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Metal

Mondegreen Melodised Nu Metal in Their Annhilative Revival, Are You Sure

Posted on 9 April 2024

With their debut single, Are You Sure, Oxford’s Mondegreen did more than just throw their hat in the Nu Metal revival ring; the expansive annihilative aural aesthetic in the cataclysmic hit allowed the five-piece to stand at the vanguard of the movement and tear down the constructs that constrain the genre.

By feeding the juggernautical grows of the basslines, the cacophonous percussion and the sirening guitars in an ethereally intense atmosphere injected with Metalcore increments of electronica, nostalgia for Mushroomhead, and melodic vocal hooks, Mondegreen scribed a thunderously distinctive sonic signature that has the capacity to write the future of the genre.

After forming in 2023, the outfit is on a mission to deliver heartfelt lyricism through hard-hitting riffs and shake up the status quo, after Are You Sure obliterated my speakers, I can safely say they’re on the right trajectory and they’re one of the most promising new names on the UK metal scene.

Are You Sure is now available to stream on all major platforms including Spotify and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shred augmented annihilation in their hard-rock anthem, What They Say

Posted on 29 March 2024

Whoever said hell hath no fury like a woman scorned was proven a liar when Denmark’s prodigal sons of hard rock, Shred, unleashed their raging anthem, What They Say.

With an off-the-scale level of intensity to the hit that signifies the five-piece’s songwriting stripes, no one will be immune to the frenzied hook-rife volition when exposed to the single which goes beyond assimilating 80s-tinged hard rock and metal.

By leaning into the sonic influence of more contemporary bands including Foo Fighters and Avenged Sevenfold, and looking to more introspective artists for lyrical inspiration, Shred is one of the few hard rock outfits which goes beyond living up to rock and metal stereotypes.

They’re charting their own path through the razed ground of the hard rock landscape with the scintillating sustain on their monolithic guitars, the intuitively electrifying rhythm section, and the ensnaring vocals. Stefan Stimony knows exactly how to embody the emotional themes Shed’s profound lyricism exposits. If talk is cheap, What They Say is priceless.

What They Say will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, from March 29th.

Keep up to date with each new release and tour date via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ipecac took an egalitarian approach to affection with their queer rock anthem, Everyone Deserves Love

Posted on 19 March 2024

Ipecac’s latest single, “Everyone Deserves Love,” is a potent blend of vintage 70s rock warmth and modern, hook-driven intensity, reminiscent of The Hives’ recent work. Formed in 2017, the band comprises four best friends: Isabella Osborne (vocals), Kanyon Dickerson (drums), Tayte Eubanks (bass), and Ariadnee “Rodnee” Ziady (guitar). Their synergy is palpable, crafting a sound that’s both a nod to British metal’s golden era and a reflection of contemporary rock’s emotional depth.

This track is a bold statement against the rising tide of homophobia and queerphobia. In a world increasingly divided, “Everyone Deserves Love” emerges as a queer rock anthem, a protest song that resonates with the urgency of our times. The lyrics are a clever, poignant exploration of the struggle for a prejudice-free existence, striking a chord that even the most hardened sceptics with faces redder than their MAGA hats might find hard to dismiss.

The song’s structure is a masterclass in dynamic contrast. After a riotous journey through face-melting riffs and a throbbing rhythm section, the track halts for an acapella oration – a powerful, unadorned plea for acceptance and love. This moment of vulnerability only amplifies the impact when Ipecac dives back into the fray with even more ferocity.

In essence, “Everyone Deserves Love” is a rallying cry for unity and understanding, wrapped in a package of exhilarating rock music. Ipecac has not only captured the spirit of their 70s and 80s influences but has also channelled their introspective lyricism into a message that is both timely and timeless.

Everyone Deserves Love is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Arcane Insignia opened an unholy doorway with their synthesis of classical instrumentation and prog rock volution, Vagrant’s Throne

Posted on 17 March 2024

The Arcane Insignia’s moniker couldn’t be more fitting following the unveiling of their latest orchestrally aligned acoustic prog rock single, Vagrant’s Throne. The New York City duo set a new benchmark in the genre with this 8-minute epic, released as part of their LP, A Violent Whisper.

