MADBALL - NOT YOUR KINGDOM (Nuclear Blast)

Among the pillars of NYHC, Madball have issued a career triumph on their landmark tenth studio, Not Your Kingdom. The release reaffirms the band's position in the hierarchy of hardcore and continues their legacy as one of the genre's most vital voices. Potent songwriting combined with powerful, socially-conscious lyrics are among the biggest takeaways of the album that find Madball reaching new heights decades into their run. Fast, furious and focused, Madball deliver another classic. 

LOCKSTEP - I KNOW WHAT I SAW (Profound Lore)

The Nashville collective have issued a profound statement with their debut full length, I Know What I Saw. Sourcing elements of doom and shoegaze, the stylistic meld combined with the band's songwriting acumen makes for an introductory showing that shows skill well beyond their youth. The songs are lush, layered and balanced in their ability to feel both beautiful and bleak in the same listening experience. Equally hypnotic and heavy, Lockstep are clearly focused and the debut full length further proves that. 

REZN - CYCLES IN THE INFINITE DREAM (Sargent house)

The Chicago doom progressives of REZN continue to craft expansive, atmospheric heft in their latest full length. A succinct amalgam of psych, prog, post and doom, the band's continued evolution ropes in added instrumentation and new sonics, further building out band's grandiose musicality. From the celestial ascent on singles like "Aerial Birth" to the sonic odyssey of the epic opening "Rites of Passage," REZN construct a soundtrack that is as immersive as it is innovative. 

THE HU - HUN (Better Noise Music)

Hunnu Rock trailblazers The Hu continue to marry metal and Mongolian culture on the band's epic third full length. Celebrated for their fusion of traditional Mongolian instrumentation and metal music fury, the band's ability to highlight folklore and craft narrative-driven heft shines on HUN. Thriving as both showmen and storytellers, The Hu showcase cinematic songwriting anchored in both tradition and unparalleled talent. 

BLEACHED CROSS - WRATH  (New Mortality Zine)

Speciality purveyors of blackened darkwave Bleached Cross execute stylized gloom on Wrath. Roping in elements of post-punk, synth and shadowy rock, the collection of tracks asserts a sinister edge that translates as authentic - never performative. Showcasing a balance of rock music weight and synth-leaning atmospherics, the sound design of the album dares to make dark music feel luxurious.