Birmingham’s progressive doom metal icons, EMBR, release their new single “(Tensions)” on October 15, 2024. Brooding, intense, and deeply melodic, this track captures everything that makes EMBR a standout in the doom scene. Following their acclaimed self-titled album and their recent powerful COC cover with THRUMM, “(Tensions)” pushes their artistry to the next level. Get ready to dive into the depths of this unforgettable track.
Denmark’s rising metal force, Mezmerizer, just dropped their new video “Blessed in Disgrace”! This first look into their debut album, Whispers of Leviathan, is a fierce and introspective journey tackling themes of societal hypocrisy and deceit. With a stunning vocal feature by Michael Bastholm Dahl (ex-Artillery), Flemming Goldberg-Larsen’s haunting guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that hits hard, this track demands attention. Ready to be mesmerized? Watch the video and get a taste of what’s to come!
Hell Valley High Brings Groove and Grit with Debut Album “Welcome to Hell Valley”
Straight from The Netherlands, Hell Valley High is hitting the scene hard with their debut album Welcome to Hell Valley, set to release on October 18, 2024, through Argonauta Records. This groove-driven heavy rock outfit has been creating a buzz with their infectious energy and raw, live-recorded sound. Named as a nod to the legendary Kyuss album Welcome to Sky Valley, this title – like the band’s name itself – pays homage to rock culture while channeling the gritty aesthetic of movies like Back to the Future. With vinyl and digital formats available, Hell Valley High is making it clear: they’re here to bring a full-bodied, gritty rock experience.
The album was recorded over two live sessions at Big Dog Recordings near Antwerp, Belgium, and the dedication to capturing Hell Valley High’s live sound was paramount. “We wanted this album to feel as close as possible to our live shows,” the band notes, “and recording live really let us capture that raw energy.” That authenticity pulses through each track, from the first to the last. Welcome to Hell Valley is packed with deep grooves, thunderous drumming, thick riffs, and some truly standout vocal moments from frontman Mark Mulders. With influences like Fu Manchu, Alice in Chains, Truckfighters, and Black Sabbath, Hell Valley High combines classic rock’s gritty power with stoner rock’s depth and aggression, making for a distinctive and undeniably compelling listen.
The album’s tracklist promises a journey through both hard-hitting anthems and groove-laden tunes. The opener, “Clean Slate,” sets the stage with relentless energy, and the heavy riffs continue with “Future Nomads,” a track that’s already made waves earlier this year. “Easy Rider” stands out with a crescendo that builds to an epic climax, while “Blameless” dives into a pounding groove that showcases the band’s rhythmic tightness and Mulders’ gritty, commanding voice. Adding a unique twist, the album also features a cover of “Send Me a Postcard,” originally released by Dutch rock legends Shocking Blue. Hell Valley High’s take injects their own heavy edge while staying true to the song’s roots, adding a classic yet fresh element to this powerhouse debut.
This lineup boasts a wealth of experience, with ex-members from Wildebeast, Filthy Felons, and other hard-hitting acts, and their tight, cohesive sound is testament to years of stage presence. Their upcoming live shows will give fans a chance to feel the intensity firsthand, including performances at the renowned Desertfest in Antwerp and a supporting slot for Fu Manchu in Maastricht. This combination of killer album tracks and powerhouse live shows sets Hell Valley High up for an explosive entry into the wider rock world.
Review: Leadfeather’s “Roll The Dice” – A New Era for Retro Rock
There’s something special in the air with Leadfeather’s debut track “Roll The Dice,” a song that taps straight into the soul of classic rock with a refreshing, energetic twist. Formed by Simon Hurts from Los Angeles and Apostolos L from Greece, two musicians with deep roots in the retro rock scene, Leadfeather is already making waves. Rising from the remnants of Howlin May Queen and Hunted By Elephants, Leadfeather embraces a classic Zeppelin-esque sound while adding their own grit, bringing a new energy that doesn’t just pay tribute to the past—it feels like the next evolution.
With “Roll The Dice,” Leadfeather dives into rock’s glory days but with a modern feel that is bound to resonate with fans who crave authenticity and rawness in their music. This is a track that doesn’t rely on flashy production or gimmicks; instead, it’s driven by gritty vocals, tight instrumentals, and that magical chemistry between Simon and Apostolos that feels both vintage and fresh. Simon Hurts’ vocals strike the perfect balance between emotive and powerful, delivering lyrics that are as impactful as they are memorable. Apostolos, meanwhile, takes his guitar work to new heights, channeling the spirit of Jimmy Page with a keen sense of melody and dynamics that keep the listener hanging on every note.
While fans of Hunted By Elephants may still be mourning the band’s disbandment, “Roll The Dice” promises that Leadfeather is ready to fill that void and bring something even more compelling to the table. Their sound appeals not only to loyal HBE fans but also to anyone with an appreciation for classic rock’s iconic feel combined with an original twist. The bass lines, drum rhythms, and backing guitar riffs drive the track with a powerful yet smooth force, making it a song you can’t help but move to.
