genre should get on this immediately, and it gets a solid 8/10 from us. I already can’t wait to hear more from her!

Cartoons Can’t Die: Rebirth

The debut album from the djenty, deathcorey collective goes hard and chaotic from start to finish. It honestly took a little bit of getting into for me, but I think it was more down to me not quite enjoying the opener as much as other tracks. ‘Kinslayer’ is an awesome, almost melodeath-style track, while ‘The Loss of Something Dear’ and the deathcore ‘Godless’ were also personal high points. And, while a lot of the rest of the album is still good, those tracks in particular stand out more to me. I think maybe the mix has something to do with it; if it had a heavier hand of overall production it could be something truly incredible. Still, as a debut release this is amazing, and the band have crafted something incredibly interesting and unique. There is no denying their playing talent, and some of their arrangements are phenomenal. They have a curious new fan in me, and if you like things a little proggy, give this a listen! A solid 7/10!

Big Bad Train: Woodcut

The UK prog rockers are back with album 16, and it is just as impressive as their other work. True, old-school prog, this thing feels very much like Jethro Tull or Yes, and certainly not in a bad way. It has definite elements of Dream Theater in there for good measure, too! The talent in playing and writing on display throughout is off the charts; even the staunchest of haters would have to agree with that. ‘The Artist’ is an insanely good opener and introduction, while epic tracks like ‘The Sharpest Blade’, ‘Warp and Weft’ (holy crap that acapella bit!) and the surprisingly short (yet still grandiose) closer are all big highlights. However, there really isn’t a bad song throughout. It’s not a small undertaking at 65-minutes, but it has a fantastic flow to it and begs to be listened to in full to really get an appreciation of the release as a whole, interludes and all. I somehow hadn’t heard of them before but they have a big new fan in me, and I’ll definitely be spinning this again in the months to come. A very solid 8.5/10!

Cj Hooper: Over Yonder

This is a fantastic little country release! It combines a lot of elements and sounds, very much wearing its inspirations on its sleeve. From the southern rock opener to the almost murder-folk ‘Hard Times’ to the Man in Black-esque ‘Rain Song’, there is plenty of variety through each track. Heck, ‘Damage Plan’ even gives off Social Distortion vibes, which at least tracks as they are a more punk Johnny Cash. The whole thing has a slight punk vibe overall, having some pretty powerful lyrics and definitely doing stuff against the norm. Plus, his vocals are amazing, having so much weight and emotion behind every word. I’d never heard of Cj before but he immediately has a big new fan in me, and I’ll definitely be going back and checking out his debut from last year soon! I would definitely recommend this if you are at all curious, and it’s another release that gets a massive 8.5/10

Demonic Resurrection: Apocalyptic Dawn

The new EP from the Indian symphonic metal band goes surprisingly hard! It’s much more death/extreme metal leaning than I was expecting given its symphonic tag. And, it’s not typically the amount of sound you’s expect from India. However, neither are knocks on the music as this is a great three tracks, and a welcome return after a few years of no releases. It’s technical, heavy and still has the epicness of a symphonic release, plenty of strings and stuff working their magic in the back. All three songs are amazing; performed, written and mixed perfectly. It’s an awesome release that is the perfect introduction into the band for people otherwise unfamiliar, like myself! If you are into the heavier side of metal, this is more than worth a spin. A very solid 8/10 from me!

P.S. some more incredible artwork this year here, too!

Lily Löwe: BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

The sophomore album from the Norwegian modern rocker is a pretty great follow-up to her 2022 debut! It’s nearly half an hour of massive choruses and vocals, backed by some fun riffs and drums. It’s very DOROTHY, or even Gaga, in the best ways. And, honestly, all nine songs of it are as good as the last! It’s impossible to pick highlights. It’s very radio-friendly and pop-infused, but also has some great heaviness at times, and the focus is pretty heavy on the rock instrumentation throughout. It’s insane to me that she isn’t a bigger name, as she could easily take the US and UK by absolute storm if she got a break. A lot of this is going to be stuck in my head for days to come, and she’s another artist that has gained a massive new fan in me! Her vocals are amazing and her writing is great too. And shoutout to the rest of the band once again, who are killing it throughout. I cannot recommend this enough to absolutely anyone, check it out immediately! 9/10

Big Richard: Pet

From the artist name, I certainly wasn’t expecting four women playing Americana/bluegrass music. However, this was sick, and I’m so glad I checked it out! The setup, while rather simple, lends itself to giving everyone time to shine on their instruments, and the vocals fit perfectly over the top of it, powerful and beautiful in equal measure. It’s got a slight darkness to it, feeling like a combination of Poor Man’s Poison and The Castellows. The opening track sets the perfect tone moving forward, and songs like ‘Alaska’ and the epic instrumental ‘Circus Jerk’ are also big highlights. However, there isn’t a bad song throughout! It may get a touch long-in-the-teeth with it being 40+ minutes of similar-ish music, but if you are a fan of traditional folk and bluegrass, you will surely love this a lot. I had a lot of fun with it, and will certainly be revisiting certain songs plenty, even if I don’t return to the album as a whole quite as much. Still, overall it’s great, and I can’t give it any less than 7.5/10!

Barrel: Triptych

Yet another amazing debut album for us to check out from last Friday! The Finnish metallers crafted nearly 40-minutes of heavy riffs, powerful vocals and some great melodies throughout, not to mention some surprising growls here and there for good measure. It’s borrows from plenty of different styles too, from melodic hard rock to thrash to doom to NWOBHM, and honestly feels like something pretty unique when combining each sound. The opener almost every element of this perfectly, and then you have songs like ‘Scavenger’ and ‘Signs for Kings’ that are a bit more focused but are certainly massive highlights. Also, the ballad ‘War’ is epic brilliance. The whole album is excellent though and clearly crafted with love, it flowing perfectly and having a couple of great little interlude tracks to add even more depth. The band have only been around a few years at this point but are surely set for big things in the next year or two after this release. They’re all insanely talented, and have crafted something both old-school and modern here. I can’t give it any less than 8.5/10, amazing stuff!

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New Music Mondays: Buzzcocks, Softcult and More!

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Another week, and some more awesome rock, metal and country release for us to check out!

