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new music mondays

New Music Mondays: The Black Keys, Kacey Muscgraves and More!

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A typically stacked week of New Music Mondays, with everything from rock to metal to country putting out great stuff! Let’s dive in and check it all out!

The Black Keys: Peaches!

The 14th album from the garage/blues rock revitalists is a lot of fun! It’s 10 scrappy, technically awesome songs that flow together rather perfectly. It’s exactly what you’d expect if you know the band in any way! We somehow missed their album last year, but did enjoy 2024’s Ohio Players. There’s just something about Keys’ particular style of jam band; it’s never normally my sort of thing but I end up having a blast whenever I listen to them. Tracks like ‘Stop Arguing Over Me’ and ‘You Go to Lose’ are big highlights for me. However, a release like this BEGS for a full listen-through in a single sitting, and I honestly think doing it that way adds to every song, and the product as a whole. Yeah, the tracks are all a touch similar, and 44 minutes is maybe a touch too long unless you are really into the genre. However, I can’t think of a song to cut, they all fit so well. And, if you are into the band or the respective genres, you’ll love it from start to finish!

The duo work so effortlessly well together some two plus decades into their careers, and show off once again why they are two of the most underrated players and songwriters in the game today. I’ll certainly be spinning it again in the months to come, and it gets a solid 8/10 from me!

Kacey Musgraves: Middle of Nowhere

Following up 2024’s massive and critically acclaimed Deeper Well (we had… some thoughts… on it), was going to be no easy task. However, to my shock, I ended up rather enjoying this; it’s a damn solid country-pop release! ‘Middle of Nowhere’ opens the album on a high, and the tongue-in-cheek ‘Dry Spell’ is so well written it’s impossible not to enjoy. Then you have tracks like ‘Abilene’ and ‘Mexico Honey’ that are also damn solid songs. I love that the middle of this release is dominated by some awesome guest appearances too, everyone doing so well and adding their own amazing flare to each song. ‘Horses and Divorces’ with the wonderful Miranda Lambert was probably my favourite, though Willie Nelson’s was also good. Don’t get me wrong, Kacey is to middle-aged divorced women what dad rock is to 30-something white dudes, but I still found myself enjoying in. Maybe I’ve gone soft. However, I certainly wouldn’t turn this off if it came back on again, and will most likely be listening to a few of the tracks of my own volition moving forward. 7/10

Sevendust: One

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

KNEECAP: FENIAN

Despite liking their punk attitude and leanings, I never really got KNEECAP… until now! This is a damn solid release, and I had a blast listening to it! It gives off vibes of Pendulum or even Prodigy at times with the instrumentation, while there’s some truly great rapping and memorable choruses throughout. Tracks like ‘Carnival’, ‘Liars Tale’ and ‘Gael Phonics’ are personal highlights. Don’t get me wrong, it all sounds pretty similar, and 14 of the same sort of songs did get a touch old late in the album. But, even with them switching between English and Irish mid-line sometimes, making it hard for me to follow some of their bars, the emotion and anger is still very much present throughout. It was a really captivating listen. As someone who doesn’t know much by them, I’ll at least be listening again, and may be pressed to give their previous stuff another try! If you’re a fan of them, or the heavier side of hip-hop/house/rap in general, I’d highly recommend giving this a spin! Another solid 7/10, and one I’ll certainly be revisiting at some point.

Venom: Into Oblivion

The first album from the black metal pioneers in nearly eight years, the band very much picking up right where they left off. If you’re familiar with the bands sound at all, you’ll know exactly what to expect here, and it hits that right on the head. It’s fine. While I completely appreciate and admire the bands contributions and influence on metal music, but this is nothing we haven’t heard before. It’s good first-wave black metal/thrash, but both genres have moved so far past this sound since the 80s, and I do think for good reason. It’s actually rather wild to me that the band are on album 16 and haven’t really strayed too far away from their original sound, just gotten better production. Tracks like ‘Lay Down Your Soul’ and ‘Metal Bloody Metal’ were personal highlights, but much of the rest I could kinda take or leave. It’s good for what it is, but I’d rather just go back and listen to their first three LPs. I sadly can’t give it any more than 6.5/10

ERNEST: Deep Blue

Where did this come from?! I LOVED this album. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly don’t hate his previous work, and last years Cadillac Sessions was also not bad, even if he wasn’t the highlight of that. However, he’s always struck me as a bit of a mixed bag of a songwriter, at least when it came to his own work. Well, he’s finally found his sound, and it’s Jimmy Buffett levels of tropical country awesomeness. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a few Morgan Wallen-esque songs scattered throughout, but overall it’s a precisely written album. Every song fits together perfectly and the album has an excellent flow to it. I honestly wasn’t expecting 44 minutes to go by so quickly and easily. It’s just a great album to throw on, sit back and relax to. From the opening two songs to ‘Somewhere in the Caribbean’ and ‘End of the Night’ to ‘Boat Named After You’, there is so much to love. However, every song on here is amazing, and the whole thing is worth spinning from start-to-finish at least once! Hopefully we are getting more of this sound moving forward from ERNEST because DAMN, I loved this. I’ll be listening to this plenty moving forward, and this gets an easy 9/10!

Haste the Day: Dissenter

The first studio album since the metalcore band’s second reunion in 2023, and this thing goes hard from start to finish! It’s both hugely heavy and beautifully melodic in equal measure, and is so very well put together. ‘Shallows’ sets the tone perfectly, while tracks like ‘Grave’, ‘Gnasher’ and the epic closing single are all personal highlights. It’s very much that heavier modern end to the genre, blended with emo and leaning more on the hardcore side of things. It’s no wonder they have Silent Planet guest on a track, as it’s very similar music. It also gives off slight Deftones vibes at times. If all of that sounds good to you, this is definitely an album worth checking out! It’s not typically my side of the genre, but I still had a good time listening to this, and wouldn’t be opposed to checking it out again in the near future. A solid 7.5/10 from us, though it may get higher with more listens!

Jenny Colquitt: Pockets Full of Rain

Goddamn, this thing made me cry at work. Need an even more glowing endorsement than that? Fine by me! This is 41 minutes of beautifully, masterfully crafted music, having me hooked from start to finish. A lot of it reminds me of the Lily Allen ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ cover; powerful piano-based ballads. However, then Jenny can hit you with some huge vocals that are more akin to Sara Ramirez or even Amy Lee, and gives me goosebumps every time. From the opener to ‘Waiting for the Sun’, the almost murder-folk epic ‘Peace Man’ to the epic grand finale/title track, there is so much to love. And ‘The Water’… *chefs kiss*. It’s honestly one of my favourite tracks of the year, and I need to see it in a big theater backed by a full orchestra, it is that epic and good.

I could gush about this album all day. Her vocals are incredible, providing exactly what the track needs in the moment, be it power or tenderness. And the emotion on display from both the delivery and the lyrics, and also backed up by the instrumentation, is amazing throughout. And even the production/arrangement, the mix is phenomenal and every instrument is so excellently placed. This isn’t my usual brand of music, sat somewhere between ‘sad girl’ and epic soft rock, but I am homestly a little obsessed. How she isn’t a bigger name already is beyond me, but she has a HUGE new fan in me off the back of this release. I can’t give it any less than 9.5/10, and I’d urge anyone reading this to check it out immediately!

Onra: After Dark

Nestled confusingly between an EP and an album, this release follows up 2024s Nosthaigia rather perfectly. The chilled out electronic music sits comfortably between hip-hop, R&B and funk, and is impossible not to have a good time when listening. Personal highlights include ‘That Kind of Girl’ and the sexy-jazz infused ‘Ecstacy’. However, the whole album has a great flow to it, there not really being a dull moment. It certainly won’t be for everyone, but I didn’t think it would be my thing and I had a great time listening to it. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Onra moving forward, as well as listening to his previous work ASAP. He’s a fantastic French producer, and I can’t give this anything less than 7/10. Good stuff!

Wooden Shadow: Age of Tree

Now for an actual, fully fledged EP. It’s a fair bit different to the previous entry, though! 15 minutes of incredible, heavy pagan/death metal, all produced by one insanely talented guy! How the same guy not only wrote all of this, but also performed it all, honestly blows my mind. Even if it was crap, it would be impressive, but the fact that it is also amazing folk-death metal makes it honestly phenomenal. It’s heavy, melodic and even has some theatrical elements and feel to it throughout. All four songs are amazing, and the intro track is also awesome. If I had one vague complaint, the cleans aren’t quite as good as his screams. However, it takes almost nothing away from how amazing this release is! If you’re into the heavier end of metal, give this one a spin, you won’t be disappointed! 8.5/10

American Football: LP4

This is a weird one. The first album from the Midwest emo band in seven years, and only their forth overall across their 15 active years. It’s usually a style I quite like, but I couldn’t get into. It felt a lot more like a New Wave/soft punk vibe, almost like a Pulp or Soft Cell, than what I expected. The highlight for me was probably the proggy single ‘Bad Moons’, especially with the lyrics. However, the rest was pretty similar, and not really my sort of bag. Especially when it ran for nearly 50 minutes, too. Don’t get me wrong, the band are insanely talented, and I’m sure they’re good songwriters too, but this style bored the hell out of me. If you are into the band or the sound, you will probably get a lot out of this. However, I can’t give it any more than a 4/10, sorry guys.

