Kerry King - Bristol Review

When it comes to gigs, the summer is generally a quiet time. My July was surprisingly busy, where I took in extreme metal, prog, and classic rock all within the space of a fortnight, but August has been pretty barren. The Doobie Brothers in Birmingham back in July was starting to feel like a distant memory, but yesterday I took a mid-week trip up to Bristol for some thrash - as Slayer's Kerry King brought his solo band to the Electric Bristol as part of a festival-centric run of European shows. When Slayer came to an end in 2019, King started suggesting that he would carry on on his own. I think that Slayer would still be a significant going concern if he had his way, so I am sure he has been enjoying the band's recent slightly low-key reunion which has seen them play a handful of notable shows, and he was clearly not ready to retire after the band's last big-scale world tour came to an end. The pandemic likely forced him to have something of a break - but, last year, following plenty of teasing, King released his first solo album From Hell I Rise (which I reviewed here). It was King's first batch of new songs in nine years, and it nicely carried on the Slayer legacy. I think that some were a bit disappointed that the album was so much like everything Slayer ever put out - but I am not really sure what those people were expecting. From Hell I Rise is exactly the album I expected King to make as a solo artist - and it was an album I listened to a lot last year and enjoyed. Since the album dropped, too, King has been pretty busy taking it on the road. There have been breaks in the schedule which have allowed Slayer to play some big shows, including two mini festival-type shows here in the UK which looked like they were a lot of fun, but with Slayer's reunion likely to be a bit-part affair I think that it is only right that King pours most of his energy into his solo project. He played a London show last year, which tied in with his appearance at Download Festival, but until this week they were his only UK shows as a solo artist. Clearly looking to add to his UK appearances this year, then, King added two shows to the schedule of his wider European run - which seems to consist of a handful of headline shows booked in between a number of appearances as some of the continent's biggest metal festivals. When he announced the two UK shows I assumed that he would also be playing at Bloodstock Open Air, and the shows were tagged on as a result, but that booking never materialised - which made the two shows in Manchester and Bristol seem a little random given the number of shows and their locations. I was certainly not going to complain, though, as a Bristol show is always welcome - particularly mid-week. They mean that I can work in the morning and get an early afternoon train - meaning that I save on annual leave. The number and the quality of venues in Bristol, too, means that there are rooms for most tastes and sizes - and the Electric Bristol (a recent re-brand for what was SWX) is one of the city's many mid-sized venues. It is not my favourite venue in the city, but it is certainly not bad - and I have seen a few shows there over the years. King, unsurprisingly, attracted a large crowd - so the room was full and hot throughout the night.

Perhaps adding to the overall appeal of the show for many, the American industrial/groove/post-thrash pioneers Fear Factory were later added as special guests for both of King's UK dates - which the four-piece did tag onto an appearance at Bloodstock. I have never been the biggest fan of Fear Factory - largely as I am just not really into that 1990s metal scene from which they came. I generally consider the 1990s to be a nadir for metal of all kinds - but over time I have found more of an appreciation for bands like Pantera and Machine Head, and in the run-up to this show I did give Fear Factory a bit more of a listen. I have owned a copy of their seminal release Demanufacture for years, but beyond that I knew very little. Luckily, though, 2025 is Demanufacture's 30th anniversary - so Fear Factory have been touring throughout the summer supporting this milestone. Only Dino Cazares (guitar/vocals) remains in the band from 1995, though, and there has been quite a lot of line-up churn in recent years - but the number of Fear Factory shirts I saw in the queue and the wider crowd suggested that most did not mind. The band were afforded an hour, which meant that the whole Demanufacture album could be played - and I generally thought that the band put on a pretty strong set. I saw a few moments of their set at one of the Bloodstocks a few years ago and did not think much of them - but the sound last night was pretty clear and there was a decent amount of energy in the room despite many seemingly saving themselves for what was to follow. The album's mechanical title track kicked off the 12-song set, with drummer Pete Webber impressing from the off with his tight double kick work and ability to pull off the band's trademark industrial beats without sounding too much like a computer. Cazares' riffing was solid throughout, but Fear Factory have never been a guitar hero band, whilst frontman Milo Silvestro, who came on board in 2021, did the songs justice - with a good mix of harsh and clean vocals. He made the chorus of Self Bias Resistor soar, whilst the old single Replica felt like a true anthem. Cazares, as the only original member left, did much of the between-song talking, but he did not have much of note to say - and it would have been nice to have heard a bit more context around the album's 30th birthday with some stories from the time. Perhaps the clock was against them, though, as generally the music was left to do the talking, with the grungy Dog Day Sunrise later acting as a bit of a mid-set change of pace - whilst perhaps the most crushing moment of the night was a powerful rendition of H-K (Hunter-Killer) which saw quite a bit of singing from the crowd. Despite the number of Fear Factory shirts I saw, I did think that the crowd was a little quiet at times - but the bill was a little odd so it was likely that some of King's fans were not really into what Fear Factory were doing. Songs like the ambient A Therapy for Pain, which was the set's penultimate number, likely added to any existing confusion that some had - but the raging Linchpin, the only non-Demanufacture song played, acted as a powerful closing number - bringing some back on-side. The band's set ended up largely being a strong one, then, and I am glad to have seen Fear Factory live - even if they will never really be my thing. The setlist was:

Demanufacture

Self Bias Resistor

Zero Signal

Replica

New Breed

Dog Day Sunrise [Head of David cover]

Body Hammer

Flashpoint

H-K (Hunter-Killer)

Pisschrist

A Therapy for Pain

Linchpin

Following 30 minutes or so, during which I had to get a drink as it was very hot in the room, the lights went down and the instrumental Diablo filled the speakers as King and his band took to the stage. The band is very much a supergroup of notable thrash players - with Death Angel's frontman Mark Osegueda and former Vio-lence and Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel perhaps the two most notable inclusions. Despite this being King's band, though, he did not attempt to steal the show at all. I would say that Demmel likely soloed more than King himself - but King still did solo regularly, and the two guitarists worked well together, with the opening duo of the fast-paced Where I Reign and the groovier Rage immediately showcasing the power of the five musicians on stage. Osegueda did all of the between-song talking, too, and owned the stage as he tends to with Death Angel. He is one of the best singers in thrash and sounded powerful throughout - even owning the handful of Slayer songs performed. In terms of setlist, it was very much focused on the now. Every song from From Hell I Rise was played, but six Slayer songs, from a variety of eras, were also performed - as were two covers. The band's 90 minute set flew by, then, and there was plenty of energy from the crowd throughout - with a permanent hole left in the centre of the crowd for use by the moshers. The first third of the set was all solo material, with the slower-paced Residue and the neck-snapping Idle Hands perhaps being the stand-outs. The band sounded great, too, with Osegueda's voice soaring above the band and the screaming guitar leads also cutting through. It was a powerful display of thrash, then, and King still rocked out as hard as he did when I last saw him with Slayer back in 2016. Repentless was the first Slayer song played, but the Slayer material was not afforded any additional reverence - with the band treating the new material as equals. Whilst some of the classics did get a slightly louder crowd reaction, I was under the impression that most were familiar with King's album - and it did not feel like one of those shows were people were just waiting for the next one they knew. The punky Toxic showcased this, as it received a strong reception, but the cheer which greeted the sing-a-long Disciple did show that there was still plenty of love for the old favourites. The first of the two covers played was Iron Maiden's Purgatory, in memory of Paul Di'Anno. King and Demmel joined forces for some great harmony leads during it - and the crowd helped Osegueda out on the choruses. Slayer classics Chemical Warfare and At Dawn They Sleep were later also well-received - but perhaps it was the mash-up of Black Sabbath's Wicked World, in memory of Ozzy Osbourne, and King's own Shrapnel which went down the best. The bluesy riffing and leads of the former bled nicely into the thrash of the latter - with the Sabbath track returned to again as the latter came to a close. By now there was not much time left, but an atmospheric drum intro from Paul Bostaph signalled that it was time for Raining Blood, which perhaps saw the biggest mosh put of the night, with the evergreen classic then morphing into the older Black Magic for a great one-two punch of old-school Slayer for the die-hards. With no encore shenanigans, it was left to the title track of King's album to close out the night - and there was plenty more moshing and energy in the room as the 90 minutes came to a powerful close. The setlist was:

Diablo

Where I Reign

Rage

Trophies of the Tyrant

Residue

Two Fists

Idle Hands

Repentless [Slayer material]

Toxic

Tension

Everything I Hate About You

Disciple [Slayer material]