Buzzcocks: Attitude Adjustment

The punk rock royalty returned with their 11th album this last Friday, their first in four years. It’s fine. For a band that formed a whopping half a century ago now, I at least have a lot of respect and admiration for Steve Diggle for what he’s done for the scene and who he and the rest of the band have influenced over the years. But this was honestly a tough listen. It feels and sounds incredibly outdated, showing that Steve hasn’t evolved at all as a songwriter after all these decades. It’s the same early-punk/power-pop as they were writing in the 70s. I know that will certainly appeal to some people out there, but the rest of the music world has very much left the band behind at this point. There are modern bands writing better stuff in this style, while punk got a lot more interesting after the bands heyday, in this writers humble opinion.

The closest to a highlight track I had was ‘Seeing Daylight’, but honestly I struggled to get hugely further through the release without losing interest. There are certainly going to be fans of this out there, the band are still sat on 600k+ monthly listeners, but I am sadly not one of them outside of a couple of older hits. This did nothing for me, and I can’t give it any more than a 3.5/10. Technically fine, but painfully dull.

Softcult: When a Flower Doesn’t Grow

The debut album from the self-professed riotgaze band is certainly interesting. Once again it’s not my sort of thing, I don’t ‘get’ any shoegaze at all really, but I at least see the appeal of it a bit. It’s not something I’d go out of my way to listen to, but if it came on in the background I’d probably have a good time listening. The band are clearly talented, and there’s some good drumming and riffs at times throughout. I think the vocals are my main issue; having them in that droning style throughout didn’t pull me in, despite some good lyrics. The run of ‘Naive’ through to ‘She Said, He Said’ was the best part of the album for me, but the whole thing is pretty solid overall, an easy 30-minute listen. If you are into a punkier, indie edge to shoegaze, this is definitely a release for you. A solid 6.5/10 from us, and it may grow on me more with more listens.

Francis Rossi: The Accidental

The new solo album from the Quo legend is a fun, if long, release! Opener ‘Much Better’ sets the tone perfectly, and songs like ‘Back on Our Home Ground’, ‘Going Home’, and ‘Beautiful World’ are all big highlights too. However, 14 tracks across nearly an hour, especially when all are a similar vibe and pace, is a lot. I love Quo as much as the next guy and it’s always great to have more songs that so distinctly like them. And when we aren’t getting new Quo any more, I’ll happily take Rossi doing the exact same sound for his solo ventures. So yeah, it’s a damn good rock album, and is a lot of fun to listen to. Very simple and to the point. But it does get a touch repetitive around the halfway mark, let alone by the end. I’d definitely recommend checking this out if you’re a fan of the band, or just into old-school rock music in general. It’s a solid 7.5/10 from us!

Kanonenfieber: Soldatenschicksale

We’ve already checked out this awesome album! Read our full review here.

HANABIE.: HOT TOPIC

The highly anticipated new EP from the Japanese metalcore band combines together a few of their latest amazing singles, alongside two new tracks, to create an awesome 15-minutes of heaviness! ‘ICONIC’ dropped recently and has been a mainstay on my rotation, while ‘Spicy Queen’ has been stuck in my head the last eight months since its release. And older track ‘GIRL’S TALK’ is of course a banger. Then you have ‘…About you’ and the closing track that are every bit as good as the others. The video-game-esque latter is honestly a big highlight of the whole thing from how utterly left field it is. The bands chaotic energy and heaviness is off the charts, yet they still have plenty of melody and catchiness to boot. There is no one out there like HANABIE., and they always make for a fun listen. They clearly don’t take themselves too seriously, which is refreshing these days. If you’re into the wilder side of metalcore, I’d definitely recommend checking this out! 8/10

Emily Scott Robinson: Appalachia

The folk/Americana singer-songwriter returns with her first studio album in nearly five years, and has produced something just as beautiful as ever. It’s 40 minutes of chilled-out, emotion-filled acoustic music, and I loved just getting totally lost and eveloped in it. It’s not tyically my sort of thing, at least not to enjoy this much, but something about Emily’s incredible vocals and lyric writing had me hooked. It’s almost impossible to pick highlights, though all three duet tracks are utterly phenomenal, giving even more depth to her sound. If you are into relaxed Americana-folk, this is certainly a release for you. Not one I’d revisit often, but certainly one I’d happily listen to again! 7.5/10

The Chuck Norris Experiment: Hot Stuff 3

Another in the Swedish punk-infused hard rock band’s collection of b-sides and it goes far harder than it needed to! Their ‘Stairway to the Stars’ cover opens the release perfectly, setting a great tone moving forward. That’s swiftly followed by album highlight ‘Hammersmith Palais’, with other album highlights like ‘The End of the Great Credibility Race’, ‘Habit to Support’ and ‘Electrify Me’ being spread through the album. However, the whole album is a great, fun release, and begs the question how a lot of these tracks haven’t made it onto full releases in the past. It’s impossible not to have a good time listening to this, and the band are so very underrated! If you are at all into the band or just the wider heavy punk genre in general, I’d definitely suggest giving this a listen! I can’t give it any less than 8.5/10. I wish more bands still did this style, and I’m so excited for them coming back to the UK this year!

Danny Dela Cruz: So Long As There Are Stars

The debut solo release of the former Inglorious/Thrxnes guitarist is a real showcase of his sheer phenomenal talent. Five amazing instrumental tracks that show the breadth of his playing skills, and all excellent in their own right. Instrumental stuff is certainly not for everyone, but this is definitely worth checking out if you are even a little bit curious. Clearly inspired by greats like Vai, Sambora and Malmsteen, he firmly plants himself up alongside all of them with this release. ‘Life’ and ‘As the Pages Turn’ are personal highlights, but the whole release is amazing from start to finish. I’ll definitely be throwing this on again in the coming weeks and months, and it gets a very solid 7.5/10 from me. And to put that into perspective, that’s high from me for both an instrumental release and an EP!