Bird: Strange as Folk

Following up on 2025’s Heads or Tales EP, we get another awesome glimpse into the folky singer-songwriter’s world. It’s a simple four tracks (and a remix) that really highlights her strengths; the fantastic lyrics and production/dynamics. Also, her vocals throughout are beautiful, fitting the tone of the songs excellently. Everything feels perfectly put together. The ‘Lay Lady Lay’ cover is a big highlight, both mixes, as is the duet with Jane Ellen Bryant to close things out. If you are into things a little more chilled and slower paced, this is absolutely the release for you! And, while it’s not especially my sort of thing, it has definitely left me wanting more! 6.5/10

Cage Fight: Exuvia

The highly anticipated sophomore album from the aggressive heavy metal quartet is every bit as amazing as I’d hoped for! We loved their debut a few years back, and this continues their track record on PERFECTLY. ‘Oxygen’ is the perfect tone-setter, while y’all should know how much we love ‘Pig’ already! The awesomeness keeps rolling after that with ‘Pick Your Fighter’ (feat. the incredible Julian Truchan of Benighted) and the excellent single ‘Un Bon Souvenir’. And hell, all of that’s just under half the album. The other six songs are just as excellent, with the title track and the slower ‘Élégie’ being other high points. Honestly, there isn’t a bad song on the album, though, and 40ish minutes goes by in a flash! The band are all insanely talented, with Rachel Aspe being one of the most underrated vocalists around today. If you are a fan of stuff on the heavier end, this album is an absolute must, and will surely be another stepping-stone to the top for a band so incredibly deserving of it! Another easy 9/10!

Ashen Horde: The Harvest

Album five from the prog-black metal band is 40+ minutes of twists, turns and heaviness that I couldn’t help but love. I tend not to be into black metal all that stuff, but then the clean singing came in, the vocals powerful and catchy. They also work perfectly when in harmony (if you can call it that?) with the screams. It gave the tracks some incredible dynamics, and made it really interesting to listen to, especially over the usual black metal style. It almost gives it a metalcore edge to it at times, which was really cool to hear! Especially when the instrumentation also goes into chuggy or breakdown territory as well as the usual genre tropes. Tracks like ‘Entropy and Ecstasy’ and ‘Apparition’ are personal highlights, but every song on here is as good as the last! The band are so insanely talented, both as musicians and songwriters, and have crafted something truly special here. They have a huge new fan in me, and I can’t give it any less than 8.5/10!

Southall: Kinfolk

This is another awesome collection of southern rock tracks from the Stillwater natives. The band found their winning formula years ago at this point and have perfected it more and more with each release. From single ‘Southwestern Son’ to ‘House Money’, title track to the closer, there is so much to love here. And, at just 34 minutes long, it goes by in a flash, in and out without any chance of getting bored. It’s a lot of fun, but also has some emotion through the couple of ballads. It’s just a damn good southern rock album, and is impossible not to have a good time with! I really hope these guys tour here again with the new release, as they kicked ass at The Long Road and I’d love to see them again! For now though, I’ll certainly be spinning this plenty again, especially through the summer months. An easy 8/10

Austin Snell: Colors

The pop-country singer-songwriter is back with another EP, less than a year after Home Sweet Hell. While ‘Daddy’s Eyes’ is a bit slow to open things, it’s beautifully written and full of emotion. Then you have the slightly rockier ‘Everything But Ok’, kicking the release into a higher gear and giving me a chorus to be stuck in my head for days to come! Then you have ‘My Favourite Scar’ and the single/title track that are also excellent! I feel like seven songs is maybe a little long for an EP, but this is pretty much all killer. If you like a more radio-country sound, this is definitely worth checking out! It’s easy to hear why he’s becoming such a big name in a short amount of time, and this is another great addition to his growing discography! 7/10

Reviews

Voodoo Sioux, Eddie & The Wolves and Tender Vendetta Rock Percy’s Cafe!

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We headed down to one of the coolest small venues in the country last weekend to check out three awesome hard/blues rock bands! A bar that still very much incapsulates the grungy, dirty rock scene of the 70s and 80s, and three bands known for a cracking live show, what’s not to love!

Kicking things off strong were the Wolves-based sleazy hard rockers, Tender Vendetta. Bringing high energy right from the jump, the band launched into an impressive setlist filled with plenty of their own awesome songs. They battled through some early technical issues to deliver fully, too. It’s easy to see why they are getting a reputation as a fantastic live band, and are gaining a fair bit of momentum around the UK. Matty Nicholls is one of the best frontman around in the scene today, and the rest of the band do a great job in matching his energy and stage presence. We even go a cheeky, albeit brief, Sabbath cover, which fit the bands sound surprisingly well, even if they are typically on the faster side of rock. They are certainly ones to watch, that’s for sure!

Eddie & The Wolves soon took to the stage next! Best band ever and all that. Apparently the band have played the venue a couple of times in the past, but it must have been before my time with them. Regardless, it was a blast playing, from the quirky setting to the great sound to everyone packing out the place to watch! Thank you for everyone who came out, I hope we put on a decent set for everyone! It at least felt good from up on stage, that’s for sure!

After a brief changeover, the mighty headliners took to the stage. Outside of seeing their name about on bills, I was pretty unfamiliar with Voodoo Sioux’s stuff, but they really blew me away here! The talent of all four men was off the charts, and was on full display throughout their set. And the energy they brought to the stage from the first moment they stepped onto it was palpable. They had a full 40+ minute set and really made the most of it, rattling off collection of their very best tracks, to the delight of the crowd. They have been around a little while now and have really honed their craft to perfection, putting on one of the most polished shows I’ve seen in an intimate venue, even with the occasional sound issue. They were a fantastic headliner, and a band I will certainly be seeing again as soon as I can!

And there you have it folks, three awesome bands playing at one of the coolest venues in the country, what more could you ask for?! I cannot recommend any of the bands any more, be it live or on track, and I’d certainly implore you to see them live ASAP. And, if you are anywhere near Percy’s Cafe anytime soon, definitely drop down, it’s as awesome a bar as it is a venue! A truly great night!

Reviews

One: Sevendust’s Best Album in Years!

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The incredible alt/nu metallers are set to release their whopping 15th studio album on Friday. You’d be hard pressed to find a more consistent band, be it in terms of output, quality or even band members. They haven’t had more than a three year gap between album releases, and have had next to no lineup change across the decades. And, on top of that, they still go hard! We enjoyed their last release back in ‘23, and the singles from this so far have been awesome! So, to say I’m excited for this may be an understatement! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

A massive, nu/industrial riff opens up the title track, immediately showing that after another three years since their last release, the band have not lost even a fraction of a step. Lajon’s powerful, melodic vocals soon come in over the top, and the occasional harmonies and doubled up vocals add so much depth and catchiness, and we’re only on the verse still! It all builds to a massive, arena-filling chorus, and one that’s going to be stuck in my head for days to come! I can see why they’ve played with Alter Bridge a lot recently, as it’s very much like their/Tremonti’s modern sound. We get an awesome guitar solo tucked away in the middle of this too, over the top of a pretty heavy breakdown riff or two. Both Clint Lowery and John Connolly are criminally underrated players, as are all of the band members in general, and they get to shine as bright as Lajon throughout. This is an excellent track and the perfect way to open the album. An easy early highlight!

Some pretty epic synth and keys opens ‘Unbreakable’, building fantastically. It actually reminded me of the theme of the movie of the same name, which I truly hope was intentional. The chorus soon explodes in; massive drums, a great guitar melody and some more effortlessly powerful vocals. The verses are pretty heavy, the riffing behind Lajon’s vocals being almost metalcore, and that snare hit being so good every time. I love it dropping out for the pre too before exploding in with that huge, effortlessly catchy chorus. It honestly gives off vibes of Smash Into Pieces and that more European pop melody, which is an awesome addition to their regular sound. My only slight thing is that there isn’t much going on in the bridge, just a quick, simple, repeating guitar lead and then straight back onto the chorus. Still, it’s a damn strong chorus, one that the song is built well around, and was a great choice for a single!

Speaking of singles, the albums lead, ‘Is This the Real You’, is up next! It’s excellent, from the incredible opening riffs to the groovy, catchy as anything verses and choruses to the heavy breakdown-bridge with the lead guitar ringing perfectly over the top. It’s classic Sevendust, and also reminds me a lot of Nonpoint in the best ways possible. It’s a lot of fun, equal parts heavy and melodic, and is a track that very easily makes it onto our playlist. It’s been stuck in my head periodically since it first dropped, and is easily up there alongside their other big hits.

Somewhat crazily, they get the singles out of the way fast, as ‘Threshold’ quickly follows suit. it’s a slower track but no less heavy. Starting off low was a great choice, the vocals ringing excellently over synth. It also makes it feel even bigger when the chunky guitars and drums come in. And those vocal harmonies/double-tracks… *chefs kiss*. The chorus is another massive one too, designed to be played to huge festival crowds around the world. The band have a fantastic ability at picking the very best singles they can from the album, as all three showcase a different end to their style. And, what do you know, this is another awesome song!

Tracks like ‘We Won’, ‘Construct’ and ‘Blood Prince’ channel more of that swaggering early 2000s energy the band came up in. It’s the perfect blend of nu metal and industrial, Drowning Pool and Static X, and is impossible not to love. The solo in the latter is a big high point of the album as a whole too, packed full of not just emotion but technicality. Meanwhile, that chorus and the dynamics in ‘Construct’ make it another huge highlight song, up there alongside ‘Is This the Real You’. And everything about the latter is amazing, from the chugging riffing to the screams perfectly breaking up the catchy cleans and that AMAZING breakdown. The band have very much perfected their sound over the years, and these tracks show that off perfectly!

Both ‘Bright Side’ and ‘The Drop’ are on the slower, plodding side of Sevendusts sound, almost sounding sinister when combined with their awesome heaviness. They still have their trademark big choruses too, alongside all the chuggy and melodic guitar and bass work. Both are excellent tracks in their own right too, packing out the album phenomenally and feeling every bit as good as anything else before or after it!

