Willow "Petal Rock Black" (2025)

Ill confess, on first impression, Petal Rock Black felt like a series of Avant-Guard Jazz experiments. This dubious outset was reinforced by its short tracks, averaging two minutes each. The recycling of lyrics from Empathogen and even Prince's I Would Die For You also aided this skepticism. Predictably, with each recuring spin, its treasures unearthed themselves as each brief constructs own magic steadily charmed.

All of Petal Rock Black's songs are devoid of traditional song structure. Each stint serves its own purpose, a swaggered union of layered vocal indulgence, steely Jazz piano and raw roomy percussion, all rocking to its own groove. Lacking progressions and pop sensibilities, they at first feel like aimless moments from improvised jam sessions but with familiarity, one grows to love the moments Willow revels within.

Her lyrics and poetic tangents between songs heighten an awareness of conceptuality that probably adds depth but flys this inept listeners ears. In its absence, the flavor and texture of her ever playful vocal swoons play a treat. Creative, adventurous, she expresses through range. From strength and power to whispers and laughs, Willow can pivot into a soar at any moment. The variety gushes forth rapid and effortlessly.

On the instrumental front, I would have mistakenly commented on a cast of classy seasoned professional behind her. Thanks to the artist credits, I've learned this musical montage is mostly her own multi-instrumentalist creation, briefly blessed by a couple of big heavy hitter names, George Clinton and Kamasi Washington.

That first impression is a misnomer but also a hint as to what may condemn the record to some negative reception. It lacks a glue to piece it all together. Despite loving it front to back, Petal Rock Black feels like its missing something. That Avant-Guard embrace turns these unusual songs into isolated islands of musical wonder in need of a throughline. You can't fault any of its numbers, these are all beautiful expressions!

Rating: 7/10

Stormkeep "Tales Of Othertime" (2021)

 

In our age of nostalgic recreation, here comes another classy modern Metal band turning an ear to a Nordic past. Comprised of experienced musicians from the Colorado scene, Stormkeep ventures boldly into the late 90s Symphonic Black Metal sound. With a snarling groans akin to an early Shagrath, Otheyn Vermithrax arms the outfit with an added charm I personally adore. Behind his beastly wretched howls play anthemic marches of triumph and conquest. This is victorious battle music, fresh from fantasy realms, channeling its majesty into extremes maligned by magnificent melody.

The Seer opens and sets the tone, acoustic guitars and folksy synths cast its Fantasy setting, erupting into scaling tremolo riffs soaked in dank synth. Melodic and upbeat in nature, its darkness feels rapturous, full of adventure, as if partnered on a plundering adventure. Its calls back to Medieval times with its Heathen visions, a forgot rural time ruled by myth and magic. The track goes on to toy with groove riffs, thunderous blast beats and symphonic breaks, deploying all the classic hallmarks of the genre.

Structured between four lengthy epics and two non-metallic interludes, the album wastes no momentum in exploring its ambitious song writing. It avoids repetition as A Journey Through Storms and Eternal Majesty Manifest lean towards a Folk Metal motif, exploring Pagan tones fitting of another European scene that emerged at the same time. Its forty plus minutes reign supreme, a superb execution of ideas heard before but delivering them with a grace befitting of the clear vision they had putting this fine record together. An easy recommendation for fans of these genres.

Rating: 7/10

Poppy "Empty Hands" (2026)

Keeping up the impressive pace, Poppy swiftly returns with her seventh full length album. Empty Hands is another amalgamation of Alternative Metal, Pop Metal and Djent, emulating the modern scene, still struggling to surface an originality to call her own. Consistency strikes well in the album's opening half, a firm grip on bombastic guitar tones paint dense atmospheres for her singing to cut through. The opener Public Domain chops this up with a blatant ohmage to Manson's 90s Industrial style.

Diversification unravels in its second half, Eat The Hate delves into revival Grunge. A well executed song that cant quite escape her presence. The Wait, Blink and Ribs toy with Electro Pop beats and dreamy Synths, a vibe switch up I can't help but feel is closer to Poppy's voice as an artist. This is my gripe with her persona in the music, the instrumental influences of Metal and Alternative don't meld with her expressions.

