Photo by Travis Shinn
REBA MEYERS - CLOUDED WORLD (RLM Records)
Working with personnel like Josh Wilbur and Steve Albini, along with musicians like Gil Sharone, Meyers shifts from her post as the dominant guitarist in Code Orange to an accomplished songwriter in her own right. Showcasing undeniable range, Clouded World combines assertive guitars, lush atmospherics and insightful, thought-provoking lyrics in what marks Reba's auspicious arrival as a solo artist. Seamlessly shifting from moody to melodic, driven and delicate, the layers of Meyers' debut EP as profound as they are plenty.
BLACKBRAID - BLACKBRAID III (Self-Released)
Among the most compelling, captivating forces in contemporary black metal, Blackbraid continues to elevate the genre with his distinct brand of indigenous brutality. Ushering a new era of extreme music mastery since his eponymous debut in 2022, Sgah'gahsowáh, the one man black metal force has again leveled up his artistry. Earning universal acclaim with Blackbraid I and the 2023 follow-up in Blackbraid II, the third installment of his indigenous black metal saga is a consuming experience, both for its obvious technicality and it's emotional transcendence. The anticipation for the next chapter from the enigmatic black metal mystic scored a huge payoff.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - THE DOGS OF HOPE (Iodine Recordings)
Corralling new or previously unreleased music from a stacked roster of contributors like Killswitch Engage, Deadguy, Snapcase, Orange 9mm, and more, The Dogs of Hope compilation touts some of the most respected names in punk and hardcore all for a good cause. The compilation effort is headed by Iodine Recordings and Tom Bejgrowicz and intended to raise critical funds for the Randolph County Animal Shelter in rural Alabama—a no-kill, independently run facility that operates without public funding or county support. Underscoring the sense of purpose at the heart of hardcore, this is a compilation very much worth supporting for both the sound and the sentiment.
DROPOUT KINGS - YOKAI (Napalm Records)
A potent meld of nu-metal edge with rap-rock DNA, Dropout Kings have cultivated a passionate following among those in the know for good reason. On Yokai, the band cements their legacy as disruptors and forward-thinkers in the space of heavy music, showcasing a broad range of influences and a creative synergy spearheaded by the vision of the band's late frontman, Adam Ramey. A final testament to the enduring spirit of Ramey and his lasting contributions in the wake of his tragic loss earlier this year, Yokai serves as his parting gift to the fans and the unit that is Dropout Kings.
HALESTORM - EVEREST (Atlantic Records)
On album number six from the celebrated rock heavy unit, Halestorm submit a studio effort that captures their grandiose brand of distortion. Anchored by the one-of-one prowess of Lzzy Hale, her uncanny ability to soar and scorch vocally, along with her ability on the guitar position her as one of the very best in the game - past, present and future. Everest lives up to it mountainous expectations with the kind of sound that sources everything beloved about rock music - Big, bold, and at times, beautiful during it's more introspective moments.