Tinsley Ellis: Labor of Love

The blues guitarist followed up 2024’s Naked Truth excellently with this stripped-back release. The vast majority of it just Tinsley’s guitar and low, powerful vocals, but he packs so much punch and emotion behind it all that I was hooked throughout. From ‘Long Time’ to ‘The Trouble with Love’, ‘Sweet Ice Tea’ to ‘Too Broke’, there is plenty to love here. However, there isn’t a bad song throughout. Once again, it isn’t a release for everyone, and it does get a touch samey by the end, but Tinsley is such a good songwriter that it’s hard not to still have a good time listening. If you’re an old-school blues fan, check this out ASAP! I’d love to hear him with a bit more of a band behind him at some point, but this is also still great regardless! 7/10

TarLung: Axis Mundi

The Austrian sludge doom trio released their first new album in nearly five years last Friday, and go just as hard as ever with it! This thing is packed full of incredible riffs, solid drumming, heaviness and some amazing growled vocals. And they give everything plenty of room to breathe too, just eight songs spread across the 38-minute runtime. ‘The Valley of Nowhere’, ‘Sea of Drowned Souls’ and the title track are all huge highlights, but every song in this fits and runs together perfectly. The band are so insanely talented, and it’s criminal that they aren’t bigger than they are at this point! If you like your music heavy and sludgy, this is certainly an album you need to be listening to! They have a big new fan in me, and I will certainly be spinning it plenty in the weeks and months to come. A solid 8/10 from us!

Gitika Partington: Twelvefold Number 1-13

Yep, a whopping 13 full-length albums, all in the same day! We had the privilege of chatting to Gitika about the feat last week, and it makes me appreciate these even more than I already do. Each has a slightly different feel to it, though all keep within her vague folk/easy-listening style, and each certainly have highlight tracks. ‘They Dance an Eleven’, ‘Virginia Wolfe’, ‘Own My Shit’ and ‘I’m the Only One Who Knows’ are a handful of the songs that stood out to me. It’s an insane achievement to release this massive a volume of work anyway, but for a good portion of it to be high quality and enjoyable is even better. It’s certainly not my sort of thing normally, but I’m so glad I was sent through the presser for it as I did have a good time listening. If anyone’s at all interested, it’s worth a listen. And, while I probably won’t revisit the project outside of the odd song here and there, I didn’t hate it at all. Gitika should be hugely proud of what she has managed to accomplish here, and in terms of the music itself, I happily give it a solid 6/10, though it would be higher for the sheer balls and confidence in the work she has!

Contrasts: False Idol

The debut EP from the modern alt/metalcore Welsh collective dropped on Friday, and honestly blew me away! It perfectly walks the line between brutal heaviness and huge, arena-filling melodies that few bands can truly pull off well. And, because of that, all four of these tracks are amazing! It’s impossible to pick highlights as all are as good as the last. Even the slower ballad ‘Armageddon’ is awesome, and fits the tone of the release excellently still. These guys already did some great stuff in Upon Those Dying and Giving in to Ghosts, and they are very much continuing that trend here! I can see big things ahead in the bands’ future, and this is a fantastic jumping off point for all of that. I can’t give it any less than 8/10, great stuff!

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New Music Mondays: Megadeth, Poppy and More!

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Another stacked week of new music for us to check out, from rock to metal to country! Let’s dive in!

Megadeth: Self-Titled

The 17th and final album from the thrash legends dropped to huge anticipation and hype on Friday. And honestly, as a long time fan of the band, it lives up to all of it! I feel I’ve been a bit hit or miss with their last few releases, but right from opening single ‘Tipping Point’ I was hooked, and not let go until the end of the release. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all perfect, but there is a lot of this that I love, and I very much prefer it to their last album. It very much feels like a combination of everything that’s come before; a perfect culmination of their sound. There’s old-school, punk-infused stuff, straight up thrash, and some of the 90s and 2000s slightly lighter, more melodic stuff. And of course, everyone is working their asses off throughout, showing they are still at the top of their respective games however long into their careers the semi-session-players are. Even Dave does great; his vocals holding up far better than they have at times in previous years, and there is never any denying his guitar ability! My only slight issue is some of his ever-juvinile lyric writing, but it only pulled me out of it on a couple of tracks.

Speaking of tracks, as I said, there’s a lot to love. From the opener to single ‘Let There Be Shred’ to album tracks like ‘Puppet Parade’ and the bittersweet, slightly on-the-nose ‘The Last Note’, there is plenty to love. Heck, there really isn’t a bad song on it. We even got a cheeky Dave’s version of ‘Ride the Lightning’, it being awesome that he was finally able to release it, and is almost as good as the original!

After listening to the album a couple of times over the weekend, I really did love it. While not quite up there with their absolute classics, it’s certainly on the next level down for me, alongside the likes of Th1rt3en and Youthanasia. A fitting send-off to one of the biggest and best in 80s metal, and if you are at all a fan of the band, I can’t recommend checking this out enough! I can’t give it anything less than 8.5/10!

Poppy: Empty Hands

Almost six years on to the day that the enigmatic powerhouse dipped her toe into metal with I Disagree, she has turned into one of the biggest and most consistent names in the modern genre. Now another four albums into that, she has proved that not only is she one of the most consistent and hard working people in the scene, but that she also just keeps getting better and better. Her unique blend of modern metal with an industrial tinge makes for plenty of memorable, awesome moments throughout. Singles ‘Bruised Sky’ and ‘Guardian’ have been stuck in my regular rotation since their release, while the hardcore ‘Dying to Forget’, ‘If We’re Following the Light’ and ‘Ribs’ are great album additions. As much as I enjoyed Negative Spaces, I think this may be my favourite release from her! It has a bit of everything and flows very well and goes by in a flash. She’s heavier than ever, and the little vocal interludes lead into their counterpart tracks perfectly. For anyone into modern metal, this is an absolute must. I’ll certainly be listening to it more, and it gets a very solid 8/10 from us!

Julian Taylor: Anthology Vol. 2

We’ve already checked out this awesome collection of tracks! Read the full review here.