On the vocal front, she is certainly working on the aggressive intensity of her shouts and screams, amping up the energy with crude throaty roars on brutality tracks Dying To Forget and Empty Hands. The latter plays a vibrant meaty Metalcore number spliced with a Pop Metal chorus. Empty Hands containing throwbacks to the late 00s Deathcore scene, peaking with an ever cringy and hilarious bree pig squeal.

Most likely thanks to switching songwriters, Empty Hands has been the easiest of her records to get into. Despite that, I still don't feel a strong connection between voice and instrumental that has been a continual pain point across her records. Its the same issue that lets these songs fade from memory, so I'm left with a familiar sense of enjoyment in the moment, but no idea which tracks will stick over time.

Rating: 7/10

Zander Parks "Light Years Away" (2025)

A casual obsession of recent weeks, Light Years Away presents itself as an emotive exploration of life's many journeys. Personal, pensive, thoughtful lyrics navigate poetic expressions with a touch of maturity. At a meaty fifty plus minutes, its twelve tracks traverse an Alternative Rock landscape, dipping into Post-Rock and Folk Rock. A flash of Glitch in opener Machine, lesser so on Vastness, alludes to a modern "in vouge" sound that swiftly gets drowned out by a more traditional song writing approach.

Leaning on the atmosphere conjured by its instrumental textures, these numbers craft melancholic moods fit for softly sung words tackling, struggle and regret. The duo exchange a spotlight, offering tender relief, channeling human motions into storeys. Our unnamed effeminate companion takes center stage for most of the record but its best runs evolve from the exchanges where voices crossover in smooth duality.

Its best cuts, Event Horizon, Letters To Nowhere, Voltage and Leave The World Behind, all share something in common. A musicality that ebbs and flows, swelling into theatrical through lines that punctuate a songs intent. Its gratifying in comparison to the rest of the music, which tends to lingers on calmer energy, not quite finding a suitable climax to peak its intent.

Far from perfect yet brilliant in its channeled focus on songwriting, Light Years Away serves as a set of beautiful expressions. Its compositional chemistry exploits dynamics, texture, atmosphere and tone from a varied cast of instruments. Perhaps a detractor is the lack of potent melodies to settle in like earworms. Much of that role comes from the hooks which leave a firm impression. This is a firm record well worth ones time, I'm sure you'll find a few favorites among its cast.

Rating: 7/10

Rune Realms "The Music Of The Starlit Waters" (2025)

 

Master of scenery sculpting, our beloved Rune Realms turns attention towards atmosphere. With this newest Tolkien inspired chapter, The Music Of The Starlit Waters, a subdued approach lends its gorgeous ensemble of naturalist instruments to lone hums of auric ambience. A craft of nightly beautify bestows one with tranquility, as foundations of murmuring mystic synths drone under fluttering, whimsical harps, flutes and bells. They twinkle like stars through the night sky mist, mystic melodies gracing us with a gentle yet illusive presence. Still with calmness, yet full of secrets.

Its eight numbers play as meditative drones. Ranging from five to seven minutes, each casts a different spell from the same motif. As soothing magics steeped in serenity, they pass with stillness, a restful tone established and dwelled within, as a cast of luscious instruments chime on by. With no grandeur or drama in sight, its subtle bends and pivots serve the quiet ease, keeping motion to its frozen moments.

One half of its casting has a distinct icy chill, reminiscent of snow topped mountains, untouched by man, lit by the moon, beautiful and deathly silent. Cuiviénen, The Water Of Awakening, The Starlit Mere, The Quiet Of The Land Beneath The Stars and Oromë's Discovery shared this captivating magic which brought me much joy. One to return to next time I am abroad in the snow capped winter mountains.