The closer, ‘Misdirection’, is the slower song on the album. It’s interesting that they’d choose to do the modern metal/metalcore approach of closing on a ballad. However, it’s an excellent song in its own right, and it’s hard to argue its spot here! It’s quirky; a simple beat with Lajon’s vocals soon coming in rather delicately over the top. It builds excellently with a high harmony soon coming fantastically over the top, alongside a light high-hat beat. I honestly wasn’t expecting anything to remind me of Slipknot’s ‘Spiders’, but here we are! The distortion does come in not long before the two-minute mark, a great riff exploding in with the big drums, but it still feels more like a ballad than anything else. It also gives Tool vibes for me, though I’m not sure why! Maybe it’s the chuggy bit in the middle, or the general melodies used. Either way, this fucking RIPS, closer or otherwise. Another amazing highlight of a track on an album packed full of them!

Overall: This is an amazing album! As much as I enjoyed Truth Killer, this is definitely a step up in terms of quality. Every song is as good as the last, and the album as a whole has a really fantastic flow to it! For a band as consistent with their output as this, some 30+ years at it and on album 15, there is no way they should still be this damn good. If you are at all a fan of the band or the rough genres as a whole, this is an absolute must-listen!

The Score: 9/10

Interviews & Features

All the Damn Vampires: ‘A blend of synthwave and alternative metal with a hint of goth!’

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We had the chance to sit and chat to the amazing Davey of All the Damn Vampires! Check out as we talk about his latest album, their live plans and their hopes for the future!

What inspired you to go with a throwback-style sound for the band? 

I’ve always been a big fan of cinema, and the way music elevates what you’re watching. I feel like the 80’s and 90’s had some of the most impactful scores, and some of the best music in general, so I wanted to take a little bit of that feeling and apply it to my sound. 

Are we saying Vicecore is the name of the genre itself, now? It’s certainly a fitting title!

Yes! VICECORE is what I’m coining as the genre. A blend of synthwave and alternative metal with a hint of goth. 

What is the writing process like for you?

The process usually starts with a scene in my mind, maybe even a setting. For example, a cliffside ocean view at sunset waiting for the bad news but remaining hopeful. From there I’ll start playing and experimenting with various melodies that elicit emotion in me in the right way, and synth becomes the foundation. I build from there, and with VICECORE I find the right spots to tastefully add in guitar. The next most important thing is writing or collaborating with a singer to find the perfect top line to fit that vibe. 

What was it like getting to work with so many awesome guests on this release? 

It’s such an honor not only to work with so many great artists, but to also be able to do something I love and think is cool with friends. Finishing a track and leaving that space open for someone I respect and trust to add their part of it, is not only exciting, but very cool to listen to once it’s all comes together. 

Is there more writing still going on behind the scenes? 

I’m finishing up an album of remixes and reimaginings with friends, and I already have several new songs written and ready to go in the pipeline. 

Saw you recently got announced for Darker Waves, that feels like the perfect fit! 

It really is. I was super sad last year when it was announced, and that we weren’t on it. Especially it being a hometown show. Understandably so, as it wasn’t public knowledge that ATDV was performing live yet. When the festival reached out to me to offer us the spot, it felt really really honoring and cool. We’re very excited for this one. 

Have you got plans for more touring to promote the new album?

Absolutely, we are working on the live show right now, and then we will begin booking a slew of shows. 

Any plans/hopes to come over to the UK for a show or two? 

Definitely. I know we have a lot of listeners over there, and I always enjoy playing in the UK. I’d love to come over and put something together with Sunglasses Kid, Pensacola Mist, and Wolfclub. 

You seem pretty good on the social media side of things, any advice you can give to other artists just starting out with it?

Honestly, I feel like I’m terrible at it haha. I think the most important thing is consistency. Just post frequently, and around the same time. It might not be your greatest content, but  just content in general is valuable in larger quantities. 

Do you have a dream tour lineup you’d want to be a part of? Any bands you want to support or friends you’d want to bring along?

Obviously Korn and Avenged Sevenfold. One band, Korn, I had the pleasure of playing in live for many years, and the other, A7X, long time dear friends who I’ve also had the pleasure of releasing a song with ((O)rdinary Synthwave Edition). I know we would have a blast, and the respect, and support among musicians and friends with these camps would be such an incredibly rewarding touring experience. 

If you could have written one song from history, what would it be and why?

It’s hard to desire something that isn’t mine to have, but I would be pretty proud if I had written ‘Sweetest Taboo’, or ‘No Ordinary Love’ by SADE. Both such timeless classics, with incredible melody and vibes. 

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: Foo Fighters, Jason Aldean and Much More!

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An absolutely HUGE week for new releases this week, with some of the biggest names in rock, metal and country stepping up to the plate. Let’s dive into some!

Foo Fighters: Your Favourite Toy

Album 12 from Dave & co. is far better than it has any right to be. As much as we enjoyed But Here We Are, I still feel like Foo Fighters haven’t been the same since Wasting Light. There was definitely some good stuff on Sonic Highways and Concrete and Gold, but it didn’t quite hit the same as their previous work. This, however, is their best work in 15 years, and it’s by some margin! Opener/single ‘Caught in the Echo’ is heavy for modern Foos, while ‘Your Favourite Toy’ has grown on me more with more listens since its release. Then you have tracks like ‘If You Only Knew’, ‘Spit Shine’ and the epic closing single that are all huge highlights. However, almost every track on this is amazing, the only slight dud for me being ‘Child Actor’. It’s a pretty tight release too, with the 10 tracks going by in a flash and there being far less filler compared to killer.

While it’s missing a world-conquering, massive hit like it seemed every earlier album had, it has a renewed energy, passion and urgency to it that it hasn’t felt like the band have had in years. As an album as a whole, this is damn impressive, and up there alongside some of the best of their back catalogue. While not as emotion-filled as their previous release, it’s stronger in other areas, and still a very solid 9/10!

Jason Aldean: Songs About Us

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

Brontës: Self-Titled

The debut album from the alt rock female quartet is a great, chilled-out release. It’s not my sort of thing typically, so really that should show how high quality this is, that I still had a blast listening! From the opener to ‘Wouldn’t be Me’, ‘Thelma and Louise’ to ‘I Think I Love You’, there are plenty of great songs throughout. Every song has it’s place, though, and the whole album is so easy to listen to. It feels like the perfect combination of 2000s romcom music and hints of the likes of Paula Cole or Carol King. It’s a real US sound, and one that feels pretty nostalgic while still being modern. I don’t quite hear the Sabrina influence they tout, but the Blondie I can vaguely hear, at least their older sound! It’s a fun relaxing listen that still packs some emotion in when it needs to. Check it out if you are at all interested, you won’t be disappointed! 7.5/10

The Amity Affliction: House of Cards

Max: So, the Amity Affliction are back with another album and I have to say, this was really good. This is the first album since the band parted ways with their previous vocalist, so they definitely had something to prove. The album is heavy and intense and exactly what you would expect, so they certaintly did prove that they are just as good as ever. Now my one issue is that I feel like their new clean vocalist is a bit underused. However, I don’t think that is a huge detractor from the album, nor do I feel like it there would have been a massive improvement to the album if there were more cleans. If I was to pick a track that I think people should listen to, I would say either ‘Kickboxer’ or ‘Bleed’ as they are just exceptional. I am honestly quite interested in what is going to come next for this band. 8.5/10

Jackson Dean: Magnolia Sage

The third studio album from the rising country star is and excellent journey through old-school, Americana and blues. We loved his last album, and this release builds on that and his debut, evolving his sound perfectly and naturally. Tracks like the opener, chilled single ‘Tennessee Moon’ and ‘Wildfire’ are all personal highlights. It’s a little less rocky than his previous stuff, it reminding me a surprising amount of Newton Faulkner. It’s not a bad thing, but I did find it a little harder to stay interested throughout, as it is all relatively similar. If you are into the likes of Drake White, you will most likely love this, and I will certainly be spinning it again! However, it does stand out the least of his catalogue so far, so I can’t give it any more than an 7.5/10

Where Victims Lie: What Was Left Behind

The return EP from the 2000s thrash masters, their first since 2007s Promo release, shows that they haven’t lost a step in nearly 20 years! It’s heavy, lightening fast, and yet anthemic when it needs to be. The band are insanely talented, everything from the riffing to the drumming to harsh vocals being amazing and top notch. It’s also 20 minutes of excellence, each song being as good as the last. However, I think ‘Veil’ is my favourite track, it almost having an air of Machine Head in the chorus. It’s clearly inspired heavily by the likes of Slayer and Kreator, but also definitely has a bit of a modern edge to it too, not too dissimilar to Evile. If you are into the heavier side of metal, this whole release is well worth checking out, and will definitely be one I spin regularly moving forward. A very solid 8/10 from us!

Atreyu: The End is Not the End

The 10th album from the metalcore titans has no right going as hard as it does. Right from opening single ‘Dead’, this thing is balls-to-the-wall, while still giving moments of melodic reprieve to only add to the epicness. That is followed excellently by the groovy ‘Break Me’ and the catchy single ‘All For You’. And heck, we still have another nine songs after that! While tracks like ‘Glass Eater’, the Max Cavalera-featuring ‘Children of Light’ and the beautifully bittersweet ‘Afterglow’ are all huge highlights, every song on this is incredible. It feels like the band have finally fully settled into their most recent lineup with this release, as much as I did like Baptize and The Beautiful Dark of Light. Honestly, this is my favourite release of their since Congregation of the Damned; it’s all-killer, no-filler, and the band are all on top form throughout. If you are at all a fan of the band or the genre, this is a no-brainer of a release! Up there alongside some of my favourite metalcore releases in recent years, and it gets a very solid 9.5/10 from us!

