CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: X Japan – Blue Blood


Cast your mind back thirty years to the late 80s where hard rock was in full swing. Def Leppard in the UK at the peak of their career after the release of their seminal release Hysteria and over in the states, Guns N Roses were selling out stadiums across the globe. However, in the western world, there’s one band from that era that go somewhat underlooked compared to their peers: X Japan. On April 21st, 1989 the band released Blue Blood (originally titled, X) (CBS/Sony), the album that led them to become one of Japan’s biggest bands. Continue reading


From Sorrow To Serenity – Reclaim


From their self-released debut album, ‘Remnant of Humanity’, From Sorrow To Serenity showed they have what it takes to sit alongside comfortably with their peers in the Metalcore/Djent scene. Almost three years has passed on from then and with that time has come growth as they’ve risen through the ranks, supporting the likes of Chelsea Grin and Veil of Maya. What musical progress have the band made for their sophomore release, ‘Reclaim’ (Long Branch Records) and does it live up to their first efforts? Continue reading


To The Rats And Wolves – Cheap Love


If you are after a deep and introspective album that’ll make you ponder about the world’s mysteries, ‘Cheap Love’ (Arising Empires) by To The Rats and Wolves isn’t the album for you. That’s because Cheap Love is the album you want to be playing halfway through the night at your local alternative club. With just enough heaviness and to get away with fitting under an alt-label and the right amount of infectious hooks and beats per minute.
This eleven track release will keep you partying till the early hours of the morning!
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Puppy – The Goat


Puppy have had a very busy couple of years seemingly touring non-stop, whether it’s their own various tours, supporting big-hitters like CKY, Creeper, and Conan, and playing numerous festivals such as Download and Slam Dunk, the trio have kept themselves very occupied. The main question on everyone’s lips, however, was when are they going release a full album and will The Goat (Spinefarm) live up to the expectations set by their prior two EPs and live show? Continue reading


Currents – I Let The Devil In EP


Currents burst onto the progressive side of the Metalcore scene with their debut album back in 2017, displaying an array of influences including Architects and Northlane. Just over a year later and the band are back with their third EP. Continue reading


Joey Jordison of Slipknot and Jon Zazula Get Snubbed by The Grammy Awards’ “In Memoriam” Segment


With all the excitement The Grammy Awards provide every year,  Metal fans are always reminded we matter less than Pop stars. While a great standalone tribe acknowledged Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who passed away at 50 on March 25th,  … Continue reading


Black Smoke Trigger Drop New “Perfect Torture” Single and Video


In a touching nod to the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Gabriellethe on their hometown of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, Black Smoke Trigger have dropped their latest single “Perfect Torture”. The single’s music video parallels the emotional turbulence of the song … Continue reading


Bitch Hawk – Joy


Not even a whole year after the release of their debut self-titled album, the extreme metal mob, Bitch Hawk are back at it again with their latest full release ‘Joy’ (Adrian Recordings). The short time span has no effect on the quality of the music whatsoever. With a diverse range of musical backgrounds in the band, from Ska bands to writing for Charli XCX, this mixed bag of influences and sounds come together to create this unforgettable album. Continue reading


portrayal of guilt – Let Pain Be Your Guide


Holy Roar Records has been on a roll over the past couple of years, with releases this year alone from Rolo Tomassi and Conjurer, amongst others, of the highest order. The indie record label has truly made a name for themselves for pushing brilliant bands forward who will be here to stay. portrayal of guilt are the latest band to release their debut album on the label (which is available via Gilead Media in Northern America) but will it live up to the high standards set by their peers? Continue reading