AT THE GATES - THE GHOST OF A FUTURE DEAD (Century Media)
Following the tragic loss of iconic frontman Tomas Lindberg due to complications from Cancer in 2025, the band has since been navigating the magnitude of such a significant loss, all while still working to honor Lindberg's lasting musical legacy. The Ghost Of A Future Dead remains Lindberg's lasting legacy as his final recording, completed, arranged and released as he intended. The album underscores the definitive melodic death metal sound that made At The Gates such a celebrated band and powerfully punctuated a career that will continue to be an influential force for generations to come.
FAILURE - LOCATION LOST (Failure Records)
Heavy alt trailblazers Failure have submitted yet another artistic achievement in their storied three decade tenure. From the post punk noir of "A Way Down" to the delicate malaise of the Hayley Williams-assisted "The Rising Skyline" to the band's flirtation with post-rock power of "Solid State," Failure manages to shape shift as songwriters with incredible effectiveness. For a collection of songs that ropes in elements of shoegaze, grunge, post-hardcore and more, their is a continuity throughout that speaks to Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott's songwriting prowess and collective chemistry. More than thirty years in and still leveling up, Location Lost is a triumph.
HOLY WARS - SHADOW WORK / LIGHT WORK (Pale Chord)
Heavy rock firebrand Holy Wars presents a clinic on how to traverse grief and even weaponize it on their sophomore record, Shadow Work / Light Work. Kat Leon's poignant portrayal of personal loss transforms pain into power - though the music is not without it's instances of introspection and vulnerability. The album's significant emotional weight in tandem with cinematic approach to lush, layered rock results in a wall of sound that proves both abundantly stylish and absolutely sturdy.
TERROR - STILL SUFFER (Flatspot Records)
STILL SUFFER marks the landmark tenth studio album from TERROR offers clear evidence of the rank of one of hardcore's most vital, proven bands for the last two decades. Teaming with producer and former guitarist Todd Jones, STILL SUFFER touts an all-star roster of personnel with additional production from the likes of Taylor Young and New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert. STILL SUFFER also boasts an elite list of guest assists from Jay Peta of Mindforce, Brody King of Gods Hate, Dan Seely of King Nine and a memorable showing from Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music -all of which point to the reach of TERROR's celebrated brand of hardcore.
THE AMITY AFFLICTION - HOUSE OF CARDS (Pure Noise Records)
The metalcore vets mark a pivotal first on their ninth full length studio album, House of Cards. The album ushers in the band’s modern era with clean vocalist, Jonny Reeves, who became the most recent, permanent member of the collective in 2025. Cohesive, collaborative and cathartic in a way that emphasizes both emotional and songwriting evolution, House of Cards is elite level metalcore. The album deftly distills electronic accents, crescendo-building atmospherics and mammoth breakdowns to check off every box and then some.