Purgatory [Iron Maiden cover]

Chemical Warfare [Slayer material]

Crucifixation

At Dawn They Sleep [Slayer material]

Wicked World [Black Sabbath cover]/Shrapnel

Raining Blood [Slayer material]

Black Magic [Slayer material]

From Hell I Rise

Despite seeing Cradle of Filth last month, which was something outside of my general comfort zone, last night in Bristol felt like the first proper all-out metal show I had been to for a while. Thanks to Fear Factory's mechanical grooves and King's fast-paced thrash, there was very little respite from the riffs - and live thrash is often a great experience. A clear sound mix and an energetic crowd helped the night at the Electric Bristol to shine, despite the heat in the room, and King seems to have picked up exactly where he left off with Slayer - so I hope there is more to come from this group of musicians.

California Irish's 'The Mountains Are My Friends' - Album Review

It has been quite a busy couple of years for the Northern Irish singer-songwriter Cormac Neeson. Following a quiet few pandemic and pandemic-adjacent years, he returned to the spotlight in 2023 - when his band The Answer returned from a hiatus and released the excellent, raw, and bluesy Sundowners (which I reviewed here), their first album since 2016. At one stage, I thought that The Answer were going to be one of the big rock bands of today, but sadly that rising through the ranks never really seemed to happen - and I would not be surprised if this inability to break through the glass ceiling was responsible, at least in part, for their hiatus. Following a break, though, the band are back - and plenty of shows have followed the release of Sundowners, even if their touring activities have perhaps not been as intense as they once were. I am just glad that the band are back, and pacing yourself is never a bad thing, but Neeson clearly also wants to explore other sounds - ones which would not suit The Answer's relatively hard-driving, Free-inspired blues rock sound. In 2019, during The Answer's unofficial hiatus, he released his debut solo album White Feather. For whatever reason, I did not pick the album up when it came out - but I did finally get around to it earlier this year. I remember that it was well-received at the time, but I think the reports that it was essentially a folk album put me off. I was mourning the apparent loss of The Answer at the time, and was probably not ready for something so different from Neeson, but when I finally heard it earlier this year I found it to be a delicate and moving album - given the subject matter dealt with within. It is fair to say that White Feather is not wholly my thing, but I appreciate it for what it is - and it was clearly the album that Neeson needed to make at the time. Fast forward six years, then, and what was intended to be Neeson's second solo album is here - but California Irish's The Mountains Are My Friends is certainly a band effort in terms of presentation. Neeson wrote the 10 songs with a plethora of songwriters, none of whom appear here, but after performing with some of the musicians featured as part of a Neil Young tribute show he decided to turn his second album into a band effort. The Neil Young link is fitting, too, as the songs here were very much written with the Laurel Canyon scene of the 1960s and 1970s in mind - and Neeson has indicated that he always wanted to write an album in such a style. As such, there are hints of Young here, both with and without Crosby, Stills & Nash, alongside other acts like The Byrds, Jackson Browne, and the Eagles (at least their early work). This scene, alongside other acts such as The Band and even the mellower end of Little Feat, fill the 10 songs found on The Mountains Are My Friends. It is a fuller album than White Feather but, a couple of songs aside, it is not all that much rockier - but the layering of instruments and the organic sound here set the two albums apart with this latest record being much rootsier.

