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STICK TO YOUR GUNS - KEEP PLANTING FLOWERS (SharpTone Records)
The SoCal hardcore hybrid marks the release of their eighth album and their first full length outing via SharpTone Records. A succinct delivery of hulking breakdowns, soaring hooks and relentless guitars, the band has achieved a new level of intensity on a record that emphasizes their strengths. Jesse Barnett's vocals are as convincing as ever on a variety of tracks that showcase the band's range as songwriters. Along with special guest assists from Terror and SeeYouSpaceCowboy - 2025 already has a standout submission.
THE HALO EFFECT - MARCH OF THE UNHEARD (Nuclear Blast Records)
With the core composition of the band consisting of members of In Flames and Dark Tranquility, the signature of Swedish melodic metal is at the very core of The Halo Effect's sound. Incorporating elements of orchestral arrangements, symphonic structure and prog-leaning synth to accompany the big guitars and thunderous choruses, the veteran ensemble of players has managed to step up their artistry even more on their latest effort. Showcasing a unique expertise along with the band's distinct style, March of the Unheard is perfect balance of musicianship and muscle in a metal record.
LAMBRINI GIRLS - WHO LET THE DOGS OUT (City Slang)
The Brighton duo of Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira as Lambrini Girls have become one o fht most buzzworthy buzz in the era of modern punk and for good reason, While the band's sound and stance has all the requisite bite and defiant tone that makes a good punk record, they understand the importance of how flaunting a middle finger can be fun. Lunny's vocals are scathing, quick-witted and unapologetic on a collection of tracks that grace a fine line of style and substance. Earning lofty comparisons to the likes of Bikini Kill, Lambrini Girls have set a high bar on their full length debut - substantiating the hype and then some.
TREMONTI - THE END WILL SHOW US HOW (Napalm Records)
There are some serous nu-metal chops on the sixth solo records from renowned guitarist and songwriter, Mark Tremonti. Spanning his three-decade long tenure which includes acclaimed work with Creed, Alter Bridge in addition to a decade worth of output under his own namesake, Tremonti assembles a pretty hefty collection of work on The End Will Show Us How. With guitars front and center naturally, the range goes from groove heavy to 90's era chug to high energy leads that all converge to create some especially dynamic songwriting. Combined with anthemic vocals and the kind of structure dynamics that keeps the listener on their toes, Tremonti puts on a clinic while asserting his love for the heavier stuff.
TESSERACT - WAR OF BEING: TOUR EDITION (KScope)
UK progressive innovators TesseracT delivered one of the most acclaimed albums of 2023 with arguably their most comprehensive full length to date in War of Being. The masterclass of an album is now being released as a special tour edition and features the band's highlight set at Radar Festival 2024. The special release includes the band's performance with Choir Noir‘s Kat Marsh which was initially released as the Live At Radar EP. The newly remastered version serves well in capturing the magnitude of the band's sound and the unbound artistry that is a live TesseracT set.