Rating: 7/10

Clipse "Let God Sort Em Out" (2025)

 

I Initially passed on this one. Nominations for rap album of the year pulled me back in. Brothers Pusha T and Malice both share cold blooded tones, sturdy and steady, highly articulate lyricists, delivering calm and collected comprehensible raps. Their cool and casual flows breeze by with the serious undercurrent easily overlooked on first pass.

With more spins I got deeper into these tracks, their veterans status swiftly emerging. Expertly architectured verses stack up crafty rhymes. Between them, all manor of puns, cultural references, innuendo and double entendres snuck in between straightforward raps. Lines roll back to back, slick and swift, pushing a variety of narratives. A classy affair always steeped in the air of status affirmation.

Behind the word play run dynamic instrumentals, Not shy of downplaying percussion to a minimal form, obscured sampling constructs slick beats, birthing engrossing moods where the hooks often skirt conventional melody. Its not all spun to this degree but even its more traditional approaches seem to find a distinct manipulation. Let God Sort Em Out plays smooth with streaks of aggression in its lyrics reflected in the beats. Some degree of Mafioso with one touch mystic and another of wealth, class and extravagance. Only POV hits like an obvious banger, the rest play on subtleties.

In conclusion, I'm glad to have returned to this one. It deserved more attention. A slick run of feisty substance stuffed raps not aiming to shock or rock but play braggadocio on the merits of its own sleek articulations. Feature from Tyler and Kendrick are an obvious highlights among a star studded cast of guests from Nas to Neptunes and Stevie Wonder. Within its 13 tracks every hip hop head will find a few to tickle your niche. For me, that was Ace Trumpets and All Things Considered.

Rating: 7/10

Trevor Something "The Anima" (2025)

 

Quick of the heels of The Shadow, Trevor returns with a classy record, honing in on indulgent moods and soothing tones, executing this concept in confident stride. The Anima plays a tribute to love, lust and relationships, matters of the heart both painful and endearing, a sensual journey drifting through Ethereal emotive spaces.

With a woven tapestry of nostalgic influences, Synthwave and Dream Pop merge into an 80s fever dream, re-imagined for the modern day. Drifting by on easy tempos, touches of breezy Trap percussion drive its laid back engine. A Cloudrap akin ease brushes its lyrical casualness, as direct themes cross paths with the lingo of youth.

These eleven tracks feel naturally cohesive, each plays a different fracture of an overall chemistry. The albums spectrum feels built off simple beat production, looping instrumentals exploring vibes, occasionally crossing into grander territory as choruses and motifs elevate tracks, feeling like vague echos of unwritten Pop classics. 

Its reverb drenched nature, conjuring Vapourwave energy, possibly holds its melodies back from punching through. They and the gentle vocals meld into a singular flow, cloudy, melting forth as the minutes tick by in limbo, a precarious place of ambiguity between sorrow and sunshine. I personally interpreted this one with positivity.

Although darkness is housed within, rearing itself in Trevor's vulnerable singing, The Anima plays like intoxication, a smothering blanket luring one into its embrace. With each spin, a spell is cast, a sleepy trance of easy energy gushing forth. Its a delight tone but I could see how others might tap into deep pains with this one.

Rating: 7/10 

Slaughter To Prevail "Grizzly" (2025)

 

Despite the impressive talents of vocalist Alex Terrible, I've suffered the misfortune of writing off these masked menaces as another "race to the bottom" Post-Deathcore band. Their recent collaboration with BABYMETAL lured me in, Song 3 that appears again here, a fiery grind of brutality armed by slams of low end guitar and spurioys manic fretboard noises. On that track and throughout Grizzly, strong echo's of Slipknot characteristics, a total turn on when executed with class, as Slaughter To Prevail do.

Russian Grizzly In America drops in partially lifted lyrics from the iconic opener Sic. That motif and other inspirations occasionally rear an overt head. My linguistically challenged mind initially mistook Rodina for a cover of Rammstein's Mutter. So to does Behelit's massive slams of guitar melded with strings have an uncanny ring to it.