Joining Neeson here are guitarists Donal Scullion and Chris Kelly, bassist James Doone, keyboard player Simon Templeton, drummer Conor McCauley, and supporting vocalist Suzy Coyle. The seven-piece band makes a big sound here even if many of the songs are quite low-key and slow-burning - but Pete Miles' production ensures that all the nuances shine through. The album was essentially recorded live in the studio in the old-fashioned analogue way - perfectly harking back to the influences which are on show throughout. One of the rockier tracks opens things up, though, with Live Fast Die Free laying down a vibe for the rest of the album to follow. A shuffling drum groove and bluesy guitar chords are overlaid with lashings of warm Hammond organ - and the song conjures up a pleasing mid-paced groove from the off which is maintained throughout. Kelly's lap steel melodies and Templeton's organ are the main touchstones here - but the spotlight generally throughout this album is on Neeson. His storytelling style and emotional delivery are very much on show throughout - but he reins it in somewhat compared to his work with The Answer. His tone very much remains, though, and Coyle harmonises well with him throughout - either adding wordless melodies in the background or boosting the sound during the pre-chorus and hooky chorus. Hand claps add to McCauley's shuffling rhythms, boosting the subtle hooks of the chorus, and the song overall is a feel-good soft rocker with plenty of soul. There are not many more moments like this here - with Old Friends perhaps more typical of the album's core sound. Neeson and Scullion, both armed with acoustic guitars, create a warm acoustic bed early on - with the Hammond from the opening track returning to create a halo around everything. The drumming is subtle and percussive, never really crashing through, likely utilising brushwork - whilst, again, the lap steel and the organ tend to provide the main musical flourishes. This is not an album about big soloing or melodies - but the occasional organ motif or slide lick give the song character. Neeson sings gently, with some of the rest of the band joining him, with the chorus in particular bringing mournful, Eagles-esque harmonies to the table. Later in the song, Coyle adds some thumb harp - giving the closing moments a plucked, percussive feel. Julie Ann, one of my favourite pieces here, feels a bit larger in scope. With three guitars, including a 12-string, there is a strong country bed over which everything is laid - whilst the slightly more hollow drumming and yet more organ create a deep, organic sound. Scullion sometimes swaps his acoustic guitar for an electric equivalent, throwing in some bluesy, melodic leads, but generally the acoustic instruments dominate - whilst lots more harmony vocals and organ flourishes create a surprisingly cinematic sound. A rare guitar solo is later included, with Neeson adding some cowbell in the background, with Scullion's slightly psychedelic yet bluesy melodies nicely rising above the rest of the band's dense sound. The scope and the focus on the guitar melodies here makes the song stand out for me.

Side by Side opens with a slow-burning drum beat - over which simple acoustic guitar chords and effects-heavy electric guitar melodies are added. Whilst not as cinematic as the last song, there is also quite a lot going on here to create a warm bed for Neeson's emotional, plaintive vocals. Coyle's harmonies feel a bit more pronounced in parts, her voice adding character, whilst the return of the lap steel adds emotional swells where needed - especially during the chorus. Templeton sticks to his organ, even if its growl is not as prominent here as it has been, whilst Neeson adds some percussive piano melodies at times - particularly as the song progresses. Something Different sees Templeton behind the piano, so the song opens with delicate piano melodies - backed by the hollow percussion of McCauley. Even compared to many of the songs here, this song is pretty low key. There is little of the warmth of what has come before. The sparkle of the piano creates a different sound, whilst the stark acoustic guitars feel slightly colder than the album's typical sound. The vocal arrangement is also different. Neeson sings in a slightly higher register than he would generally do - and the harmonies are essentially ever-present this time, creating a shimmering and slightly ethereal sound throughout. The song has a strong old-school folk feel then - and this is a track which really leans into the album's influences in a big way. The folkier feeling is only enhanced later on, too, when both Neeson and Coyle add some recorder melodies - adding woodwind to the acoustic guitar and organic piano vibes. Returning to the relatively more upbeat feel of the album's opening song, Big Questions has a bit more of a southern rock edge - with electric piano melodies driving everything and slightly brasher guitar tones adding depth. Hammond organ is also used in places, particularly during the chorus, but the boogie of the piano is a big part of the song's infectious energy. This song is probably the closest in style to The Answer - and Neeson sings more in his typical manner here, allowing his bluesy rasp to shine through on occasion. It is jauntier than The Answer, with more of an acoustic guitar base and a less defined drum sound - but some blues rock elements are on show thanks to a Kelly guitar solo and some prominent bass playing. Given that most of this album is quite laid back, this fun, up-tempo song is a strong addition to the album - and I can imagine it going down well live. Can't Let Go returns to the album's more typical sound, though, but it is the first song here to feature Coyle more prominently. Whilst she generally is utilised as a harmony vocalist, this song is sung as a duet - with Coyle dominating early on. Her smooth, warm voice differs from Neeson's slightly more ragged delivery - with the two singers contrasting nicely. It is why Coyle's harmonies work well elsewhere - and Neeson's harmonies here during the first verse and chorus work similarly well. Neeson takes over for the second verse, and he sings in a much deeper manner than is typical - whilst a good mix of organ and piano create the main drive of the song whilst acoustic guitars add depth. Templeton gets to showcase his abilities later on with a piano solo - with this extended instrumental moment probably the album's longest.