The dark iteration of classical music still maintains its elegance and opulence as it grapples with the complex signatures of progressive rock’s audacious spirit and the chameleonic vocals which seamlessly shift from the histrionics of New Model Army to the rage and rancour which transcends the furore of Pantera.

Formed by Lodrö Nyima, The Arcane Insignia consists of Noah Heau on cello and Nyima handling vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar, and piano. Their music, a unique amalgamation of influences ranging from Tool and Steven Wilson to The Contortionist, allows the classical instrumentation to venture into darker territories than it is typically accustomed to, creating a scintillating new domain where the ornate, cutting classical strings meet cathartic aural oblivion. This fusion also opens an unholy doorway to a realm where anything is plausible and everything is cinematically striking.

Following in the footsteps of bands like Ne Obliviscaris, Vagrant’s Throne, which unravels as a compelling exposition on classism, proves The Arcane Insignia’s commitment to breaking down antiquated barriers.

Stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Down River reached the pinnacle of infectiously explosive volition with their hard rock earworm, The Long Way Down

Posted on 12 March 2024

If you have a penchant for hard rock that is as explosive as it is meticulously honed, expose yourself to the rhythmically intense fervour of ‘The Long Way Down’ from Utah’s premier powerhouse, Down River. Instead of letting reverence for the genre’s roots get in the way of innovation, Down River carved out a new trajectory in the evolution of the genre with the sharpness of their hooks.

April Draven’s voice is a force to be reckoned with – a blend of raw power and captivating melody that sets her apart in a league of her own. Her emotionally charged vocal lines are a gravitational force, pulling listeners into the vortex of the song’s energy. Fuck comparing her to other female figureheads in rock and metal, she could hold her own against any of her icons.

Instrumentally, ‘The Long Way Down’ is a masterclass in hard rock dynamics. The band’s ability to balance cataclysmic breakdowns with firebranded production creates a colossal sonic impact, tailor-made for the adrenaline of a stadium experience. Each member brings their own powerhouse performance, resulting in a track that’s tight, ensnaring, and unrelenting.

The Long Way Down is more than a hard rock playlist staple. It is a siren call to anyone who cherishes music that’s crafted with passion, precision, and a touch of rebellion.

The Long Way Down was officially released on March 1st; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Benzluene reached the top of the trap-metal game with ‘Away’

Posted on 11 March 2024

Benzluene’s latest single ‘Away‘ is an intoxicating synthesis of emo, trap, industrial metal and post-grunge which allows agony to oscillate through the rhythmically seductive atmosphere that descends to the same murky depths as Deftones while bringing in the future of trap metal.

The production, a collaborative effort by flower and @fluffysome, is a masterclass in genre-fluid experimentation; dark, intrepid, visceral, and cutting – ‘Away’ is an auditory exploration of emotional extremes. The sludgy hooks and the constant shifts in vocal style and tone amplify the impact of the lyrics, making each word hit with the force of a bruise.

Benzluene’s vox cruise between softly relayed harmonies and visceral screams, dampened by layers of effects, maintaining a euphonic quality even at their most strident, ensuring the intensity is always delivered in swathes of catharsis.

Even the most eloquent people struggle to relay the pain of a disintegrating relationship, but through the sonic visualisations, that almost primal pain becomes universally understood. ‘Away’ stands as an allegory of agony, expressed through a piercingly unique sonic signature, which cuts to the core of the emotion.

If you cut Away open, you would reveal the anatomy of an alt-rock earworm. It’s a Tour De Force that will resonate with fans of trap metal and beyond.

Stream Away on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Trish Discord & Devon Aviles electronically augmented alt-rock with the broodingly vindicating single, Ever So Holy

Posted on 8 March 2024

Trish Discord and Devon Aviles are both forces to be reckoned with respectively; combined, they’ve sent electrifying shockwaves through the alt-rock domain with their dark and broodingly vindicating track, Ever So Holy. The intro is a masterclass in mood setting; the massive waves of synth bass, coupled with a haunting melodic lead, create an industrially tinged atmosphere that is as dark as it is scintillating.