With a knack for decent song writing, this all works in their favor. A shared generation of influential bands rippling echo's through Slaughter's DNA, most notably aesthetics and rhythms Slipknot's Iowa album. Howling pinch harmonics, stomping grooves and a battering percussion to make the late Joey Jordison proud. Woven in between their own ideas, it bridges the gap into this "over the top" Post-Deathcore territory.

Thus Grizzly plays a romp, a wild blast of fun chaotic aggression with the sensibilities of a now classic era of 00s Metal reigning in the extreme impulses. The balance is ripe, ideas fresh. Plenty of headbanging goodness. At a meaty fifty minutes, it rarely tires to entertain. I'm left struggling to figure out my favorites from the bunch, a great sign of a record asking to be played front to back at each turn. A cracking introduction.

Rating: 7/10

Seotaiji "Seotaiji VI" (2000)

 

Having scraped the barrel of Nu Metal treasures from my youth, this recent surge of revivalist bands like Tetrarch, Ocean Grove and Narrow Head has brought about nostalgia tinged fun. Nothing will ever capture the tone and texture of that millennial moment quite like the original artists. Thus its a blessing to find such an authentic and fresh take of those times. Hailing from the other side of the globe, Korea, this platinum selling record remained a complete unknown if not for one peculiarity. Tank and a couple other tacks gave me the tremors, a sudden transformation to my teenage self. A dormant part of my mind activated again, I wondered where had I heard this before?

When Napster first emerged there was a trend to rename obscure artists with similarities as "rare tracks" or "b sides". Over the years, I'd eventually learn who the original bands were. Tank, probably renamed as Korn, was one of those. Although it feels uncanny now, this is a reflection of our ever connected, ever available world of culture, shrinking rapidly, as algorithms figure us out, resurfacing these lost gems.

Reveling in the Nu Metal spirit, producer and songwriter Seo Taiji captures the essence of a predominantly American scene with little suggestion to cultural or geographic distance. Only his Korean words create a distinction. Even on that front, his throaty screams and bursts of Rap and rhyme snuggly fit the manic texture and angered cadence of the scene. With an arsenal of bouncy riffs and well written songs, he delivers an all killer, no filler record clocking in at a "to the point" thirty minutes.

Where this record excels is with its textures. So often do these songs revel in the atypical aesthetics of Nu Metal. Estranged sampling, sporadic vinyl scratches, effects laden guitars and quirky vocal effects. With a touch of Alternative Metal it all shapes up to an exciting yet fresh familiarity. Even its shameless plundering of early Korn-alike riffs play with charm. Seotaiji VI is a work of love and inspiration for the times.

Rating: 7/10

Enya "Enya" (1986)

 

To experience it at the time, would have been something else. To now venture back to her origin after reveling in such masterful inspirations as Shepherd Moons and A Day Without Rain illuminates the soft amateurish blemishes with a most endearing charm. All the familiar and distinct songwriting approaches arrive matured and unique. Its the albums production and synthetic instrumentation that are yet indulge in sound design.

The aesthetic of these early Roland, Yamaha and Kurzweil keyboard synths play with a punch and immediacy, as so many early synths do, yet to nurture the crafts of soft attacks and roomy reverbs. It gives many moments in the record a feeling of bedroom composer, in the best of ways. Despite that, Enya's brilliance to sway between singer and instrument with her saintly voice often fills in that need for a gentler touch.

In terms of pacing, the music flows through a myriad of ideas, often lacking direction but given its indulgent nature, all destinations seem fantastical, other worldly, spiritual, humanist or even heavenly. With dashes of playfulness and colorful experimentation along the way, it rarely runs short of steam, just a couple of two minute songs feel unfinished. A wonderful variety that also lays foundations for many future Enya tacks.

Highlights include the dazzling arpeggio sequences of Aldebaran, the moving folk leads of The Sun In The Stream played on uilleann pipes. Its opening track, The Celts, another delight and a Hip Hop surprise with the darkly hummed Boadicea, which acts as the main sample for Fugees with their classic Ready Or Not. Fantastic debut!

