GASKET - GASKET (Blue Grape Music)

There is clearly something in the water in Baltimore. In a relatively short amount of time, Gasket's sharp ascent is the effect of their convincing mesh of punk backbone, hardcore convinction and metallic heft Combined, the result is a sound that relies on straight-forward aggression with no frills, no BS. Aligning with industry disruptor Blue Grape Music, the band are well positioned for success with a full length showing with this kind of strength.  

FLESHER - GORE ON GORE (Maggot Stomp)

Indiana might not be synonymous with a rich death metal lineage, but Flesher are making a convincing case otherwise. The band's 2023 debut full length Tales of Grotesque Demise worshipped at the altar of 90's elite with shades of Cannibal Corpse, Obituary and Morbid Angel coming through. For their sophomore effort via Maggot Stomp, the trio have leveled up both their intensity and the devastation of their music with a concise six-song assault that taps into classic 90's death. Guttural vocals, thudding percussion, corrosive guitars and gore galore make for a new generation extremity. 

EXITWOUNDS - AN OFFERING TO TRAGEDY (Seek & Strike)

Purveyors of Midwest heavy, EXITWOUNDS showcase a polished, powerful brand of metalcore on their latest EP via Seek and Strike. With a bit of added flair via nu-metal sonics, An Offering to Tragedy suggests the emerging unit has only added to their arsenal by incorporating new elements, bolstering their brawn. Along with a guest feature from Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer, the prospects submit a promising transitional EP, hinting of an even bigger assault for their next full length.  

THE PRETTY WILD - ZERO.POINT.GENESIS (Sumerian Records)

Running with their Baddiecore moniker, The Pretty Wild construct a dynamic metalcore romp on zero.point.genesis. Loaded with catchy as all hell hooks and hyperpop accents, the collective does what few bands in the space are able and willing to - make metalcore fun. Merging the pageantry and dramatics of pop with the energy and explosiveness of sharply produced metalcore, The Pretty Wild hit the gas and make their own lane among and crowded, sometimes stagnant space. 

ANNISOKAY - ABYSS - THE FINAL CHAPTER (Arising Empire)

Completing the metalcore saga that began with 2023's Abyss Pt. I and grew in magnitude with Pt. 2 which landed earlier this year, German outfit ANNISOKAY submit a resounding conclusion with the Final Chapter. Compiling each of the previous EPs with three new tracks, the Final Chapter emphasizes the band's ability to be methodical both in style and execution. The shelf life of the songs, combined with the cohesiveness of a project that took more than two years to come into full focus underscores the quality of the songs throughout and the kind of vision not usually associated with youth. Ambitious, aggressive and articulate, ANNISOKAY stand on the brink of breakout.