The Damned: Not Like Everybody Else

Three years after their apparently forgettable last album, the UK punk legends returned with album 13. Given that I couldn’t remember checking out Darkadelic aside for the artwork, this one at least stuck in my brain a little more! From Ramones to Misfits, they channel plenty of great vibes from the old-school punk scene they came from. Growing up on this sort of stuff from skating games (THUG2 for the win) it’s a sound I love and am surprisingly nostalgic towards, so it’s hard not to have a good time listening. Tracks like the opener, ‘Gimme Danger’ and ‘When I Was Young’ are all personal highlights and up there with any of the bands back catalogue, honestly. Really the only weak link here is ‘See Emily Play’; it feels out of place as the light hearted, Madness-like track on the album. But still, it doesn’t let it down too much, it’s still a fun 34-minutes of dark, classic punk music. If you’re into the genre, this is definitely a release to check out, and their best in a good long while. 7.5/10

Crystal Lake: The Weight of Sound

This thing goes HARD to open, dude! ‘Everblack’ is an INCREDIBLE modern metalcore track filled with brutal screams and some chunky, chuggy riffs. It sets the tone for the album perfectly, and blew me away! Being their first new studio release in eight years, the Japanese band make an impact immediately, and show that they are just as good as ever.

It’s hardly the only good track on the album, either. ‘BlüdGod’ follows it up perfectly. ‘Neversleep’, ‘King Down’, ‘Crossing Nails’ and the Jesse Leach-featuring ‘Dystopia’ are all also banging tracks. However, as I’m sure you can tell by now, there isn’t a bad song throughout! I even enjoyed the now-typcial closing ballad!

It’s 40-minutes of beautiful heaviness that barely let’s up throughout. It’s the perfect blend of old-school Parkway and a modern edge and production, even with a sprinkling of Through the Ashes of Empires for good measure. I’ve had a friend of mine rave about them to me a lot, but because they haven’t released much in a while I haven’t had much time to check them out aside the odd song. This has definitely turned me into an absolutely massive fan of them! They are a criminally underrated band who deserve to be so much bigger in the West, and may have just put out one of the best straight metalcore albums of the decade. 9.5/10, check this out immediately!

Kezia Gill: All on Red

Album number three from one of the leading lights of the UK country scene is every bit as good as her previous two. Her awesome vein of rock-infused country is a lot of fun, and leads to an incredibly easy listen from start to finish. From ‘Dublin’s Outta Whiskey’ to ‘Whiskey in a Wine Glass’, ‘Ride or Die’ to ‘If Heaven Has a Honkytonk’, there is so much awesomeness to go around. And that’s not even mentioning the incredible ballads like ‘Love You Next’ or ‘Barbed Wire’. There really isn’t a bad song on the release, and it’s put together exceptionally well that it never once gets boring; everything feels deliberate. At a time where country is bigger than ever, Kezia proves that the UK can bring it anywhere as much as its North American counterparts. If you are a fan of the genre, check this out immediately, you won’t be disappointed! 8.5/10

Check out a review of her live here.

The Hara: The Fallout

The sophomore studio album from the UK alt metallers dropped on Friday to plenty of anticipation and hype. Honestly, I’m in two minds with it. I very much like the heavy side, it giving off modern metal/metalcore vibes like Spiritbox and Bad Omens. Or, at least, the good bits of them. Sadly, it also carries a fair bit of the pop elements of both of those bands, that I’m not hugely a fan of. Tracks like ‘Easier to Die’, ‘Stay’, Kings’ and ‘Violence (feat. As December Falls)’ are good and definite highlights. The rest of it, while certainly not bad, I could sadly take or leave, for the most part. There will be a massive audience for this album, and if you are into any of the bands or styles I’ve mentioned already, I’d definitely recommend you checking this out. I feel like it’s the sort of thing that would do more for me live. And while this isn’t an album I’d revisit often, I certainly wouldn’t turn it off if it was on again, as well as most likely having the tracks I mentioned in my rotation for weeks to come. Who knows, maybe it’ll grow on me with more listens. However, for now it gets a still-solid 7/10

HamaSaari: Pictures

Another album we’ve checked out in full! Read the review here.

Virtue in Vain: Nothing is All I Am

The Welsh metalcore trio go hard with this 15-minute release. ‘Split’ is short, heavy goodness to start, while ‘Blood Eyes’ continues the vibes perfectly. And, honestly, the other three tracks on this are just as good. The heaviness is incredible, while there is enough melodic stuff to keep anyone hooked throughout. It’s honestly as much melodeath as it is metalcore, and has just a dash of prog to it too, being a really amazing mix. If I haven’t sold you already I don’t know what to tell you; check this out! This band deserve to be so much bigger than they are, and hopefully this EP is the start of pushing them to grand things. If you are at all into the heavier side of metal, check this out immediately! An incredibly solid 9.5/10 from us, and I need another full album ASAP!

Jamie O’Neil: Gypsum

Album seven from the Australian country singer-songwriter is a fun slower release into the genre. It definitely has that early 2000s feel to it that she was a part of when she broke through, though has enough of an old-school feel too to make it stand out. Her vocals are still as amazing as ever, and some of her lyrics here are fantastic. ‘Ole Heartache’, ‘John Deere Letter’ and ‘My Midnights’ are all personal highlights, and amazing country songs in their own right. And, while the album as a whole is a touch slow overall that I prefer, it’s still a damn good release! It definitely feels like Jamie still has it, and I’d put this up there near Shiver, easily. I’d definitely say to give it a listen if you’re a country fan, and I’m sure I’ll be listening to this again soon! An easy 7.5/10 from us!

Glamour of the Kill: Vengeance

The return album from the UK metalcorers, their first album in 13 years, and pardon my French but it’s fucking AWESOME. Having grown up in the era of peak BFMV and Killswitch, this channels that vibe perfectly, sadly a lost sound in 2026 for the most part. This quartet are working to bring it back in a big way here, and very much deserve to be massive because of it. It goes hard from start to finish, a melodic, heavy, thrashy nearly-hour. And honestly, every track in that time is phenomenal. From faster stuff to more ballad-paced songs, it’s all amazing. It’s impossible to pick out highlights as every song is as good as the last. I sat and listened to this through in one sitting, a rarity for me these days, and it went by in a flash. The band are insanely talented musicians and songwriters, and have crafted something honestly special with this release. I cannot recommend this enough to anyone, even if you aren’t necessarily into the style; if anyone’s gonna win you over it’s these guys! I’ll be listening to it a lot moving forward, and I can’t give it any less than 9.5/10. Wow!