Sunday Morning also opens slowly, with sparse and slightly brash guitar chords, despite the slow vibe, whilst slide guitar melodies nicely add some mournful melodies behind Neeson's vocals. Given the slight brashness of the opening, it is unsurprising when this song morphs into a slightly more full-bodied piece. It is not as rocking as the couple of faster tracks here, but it certainly feels brasher and more hard-hitting than much the rest of the album. Screaming, bluesy guitar leads are utilised occasionally, whilst, again, a mix of organ and piano creates a varied backing for a strong mix of electric and acoustic guitars. Electric guitars dominate here, though, which is rare - whilst Coyle's harmonies and counterpoint vocal additions feel a little more cutting than usual, which adds nicely to the song's overall sound. Hard We Fall is much more typical of the rest of the album - with layered acoustic guitars, Neeson's plaintive vocals, and Coyle's subtle harmonies setting an early warm tone. Neeson adds some harmonica throughout, which only enhances the album's more organic feel, whilst as the song progresses its arrangement grows in a subtle, yet noticeable, way. The drumming later adds some depth, as do the long-held bass notes, whilst subtle organ washes and occasional piano flourishes add to the song in a similar manner the harmonica. As the song progresses, too, Neeson's vocals become more intense and ragged. The closing moments see him really pushing himself, which allows him to deliver an emotional performance which reminds me of some of his more hard rocking moments with The Answer - albeit toned down and set against a more acoustic backing. The album then comes to a close with I Am Free, a slightly more cinematic piece which reminds me somewhat in scope of Julie Ann from earlier in the album. Big acoustic guitar chords, crying lap steel melodies, and dense backing vocal arrangements help to create a scope which sets the song apart from much of the rest of the album. There is a bit of a groove from the rhythm section despite the slow-moving feel, whilst busy piano playing from Templeton is full of character. This song is also another which features Coyle more prominently, and she takes over vocally later in the song - with a vocal delivery which feels a little more cutting than she did when she previously sang lead here. She adds quite a bit of grit to her sections - and when Neeson joins back in, which is accompanied by noticeable organ swells, the two sing together in a pleasing manner to bring the album to a close, with the last section featuring limited instrumentation as the two of them, plus other members of the band, harmonise together. It is a warm and enjoyable end to the album - with I Am Free being another highlight overall for me thanks to its scope and interesting vocal arrangements. The Mountains Are My Friends is certainly a bit of a different album from Neeson but it is not one that I am surprised that he has made. This sort of music suits his voice and some of the slower moments on The Answer's albums have previously hinted at what was fully realised here. It is an enjoyable album with lots of heart and an atmosphere which feels genuine. I like it for those reasons, even if it is not the sort of album I am likely to play regularly - but those who enjoy warmth, strong songwriting, and a nod to the past should find plenty of enjoy here.

The album was released on 18th July 2025 via 7Hz Productions Ltd. Below is the band's promotional video for Something Different.

Styx's 'Circling from Above' - Album Review

I have spoken recently on this blog, when reviewing Little Feat's strong latest album Strike Up the Band (which can be read here) in particular, about the current trend of veteran bands, some of whom had not released new music for a number of years, suddenly seeming keen to once again write and record. Whilst some older bands have never stopped being creative, with new albums dropping every few years, some slow down. It is understandable if all band-related activity slows down, but when a band continues to tour regularly playing the same old greatest hits set night after night the lack of any new material really starts to become apparent - but, thankfully, some bands start to realise this and force themselves to be creative again, often with positive results. I also recently covered the excellent Walk This Road (which can be read here) by The Doobie Brothers, a band which could have been described as in a creative slump not all that long ago, and today I am turning to another band which has righted such wrongs in more recent years - the Chicago-based rockers Styx. Before 2017, Styx had not released anything new since 2003's Cyclorama. Cyclorama has certainly grown on me, and I like quite a bit of it these days, but it is no classic - and in 2003, a time when fewer people seemed interested in new music from veteran bands, it almost certainly sank without a trace. I imagine that it took the band a while to come to terms with this lack of success - particularly as the 1999 album Brave New World, which saw the band's classic three singer-songwriters reunited, had also struggled to make much of an impact. Styx had a lot of success in the 1970s and 1980s, with even 1990's Edge of the Century a gold-selling album in the US, so it must have been hard to adjust to a lack of big sales. I think this is often the reason why veteran bands stop releasing new music - but those who adjust their mindset and expectations often find an audience for their new albums, and I also think that audiences seem more receptive to new music now than they were a decade or two ago. Styx underwent this change of perspective just under a decade ago, with the stunning The Mission (which I reviewed here) from 2017 honestly rivalling some of the 1970s/1980s classics in my opinion. It brought back some of the band's progressive influences in a big way - and perfectly fused prog rock ideas with pomp rock bombast and pop songwriting. All of the classic Styx hallmarks were present throughout The Mission, and 2021's Crash of the Crown (which I reviewed here) was almost as good. Both were easily better than anything Styx had done since 1981's Paradise Theatre, with The Mission potentially going back further. I was hoping for more, and earlier this year the band surprise dropped their eighteenth studio album Circling from Above. It officially came out last month, but physical copies were available directly from the band prior to this official release - with this old-school approach and focus physical media a welcome one. The Mission will always be a high-point for modern Styx, and Circling from Above is not as strong - but it is another enjoyable album with plenty of memorable moments.