The anticipation for what Leadfeather will bring to the UK’s rock scene—and beyond—is palpable. While “Roll The Dice” is just a taste of what’s to come, it leaves no doubt that this quintet is poised for something big. They’ve taken the nostalgia of rock’s golden era and infused it with new life, promising more than just a tribute act—they’re an authentic addition to the modern rock landscape. Their music has the potential to captivate both classic rock fans and a new generation, creating a bridge between eras.
If you’re a fan of raw, soul-stirring rock that respects the legends while daring to break new ground, Leadfeather is a band to keep on your radar. “Roll The Dice” is a track that not only announces their arrival but sets a high bar for what’s to come. Brace yourself; Leadfeather is ready to bring the fire back to rock.
Album Review: Jewel Throne’s “Blood Vultures” – A Thrash Metal Masterpiece from Finland
Thrash metal fans, brace yourselves! Jewel Throne has unleashed their long-awaited debut album, Blood Vultures, an unfiltered burst of raw aggression and classic thrash energy. Released through Inverse Records on October 18, 2024, Blood Vultures is a testament to the enduring power of thrash metal. The Finnish four-piece delivers 12 brutal tracks that are as fierce and unapologetic as they are skillfully composed. Every song on this album pulses with anger, energy, and a disdain for overproduction. This is a record that lives, breathes, and shreds with an authentic, old-school thrash sound—a fearless salute to the genre’s roots.
The journey to Blood Vultures was no easy feat, with numerous setbacks and challenges since Jewel Throne formed in 2019. Yet, through every hurdle, they’ve managed to channel their struggles into music that’s fierce and unrelenting. Blood Vultures isn’t just a thrash album; it’s a gritty exploration of life’s frustrations, societal criticisms, and pure, unfiltered rage. The album opens with the title track, “Blood Vultures,” which wastes no time in setting a hard-hitting tone. Vocalist Jesse Huovinen’s intense screams deliver the message with brutal clarity, a style that is raw, fierce, and honest.
Guitarist Toni Koskinen shines throughout the album, bringing precision and fury with each riff. Tracks like “Cosmic Titan Engines” and “Psychotoxic Assault” showcase his relentless speed, while “Hate Overdrive” blends chaos with meticulously crafted leads. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist-vocalist Mika Sallanen and drummer Jouni Kurikka, adds a thunderous backbone to each track. Sallanen’s bass lines give each song a weighty foundation, especially evident in “Mental Self-Mutilation” and “Suffer the Fools.” Kurikka’s drumming is a standout, bringing energy and technical prowess to tracks like “Megaton Headshot” and “Instant Apocalypse.”
One of the album’s highlights is “The Extinction Level Express,” a track that merges classic thrash speed with intricate guitar solos and tight rhythm changes. It’s here where Jewel Throne’s influences are most evident; think the raw power of early Slayer and the depth of Sepultura, but with a unique Finnish twist. The band doesn’t hold back, delivering unapologetically aggressive themes without falling into predictability. Even in tracks like “Hammer Down the Last Nail” and “The Overlord,” Jewel Throne captures a freshness that honors the thrash genre while breaking away from its clichés.
Overall, Blood Vultures is more than worth the wait. It’s a relentless album that should satisfy any fan of the genre. Jewel Throne’s debut is proof that thrash metal is far from dead, delivering a powerful first entry that shows just how impactful unadulterated thrash can be. For fans of real, raw metal, Blood Vultures is essential listening.
Surrealistas are making waves with their debut album Naúfragos del Tiempo. From gritty vocals to dreamlike guitars, each track transports listeners to a surreal world of sound and emotion. Don’t miss their latest single, “Exoplanetas,” and catch them live if you can—they’re an experience not to be missed!
Admire the Grim unleashes “Crescent Moon” from their upcoming album Resist! This debut single is a fierce blend of crushing riffs, intense vocals, and haunting melodies. Experience Finnish melodic death metal at its finest with “Crescent Moon,” now streaming on all platforms. Stay tuned for Resist on January 31!
The Red Mountain is back, and they’re louder than ever with their latest single, “Babble On.” Crushing riffs, thunderous rhythms, and intense vocals make this track a must-listen for fans of cosmic metal. Don’t miss this sonic assault, now available on all platforms, and catch them live at Gray Fest on September 26!
Adam Michael Allison is back with “Why,” a track that fuses gritty rock with soulful Americana. Relatable, powerful, and timeless, it’s a song that captures love, struggle, and resilience, connecting deeply with fans old and new. Experience the raw energy and emotion of “Why” in 2024 and rediscover why Adam’s music stands out in the rock scene.
From Texas, The Recasts are shaking up the rock and metal scene with a sound forged from punk, metal, and rock ‘n’ roll! Led by frontman Armando Gutierrez, this band gives an electrifying performance that’s raw, powerful, and unforgettable. No frills, no backtracks—just pure, live rock that’ll leave you saying, “Holy sh!t, that’s the motherf#cking Recasts!” Catch their next show and experience it firsthand.