Paper Kites: If You Go There, I Hope You Find It

The follow-up to 2023’s great At the Roadhouse, the Aussie indie-folk band put out another good, chilled-out release with If You Go There. It’s 40-minutes of beautiful, relaxed music, and is incredibly easy to listen to. ‘Change of the Wind’ and ‘Shake Off the Rain’ were personal favourites, but there certainly isn’t a bad song among the 10. Sure, it does get a little old by the end as every track has a similar pace and vibe, but the band know what they do well and do it to perfection. If you want something to throw on and relax to or have on in the background, this is that perfect something. It will most likely be an album I revisit more over the summer months, but I had far more of a blast listening to this than I expected to. It’s another very easy 7.5/10!

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: Kreator, Soen and More!

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A massive week for new music, from rock to country to metal. Let’s check it all out!

Kreator: Krushers of the World

The German thrash legends returned with their highly anticipated 16th studio album. Their previous effort, 2022’s Hate Über Alles, will certainly take some topping, so I’m curious to see where they go from this. Early reviews have been positive though, so I am definitely excited!

Honestly, it is yet another damn good album from the band! It’s 44 minutes of heavy, balls-to-the-wall thrash like only Kreator can do. Songs like ‘Satanic Anarchy’, ‘Tränenpalast’ and ‘Psychotic Imperator’ are all personal highlights. However, if you are into the band or the genre, like me, there really isn’t a bad track throughout. Much like a lot of their peers these days, they are very much still firing on all cylinders some four plus decades into their careers. I really think that this and their last album is up there alongside anything they’ve done in the past in terms of quality. Kreator have very much done it again, and shown why they are one of the most overlooked bands ever outside of mainland Europe. It’s another very easy 8/10 for the thrashers!

Soen: Reliance

Two and a half years after blowing me away with Memorial, the Swedish prog metallers are back with album number seven. And, what would you know, they’ve only gone and done it again! ‘Primal’ is the perfect opener, setting the tone for the album fantastically and hooking me in. Then you have tracks like single ‘Discordia’, ‘Huntress’ and ‘Draconian’ through the album that are also awesome, though there really isn’t a bad song on it. I sat down and listened through the full 43-minutes of this in one sitting, getting lost in the epicness, catchiness and heaviness throughout, never once losing interest. While similar to their previous work, it has been long enough since their previous albums that I have clearly been craving more of it without even realising. Also, it does feel a touch more focused on the heaviness, some of the riffs being killer and not nearly focused on enough! I would recommend this to anyone, regardless of what sort of music you are into. I can’t give it any less than another MASSIVE 9/10. Goddamn I love this band!

David Huckfelt: “I Was Born, But…”

Album number three from the folk activist, and first since 2021, is an incredibly chilled-out affair. Now, we’ll get the obvious out the way too: it’s pretty long. I feel like over an hour of slow folk music is too much, regardless of how good the quality is. There are some great lyrics throughout, and tracks like ‘Any Way the Wind Blows’ and ‘Who Do You Love?’I did enjoy. Honestly, when he leans into a bit more of an old-school blues sound, it’s excellent. However, the album as a whole very much struggled to hold my attention, especially when a lot of it was so similar. David is a great lyricist and a good songwriter, and there will definitely be people who love this release. I am sadly not one of them; it didn’t do much for me. If you like a more traditional folk/country sound, it’s worth giving a try, but I can’t give it any more than a 5/10. Fine, to listen to from time to time, but not my bag.

Mother Vulture: Cartoon Violence

The long awaited sophomore album from the UK hard rockers finally dropped this last Friday. It’s no secret I love them from their debut, so have been impatiently waiting for this for a while now. To say it doesn’t disappoint is an understatement! Opener ‘Mike Check’ sets the pace fantastically, and the band don’t let off the gas for the entire 41-minute runtime. Incorporating not only a bit of a heavier, hardcore edge to their sound, but also adding to the album some of the chaotic fun of their live show is honestly a stroke of genius. It still feels like Mother Vulture but feels incredibly fresh, a great evolution. It’s still packed with catchy radio-choruses and some amazing fuzzy stoner riffs, but has so much else at play too now. Georgi is honestly channelling his best inner Gerard Way throughout, and it’s fantastic! From ‘Sufferin’ Succotash!’ to ‘Slow Down’, ‘Double Down’ to ‘La Matadora’, it’s all SO GOOD. It all flows so well too, all the extra bits and touches they’ve added making it a true experience from front to back.

This is definitely one of the best albums of the year so far, regardless of how early we are into it. It also feels a step up from their debut, despite that one also being awesome. It’s another album I’d recommend to anyone even slightly into rock (everyone on this site, surely?) and will be one I’ll be spinning for weeks and months to come. Don’t be surprised to find it high up on our albums of the year list come December! 9.5/10

Gluecifer: Same Drug New High

I’ve been a fan of this band for a good while now, ever since ‘I Got a War’ came across my Spotify and I got a little obsessed. Their blending of punk, hard rock and glam is amazing, and it’s no wonder they are one of the most successful bands in their native Norway. So, ever since they reunited in 2018, I have been impatiently waiting for them to put out new music. Now, nearly 22 years after their last studio album, we finally get album six.

So, thank god, it’s fucking awesome! Right from the opener, ‘The Idiot’, I was hooked, and I wasn’t let go until the very last note. Being the perfect blend of everything from Alice Cooper to Turbonegro, The Ramones to White Zombie, and I love it. The band somehow haven’t lost a step in all their time away, even if they have still been playing live together a lot recently. There isn’t a bad track on the release, but songs like ‘Armadas’, the Cult-like ‘Pharmacity’ and the lighter punk ‘Another Night, Another City’ are personal favourites. But damn, this whole thing is so good, and incredibly easy and fun listen, as well as having their typically thought-provoking lyrics. I’d recommend giving this a listen if you are in any way a rock fan, and I am so dam glad they’re back to writing and releasing music again. I’d honestly put this up there with any of their previous albums. Hopefully we don’t have another two plus decades between long-form releases, but until we get more, I will happily be spinning this to death. I can’t give it any less than 9/10!

Nathan Evans & THE SAINT PHNX BAND: Angels’ Share

We’ve already checked out this awesome album! Read our review here.

