BLEED - SELF-TITLED (20 Buck Spin)
The Texas-sized heavy alt, shoegaze adjacent amalgam in Bleed soar on their full length debut. Building on the stylized sway of their praised 2021 EP, Somebody's Closer, the band's ability to incorporate melody while never comprising heft asserts a superb songwriting savvy. Constructing tracks that cascade and crash with serious effect, Bleed's brand is effortlessly sophisticated, organically heavy and clearly ahead of the curve.
PROPAGANDHI - AT PEACE (Epitaph Records)
The esteemed veterans of politically-charged punk mark their return after an eight year hibernation... and right when the world needs it most. An articulate assertion of defiance, Propagandhi's At Peace is a promising presentation of common sense rooted in civic responsibility and deep-seeded hardcore DNA. Incendiary punk composed with a genuine sense of purpose, Propagandhi remain as relevant as ever both in style and substance.
MELTING - YOU EXIST BECAUSE WE ALLOW IT (Greyscale Records)
Australia continues to solidify its reputation as a hotbed for heavy music and Melting is another undeniable example. On a trajectory that quickly launched from regional prospect to emerging contender, the band's debut EP, You Exist Because We Allow It, is as unapologetic and unrelenting as its title suggests. Metalcore polish with hardcore grit, Melting have weaponized their sonic chaos in a way that hits with precision. A potent combination of power and potential, all eyes should be looking towards Melbourne.
YOUR SPIRIT DIES - MY GNAWING PAINS WILL NEVER REST (MNRK Heavy)
A potent meld of hardcore posture and metalcore fury, Your Spirit Dies harken to the heyday of early 2000's label compilation aggression. The band's earnest Southern pedigree and Scandinavian influence anchor the furious My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest. Produced by Greg Thomas - whose resume includes END and Misery Signals - along with an array of guest features from Dan Weyandt of Zao, Blaythe Steuer of No Cure and Carson Pace of The Callous Daoboys, the emerging aggressors have done well in putting South Carolina on the map.
ACRES - THE HOST (Solid State Records)
Ascending UK unit Acres have far exceeded the expectations of their acclaimed 2023 full length, Burning Throne. Celebrated for their articulate brand of artistry in metalcore, The Host frames a succinct presentation of anthemic choruses, electronic accents and metallic brawn. A distillation of stylized aggression, Acres craft effective song dynamics via electronic layers, newly-incorporated drop-tuning and a balance of melody and menace that suggest their potential has only just been unlocked.