Fangslinger: Welcome to the Lost Souls Saloon

The debut album from one of our favourite new bands finally dropped this last Friday, and we couldn’t be more hyped! We have loved watching these cats grow the last couple of years, and it feels like it has reached its crescendo perfectly with this release! They are the perfect blend of country, gothic and metallic hard rock/metal, and I honestly can’t get enough. They had our top EP of last year, and my only vague complaint is that that makes up half of this album. However, when the tracks are as high quality as these are, it’s honestly hard to even be mad about it! As for the new songs, ‘As the Crow Flies’ may be may favourite song by them, and ‘Wanted Undead’ and the epic closer are up there alongside it! This is an excellent album that I’d recommend to just about anyone, and just makes me love them even more. I can’t wait to hear them live over the summer, but for now I’ll be spinning this plenty! Another very solid 9.5/10 from us!

Jon Corabi: New Day

Somehow the first fully electric solo release from the former Crüe/current Daisies frontman, New Day shows just what we’ve been missing all these years. It’s an awesome boot stompin’, blues-infused rock album, and is a lot of fun throughout! The title track opens things in style, while the ballad ‘When I was Young’, the swaggering ‘One More Shot’ and the heavy blues ‘Your Own Worst Enemy’ are all huge high points. It’s somehow both exactly what you’d expect from him given his recent output, yet also a little unexpected at times. While nearly-50 minutes is maybe a touch long, especially for a generally plodding blues pace throughout, it’s still a damn good album, and none of it is bad by any stretch! If you are a fan of the genre, Dead Daisies or just Corabi in general, this is well worth a listen! It’s a damn fun release, and one I’ll definitely be spinning again. 8/10

At the Gates: The Ghost of a Future Dead

The first album from the melodeath legends in nearly half a decade, this has been highly anticipated since its announcement. To the surprise of I’m sure almost no one, it’s really damn good! It’s classic At the Gates for 42 solid minutes. From ‘The Dissonant Void’ to ‘A Ritual of Waste’, ‘Parasitical Hive’ to ‘The Phantom Gospel’, there’s some absolutely incredible tracks throughout this whole release. The band proved that after nearly 40 years and now eight studio albums, the band still very much have it. They’re so dam talented, and it’s easy to see why they helped inspire a whole genre and have endured so prominently through it since. It won’t be for everyone, but if you’re into old-school melodeath, this is absolutely one to check out! I loved it, and it’s an incredibly easy 9/10 from me!

Yonah: Bird of Miracles

The debut album from the alt/indie folk singer-songwriter is a beautiful, chilled-out and deep release. While not typically my sort of thing on paper, it had some great old-school folk-rock, drawing from the likes of Dylan and Young. There’s depth and emotion to the lyrics and playing, everything feeling so purposefully and meticulously crafted. Right from the excellent opener I was hooked, and it somehow didn’t let me go until the very end. The duet with Myella, ‘Pressure, Forever’, was a definite highlight, as was ‘All I do’. However, every song is pretty excellent. He’s set to be a big name in the scene sooner rather than later, and this is a fantastic jumping off point for just that! I already can’t wait to hear where he goes from here, but for now it gets a solid 8/10 from us!

Six Feet Under: Next to Die

Another album from Chris Barnes and co., another collection of great riffs and playing ruined for me by Chris’ vocal style. Opener ‘Approach Your Grave’ was surprisingly steady in tempo, and I loved the riffs and plodding pace and drums. However, from the marginally-better-than-early-Cannibal-Corpse tones and production to Barnes’ illegible growls, it doesn’t do much for me. And that’s honestly one of the highlights of the album, alongside ‘Mind Hell’. I do enjoy this release more than I did their last one, but that’s not saying an awful lot. 4/10

Krooked Tongue: I Know a Place

This one has been a long time coming. It has been in the works for a while, and been announced for MONTHS now. Well, it’s finally here, and I can safely say that I loved it! It’s alt rock at its very best, and it’s no wonder the trio have garnered a lot of buzz around them in recent years. Be it the epic opener, the deliciously indie ‘Dog Days’ or the surprisingly heavy ‘Blood Shark’, there is so much variety, and so much to love! I definitely, hear both the Royal Blood and QOTSA comparisons, but the band also feel wholly unique at the same time, doing things very much their own way. It’s a fun release, while also being dark, heavy and emotional I’m equal measure. I’ve been a distant fan of them for years at this point, but this release has very much solidified me as a big one, that’s for sure! It’s well worth checking out if you are into indie, alt, or just any sort of rock in general, as so much of this album is a highlight in its own right. An incredibly easy 8.5/10, though it may grow on me even more with more listens!

Portrayal of Guilt: …Beginning of the End

Following up their critically-acclaimed CHRISTFUCKER album-pair (there’s a phrase I never thought I’d say), the hardcore black metallers returned with their fifth studio album. As much as Max loved their last release, I simply don’t get it, man. I completely appreciate that it is dark and heavy as hell and that certainly appeals to some. Heck, I didn’t even mind the odd riff, scream or breakdown peppered throughout. But, overall, my god was this just chaotic noise. I feel like I’d get into it a lot more live, but sadly it doesn’t do a great deal for me on track. ‘Human Terror’ and ‘God Will Never Hear Me’ are songs worth checking out if you’re interested! It’s definitely not bad by any stretch, just a touch too quirky for me. 5/10

Dead Reynolds: Yellow Weather Warning

This is a damn fun, punk-tinged melodic rock album! It’s packed full of anthemic tracks and moments, reminding me a fair bit of the likes of Mason Hill. ‘Count Me In’ sets the tone perfect, while songs like ‘Parasite’, ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Someone Else’ are excellent and carry on that same energy perfectly. And, while 41 minutes is maybe a touch too long for this sort of music, I can’t think of a track I’d want them to cut, as they are all that good! The band are all insanely talented, proving that they haven’t lost a step in the five years between albums. They should be a bigger name than they are, but this will surely be the album to push them over that edge! 9/10

The Groggy Dogs: No Grog No Glory

The first album from the pirate punk/metal/ska collective in four years, and continues on from their previous releases excellently, being another fun trek! It’s like the perfect blend of Dropkick Murphys, Mad Caddies’ Rock the Plank and even a touch of Social Distortion. ‘All Hands on Deck’ is the perfect opener, setting the tone excellently. Then you have the likes of ‘One Last Toast’, the pretty heavy ‘Ballad of Woodenhand Sam’ and ‘Roll the Woodpile Down’ that are all personal highlights. However, there really isn’t a bad track throughout, the album has a great flow to it as every song plays perfectly off the last. It’s impossible not to have a fun time listening to this, and it’s a release that I’m already desperate to hear some live from! It’s a sound that, while does seem to be growing in popularity again, we certainly don’t have enough of around! It won’t be for everyone, but if you are at all curious, this is well worth giving a spin, you might love it as much as I did! I’m so glad the band returned to the studio for another release, and I can’t give this any less than 8.5/10. Great stuff!

Ural: Anthropic Generic Involution

Some more awesome thrash metal for us this week, this time curtesy of the Italian five-piece. This thing goes hard from start to finish, too. It’s just over half-an-hour of balls-to-the-wall riffing and drumming, with some damn catchy vocal moments and some tasty soloing to only add to the excellence. It’s like late 80s Exodus in the best way possible. All of the chanted backing vocals add a fantastic layer throughout, adding to the surprisingly melodic main vocals excellently. Single and opener ‘Extreme Paranoia’ is amazing, while tracks like ‘Wrong Children’ and ‘Terror Eyes’ are also huge highlights. Every song on this release is amazing in its own right, though and the 33 minutes goes by in a flash. As a thrash kid at heart, I absolutely loved this from start to finish, and the band certainly have a new fan in me! Check this out if you are at all interested, and it gets a very solid 9/10 from us!

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Sons of Motörhead Legend Announce Tribute Show at Hella Rock!

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Hella Rock Festival returns on September 5th, 2026 with a powerful and deeply personal announcement, confirming Phil Campbell’s Bastard Sons as this year’s headliners. 

The appearance carries added significance, as legendary Phil Campbell was originally scheduled to headline before his passing in March earlier this year. Now, his sons Dane, Todd and Tyla will take to the stage to honour his legacy, delivering a high-energy tribute to his work with Motörhead in what promises to be one of the most unforgettable moments in the festival’s history.

Check out our interview with the Sons here!

Festival director James Pilling had this to say:

“We knew straight away this year had to mean more, losing Phil Campbell hit the whole rock community hard, and we’ve worked closely with his family to make sure this is done right. Having his sons headline, alongside having Phil’s rig on display and backdrops from previous tours around the venue, means this isn’t just another show – it’s a celebration of his legacy, his music, and everything he stood for. Thus year is for Phil, and it’s for all the Motörhead and PCATBAS fans out there”

Joining the Sons on the show are Tailgunner, King Kraken, Silveroller, Hell’s Addiction, Beth Blade and the Beautiful Disasters, Suns of Rest and Wälker!

Hella Rock Festival is also proud to announce a new partnership with Road Crew Beer, bringing even more rock ‘n’ roll spirit to this year’s event. alongside the main stage chaos, 2026 will see the introduction of a second stage, the Road Crew Stage, dedicated to stripped-back acoustic sets, offering fans a more intimate side of the artists while still keeping the volume loud where it counts!

While tickets are going fast, there are still some available. Grab them while you still can here!

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: Ella Langley, Lord of the Lost and More!

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A massive week of new releases for us to dive into today, from metal to country to rock! Let’s dive right in!