Rating: 7/10

Oscillotron "Sniezna" (2025)

Seeking revival through experimentation, Oscillotron lands on a firm identity with succinct ties to its space horror ambience origins. Leaning on subtle wobbles of unsettled pitch shifting, disjointed pianos and old school synths evoke an eerie, uncomfortable setting. Accompanying them, ghoulish foggy synths in the backdrop conjure looming terror and sense of dread. The record toys with variations on this aesthetic arrangement, a feverish, unending, dreamy phantasmagoria. The resulting inspirations mainly birth three to four minute scenic stagnations on its initial idea.

The arrival of Natt always perks my ears, a proven promise of gradual evolution leaves a distinct impression. At thirteen minutes, it bucks the trend, leading us down nightmarish corridors of fright. The march of its synthetic pulse pulling us through macabre grown and howls, forever brooding in its cataclysm drum loop of distorted dissonance. Its an absurdly effective drone, a mediative trance of abysmal origins.

Lacking a fair amount of percussive force, Sniezna can feel understated with its ever transient presence. Familiarizing oneself with its craft, a brilliantly composed vision will emerge. An artistic, devoid of cheese, a soundtrack to the zombie apocalypse. Decimated wastelands of gravely atrocities, laid barren by its grim inhabitants, no longer fit for human survival. Somehow conjuring Halloween horrors with a serious foreboding tone. On recognition of this thoughts, I see how fitting the cover art is.

Rating: 7/10

Drudkh "Shadow Play" (2025)

 

As one of the finer Black Metal acts from decades gone by, Ukrainian outfit Drudkh's part natural, part mystic has always held my curiosity. Shadow Play marks a welcome return unmarred by the death of drummer Amorth, victim of the ongoing war. Somehow, life goes on and the band from the oblast continue with their earthly craft.

Released earlier this year, I held onto the record, knowing it would have its opportunity to strike a nerve. That moment has come hiking in the Austrian Alps. Stunning mountain ranges, blanketed in towering trees, mother natures beauty, entangled in the harsh reality of survival. Its all I see in this mighty conjuring of earthly Black Metal.

Opening with Scattering The Ashes, what I'd assumed was the sound of rustling leaves, arrives adorned by a lone morose synth note and depressive guitar chords. It sets a glum tone to be upturned as April drops us into a perpetual momentum driven by its galloping double pedal drum grooves. Tremolo guitars shred slow descending melodies alongside a brooding lonely synth to unite its esoteric, earthly tone.

Shrill screams cry out and haunting howls drop in at routine intervals, all the hallmarks of a now customary formula too familiar. Its in the back half of the record, Fallen Blossom, The Eve, The Thirst, that atypicality becomes exceptional. The balance of esoteric darkness, natures verdant muse and contemplative moods fines its stride.

Some combination of its elements bestowed one with an awe complimentary to my reverent surroundings. Perhaps it was the latter that let me connect with the music. Either way, I felt the ethereal earthly rumble of this primal music as its battering aesthetic droned away, letting the subtleties of its shifts take form on its lengthy songs. The union has created some wonderous memories of breath taking views, only to be relived though the music at a later date. Something felt but this time seen.

Rating: 7/10

Lorna Shore "I Feel The Everblack Festering In Me" (2025)

 
Current darlings of Extreme Metal, with a swiftly growing popularity, Lorna Shore seem poised to take off. This second incarnation with iconic vocalist Will Ramos serves as a monument to their craft. Laying in wait, over an hour of scorched earth fury blazoned by gleaming symphonic melodies. Trading blows between pelting drums and ever tuneful guitar leads, epic themes of rapturous adventure and embattled mythos collide in a theatric spectacle. Strangely reminiscent of Fantasy themes and Power Metal's melodic focus, Lorna Shore deliver on an engrossing darker Orchestral vision of extremity, the likes of which Dimmu Borgir once lit the path forward.

