Reviews

At The Gates are a band that should require truly little introduction to the average metal fan. Whether you are a follower of their music or not, you are most probably aware of their gargantuan reach in modern heavy music. They are responsible for one of the finest death metal albums ever committed to record, in the form of 'Slaughter of The Soul', which is the release that cemented their position as heavyweights in the scene; but it is perhaps in their consistency that the band have confirmed their legacy. With that in mind it should come as no surprise that their highly anticipated seventh full-length studio effort, 'The Nightmare of Being', is another stellar addition to the band’s already faultless discography.

The recent ten thousand capacity Download Pilot event witnessed the welcomed live return of a full camping festival as part of the UK Government's pilot scheme to help open up live music. We were lucky enough to attend the memorable live event, find out what we thought about the artists we saw over the weekend!

'Bodies' is an album that showcases a moment in AFI’s career much similar to their previous ten releases, taking the noisiest version of punk music and mixing it with brooding emotions and polished synths.   

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?

Live music is the lifeblood for a band like Twenty One Pilots. Their most recent live stream experience brought the duos candid expressions and wild imaginations to life like no other livestream has done over the last fourteen months, with brighter, bolder sights bringing 'Scaled and Icy' and the bands otherwise colour themed back catalogue to life with an hour long carefully choreographed, musical and visual masterpiece of an experience. This is the stunningly immersive story of 'Scaled and Icy'.  

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.