Ella Langley: Dandelion

This finally dropped this last Friday to a hell of a lot of hype behind it. Langley has become one of the biggest names in country the last couple of years, so there is no denying this will be one of the biggest releases in the genre in 2026. I, however, have a bit of an up-down relationship with her music. There is no denying her talents as a vocalist, songwriter and musician. However, I find her almost overall a little slow for my liking. I had the same sentiment with her last album; some of the tracks are incredible in their own right, but as an album it’s a lot of the same sort of thing and is a bit of a struggle to get through the full hour in one sitting.

Tracks like the title one, ‘Be Her’, ‘Bottom of Your Boots’ and ‘I Gotta Quit’ are honestly career highlights for Ella. The Miranda Lambert-featuring ‘Butterfly Season’ is also fantastic. Most of the rest of it, as good as it is in its own right, I wouldn’t necessarily hurry to revisit as much. However, as I’ve said, none of it is bad by any stretch, and if you are into her particular brand of noise, you’re gonna love it. I do believe it’s her strongest album to date, and I think you’d be hard pressed to find many that disagree! And, it’ll probably grow on me more with subsequent listens. Even with my criticisms, it’s still a solid release, and I’d check it out if you are at all into country music! For the sheer force of nature that this release is alone, I can’t give it any less than 8/10

Lord of the Lost: OPVS NOIR Vol. 3

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

Bilmuri: KINDA HARD

The former Attack Attack! clean vocalist has been making waves with his solo project in recent years, and the hype for this release has been pretty high. However, try as I might, I sadly just can’t get into it. It’s just generic pop music but with ch0nky guitars behind it. Like, it’s fine, but I struggle to think much more than that. The riffing is good, there are some okay hooks, and the sax from Gabi is a fantastic touch as always, but the songs themselves are kinda meh. Songs like ‘TWICE’ and the country-esque ‘BACK, THEN’ are personal highlights. But I found all the songs blended together; all being so painfully similar and pretty bland. It was wholly forgettable, nothing sticking with me after the songs ended. If you enjoyed it that’s awesome, and as I said it isn’t bad by any stretch. But I shan’t be coming back to this any time soon. 4/10

Julia Pratt/JULITH: This is a Kindness

This is a damn interesting collaboration between two alt-pop rising stars. It’s definitely very different to the rest of this list in terms of style, but was still a fun release and I’m glad I gave it a listen! Both women are insanely talented, and have crafted something really interesting and unique together. I also love whole album collabs, really pushing how far they can work together to fascinating results. ‘Monsters Out of Men’ was a personal favourite track, both lyrically and musically fantastically written. It’s something I’d happily revisit again and I’m curious to hear what the pair are like on their own. While I do some digging, though, this gets a 6.5/10 from us. Not typically my sort of thing but damn good for what it is!

Florence Black: POURING RAIN

One of my favourite modern bands dropped their highly anticipated third album this last Friday. No pressure, but their last was our album of the year back in 2024… I somehow haven’t had the time to check out the singles of this one though so am going in completely blind. Let’s hope they can keep up with their stellar track record!

This thing comes out swinging. ‘COLOURED IN’ is heavy and fucking awesome, the perfect tone-setter for the album. It’s rather indicative of the journey the band have been on in recent years. BED OF NAILS was darker and heavier than WEIGHT OF THE WORLD, and this release continues that evolution. They’re travelling closer to that early 2000s alt/industrial/nu metal sound, and I am all for it. At this rate, their next album will be fully Tetrarch!

The rest of the album follows the openers suit in fantastic fashion. ‘HALF THE WORLD AWAY’ is their heaviest track to date and is awesome. ‘LADYBIRD’ and ‘TAKE MY WORD’ are massive radio singles waiting to happen. The title track is an amazing ballad-like song, the albums ‘WARNING SIGN’. And that closer, DAMN. However, every track that I haven’t named is also awesome, trust me! It’s an incredible 40 minutes of hard rock/alt metal, and one that I’d recommend absolutely anyone reading this check out at least once!

While not quite as earth-shattering as their previous release, it’s still a damn solid entry into their absolutely stellar discography, and an album I’ll surely be spinning for months to come. 9/10

Tenille Townes: The Acrobat

The first album since 2022 from the country star, and it’s a surprisingly-short, beautiful release. It follows the lead of some of her most successful tracks in being stripped-back, acoustic-focused numbers. It’s 32 minutes of emotion-filled, folk/Americana infused pop-country, and it’s impossible not to love! Her voice is so unique and captivating, and the lyrics throughout are utterly fantastic. From ‘the acrobat’ to ‘enabling’ to ‘what’s meant for you’, there are some incredible highlights throughout. However, there isn’t a bad song on the release, honestly. Much like with Bilmuri above, it is all pretty similar, which sadly drops it a little, but it’s all great and a very easy album to listen through. It would have been nice to have had a few band bits smattered throughout, be it some drums or strings or even keys, but I completely understand why the album was so stripped back, given its lyrical theming. I will certainly be listening again, and can’t give it any less than 7.5/10!

Check out when we saw her live here!

Voidchaser: Interstellar I

The Canadian-Swedish prog metallers follow up their highly acclaimed 2025 sophomore album barely a year later with this, and do so absolutely spectacularly! The intro track sets the tone of the album perfectly, and leads into the absolutely phenomenal ‘Welcome to Terra Corp’ masterfully. It’s heavy, melodic and epic all in equal measure, and is a fantastic pace-setter for the rest of the album. Tracks like the Charlie Griffiths-featuring, heavy ‘Hyperconverter’ and the technical masterclass of ‘Ivory Tower’ are both also huge highlights. However, the whole album is amazing! It has a fantastic flow to it, nearly 50 minutes going by in a flash. And everything from the writing to the playing to the production to the storyline throughout is truly excellent. And can we just talk about that artwork? GODDAMN, *chefs kiss*. It’s all ripped straight from an 80s sci-fi fantasy, and I can’t get enough.

Check this out if you are at all interested. I’ll definitely be spinning it again, and am already hoping we are getting an Interstellar II, though given the theming I’d think maybe not. Still, I’ve at least got their previous two albums to dive into more alongside this, and I gets a very easy 9/10 from us!

Black Oak County: Misprint

Firstly, thank you to the amazing Glamrat for turning me onto these guys. Secondly, holy crap, this is AMAZING. To get the obvious out of the way; this is definitely like a heavier Nickelback. And that isn’t a bad thing at all! It’s essentially nearly a whole album of ‘Burn it to the Ground’; excellent, groove-metal-adjacent riffing, solid drumming and some of the best and catchiest vocal melodies out there. And I haven’t been able to get enough all weekend! It’s packed to the rafters with hit after hit, making it impossible to pick highlights. Heck, over half of it has ended up on my personal playlist. It’s an almost perfect 41 minutes of heavy rock music that I would recommend to absolutely anyone. For a first full alnum from them for me to check out, I couldn’t ask for anything better. I was already becoming a fan but this has solidified that as much as it could. The band are insanely talented musicians and songwriters, and how they aren’t massive already is beyond me. Hopefully this is the album to push them to that point, as it is truly a special release. I’ll be spinning it for months to come, and would imagine anyone who listens will be doing the same! An incredibly easy 9.5/10

As Everything Unfolds: DID YOU ASK TO BE SET FREE?

Album three from the post-hardcore Brits is a fantastic release! It’s heavy and radio-friendly in equal measure, as well as being such a modern sound. The band fit perfectly alongside everyone from Spiritbox to Jinjer to ADTR and Hot Milk, and I would honestly say this release is up there with some of the best from any of those bands. Right from the opener it kicked ass, and songs like ‘GASOLINE’, ‘CUT THE LIES’, ‘SET IN FLOW’ and ‘WHAT YOU WANTED’ are all massive other highlights. The whole album is excellent though, and 41-minutes surprisingly goes by in a flash! The band have already been gathering a lot of momentum as of recent, but I truly believe this release has what it takes to push them to the top of the heavy music world. I’m sometimes a little fussy when it comes to the genre, only liking it if it’s really good, and this is really damn good. This is my favourite thing the band have put out by quite a margin, and it gets a very solid 8.5/10 from us!

I Am the Avalanche: THE HORROR SHOW

The Brooklyn-based emo-punk/post-hardcore band are back with album number five, and their first in nearly six years. It’s a genre I am generally a little hot-and-cold with, but I had a good time listening to this! From the heavy title track to ‘I’M NOT DEAD’ to ‘TRUE LEGENDS NEVER DIE’, there are plenty of highlights. However, the album has a great vibe and flow to it throughout, and at half an hour in length it’s an incredibly easy listen! There’s some great riffing and melodies, and some of the lyrics are honestly phenomenal. It’s packed full of emotion, be it darkness or a more uplifting feel, and really takes the listener on a journey. Honestly, it grew on me more throughout and, with more listens, it could even continue to do so! It almost has a touch of a skate sound in here too at times, getting some vague nostalgic vibes out of me. If you are into any of the genres I’ve mentioned already, do yourselves a favour and check this out! I’ll be spinning it again soon, and it may grow on me even more then, but for now it gets a solid 7.5/10!

We Three Kings: Stone Cold Kiss

The NWOCR duo are back with their sophomore album, another punk/indie-infused powerhouse of a release. We loved their debut back in 2024, and honestly this is right up alongside it in terms of quality! It’s packed full of energy, attitude and swagger; massive riffs, solid drums and some great, catchy vocal lines. While all nine tracks on here are amazing, personal favourites include ‘Nothing Without Me’, ‘Judas Take me Home’ and ‘Shotgun’. It’s impossible not to have a good time listening, and it urges you to tap your feet, headbang and dance along. It’s an album I’ll be revisiting plenty in the weeks and months to come, and it goes hand in hand with By Royal Appointment as must-listens for anyone into the punkier side of rock ‘n’ roll. A solid 8/10 from us!