As a mood, this is an enthralling listen. The music swings and swells between varying intensities, ever led by this triumphant unison of symphony and lead guitar wail, a glorious expression that often feels like a singing voice given Ramos' roll as a gutteral screamer. Its a beautiful construct, gallant and uplifting, capable of traversing all terrain. Oddly, as the record endures, its nature starts feel repetitive, as if a single melody keeps re-emerging. This strips identity from its songs. Defining points and motifs become blurred by this reoccurring tone, which overpowers other ideas.

 In a similar counterproductive vein, over the top Post-Deathcore breakdowns conjure a similar lack of identity. Spurious eruptions of groove less, shuffling monotone guitar barrage and gravity blast beats make potent housing for impressive feats of utterly foul, deathly gutteral howls. Ramos has made a name for himself with this new level of ridiculous texture wrenched from his throat. Sadly, there aesthetic might lacks a bite as the breakdowns mostly amount to differing configurations of the same ideas.

I Feel The Everblack Festering In Me passes one by as a wildly captivating listen, yet lacks the hallmarks of good song writing to nail an identity in ones mind. The aesthetic lavish of its extremities and symphonic offering are a delight but it only extends so far. War Machine is a lone track that feels distinguishable purely because it pulls back from the aforementioned lead guitars. In its absence, some rhythmic assault and toned down symphony gives it much needed distinction in the runtime. No doubt many will love this but for me a vital component among their chemistry is still missing.

Rating: 7/10 

Enigma "The Cross Of Changes" (1993)

 

In a pleasant surprise, it seems this assembly of musicians was no fluke. Evolving from MCMXCa.D., the group lean further into the Worldbeat sound, shedding some New Age vibes as striking a nerve with indigenous chants on a familiar Return To Innocence, another commercial hit preserved to memory through its recurrences in movies and adverts. Its a stirring union of loud, crashing, Hip Hop influenced drums and ritualistic cultural vocal chants. On paper a contrast, in performance an easy pleasure to take in. Oddly, its character stands apart from the rest of the record.

The Cross Of Change is mostly a moody, esoteric voyage through ambiguous avenues. Contemplative atmospheres, soothing in nature yet softly melancholic and mysterious. The archaic airy synths and subtle choral voices of its openers lay this foundation. Driven forth by drum machine grooves the music expands with drifting samples and instruments fleshing out its linear nature. Briefly interrupted by the aforementioned Return To Innocence, we then plunging further down the rabbit hole.

I Love You... I'll Kill You plays a remarkable pondering on loneliness. A darkly sorrow song, achieved without the usual hallmarks that often evoke such darkness. With Silent Warrior, we hear the Phil Collins influences again, punctuated by gated toms lifted from Genesis's Tonight Tonight Tonight. Its unnecessary but it fits in.

After Age Of Loneliness works its way through the established conventions that make up its identity so far. Out From The Deep serves as a closing pivot, drawing uplift and reprieve from the heavier themes. Deploying Eric B's classic sample of The Soul Searchers drum break, it barely manages to make sense as the music links up with a grandiose Glam Rock guitar solo. The Cross Of Changes then too pivots its synths to bright glossy chords, like the sun breaking apart storm clouds after the downpour. All in all, a strong record with a curious vibe to get lost in, if that's your cup of tea.

Rating: 7/10

Enigma "MCMXCa.D." (1990)

Catching my ear through the Spotify playlist shuffle, a curiosity was peaked given its early release date. This both felt and sounded like a missing link in the tapestry. A convergence of New Age and Worldbeat, at the alter of 90s drum machine aesthetics from the emerging House and Dance scenes. Before, I've covered similar evolved vibes from En Voice, Dead Can Dance and most keenly Delerium. This one swiftly clicked into place. Research revealing its position as a pioneering record, with surprise commercial success for these relatively unknown German-Romanian musicians.

The record has a trance like meditative presence. Easy listening, as its Dance rhythms gracefully drift through soundscapes of worldly atmosphere. Loaded with samples, spoken lyrics, Ethereal synths and keyboard instruments jostling New Age melodies. It forms an evocative collage of complimenting aesthetics suggesting deep and slightly esoteric themes about the human experience. Best of all, the inclusion of Gregorian Chants aids in playing up the ever present sense of spiritual significance.