Sound-wise, though, Circling from Above is less bombastic and hard rocking than usual. This is more of an overt pop-prog album, with a good mix of retro synths and organic guitar tones - alongside power pop-esque vocal harmonies and melodies. It still sounds like a Styx album, but it does have its own feel - even if, like the last two albums, it is made up of lots of shorter songs which segue together. There has been a line-up shift since the last album, too, with bassist Terry Gowan having replaced Ricky Phillips last year. He shares bass duties with original bassist Chuck Panozzo here, but I would imagine that Panozzo's contributions were fairly limited - as has been the case for many years at this point due to his health. The other change sees the band's producer Will Evankovich (The Guess Who) credited as an official member this time, contributing guitars, keyboards, and even some vocals. Evankovich was a big part of the last two albums, so him coming on board formally makes sense. As has been the case of late, too, Evankovich makes up a third of the main songwriting triumvirate here - with guitarist Tommy Shaw and keyboard player Lawrence Gowan completing it. Opening with the fairly brief title track, the album gets underway with an organic feel. Shimmering keyboards get things going, with old-school prog tones on show from the off - and even when the rest of the band join in a slow-burning Pink Floyd feel is established with a sombre drum groove, prominent bass playing, and Shaw and Lawrence joining forces vocally. Spacey guitar melodies and prominent acoustic guitar additions only enhance this atmospheric feel - and the song soon transitions into lead single Build and Destroy with some synth melodies and a bit of a change of pace. The song is a bit more up-tempo, with electric piano melodies and synth leads ensuring that the organic feel remains. Lawrence sings this one, his slightly throaty voice adding some grit over the keyboard-heavy sound - whilst occasional crashes of guitar and a prominent bassline create a strong groove. Long-time drummer Todd Sucherman adds to this groove, too, and there is a slight funk edge thanks to the driving electric piano, bass, and drums - but the synth flourishes and big chorus vocal harmonies are full of vintage Styx-isms. A wah-drenched guitar solo sounds like the work of founding guitarist James Young, as it has his hard rock edge, but generally the leads here come from the keyboards. Michigan opens with some buzzing guitar notes and fizzing synth tones - but the smoothness of Shaw's voice acts as a nice contrast. Shaw sounds as good as ever vocally here and his sense of melody is very much intact. His melodic hooks rise above the guitar-driven semi-rocker - which feels rawer thanks to a big acoustic guitar presence, plenty of bass, and less keyboard flash. Chorus vocal harmonies conjure up old-school Styx memories, though, whilst the occasional warmer synth lead also contrasts nicely with the rawer guitar tones and the percussive nature of Sucherman's drumming. It is not exactly hard rock, but little here is - and there is a nice energy to the piece which is welcome.