Broadside: Nowhere, At Last

Album number five from the pop-rockers is… certainly one of the albums released this week. I get that it’s not typically my sort of style to begin with, but there have been plenty of artists like this win me over (my obsession with One OK Rock springs to mind). It’s not a bad release by any means, and if you are into this sound you’ll probably love it. The vocals are great, and there are some catchy hooks and choruses throughout. Tracks like ‘Nowhere at Last’, ‘I Think They Know’ and ‘Dark Passenger’ are big highlights, and the latter two were great choices for singles. And while the rest of it is okay, it just feels a touch forgettable. I don’t know quite what’s stopping me from fully getting into it, maybe it’s just because others have done it better. It may grow on me with more listens, as it is a touch further through the first, and it’s at least inoffensive and easy to listen to. If you are at all interested, I’d definitely recommend giving it a spin and seeing for yourself! A tentative 7/10 from us, that could go up or down at any minute!

Pineland Moor: Self-Titled

The debut EP of the Finnish melodic metal quartet is the definition of all killer, no filler. It’s 18 minutes and four tracks of incredible talent, playing and songwriting. Whether it’s the opener or the proggy ‘Floating on Unknown’ or the excellent other two songs, it’s amazing from the very first note to the very last. I already want to hear more from them, but for now I am happy to just keep spinning this! If you are at all into the melodic side of metal, give this a spin ASAP, you won’t be disappointed! I can’t give it any less than 8/10

Mines: Nous

The second EP from the heavy rockers, finally following up their 2023 debut, this already hasn’t gotten nearly the love it deserves. It’s 20 minutes of phenomenal riffing and writing, as well as some really interesting vocal melodies and lyrics. I was hooked right from the opener, and ‘Vice of Kings’ may be up there with one of my favourite songs of the year so far. The whole EP is phenomenal though, a proggy, heavy masterclass in writing technical music. It’s right up my street, and has made me a massive fan of the band immediately. My gushing over it won’t do it the justice it deserves, just go and check it out and thank me later! It gives off vibes of everything from VOLA to Coheed to Devin, and I’m a little bit obsessed! 9.5/10, my only complaint is that it isn’t longer!

The Mechanist: Synthetic Sun

The debut album from the Yorkshire-based electronic-infused metalcorers goes hard. It’s equal parts ch0nky riffs and massive melodic cleans, as well as a healthy dose of crushing drums, screams and breakdowns for good measure. From ‘Engram’ to ‘Sungazing’ to the wonderfully chaotic, Adam Barkley featuring ‘Invasive Prosthetics’, there is so much to love here. However, if you are into modern metalcore, or even bordering on deathcore at times, this whole thing will be very much your sort of thing! I’ve spun it three times this weekend and it’s grown on me more and more each time! For a debut album it’s absolutely phenomenal, and a sign that this band are set to go far sooner rather than later. I need to see this live, but while I wait to do so will certainly keep listening to this pretty regularly. 8.5/10

Metal Church: Dead to Rights

After a rather massive lineup switch-up that has now brought us alumni of Flotsam and Jetsam, Vicious Rumours and Megadeth, the heavy metal titans are back with album 14. I remember enjoying their last album, and was pretty gutted to hear Lopes had been cut from vocal duties. However, Brian Allen kills it here, as do the rest of the band! It’s nearly 50-minutes of thrashy metal awesomeness, and is every bit as good as their fellow 80s counterparts also still releasing great new music. Single ‘F.A.F.O’ is a lot of fun, giving off ‘Toxic Waltz’ vibes, and the likes of ‘Deep Cover Shakedown’ and ‘Wasted Time’ are also massive highlights. However, there isn’t a bad song throughout. It more than lives up to not only their last album, but honestly the very best that they’ve put out over their nearly half-a-century careers. If you are at all a fan of the band or 70s/80s metal in any way, you have to check this out as soon as you can! The band feel rejuvenated with their latest incarnation, and I can’t give it any less than another solid 8.5/10!

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New Music Mondays: Corrosion of Conformity, Charley Crockett and More!

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Another week, some more awesome new music for us to check out from across the spectrum. Let’s dive in!

Corrosion of Conformity: Good God / Baad Man

I’m hoping this album is a grower, not a shower. Unless what It’s showing is that Down should finally put out some new music again. The riffs are certainly there, and I liked a good bit of Pepper’s vocals, especially when he channeled his inner Mike Patton/Jello Biafra. However, something about it just didn’t hook me in, especially the opening few tracks. ‘The Handler’ was the first track that I found myself actively enjoying. Songs like ‘Lose Yourself’ and the bluesy ‘Handcuff County’ are also personal favourites. Honestly, the album was better later on when they leant into that side of their sound, with the opening half being a bit of a slog. As a fan of their 90s output, I much preferred their sludgy blues stuff to their experimental hardcore early sound, so did feel slightly let down when they didn’t get to their most popular grooviness until later on. While I get and appreciate what they were trying to do here, it didn’t really work for me, sadly. Also, this thing is over an hour in length; that’s just too long.

If you like all of their previous sounds, you’ll probably love this. However, if you like one over the other, you may get a bit of a culture shock with this release, like I did. As I said, it might grow on me more with more listens, and I do want to give it more of a chance in the coming months. Disc 2 (‘Baad Man’ onwards) is honestly awesome, and would have made an amazing 37 minute album. But I didn’t like much of Disc 1, so because of that, I give this a tentative 7.5/10. It could get higher with repeat listens, though!

Charley Crockett: Age of the Ram

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

Michael Sweet: The Master Plan

The first solo album in seven years from the Stryper main-man, this is an epic 40-minutes of AOR music! The opener/title track is some Genesis-level grandiose movie score type stuff. It also sets the tone perfectly for another nine soft rock bangers! ‘Lord’, the truly epic ballad ‘Eternally’ and ‘Faith’ are also big highlights, but there isn’t a bad song on here. It’s a bit… incredibly… preachy, which definitely drops it down a notch or two for me, but musically it is still damn good. Don’t get me wrong, It’s not Stryper, but It’s still good music if you’re into the likes of The Police or Foreigner or even Seal. And if you can get past all the god stuff (or you’re genuinely into that, of course!). It’s good music that I sadly probably won’t revisit often. However, it still gets a solid 7/10. It would definitely be higher if I god-bothered.

Foreignwolf: Merely Mortal

The second EP from the alt-metallers comes nearly five years after their last. Honestly, they really stepped up with this release too, this thing is 14 minutes of absolute awesomeness! ‘Tyrant’ is the perfect opener, metalcore excellence. Then you have the slower, more epic ‘Hollow’ heavy single ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and the post-hardcore, almost emo closer. Each track is as good as the last, all feeling different to each other while still sounding like the same band. It’s one hell of a testament to the bands stellar writing talents. And, it all flows fantastically together, making it a must-listen in full at least once. If you are into the heavier side of things, check this out ASAP. The band certainly have a new fan in me, and I already can’t wait to see where we go from here! 8.5/10

Nervosa: Slave Machine

Max: So this was my first time listening to Nervosa, and I must say, I was not disappointed. This is a very solid album with an intensity that keeps you hooked through out with bouncing riffs that are simply fun. There is also a nice balance of melodic sections and filthy, intense moments so the album is able to appeal to a multitude of people whilst not disappointing anyone. From what I have read, this is only the second album since their current vocalist and founding member Prika Amaral took up the role, and it really is a great album so I will be sure to check out their previous album as well. a very solid 8.5/10!

Emma Harner: Evening Star

The debut album from the ‘math folk’ rising star is a beautiful, chilled out 36 minutes of acoustic-based music. While not strictly my sort of thing, there is no denying her talents as a musician and a songwriter. Tracks like the epic-building ‘Charlotte’ and ‘Cowboys Chords’ are standouts for me. However, if you are into this sort of style, It’s all an excellent journey and listen. In the nicest and most complimentary way possible, it is sad white girl music. So, if that resonates with you, this is well worth a listen! It’s not something I’d revisit often, but certainly wouldn’t turn it off if it was on again! A still-solid 6.5/10 from us, and I’m curious to hear where she goes from here.

Toxic Shock: Future is Calling

Max: I’ll be clear, I didn’t like this at all. It’s not a genre I particularly like and whilst this album is far from the worst thing ever, it doesn’t change my perspective. It not an objectively bad album by any means, I just found it very boring. The first few tracks were good they gave me hope but the last few tracks really weren’t great, and the last track in particular, “Sex Beat”, just didn’t land with me at all. I can’t give it any more than a 5/10

Enquire Within: Doomsday Profit

The UK metallers are back with a follow-up to their absolutely stellar 2024 EP, and I for one have been damn excited since I first heard about it! And honestly, it lives up to my hype for it. This thing is fucking awesome! All nine tracks on it are excellent too, making it almost impossible to pick highlights. It has a great flow to it as every song feels unique enough to keep it interesting throughout, while still all feeling distinctly Enquire Within. Having said that, the modern Machine Head-like ‘Rebellion’ definitely has my heart! From the solid drumming to the amazing riffing and breakdowns to both the harsh and clean vocals, it’s all fantastic, and kept me hooked throughout! The band are really making waves in the underground scene, and with output like this It’s incredibly easy to hear why. If you are at all into the heavier stuff, from alt metal to metalcore to melodeath, this is an absolute must-listen! A very easy 9/10 from us!