Highlights include the mini epics Principles Of Lust and Back To The Rivers Of Belief. Both venture through lengthy song structures, packing a lot of intrigue as their powers hold over the listener. A shorter four minute piece, Callas Went Away, catches the ear with an even touch of plagiarism, as its subdued tom drums and lonely atmospheric synths clearly borrow from the timeless Phil Collins mega hit, In The Air Tonight.

The rest of the music falls into place around these key pieces. MCMXCa.D. is a soothing experience from start to end. One to return for, in need of these worldly spiritual vibes but with a touch of pace from its classic Dance drum machine patterns driving the music. I'm glad I stumbled onto it. It seems they had continued success with the following few records, which I may just check out next.

Rating: 7/10

BABYMETAL "Metal Forth" (2025)

Round five and were back on form with the triumphant Metal Forth! Not their fourth, unless your counting "metal" in the record title. Anyways, this latest installment is a lean thirty five minute, ten track blitz focused on creative collaboration. The likes of Poppy, Slaughter To Prevail, Polyphia and Spiritbox appear among other big names, lending their characteristic for a true crossover experience, something Metal has sorely lacked for decades. There's only three solo tracks Babymetal and one could be forgiven for thinking the closing White Flame featured Sabaton. Its a blazing roar of Power Metal might, executing all the tropes, practically a tribute to the sub-genre.

Interestingly, the remaining two solo tracks feel flat, recycling ideas the band have burned through before. That's why Metal Forth's merits rest on the synergy of its alliances. The creative partnerships genuinely cross a divide between sounds and birth a unique middle ground. Of course this all boils down to banging riffs and stomping grooves. The record fires on all cylinders in its stride but the point remains just how much freshness these uncommon unions provide. This is no "featured artist" but a firm commitment to integrating each others identities and it works so well.

Highlights include My Queen as the two bands jostle their heaviest aesthetics back and forth. Song 3 is another banger where the exchange yields a curious callback to Slipknot with its unhinged pinch harmonics and brutal riffage. RATATATA will likely stand out as a fan favorite. Electric Callboy's brand of tongue in cheek party meme metal a fun fit for the J-Pop influences. In a way it summarizes the overall mood, just a fun record about pumping out animated compositions embraces obnoxious grooves and lively melodies. Cracking record, falling just shy of something truly great.

Rating: 7/10

State Azure "Paradise Star EP" (2025)

EP by name but double LP by duration, Paradise Star drops four lengthy serine mood pieces alternating between Berlin School inspired synth jostling and brooding ethereal percussion-less soundscapes. Its opening piece, the twenty minute title track, a clear favorite. Its lively, animated cycling melody a curious engagement. Seeming more mechanical than expressive, its burgeoning bustles and gradual unwindings guide the song through phases over top dreamy synths. Together, they paint a rich atmosphere.

 White Lake and We Sleep Beneath A Dying Moon act as layered tone setting drones, great for focus and meditative moods. Pathfinder feels like a mastery of texture, guiding its various sequenced instruments through gradual shifts as sharp attack-decay keys and drums exchange over soft elongated synth chords. Its a textural treat but in its lengthy incarnation, this aesthetic class becomes secondary to the musics lengthy trajectory. All in all, an impressive set of songs befitting of my taste right now.

Rating: 7/10 

Tyler The Creator "Don't Tap The Glass" (2025)

Arriving swiftly off the back of a remarkable Chromakopia, Tyler suddenly drops this fun fast and loose record. A surprise release, Don't Tap The Glass clocks in as one of his shortest albums under the thirty minute mark. Consequently, this pays without a dull moment, perfect for its restless energy, expressed through quirky tone and playful mood, something familiar of Tyler yet spun again, lively, renewed and fresh.

 

Working with layers of punchy instrumentation, rhythms and melodies overlap in a subtly dizzying frenzy of crunchy sounds, orchestrated with a stroke of class. Jolting grooves rumble with snappy and sporadically off kilter percussion. Plenty of instruments jive in with stabs, strikes and momentary contributions that stack up. It can be quite fun to pay attention and see how many sounds you can single out.