King of Love is the only song here which features vocals from Young. Young's input in Styx's new material seems fairly limited, with this album the second in a row without a Young writing credit, and his vocal presence has also reduced. In truth, his voice is not what it was, so this is probably no bad thing - but his deeper croon does suit the slightly sultry vibe of the song. Again, there are strong grooves here. The drum and bass playing is a bit different from the norm - whilst a big chorus returns to more of a bombastic sound thanks to some rumbling Hammond organ, huge vocal harmonies, and Shaw's heroic vocals. Young takes the verses and Shaw takes the chorus, then, whilst another pretty busy guitar solo is also likely from Young - showing that he still has plenty to offer. Synth runs add plenty of melody elsewhere, too, and the track is a highlight. It's Clear reins in the energy of the last track, and it instead opens slowly - with building synths and Lawrence's gritty vocals. I have always loved his tone, and he suits the atmospheric opening of this track nicely - whilst percussive drumming and flashy synth melodies fade in and out, again creating a progressive feel. Shaw takes over for the chorus, which is more pop-focused and fast-paced. The two main singers have really gelled over the past couple of decades - but especially on these newer albums. Their harmonies are tight and lush - and Lawrence adds plenty to the chorus here despite Shaw dominating. A harder rocking bridge, more synth flashes, and a country-tinged closing section all contribute to the track being another strong one. Forgive is more of an acoustic number, at least early on, with big acoustic guitars dominating, subtle organ washes, and gentle percussion creating an initial bed for Shaw's plaintive vocals. Lawrence sings quite a bit of the song, but the two go back and forth throughout - with Lawrence later expanding the overall tapestry with some piano melodies. The song continues to grow throughout, though, and it is another which has some Pink Floyd vibes in the second half as the scope widens quite significantly. Allowing for a jauntier sound, Everybody Raise a Glass feels rockier than the previous song, with driving piano from Lawrence the core of the piece whilst early Queen vibes fade in and out. Flamboyant vocal harmonies, vaudeville rhythms, and a sunny disposition - the song is a lot of fun. It is quite different for Styx, but the band have often had a theatrical side - and it is certainly on show somewhat here. There is less of the prog instrumentation here, with jaunty piano and guitars instead backing Lawrence's powerful vocals throughout. Blue Eyed Raven is different again, with Shaw leading throughout and the song having an infectious country/bluegrass feel. Acoustic guitars dominate throughout, with simple percussion backing the thrashed acoustic chords - with Shaw's urgency apparent throughout. The percussion adds a lot here, as do Lawrence's subtle vocal harmonies, but the guitar and Shaw's voice drive everything for the most part - with a busy acoustic guitar solo later adding plenty of melody. A hooky chorus refrain keeps the song interesting given the stripped back vibe - but later on the band do join in in a more meaningful manner, with a fiddle solo added by session player Aubrey Haynie. The final chorus feels bigger, too, and the song is a lot of fun thanks to its sense of urgency and melody.

She Knows is the first Styx song to feature lead vocals from Evankovich - and his voice sits somewhere between Shaw's and Lawrence's. He has a bit of a gritty edge like Lawrence, but he lacks the drama - as there is also a hint of Shaw's smoothness. I am not sure that his voice adds anything to the song which Shaw or Lawrence could not add - but he has a pleasing voice and given his big part in making Styx creative again it is nice to hear him sing. The piece is also quite acoustic-driven, but there is more of a band feel from the off and there is also a lot of piano throughout - with Lawrence adding harmonies when needed. Big acoustic guitars, cinematic drumming, and synth flourishes add depth. The short Ease Your Mind is essentially a piano bridge with Lawrence taking the lead - and it acts as the intro to The Things That You Said, which opens with staccato piano melodies and Shaw's smooth voice. Like many of the songs here, Sucherman's drumming is quite percussive here, with lots of tom work to create some strong grooves - whilst the piano generally acts as the driving force. Subtle strings later add a grandness, whilst some Queen-like melodies during some more cinematic moments create bombast - as does a flashy synth solo which dominates later on, before Queen is again referenced with some thin guitar leads. The last moments of the song are much rockier, too, with heavy guitars building on the piano of earlier to create a big sound as the song comes to a close. We Lost the Wheel Again also features Evankovich on vocals, with the track feeling more upbeat and organic - thanks to some strident acoustic guitar chords, busy bass playing, and crashing drumming. There is a bit of a Who vibe here thanks to the strutting nature of the rhythm section and the brash acoustic guitars - and Evankovich's voice suits the track, as he leans into his grittier side a bit more here. It is another somewhat different song for Styx - as it lacks most of the band's usual flair and bombast early on. Lawrence does take over vocally during a bridge section, which features piano playing and more of a lush feel, but once a big guitar solo kicks in the song returns to its more organic base. The album then comes to a close with Only You Can Decide. Shaw sings this closing number, whilst slow-moving acoustic guitar and piano melodies sit beneath him. Again, there are shades of Pink Floyd here - especially when Sucherman's drums come in to create a sombre vibe. Spacey synths are added at the same, too, with the vocal harmonies from Lawrence adding some class - even though Shaw is the dominant force here. A cinematic guitar solo builds on this further, taking the song to the next level, but I like how things soon return to how things opened initially after that - with the acoustic guitars and piano seeing the song to a close, albeit with some additional vocal harmonies this time. It may lack some of Styx's usual pomp and bombast, but Circling from Above has certainly grown on me quite a bit - with each listen revealing something new. There are some classic-sounding Styx moments here, but there are also a few songs that do something different - and for a veteran band that is always welcome. There is a dreamy vibe and a retro feel here which I like - and the album shows a bit of a different side to Styx whilst adding another enjoyable album to their catalogue.

