Music Reviews

Resonance through the medium of music is a difficult thing to capture decades down the line in a band's career, but with every new record from punk-rock giants Rise Against, the profound impact of their unapologetic, socially conscious message, mixed with their melodic punk-rock sound only gets louder, stronger and more powerful than the previous. With album number nine, 'Nowhere Generation', Rise Against’s voice is turned up tenfold. 

Black Midi’s Mercury-nominated debut 'Schlagenheim' proved that they are one of the most unique bands the UK has produced in years. However, after the huge success of this record, will the boys from Brit school show any signs of second album syndrome in 'Cavalcade'?

Southampton based Our Hollow, Our Home are firm frontrunners as the next face of UK modern metalcore music. Since the band's formation back in 2012, the five piece have done releasing music the DIY method, independently dropping not only their debut EP //Redefine and debut album Hartsick, but also a string of singles and a follow-up second record In Moment // In Memory; an album that truly sets Our Hollow, Our Home apart from their peers in a growingly overcrowded scene. Check out what we thought of their third full-length 'Burn In The Flood'

Recently signed with Napalm Records, VEXED are one of the UK’s most exciting prospects in alt-metal. Megan Targett’s brutal but vulnerable lyrics and delivery combined with Jay Bacon’s meaty riffs instantly make them stand out from the crowd as a band to watch. So, does their debut do the hype justice?

Twenty One Pilots are undoubtedly one of the biggest bands in the world. Their own brand of alternative anthems make them have a place in so many people’s hearts. So how will changing up their sound to a pop style translate in 'Scaled and Icy'?

Knomad Spock – a name derived from the restless spirit that has driven him through life, is an artist who hails jointly from Britain and Somalia. His debut record consists of poetry, rap and neofolk, which accumulate to make 'Winter of Discontent'. With influences ranging from Four Tet to Radiohead, the record sees the artist paint a canvas that expresses his dual heritage with a variety of different paints.

With the release of 'Typhoons', British duo Royal Blood have taken their craft and perfected (almost) every single possible aspect, managing to put out a record that’s punchy yet groovy at the same time, which is sure to become the favourite for a lot of people.

Gojira were arguably the metal band of the decade in the 2010s, with the huge 'L’Enfant Sauvage' and Grammy-nominated 'Magma'. They are a band hot on the lips of every metal fan, and are well on their way to being an all-time great - so, how does 'Fortitude' begin the next decade for the French band?

15 years. That’s how long it’s taken Claudio Sanchez to release another full-length release under The Prize Fighter Inferno moniker, managing to beat even Tool’s 13-year span between records. Has the wait for 'The City Introvert' been worthwhile, though?

Post-hardcore/rock powerhouse Holding Absence are on the brink of greatness. Coming out of their hometown of Cardiff some six short years ago, Holding Absence absolutely stormed their ascent in the alternative music scene, with their atmospheric amalgamation of belting anthemic choruses, battering drums and big guitar riffs on their monochromatic hard-hitting debut. To follow in the footsteps of such a strong self-titled takes some beating, but the band have done it with their sonically, lyrically, thematically and visually stunning second album 'The Greatest Mistake Of My Life'.