 

Too my ears, the big influences at play are 80s Hip Hop drum machines and 90s Southern Hip Hop melodies, often piano led. Not exclusive, but struck me as part of the approach to many of these tracks, the last three taking on Soul and R&B colors in its temperament. Of course its no surprise, central to it all, written in his name, a ceaseless thirst of creativity flows again. Fresh off a deep, introspective record, Tyler marvelously pivots into a playful avenue with this lively record I'll be enjoying for weeks to come.

 

Rating: 7/10 

Thornhill "Bodies" (2025)

 

Originality is a contestable term, often misplaced by a lack of context and history - something we are all born ignorant to. It leads me to ponder why does this idea of whats "original" influence our personal enjoyment of music? After all, music is all connected, past and present, strong or weak! A fair portion of Thornhill's sound lives directly in the shadow of Djent Deftones, the post Diamond Eyes era. Something that seemed like an issue on first impressions. Fortunately, the power of inspired song writing has prevailed. I've adored Bodies since the second spin, its expressive force a consuming indulgence in the throws of its familiar soft-heavy dynamics.

Songs sway from crushing blows of meaty Djent guitar stomp groove, into shoe-gazing swaths of hazy melancholic colors, as melodies melt in the wall of sound production style utilized. So to does Jacob Charlton's vocals follow this motif, toying with his sensitive, vulnerable tones and pivoting into throat clenching screams, nestled wisely into the dense mix. Operating with fractions of Progressive Metalcore and occasional thematic Nu Metal overtones, the group wear their influences broadly, yet electrify in riots of groove and rhythmic theatrics as their best tricks roll out a treat.

It glimpses a heading towards Argant Metal territory in sparse moments, an insight to emphasize a understated part of their sound design. Synths and production antics shape out the sound to a sonic experience of stylish aggression. Interludes, build ups and breaks meld crafty drum machines into the fold, displaying overt EDM and Trap influences as the group toy with instrumental samples. Its all a firm sign of the talent that goes into shaping up what could of easily been a plain faced imitation game.

The record has an interesting structure, its more emotional, atmospheric edges start and close the record, leaving its explosive numbers in the middle. Tounges, Nerv and Obsession erupt with countermanding violence, a reversal that pulls its dynamic ends together, amped up and invigorated as this string of songs fires off with the low menace end of their down tuned Djent guitars. Bodies is a cracking listen, yet to tired on me, indicating this band may have a lot to offer. Another journey begins now!

Rating: 7/10

Sikth "Death Of A Dead Day" (2006)

A blast from the past! This record I experienced mostly though my friends. Having devoured The Trees Are Dead And Dried Out, I recall not being particularly impressed with this new venture. We saw Sikth at Download Festival and then they split up. Its left this record buried deep in the memories. Unearthing it again highlights its flaws, an underwhelming sophomore from a group who set the bar high for themselves.

 

Death Of A Dead Day yields its twelve cuts to the metallic kneel, choking their own peculiarities as creativity gets channeled into what feels like convention. Despite being loaded with spurious fret tapping melodies, complex harmonies and the occasional poly rhythm, Sikth under deliver on what made them stand apart. The enigmatic beast is present but the compositional approach leaves ideas underwhelming.

 

With all that said, this is a very enjoyable record, full of musical virtuoso and chaotic melodies you wont hear elsewhere. An entertaining listen where twists and turns come fast and frequent, a restless nature always embarking on the next musical idea. Led by the exchanges of their duo front act, its what you'd expect from Sikth.

 

Having given it a bunch of spins once again, I'd discovered Summer Rain and As The Earth Spins Round to be exception cuts, the latter ending the record with a fantastic outro riff uniting a pacey choppy rhythm guitar with epic melancholic lead melody. These peaks are comparable with their best output but the record plays a clear grade below that fantastic debut album. Approaching twenty years, Its been a nostalgic trip.

Rating: 7/10