Talent-wise, the sisters of ALT BLK ERA are well beyond their years even if lyrically, it’s just about as cringe-worthy as anyone’s high school diary. Hearing the “nobody understands me” cliche from actual teenagers instead of balding middle-aged men trying for a new demo is a very refreshing change, though!
Following the 2017 death of HIM and a brief hiatus, Ville Valo debuted his solo project VV in the spring of 2020. After surviving on drip-feeding of singles over the past few years, romantics and vampires everywhere can finally rejoice as we’ve been given a feast in Valo’s first full-length record in a decade, Neon Noir (Spinefarm).
New Zealand newcomers Banks Arcade describe themselves as a heavy metal boyband. That might sound like an oxymoron, but there truly isn’t a more accurate way to describe their sound. Their debut album, Future Lovers (UNFD), utilizes tried and true methods – intro designed to establish atmosphere ahead of a set blended seamlessly into the first track, a few radio-friendly bangers, and a closing epic while also implementing innovative musical components. A winning combination. Continue reading
After 14 years in the dirt, classic rock band The Hellacopters have returned from the dead to do exactly what Swedes do best: make damn good rock ‘n’ roll. Like many, many bands, The Hellacopters had no intention of getting back together post-breakup in 2008, but their new 2022 record, Eyes Of Oblivion (Nuclear Blast), goes to show that bands really do suck at staying broken up. We’re certainly not complaining, because this is one hell of a comeback record. Continue reading
In a recent interview on The Break Down with Nath & Johnny, InVisions recounted their desire to make an album detached from trends, with the aim of creating songs that could withstand the test of time. Not only have they achieved a timeless sound with Deadlock (Self-Released) they’ve just as easily created a new classic for hardcore music.