No Terror in the Bang: Existence

Following up their 2024 album, the French prog metallers go hard with this five song collection! I wasn’t familiar with them heading in, but they immediately have a HUGE new fan in me! ‘Moon’ was the perfect opener, having me hooked in from the start and not letting me go for the full 20 minutes of the EP. The heavy ‘Goat’ and the epic closer are also big highlights, but every track on this is amazing in its own right. It’s clearly inspired by the likes of Jinjer but, honestly, I enjoy this even more, evolving that sound and taking it to new heights! I honestly can’t get enough of this release, and it’s insane to me that they aren’t a much bigger name already. Check this out if you are at all interested; it isn’t long and shows off exactly what the band is about. Another solid 8.5/10

Luke Grimes: Red Bird

The second album from the rising country start, we actually loved his debut in 2024. Sadly, this one is taking a little more getting into. Don’t get me wrong, songs like the opener and ‘Drink Drink Drink’ are great, and the beautiful duet of ‘Without You’ is also damn memorable. However, a lot of the rest of it is pretty slow overall, a folk/Americana/classical sound. Don’t get me wrong, his self-titled album is also pretty slow and similar at times, but I think overall there’s a bit more to it, or at the very least it’s longer so there’s more room for varied sounds. And from memory even the slower tracks felt like they had a bit more to them, a slight more of a radio hook. I enjoyed Red Bird, but outside of the aforementioned songs it just makes me want to listen to his other stuff. If you want a chilled folky album to throw on and relax to, this is absolutely that. It’s also packed full of plenty of emotion, which is always great to hear. As I said, it isn’t a bad release at all, but is a bit of a tough second album. Hopefully it grows on me with more listens, but for now I can’t give it any more than 7/10

Codefendants: LIFERS

This is 30 minutes of glorious, 90s-inspired chaos, and I loved every second! From punk to hip-hop to hardcore to metal, the band very much wear their inspiration on their sleeve, and it’s amazing to hear it all blended together like this. ‘Crime Wave’, is apparently how they’re describing their genre, which honestly kinda fits. I somehow missed their debut back in 2023, but this sophomore album is a lot of fun, and a real breath of fresh air from Fat Mike, Sam King and Ceschi Ramos. Heck, I even got touches of modern, MCR-like emo in there in the slower, more ballad-tracks. From ‘Rivals’ to the pop-punk ‘Crime Wave’ to ‘The Right Wrong Man’, there are some massive highlights on here. However, the album has a fantastic flow to it that makes it an easy full listen, and none of the songs are bad.

It’s nostalgic for me, growing up with all the sounds individually, yet still feels like something wholly new and interesting. If you’re a fan of stuff a bit more out there, but still with some attitude, edge and something to say, this is very much the album for you! I’ll be listening to it a lot moving forward, and already it gets a solid 8.5/10 from us!

Shelby Stone: Silveryear

The debut album from the emerging Texas red dirt country singer-songwriter dropped this last Friday, and is a full 71-minutes of greatness! She combines typical darker country with a heavier rock edge perfectly, arguably more successfully than bigger names who attempt it like Brantley Gilbert and Koe Wetzel. Heck, the epic opener sets the tone for this perfectly, building to a massive, metal-boardering soundscape that rivals that of DOROTHY or The Pretty Reckless, as much as the earlier stages are more Bridge City Sinners. It’s an absolutely phenomenal track that had me hooked from the get go. From there, ‘Killing Time’ continues the vibe perfectly, adding a bit more country to the proceedings, and ‘Burns Blue’ being an early up-tempo banger. Then you have the likes of ‘This Time Around’, ‘Fire Escape’ and the boot-stompin’ ‘Dynamite’ that are all massive highlights in their own right. However, not only is there not a bad song throughout, the extended length goes by in a flash, a true testament to Stone’s insane talent as a musician and songwriter! While it maybe had one or two too many slower tracks in a row at times, Shelby’s powerful vocals and emotional lyrics still kept it all incredibly interesting.

As you can tell, I can’t rave about this release enough! This is an absolutely incredible album that has made Stone a massive new fan in me. How she isn’t an absolutely massive name already is beyond me. She straddles the line between country, rock and even modern pop seamlessly, and has crafted something truly special with this release. I’ll be spinning it plenty moving forward, and I can’t give it any less than 9.5/10. Amazing stuff!

News

George Thorogood Announces Final UK Tour with The Destroyers!

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For more than 50 years, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have remained one of the most consistent—and consistently passionate—progenitors of blues-based rock. And no one knows that better than the millions of fans who’ve seen them live. Formed in 1973 by guitarist, singer, and songwriter George Thorogood and drummer Jeff Simon, the Delaware-based band honed their sound on stages across the Northeast, building a devoted word-of-mouth following through their high-energy performances and blistering grooves.

The band have announced the final tour of the UK, as part of The Baddest Show on Earth tour of North America and Europe. There will be just two shows:Monday 29th June 2026 at University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall, followed by Tuesday 30th June 2026 at indigo at The O2 in London.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Speaking about The Baddest Show on Earth, Thorogood says, “When the lights go down, the downbeat hits and the audience erupts; all bets are off. The Destroyers are at their best when we play for the people, and these are some of our favourite—and rarest—performances from the past five decades. You wanted the baddest, you got it.”

Today, George Thorogood and The Destroyer – which currently consists of Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar), and Buddy Leach (saxophone)—have played more than 8,000 live shows. Career highlights include their record-breaking 50 States in 50 Dates tour in 1981; numerous high-profile tours alongside The Rolling Stones, Sammy Hagar, and ZZ Top, among others; over 15 million albums sold worldwide; plus landmark performances at Live Aid and Saturday Night Live.

new music mondays

New Music Mondays: Black Label Society, Ty Myers and More!

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Another massive week for New Music Mondays, with plenty of releases for us to check out across rock, metal and country (and also some pop for good measure)!

Black Label Society: Engines of Demolition

The first album from the legendary biker metallers in a whopping five years, it marks the longest gap between releases the band have ever had. Obviously Zakk has been busy with Ozzy stuff over the last few years, so it’s more than understandable. However, this is a very welcome return! I’ve been a fan of the band for honestly as long as I can remember, and remember enjoying Doom Crew Inc. when it dropped. Honestly though, this may be even better than that! Of course the guitaring throughout is off the charts, the riffing and soloing is expectedly excellent. However, the whole band are playing great across every track, and there’s plenty of catchy, memorable memories alongside them. From ‘Gatherer of Souls’ to single ‘Broken and Blind’ to ‘Pedal to the Floor’, it’s packed full of a great songs! It’s sludgy and doomy and heavy; it’s exactly what you’d expect from a BLS album. However, we still get a slower, ballad track in ‘Back to Me’ tucked in the middle, just as good as the others! It’s maybe a touch long at 50+ minutes, but there aren’t really any tracks that I’d cut. It’s a fun heavy metal album that I’ll definitely be revisiting again soon! 8/10

Ty Myers: Heavy on the Soul

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

Chez Kane: Reckless

Album three from the 80s glam throwback woman is one I’ve been impatiently waiting for since she first announced it, and it’s every bit as good as I’d hoped for! Powerzone was awesome a few years ago, and I still spin it to this day, and this builds on everything that was great about that album and turns it up to 11. It’s 41 minutes of arena-filling off power-ballads, dripping in synth and swagger. The opener/title track sets the tone excellently, and tracks like ‘Strip Me Down’, ‘Love Tornado’ and ‘Street Survivor’ all carry on that energy amazingly. However, there really isn’t a bad track throughout, and it has a really excellent flow to it all! It’s catchy, sleazy and incredibly horny in all the best ways, making for one hell of a fun listen. None of these tracks would sound at all out of place on the Rock of Ages musical, and I’m so glad people like Chez and Sam Millar are continuing on this vibe!

If you are at all into the 80s Sunset Strip sound, this is an absolute must of an album. It’s certainly going to have me hooked for months again, and it’s insane to me that she isn’t a bigger name given her insane talent! Every chorus is massive and so very catchy, just begging to be played to huge festival crowds as well as neon-soaked dive bars. And shoutout to her band too, who kill it just as much as she does! I feel like it will continue to grow on me with more listens somehow, even though I’d easily put a good half of these up there alongside her biggest hits. I can’t give it any less than another solid 9/10!

Flea: Honora

I didn’t know what to expect from the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassists debut solo album. Somehow, experimental jazz-funk both was and wasn’t it. Either way, sadly this is pretty bad. I’ve been thinking for a few months now that I want to try and get into jazz because I feel I’d enjoy it. Then I hear ‘Morning Cry’ and all that goes out the window. And don’t even get me started on his spoken word nonsense on ‘A Plea’. It feels like Flea felt it sounded like Zack de La Rocha, but it came across far more Lulu. And, on top of that, this thing is 50 MINUTES LONG. That’s a lot of crap. Heck, there may be someone out there that is really into this and loves it, but that someone certainly isn’t me. Not even Nick Cave could save this thing, it’s a mess, and a slog. At least everyone involved is at least talented, even if, in this writers opinion, it’s not fantastically written. You can tell Flea’s playing a mile away, and some of his basslines are at least fun. The slower ‘Thinkin Bout You’ is probably the most enjoyable song. Hell, at least it’s better than the last couple of RHCP albums, right…? 2.5/10, not my thing at all. At least it’s finally over.

Whey Jennings: Baptized by Fire

Some real old-school country now, with the grandson of legend Waylon himself putting out his second studio album. It’s 40 minutes of classic country tracks, just like his granddaddy played, but also gives slight vibes of Drake White or even Drew Holocomb too for good measure! Tracks like ‘What Lovin’ You Does’, his duet with Karen Waldrup and ‘Copperheads and Butterflies’ are all personal highlights. However, if you like a traditional style, you’ll love every track of this, I’m sure! His vocals are awesome, and his lyrics and delivery are packed full of emotion. It’s exactly what you’d expect heading into it, and I personally had a great time listening to it. He’s continuing on his family legacy perfectly here, and it gets a solid 7/10 from us!

Mallavora: What if Better Never Comes?

This has one I’ve been hyped for for a while! It was part of our most anticipated albums of 2026 list, and we’ve loved them for a while now. So, no pressure!

