ALBUM REVIEW: Killswitch Engage – This Consequence


Since originally forming decades ago, the name of Killswitch Engage has become synonymous with the metal-core genre as a whole. It is impossible to have a discussion of what makes the best albums and artists in the subgenre, without the veteran band being mentioned at least once. Throughout their careers, the band have strived on to create some of the most iconic melodies and songs that could have only come from this band, amongst the thousands that make up metalcore. Now on their ninth studio album, This Consequence (Metal Blade Records), the band are taking it again up another level, according to their frontman Jesse Leach. Can the band fulfill these lofty highs now so far into their career?

Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Juliet’s Not Dead – This World Is Ours


Despite only releasing their first music at the turn of the decade, UK Rockers, Juliet’s Not Dead have been hard at work, grafting away, releasing numerous EPs and even their first debut album over the past 5 years. Now ready to demonstrate where the band plan to move onto, comes their sophomore release The World Is Ours (TMR Records). Just like the name implies, the band have lofty goals when it comes to their music. Hiring Grammy-nominated producer, Romesh Dodangoda, to bring that extra flair and sleek sound design to their music, the band have a lot of hopes and dreams riding on this album.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Vertex – The Purest Light


For a microgenre that asserts itself to be progressive and quite serious, the result in regards to band members is quite the opposite. Djent, while having quite serious origins in the progressive metal-sphere, quickly turned quite tongue-in-cheek, with even big hitters Periphery using their tongue-in-cheek album title Djent is not a genre as a light-hearted jab at the genre. Vertex, on the other hand, seem like they’re bringing in a more serious tone to the scene, taking inspiration from huge acts in the acne with their debut EP in 2019, the band have been hard at work to follow this up with their debut album, The Purest Light (Le Cri Du Charbon). This may have taken over 5 years, but the band has grafted hard to create this 53-minute behemoth. Continue reading


EP REVIEW: No Cure – I Hope I Die Here


Alabama is a state with a very well-known identity and stereotype, often ascribed as being synonymous with the uneducated, right-wing conservative types. It is aspirational that the hardcore troup, No Cure, want to change that for the better. All bands have gotta start somewhere, and with a list of features, your arm’s length, No Cure certainly are reaching high with their brand new EP I Hope I Die Here (SharpTone Records). 

Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Polar – Five Arrows


It seemed as if it was the end for the Guildford-based Metalcore stalwarts Polar after having lost a lot of members of the original band in 2023. 

Not content with letting the band be put to rest, Adam Woodford decided to bring on a whole new team and carry on the passion project. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Black Oak County – III


The world of Post-Grunge and Octane-Hard Rock is often looked down upon in the alternative scene with phrases like “buttrock” and “divorced-dad rock” now part of the common lexicon when referring to such highly esteemed bands like Nickelback and Shinedown. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Des Rocs – Dream Machine: The Lucid Edition


It’s been a year since Des Rocs unleashed his sophomore effort Dream Machine to the world. Seemingly not content with this full package, Danny Rocco is back bringing forth Dream Machine: The Lucid Edition (Sumerian Records) to eagerly waiting ears. 

Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: The Funeral Portrait – Greetings From Suffocate City


Despite this being only their sophomore release, the emo rock outfit’s previous release, A Moment Of Silence was released almost a decade ago. Since then, The Funeral Portrait have been hard at work, honing their craft putting out singles here and there, all culminating with their second album, Greetings From Suffocate City. Looking to spin a tale across the album, the band are bringing theatrical charm and themes into their works. It’s clear from this that devising a story across the album has eaten most of the years since their last efforts, will this long passage of time be what the band are needing to take their music to the next level into the scene?Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Mondo Cozmo – IT’S PRINCIPLE


Josh Ostrander has had a unique and eclectic career stretching back the majority of this millennium so far. Beginning with Laguardia, to working with Eastern Conferences Champions, each one of his projects has brought something completely new and interesting to the table. Now having produced three solo albums under his moniker, Mondo Cozmo, it was time for the solo artist to explore even further into his sonic repertoire with his fourth studio album, IT’S PRINCIPLE (Last Gang Records). With the tragic passing of his namesake’s dog, Cozmo, it was clear that this was set out to be one of his most emotional and vulnerable material to date.Continue reading


FESTIVAL REVIEW: Radar Festival 2024 – Part 2 Live at O2 Victoria Warehouse


Sunday

The final day commences, and although there has been some hiccups in the form of bands dropping out (Oxymorrons and Siamese), this was fixed instantly with replacement acts Mike Dawese and Pintglass. Pintglass, who stepped up to the task having only performed the afterparty the night prior. Rock-influenced metalcore quintet, Ashen were first to take to the main stage. Displaying an eclectic mix of melodic metalcore tracks, with giant choruses. Whilst having only visited the UK once for their last tour, the French band were determined to leave a mark, performing a unique cover of Nirvana’s iconic single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” getting the early bird crowds to sing in unison, with Ashen’s frontman Clem Richard, who put on one of the best vocal performances of the weekend.Continue reading