In a House of Heartbeats: Divination of Dreams

The UK underground dark rockers released their highly anticipated debut album this Friday. It’s a post-rock, gothic, proggy journey, and an awesome one at that! Firstly, let’s get the obvious out of the way; this certainly isn’t a release for everyone. It’s not for the feint of heart, either. It’s 50+ minutes of almost wholly instrumental, broken up slightly by some spoken-word parts. That alone is a lot, but when the music is also drawn out, repeated riffing, shoegaze and doom metal soundings, for sometimes 10+ minutes per track, it can certainly get a lot. Honestly, at times I struggled a bit. ‘A Head Full of Ghosts’ was probably my favourite track; it had some fun Tool vibes to it. I also liked the build-up of ‘Parasomniac’. However, as talented as they are, I struggled to keep my interest through much of the rest. It will certainly have its big fans, but I sadly do not think I’m one of them. I do, however, fully appreciate the art crafted here and the talent of the individuals involved. It’s an awesome release that just isn’t for me. So, for that, I can’t give it any more than 4/10, sorry guys!

DZ Deathrays: Easing Out of Control

Following up on 2023’s R.I.F.F seemed like a hard task, given its critically adored status, but honestly the Australian dance-punkers knock it out of the park again with their seventh album. This is half an hour of pure fun punk rock, and is surely impossible not to like. From ‘Sideways’ to ‘First Night Fever’, there’s plenty to love, and there isn’t a bad song throughout! It’s very much fitting into the Australian garage rock scene, and it’s easy to see why they are some of the brightest lights of it. It’s a damn fun listen and one I’d recommend to anyone even vaguely into punk music. I’ve spun it a couple of times this weekend already, and will definitely be spinning it plenty in the months to come. I can’t give it any less than 8/10, and it may grow on me even more in the weeks to come!

Langhorne Slim: The Dreamin’ Kind

The eighth studio album from the indie-Americana singer-songwriter is an excellent 38-minutes of music. It’s a style that I’m a little up and down on at times, but this is definitely a release that I’m big into! It’s pretty chilled-out throughout, and it a great one to throw on and relax to, it going by in a flash. From the opener to ‘Rickety Ol’ Bridge’ to ‘Dance on Thru’, there’s a lot to love. It’s kept constantly interesting too, with everything from blues to Western getting a nod throughout. It’s a little slow at times, but the songwriting is so good it’s so easy to get lost in it all and listen through from start to finish. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a good album that I certainly enjoyed checking out, and would happily play again! 7/10

Edenbridge: Set the Dark on Fire

The whopping 12th studio album from the Austrian symphonic metal quintet sees them return to their former label in Streamhammer, as well as promise their heaviest album to date. It’s certainly heavier than their previous album, and is pretty damn epic in nature and composition. And, while it’s a pretty long release, I had a good time with it from start to finish. Tracks like ‘Cosmic Embrace’, the plodding ‘Our Place Among the Stars’, ballad ‘Bonded by the Light’ and well, all of ‘Spark of the Everflame’ are personal highlights. The band are all hugely talented players and songwriters, and the sheer size of the production throughout all combines together perfectly to make this a massive album. It is a touch samey by the end, sadly, and I did find my attention drifting away somewhat, but that massive four-part track to close really got me hooked back in again. If you are into the style or genre, this is definitely an album I’d recommend! I’d happily give it another spin, though with the sheer volume of great symphonic metal around these days, I don’t think I’d rush back to it as much. 7/10

Asterise: Twilight Opera

The Polish power metallers follow up their 2024 sophomore album with this epic EP. It’s epic and grandiose, giving off more Dragonforce vibes than Sabaton, not that that is at all an issue! They’ve gone full Metal Opera and I love it! I’d have honestly just taken the amazing title track and called it a day, but we still had another three awesome songs on top of that. ‘Eclipse’ is a mid-tempo, heavy stomper, ‘Hope’ is a powerful ballad and ‘On my Way to Heaven’ combines everything before it together perfectly. As much as I enjoyed Tale of a Wandering Soul, this feels like somehow another step up in terms of songwriting and production. I LOVED this, and I think the shorter release format helped a little. Having said that, insanely, I already want another full album from them! I’ll definitely be spinning this plenty while I wait for that to happen, though. If you are at all into power metal, this is an absolute must-check-out. I can’t give it any less than 8.5/10, great stuff!

P.S. INSANELY beautiful album artwork, some of the best I’ve seen in a while!

HyperioN: Cybergenesis

The first album from the Italian heavy metallers in nearly six years, it is clear they’ve spent a lot of that time working on this. It’s damn good! 40-minute of incredible riffing, solid drums and soaring, catchy, powerful vocals. ‘Rewire, Rebuild’ and ‘Grain of Sand’ are personal highlights, but there really isn’t a bad track on it. It’s a great modern take of NWOBHM, combined with a power metal edge which has become so popular these days. There is no denying the bands talent, and despite it being another album that also feels a little samey by the end, it’s still a damn good release and one I’d highly recommend for anyone interested. I wasn’t aware of them until now but they certainly have a new fan in me! A solid 7.5/10 from us!

They Might be Giants: Eyeball

I had no idea this was dropping until I got an email about it. It’s hard not to be excited though, as I’m a big fan of the quirky duo and it’s about the first thing they’ve put out since 2021’s BOOK. Three odd tracks like only TMBG could produce, and barely eight minutes (and that’s with a remix of the title track added on too), it’s a quick, fun listen! The jazzy instrumental ‘Peggy Guggenheim’ was probably my favourite track, but all three certainly had their merits. If you’re into the band you will certainly enjoy this, though it definitely won’t change anyone’s minds who’s on the fence about them. I enjoyed it, and hopefully it acts as a fun little stopgap before another album! 7/10

Funeral Home: Your Funeral

The debut album from the death’n’roll Finns is glorious, fast-paced heaviness from start to finish. It’s a touch more melodic than its trad-death counterparts, but also has edges of hardcore and some bouncy punk riffs too. I definitely like when it leans into the rockin’ parts; tracks like ‘My Kingdom is Hell’, ‘Sacrificial Goat’ and ‘Graveyard Blues’ are definite highlights for me personally. However, there isn’t a bad song on here. The band are incredibly talented, and this is a phenomenal release for a debut. If you are into the heavy stuff with a touch of a fun edge, this is certainly the album for you! This will definitely stay in my rotation for the coming weeks, and I already can’t wait to hear where they go from here! 7.5/10

Low Gap: Geneva

The long awaited sophomore album from the country brothers finally dropped last weekend. Set to be the release to push them to the next level, the hype behind it is pretty high. And honestly, as more of a traditional, Americana-infused release, I definitely see the appeal. The duo work so damn well together, and have crafted some beautiful, catchy songs throughout this 44-minute journey. And some of the lyric writing is phenomenal, giving me goosebumps in a very bittersweet way. ‘Cuyahoga River’, the rockier ‘Churches’ and the amazing ‘Monsters (Take 2)’ are all huge highlights, and all for very different reasons! Also shoutout to the ever-amazing Julia Digrazia killing it as a guest on ‘Beattyville’! And ‘Heroes’ is far too beautiful sounding for how depressing it is, but an absolutely phenomenal song.