To say it lives up to the hype is an understatement! It’s heavy, melodic and packed full of awesome melodies and emotion. ‘Smile’ opens things perfectly, having some truly brutal screams and breakdown riffs, as well as a more alt chorus. Then you have songs like ‘Birth of a Sun’, ‘Skin’ and the closer/title track that are all also excellent. However, there isn’t a bad song throughout, everything around these tracks also being pretty good. It’s like Spiritbox meats Hot Milk in the best way possible! And, having said that, I would say some of the writing here, both lyrically and riff-wise, is arguably better than both bands. All four of these guys are extremely talented musicians and songwriters!

There’s no wonder the band have gone from strength to strength in recent years in the UK, and this album caps that off wonderfully, but also surely starts a band new, even bigger chapter for the quartet. If you are at all into the alt/modern metal scene, this release is an absolute must! It’s impossible not to see huge things for them in the years to come, and this gets a solid 8.5/10 from us!

Hellripper: Coronach

Max: An 8 track, 45 minute adventure that keeps you gripped and having fun throughout. The latest Hellripper album really is a work of art, the riffs, screams, well to be honest really everything is very very good. Now don’t worry I’m not going to say that this is the best album ever and that Hellripper has perfected their craft but what I am saying is, if you have ever held off on listening to Hellripper because you weren’t sure if you were going to enjoy it, well now’s your time to start listening. Honestly there wasn’t a single track that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy and I really think its a great set of tracks. 9/10

Will Carter Band: WCB

Album number four from Mr Carter, though it seems second as a collective, is a fantastic throwback to the late 90s early 2000s alt country sound! Think Hootie & The Blowfish, Blake Shelton or even Matchbox Twenty. Right from opener ‘Don’t Need Much’ I was hooked on this thing, and tracks like ‘X’s on my Hands’, ‘Can’t Sleep Without You’, and ‘Ain’t All That Lonely’ are all huge personal highlights. The whole thing is excellent from start to finish, though, it having a great flow and going by in a flash. How these guys aren’t a bigger name by this point I have no idea, but if anything is right with the world this will be the release that puts them on the mainstream radar! It’s fun yet at the same time packed full of emotion, the whole thing being written expertly. If you are at all into county or southern rock, this is an absolute must listen. Easily an 8.5/10, and it may grow on me even more with more listens!

RiotWeekend: Table4Four

The sophomore EP from the UK alt-rockers/pop-punkers builds perfectly on their 2022 self-titled debut. It’s 14 minutes of fun, catchy rock music that fits perfectly in alongside anyone from Simple Plan to Paramore to even ADTR! Heck, we get a breakdown in ‘Harry’, which was unexpected awesomeness! What’s more, all four tracks are as good as each other, it being an incredibly solid release from front-to-back! And it’s pretty varied too, each song having a different vibe and pace to it while all still feeling distinctly RiotWeekend. It’s a true talent to be able to write like that, and the band have shown it off perfectly twice now! This is a damn good EP, and one I will definitely be spinning plenty moving forward. 8/10!

Check out our interview with the band about the release here!

RAYE: THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.

An album that isn’t something that we’d usually cover up now. Having said that, we’d done everything from Bruno Mars to Eminem to Lady Gaga in recent years, and this very much channels that similar alt-pop vibe to it. And heck, I was listening to it anyway, so figured I might as well write out my thoughts!

Firstly, she’s such a talented, fascinating artist, and it‘s easy to hear why she’s become such a big name in a short amount of time. Perfectly blending everything from pop to jazz, soul to R&B, it’s a truly unique sound and such good fun to listen to. And, it’s packed full of awesome songs! From the excellent, emotional opener ‘I Will Overcome.’ to the epic ‘I Know You’re Hurting.’ to the swinging ‘I Hate the Way I Look Today.’ to the huge single ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, there is a lot to love throughout. A lot of it is amazing though and, though it definitely feels its bloated length, it’s a chilled-yet-emotional listen that held my attention a lot throughout. Arguably the only full disappointment was ‘Click Clack Symphony.’, I thought having the legendary Hans Zimmer involved would have produced something a bit more epic and interesting and dynamic. However, overall it is an epic release, and well worth the time if you have a spare 73 minutes! I probably won’t do the full thing often, but the few songs I loved will be on regular rotation! 7/10

The Pale White: Inanimate Objects of the 21st Century

Max: So this one was strange for me, it is quite far from what I normally listen to so at first I have to say I didn’t really enjoy it that much. Its fine, its easy to listen to, but not really for me. By my third time listening, I think I started to get it a bit more. There is this fun blend of styles and feelings throughout. The melancholic tone that some parts have can really hit you in the feelings but then the bouncing alt riffs and grooving bass and drums bring you back up. it really is a roller coaster that I ended up really enjoying. For a track recommendation, I would say either ‘Float Away’, or my favourite which is ‘Mannequin’ (I don’t know how to put in to words the feeling it gives, it’s something that I think you need to experience with no input from the outside). 9.5/10 (really its good)

Final Coil: 1994

Following up their 2024 album, the bands first foray into EP territory is a lot of fun! It’s very much a product of the year it’s about, full of grunge and alt-metal energy and riffs. ‘Instant Fix’ is a great opener, and the Rob Zombie-like ‘Woke’ is another career highlight. However, each of the four songs is awesome, and flow together perfectly. From the riffing to the drums to the vocals, it’s all amazing! If you are a fan of the band this is well worth checking out, and is a great stop-gap (hopefully!) between longer releases. A solid 7.5/10 from us!

Ashley Monroe: Dear Nashville

An eight-track surprise drop from the modern country star on Friday has given us a great listen over the weekend! And, it’s a pretty honest, heart-felt and reflective listen, at that. Starting the release with a song titled ‘I Hate Nashville’ is a ballsy move in 2026, and it is a huge highlight of the album. Then you have songs like ‘Haunted’ and ‘Having it Bad’ which are also big personal highlights. It’s another release that follows her slower, chilled-out country vibe, much like with last year’s Tennessee Lightning. It’s very Paula Cole or Miranda Lambert in all the best ways. It’s not something I’d revisit often, but is perfect for throwing on and relaxing to, especially in the coming summer months! And that first song really is an excellent track, up there alongside her hits, thanks for sure. 7/10, good stuff!

Party Cannon: Subjected to a Partying

The crazy Scottish death metallers returned with a brand new EP (alongside some remixes and lives) this last Friday. It’s exactly what you’d expect from the band, or if you heard the words ‘classic death metal’. It’s like if Cannibal Corpse kept Barnes but had more modern production these days. If all of that sounds like your sort of thing, definitely give this a spin. As I’m sure you can tell by my dancing around the subject, it isn’t hugely mine. I honestly kinda preferred the remixes to the original tracks, though do have to say the vocals over the top of them may have been fun! And honestly, it seems like something I’d much prefer live, the recordings from Glasgow sounding awesome. But yeah, sadly on track it isn’t too much of my thing, as fun and hilarious as the themes are. Still, if you like old-school death metal, this is well worth a spin! It’s run, regardless, but the vocals sadly don’t do much for me. 6/10

Siege Perilous: Becoming the Dragon

The debut album from the epic, Colorado-based power metallers is a true journey from start to finish. From soaring melodies to insane harmonised guitars to the solid drumming and powerful vocals, it’s 44-minutes of grandiose heavy metal through and through! ‘As the Dragon Falls’ (feat. the awesome Fabio Lione) is a huge high point of the album, as is ’Chieftain’ and the epic closing track. It reminds me a lot of Fellowship or even Dragonforce, that epic huge power metal built more for its huge moments and soundscapes. The band are insanely good songwriters, and for this to be a debut album makes it feel like we have some truly special things to come in the next few years! They’re ones to watch, for sure! However, for now, this is an excellent release for anyone into the genre even a little bit! 7.5/10

Numbskull Narrative: The Gutters

The brand new EP from Galway’s own ‘noisy boys’ is three awesome heavy, hardcore-tinged tracks. From the sludgy breakdown riffs to the heavy screams, there are some incredible moments throughout, and at only nine minutes it is very much all killer, no filler! I’m always a bit on the fence with modern hardcore stuff, but the heavier edge to this definitely won me over! Some of the playing actually reminded me of Zakk Wylde or Dimebag, which was awesome to hear with this sort of drums accompanying it! It’s impossible to pick highlights as all three are great in their own right. The band definitely have a new fan in me, and this gets an easy 8/10 from us!

Calder Allen: Fault Lines

Album three from the fifth generation Texan is a short, chilled romp through some beautiful old-school country music. At only eight tracks long it goes by in a flash, and each song perfectly bleeds into the next. Highlights include the rocky title track, ‘Carry On’ and ‘Norwood County Line’. But, as I said, each song blends seamlessly together, and none of them are bad by any stretch! The more I listened to this, the more I fell in love. It’s a damn good country/Americana album that reminds me of everything from Drew Holcomb to Luke Dick to even hints of Jack Johnson. He’s another artist that has a new fan in me this week, and I can guarantee that if you check this out, you’ll enjoy it as much as I do! It’ll be an album I revisit plenty throughout the year, especially over summer, and I can’t give it any less than 9/10!

Rain Diary: Night Church

This gothic collective are back with their first new studio release in a while, and honestly sound better than ever! The title track sets the moody-yet-catchy tone perfectly, and every track that follows it fits thematically fantastically, and is great in its own right. It all feels like one art piece instead of individual tracks, though ‘Dark Flowers’ and ‘End of the World’ are personal favourites. It’s hard to even compare it to other artists, as it feels like something wholly unique, which made it an incredibly easy listen despite the length! Each member of the band are insanely talented, with the two vocals of course being the big highlight. It won’t be for everyone, but I had a good time listening to this, and it’s a solid 8/10!