As the track progresses through its rhythmic cascade of unpredictable volition, it morphs seamlessly, throwing hooks left, right, and centre to pull you into the track’s magnetic core with the same force as the most infectious artists in the pop-punk domain.

The production style is a high-wire balancing act; a complete yin-yang of raw elements and polished cultivation. The huge guitars and compressed drums bring a traditional rock feel, while the electronic components narrate a new chapter in the alt-rock genre.

Vocally, Trish Discord channels the spirit of Evanescence, Nightwish, and Within Temptation, while simultaneously carving out a unique niche and guiding the listener through the tumultuous sonic landscape. In short, it’s a symphonic riot that ignited a revolution in the electronica landscape.

Ever So Holy was officially released on February 29th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Post-hardcore went pop in Cosmic Ninja’s latest earworm Stone Cold

Posted on 28 February 2024

Cosmic Ninja’s latest hit, Stone Cold, from the Filth EP, is a Tour De Force of infectiously ensnaring volition and a striking example of genre fusion done right. This track is a scintillatingly assaultive blend of post-hardcore’s raw energy and the catchy, rhythm-driven essence of pop.

The track is a masterclass in electronically augmented dynamic progression, seamlessly shifting from intense breakdowns to infectious hooks. Collaborating with John Mitchell, known for his work with Enter Shikari and Architects, was a stroke of genius. His expertise has helped shape Stone Cold into an earworm that’s impossible to ignore. The track is meticulously crafted, with each element – from the angst-driven raps to the soaring choruses – contributing to its overall potency.

Cosmic Ninja’s songwriting prowess is evident throughout Stone Cold, which unfolds an embodiment of the band’s disregard for genre constraints and their punk ethos. The lyrics are charged with political and social commentary, making the song not just an auditory experience but a thought-provoking protest.

The Filth EP is now available to stream in full on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Darkwave danced with opium den chic in CHIRAL’s debut single and music video, I BRING CHAOS

Posted on 12 February 2024

Darkwave slipped into opium den chic in CHIRAL’s debut single and music video, I BRING CHAOS. After an opulently tribalistic intro which sees rhythms snake and shimmer with maximum seductive effect, CHIRAL starts to exhibit the shadow side of the Sunset Strip with their sleazy guitars and harbingering hard rock vox – but that is only the start of the ensnaring experimentalism with I BRING CHAOS, which more than lives up to its titular proclamation.

If it’s been a while since you locked sonic horns with a truly authentic darkwave band, the Irish conduits of alchemic fervour are the ultimate avant-garde antidote to the mundanity that has started to infiltrate and oversaturate the alternative music scene.

After founding in 2023, the fourpiece immediately surpassed their wide-spanning set of influences, which includes Therapy?, Faith No More, Deftones, and Tool. If I BRING CHAOS is a taste of what is to come, I already know I’m going to want to devour the broodingly carnivalesque glamour in the rest of their forthcoming discography.

Stream the official music video for I BRING CHAOS which premiered on January 26th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Little Villains – Café De Stam: The Ultimate Hard Rock Antidote to the Ennui of Our Times

Posted on 8 February 2024
Café De Stam by Little Villains

The transatlantic hard-rock heavy-hitters Little Villains are priming themselves for the unleashing of their fifth studio LP, Café De Stam. Get a taste of the vintage-wrapped rancour to come by adrenalizing yourself with the recently released title single.

By melding classic rock rhythmics with the frenetic mayhem of metal, the title single will go down a storm with Motorhead and Venom fans. Little Villains ensured none of the high-octane energy from their rock n roll to the core performance was lost in the raw production of the infectiously razor-sharp hit, which proves how tight the fourpiece’s sound has become since their debut.

The anthem of defiance brought to life with an infectious sense of devil may care rebellion, goes beyond paying an ode to the pioneers; it is the ultimate aural antidote to the ennui of our modern times.

Stream and purchase the title single, Café De Stam, which was officially released on January 25, on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast