Photo by Julian Weigand
FEVER 333 - DARKER WHITE (Century Media/333 Wreckords)
The eagerly awaited drop of first studio effort of the most current configuration of Fever 333 showcases the creative combustion of drummer Thomas Pridgen, bassist April Kae, and guitarist Brandon Davis and empassioned frontman Jason Aalon Butler at the helm of next phase of the Fever movement. Asserting the band's energized brand of musical resistance, backed by compelling messaging that reinforces a greater social conscious, Darker White is Fever putting on a songwriting clinic.
UNDEATH - MORE INSANE (Prosthetic Records)
Building on the brutality of the band's 2022 sophomore release, It's Time... To Rise From the Grave New York death metal champions Undeath teamed with respected studio vet, Mark Lewis more their most recent onslaught. Amplifying the sonic and thematic extremity established on Lesions Of A Different Kind and further bolstered by It's Time... Undeath achieve glorious levels of grotesque on what amounts to their most complete, most crushing full length to date.
DRUG CHURCH - PRUDE (Pure Noise Records)
Albany punks Drug Church have spent the last decade substantiating their case as one of the most consistent, steadfast bands in their space. With forthright songwriting and the kind of lyrical bite that separates them from their peers, Prude . marks the band's fifth full length and their most compelling work to date. Drug Church compile a 28-minute weave of aggression, melody and well-placed hooks that don't intend to reinvent the wheel, but rather, maintain a driving pace in their respective lane.
BLOOD INCANTATION - ABSOLUTE ELSEWHERE (Century Media Records)
Sourcing inspiration from mid-70's era prog pillars, Blood Incantation landed on Paul Fishman's project of the same name - more specifically, the 1976 album In Search of Ancient Gods. Aligning with Blood Incantation's otherworldly exploratory lean, the meld of style and substance offered the perfect inspirational intersection. Anchored by the production of Arthur Rizk, Absolute Elsewhere runs an immersive 45 minutes and consists of just two sprawling movements, "The Stargate" and "The Message". Absolute Elsewhere is a testament to Blood Incantation's overarching vision and the band's ability to explore new terrain while ensuring they maintain their signature.
THE BARBARIANS OF CALIFORNIA - ...AND NOW I'M JUST GNASHING MY TEETH (ONErpm)
The pariing of Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION and accomplished producer and guitarist of veteran Sacto outfit Tinfed, Eric Stenman, have unveiled their passion project rooted in timeless hardcore. The Barbarians of California is anchored by Stenman's musicianship and Bruno's commanding, convincing delivery. A tip of the hat to their shared hardcore lineage, ...And Now I'm Just Gnashing My Teeth is the promising first outing for a band that understands how to honor the classics while pushing the genre and the greater culture of hardcore forward.