If you can’t tell, this album grew on me through my review! I know generally all you have to do to win me over is hit me with some deep, relatable lyrics (or a breakdown but not applicable here), but on top of tracks with that they also have some just awesome country songs. So much of this ended up on my personal playlist, and the versatility through the release from country rock to Americana to folk ballads; all the while the duo showing they can write each style perfectly. They certainly have a new fan in me, and I have a feeling this will be a release I’ll be revisiting at different times throughout the year. I’d recommend it to any country fan out there, and I can’t give it any less than a very solid 9/10!

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: Alter Bridge, Zach Bryan and More!

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The first big week of New Music Mondays of the year, join us as we check out some of the awesomest album and EP releases in rock, metal and country!

Alter Bridge: Self-Titled

Following a return to form with 2022’s Pawns & Kings, the band very much continue in that same vein with album number eight. I’ve seen a lot of love from other outlets for this, and while it took a little getting going for me, after a couple of listens I can see why! The first couple of tracks, while perfectly good, didn’t hook me in much. However, the one-two punch of ‘Power Down’ and ‘Trust in Me’ were excellent, and harkened back to the bands early couple of albums in the best ways. From then on out, I was hooked! From Tremoni once again being a riff machine to Myles’ effortlessly incredible vocals to both rhythm guys working their asses off, it’s classic AB at its finest. Songs like the now-obligatory Tremonti one, ‘Tested and Able’, beautiful ballad ‘Hang By a Thread’ and single ‘Playing Aces’ are all massive other highlights. However, after a couple of listens there really isn’t a bad track on the album; it’s an hour of excellent hard rock music that only Alter Bridge can do!

While I don’t think it has the strongest individual tracks from their careers, as an album as a whole it’s incredibly solid, and one I will definitely be revisiting time and time again. Plus, I do think the singles will grow on me even more if/when I see them live. If you are a fan of the band or hard rock in general, this is an absolute must. 9/10

Zach Bryan: With Heaven on Top

Firstly, kudos to Bryan for still releasing ‘Bad News’ after the backlash from half of his fanbase and everything that’s gone on over the last week. The cajones it must have taken is commendable, and it’s stuff that definitely needs to be talked about still!

As for the album itself, I think it’s impossible for me not to love Zach’s music. This was on my most anticipated albums of the year list for a reason, and it certainly lives up to a lot of that hype. There are some absolutely fantastic songs on this release. ‘Appetite’, ‘Say Why’, ‘Dry Deserts’, and ‘Always Willin’’ are up there with any of his best tracks, in this writers humble opinion. They are by far the only good tracks here, too. His lyrics are incredible; he’s one of the best storytellers in the game today. The emotion he conveys in his work is truly incredible. And the addition of the strings and brass add so much to the sound, making everything so epic and impactful and somehow adding even more to the emotion.

However, this is a LONG album. The guy never leans and, though this isn’t still as egregious as American Heartbreak, being his second longest album at 78 minutes is still insane. And, there is definitely some slower stuff in here that sounds more like filler. The last four songs are average, and some of the stuff after ‘Bad News’ didn’t do much for me, either. There is an absolutely perfect Country-Americana album in here, just like his last three, but it is bloated and needs some of the fat trimming.

It is unmistakably a fantastic album, don’t get me wrong. While stick not quite as good as his self-titled effort, it’s every bit as great as Great American Bar Scene. There’s a reason he is one of the biggest artists in the world, and his work really does speak for itself over and over again. I just wish he’d let go of a couple of songs so we got a more concise release. So, though I do have critiques on this album, I will still be spinning a lot of it for the rest of the year, and would recommend it to anyone even slightly interested. I can’t give it any less than an incredibly solid 9.5/10

OCT: On Company Time

It’s finally here. I’ve been obsessed with this band for a solid year plus at this point. Every single has been excellent. So to finally have a full album release from this is so damn exciting.

What’s even more exciting is that it’s fucking awesome! And yes, we’ve heard a lot of the songs off it already across the last couple of years, but the new ones are just as good, honestly. ‘Pop! Pop!’ is glorious, pop nonsense, ‘Meat n’ Cheese’ has been teased so much I’m already obsessed, while both ‘Bathhouse Homies’ and ‘Tall Warm Glass of Milk’ are excellent, as expected. Every song is amazing, and this is such a fun 34-minute listen. While the comedy is flawless, they are absolutely phenomenal musicians, vocalists and songwriters on top of that, crafting something truly special with this album. It’s 80s cheese-pop but with some of the catchiest choruses and harmonies that I’m sure I’ll be hearing all year. I am already addicted to this album, and am sure I’ll be spinning it plenty for months to come. If you are in any way curious, I cannot recommend it enough! I’m both shocked and not at all shocked, but this solidly gets the first 10/10 from us of 2026!

UUHAI: Human Herds

We’ve already checked out this awesome album! Read our full review here!

Beyond the Black: Break the Silence

The German symphonic metallers returned with their sixth studio album last Friday. If you know the band or the genre, you’ll know exactly what to expect here. I’ve been a fan of them since 2018’s Heart of a Hurricane, and I loved their self-titled release a couple of years back. While I don’t think this is quite as good as both of those releases, it is still a damn solid metal album. From the opener to the typically-incredible ballad ‘Ravens’ to the LOVEBITES-featuring ‘Can You Hear Me’, there are some amazing tracks on here. Heck, there isn’t a bad song throughout. However, for whatever reason, the album as a whole didn’t catch me the way I expected/hoped it would. Maybe it felt a touch safe? They are as big as they have ever been so are clearly doing something right, and it wasn’t like this wasn’t enjoyable. It’s a damn solid symphonic metal album, and I liked the more electronic elements added into their sound recently, but I wouldn’t quite put it up there with the two previously mentioned albums. For that, it gets a still-solid 8/10 from us!

Coleman Jennings: Ride On

An awesome sophomore EP from the old-school country artist. From the lyrics to the emotion-filled vocal delivery, it was very quick and easy for me to get hooked. The title track opens things up perfectly, while ‘Marinaville’ is another bop. At just 17-minutes long, it is short and sweet and none of it is bad. It’s not going to be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone even slightly into an older-school country sound. I’d love to hear a longer form release from Coleman, but the fact that he’s getting this big already says it all! 7.5/10

Nanowar of Steel: The Genghis Khan EP to End All Genghis Khan EPs

We’ve also checked out this amazing EP! Review here.

Bullet: Kickstarter

The seventh album from the hard/sleaze rockers is a lot of fun, and a great thing to turn on and just rock out to. It’s very AC/DC and the genre of bands that spawned from being heavily inspired by them, so if you’re into that you’ll love this, too! From the title track to ‘Open Fire’, ‘Avenger’ to ‘Strike At Night’, it’s all damn good. It’s 40 minutes of balls-to-the-wall rock that knows exactly what it is. It certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but as far as bands like this go, these are up there with some of the front runners with albums like this. I wouldn’t revisit it a lot, but I certainly wouldn’t turn it off if it came on again; it’s an incredibly easy listen. I’m sure a lot will love this, and while I still had a good time, I feel like a 7/10 is pretty fitting!

Krushor: Taste of Hatred

The debut EP from the thrash-death metallers is 13-minutes of sheer aggression, and I fucking love it! Four amazing tracks packed full of amazing riffing, drumming and harsh vocals, what’s not to love? All four tracks are as good as each other, and for a debut release it shows that the sky is very much the limit for the Finnish quintet. The band are all incredibly talented, and all have a time to shine throughout. If you are at all into the heavier side of metal, I cannot recommend this release enough! It gets a very solid 8/10 from me!

Orchid Throne: Buried in Black

This is an absolutely awesome prog-metal release! It incorporates everything from doom to death to alt to folk, and does it all masterfully. It’s hard to even find a band to compare it to; maybe all the eras of Opeth rolled into one, but even tat doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s dark and epic and everyone works their asses off throughout, all being at the top of their craft. Heck, I’d have been happy to have just taken the epic opener ‘Dreamworld’, but we still got six excellent tracks after that too! My only slight issue would be the mix, it didn’t sound quite as big as it could have, but it’s a minor gripe and may be as much of an issue with my speakers than the album itself. It’s another release that won’t be for everyone, but it grew on me the more and more I listened, and for another debut album it’s really something special. A very easy 8.5/10, definitely a band to keep an eye on!

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: 1986, Paleface Swiss and More!

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The first NMM of the new year, and we’re doing things a little differently this time around. Yep, we’re including EPs too! I felt that the separate EP posts weren’t drawing enough focus to some excellent releases, so I thought I’d try a combined one! Let me know if it works!

We have four excellent, heavy releases to sink our teeth into this week. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

1986: Carniveil

The debut album from the UK modern metalcorers goes HARD from start to finish, and is an excellent way to start the year’s releases. From the awesome riffing to the powerful screams, it’s old-school metalcore at its very best. Think Hatebreed over BFMV. And, from the opener to ‘Black Mirror’ to single ‘Static Burn’ there are so many awesome highlights. They lean into the hardcore elements a lot, and it makes for an incredibly fun listen. Even the production added to the overall product a lot. It all comes together excellently and makes for a great 40-minutes of heaviness. It’s a fantastic debut and sets the band up for a bright future if they carry on along this vein. A solid 8/10 from us!

Paleface Swiss: The Wilted EP

The first EP to feature on NMM, and of course it’s from the beatdown-deathcore titans who blew us away this time last year with their last album. They follow it up perfectly with this four tracks and an intro. Each track is as good as the last, and there really isn’t a bad song throughout. And, as good as the riffing and drumming is, Marc is of course the highlight again. One of the best vocalists in the music industry as a whole today, his range is off the charts, and on full display here. From surprisingly catchy choruses to brutal screams to his insane harsh rapping, and at least a few crazy laughs, it’s all SO GOOD. It fits perfectly over the instrumentation though, one not being as good without the other. If you are at all a fan of the band or just metal in general, I’d highly recommend this album. The band really cannot do any wrong right now! I can’t give it any less than 9/10!

Arcane Frost: Night’s Cavalry

Another debut album, this time from the German black metallers. It’s pretty straight-up black metal, not bells or whistles or combined sub-genres, just heaviness and darkness. If you’re into that sort of thing, this is definitely worth checking out! It’s a genre that’s definitely grown on me, and tracks like ‘Swarming Rats’ and ‘Withering Decay’ are personal highlights. The album is barely 30-minutes in length, making for an easy listen if you’re into this sort of thing. I enjoyed it, but have to admit with my limited bandwidth with the genre, I probably wouldn’t listen to it through much. However, it’s still good album, and I certainly wouldn’t turn it off if it came on again. Any black metal fans should certainly check this out! It’s a solid 7/10!

Woe: Legacies of Human Frailty

More black metal, this time from New York. Album number six from the band is unrelenting, going just as hard as anything they have put out previously. While I have pretty similar sentiments to the previous entry in this list, but I did appreciate the more epic nature of this release. The tracks are a little longer and it really gets everything it can out of every sound. Just six tracks stretch 45+ minutes, so the proggier nature definitely kept me more entertained. It reminded me a little of Rotting Christ, though not quite to that extent. It’s a good album, and once again one I’d highly recommend to anyone into the genre. It’s hard not to compare to Arcane Frost, but it is a little more my sort of thing, and will probably be spinning this again soon if I have the time. As far as black metal albums go, this is up there for me, and gets a damn solid 7.5/10!