The album was released on 18th July 2025 via Universal Music Enterprises. Below is the band's promotional video for Build and Destroy.

Malevolence's 'Where Only the Truth Is Spoken' - Album Review

It feels like quite a while since I last reviewed something heavy. It seems like most of my reviews of late have covered more traditional hard rock, melodic, and progressive acts than all-out metal. There is quite a lot of metal I am looking forward to later in the year, so expect more heaviness to come, but coming along today to redress the balance and inject some riffs back into this blog is the Sheffield-based five-piece Malevolence - a band that are, perhaps, the UK metal scene's ultimate rising stars. They can trace their history back to 2010, and released their debut album Reign of Suffering in 2013, but I feel like over the past five years the band's stature has significantly increased. Their first decade seemed like a bit of a slow-burn, but the release of EP The Other Side in 2020 and, particularly, third album Malicious Intent (which I briefly discussed here) in 2022 brought Malevolence into the light in a more significant way. I was certainly not aware of the band before 2022 - and I remember picking up Malicious Intent a little while after it came out following the many positive reviews of it I had read - alongside the fact that I would be seeing them open for Trivium in January 2023. I would not say that I was hooked on the band from the off, but in the months leading up to the gig I warmed to Malevolence. Their mix of old-school metalcore, hardcore, and 1990s sludgy groove metal started to click, despite me not being the biggest fan of the latter two, and it helped that the songwriting was tight, with two distinct and powerful vocalists shaking up established formulas - as well as the band's willingness to throw in plenty of huge guitar melodies and solos. Malevolence's sound really is a mix of lots of different types of metal, then, which I think is what makes them stand out and likely why they have become so popular - but it also helps that they are a venomous live act. They really owned the stage opening for Trivium - and I saw them again as a headline act later the same year with Sylosis in tow. Sylosis were largely the reason I bought a ticket, but I knew that I would enjoy Malevolence again and it was impressive seeing the band command quite a large and sold out room with apparent ease. They are headlining the O2 Academy in Brixton later this year, so Malevolence's star has only risen further since, and it helps that this has come alongside the release of their fourth studio album Where Only the Truth Is Spoken - their first since Malicious Intent. Malicious Intent felt like a step up from what had come before, and it was also the band's first release on a major label, and Where Only the Truth Is Spoken feels similarly such. Working with Josh Wilbur, who has produced bands like Gojira, Lamb of God, and Trivium, feels like a big achievement for the band - and there is also a guest appearance here from Randy Blythe (Lamb of God). This would all count for little, though, if the songs and the performances were not top notch - but they are. The first half of the album in particular is excellent, with endless riffs, anthemic choruses, and solos filling all of the songs - with the band's craft having been honed by keeping the same line-up for the past 15 years. Frontman Alex Taylor, guitarists Josh Baines and Konan Hall (the latter of whom also doubles up as a secondary vocalist), bassist Wilkie Robinson, and drummer Charlie Thorpe are as tight as anything at this point - and Where Only the Truth Is Spoken, despite some big name 'help', feels like an album honed through years of touring and camaraderie.

The last album opened with a short, sludgy track which set quite a nasty tone from the off, but this album opens in a more typical fashion - with the powerful Blood to the Leech kicking things off nicely. The first six songs here represent some of Malevolence's best work to date. This is not to belittle the second half of the album, but the first half is particularly strong - and Blood to the Leech is a fine opening statement. Plentiful snare rolls and a fast-paced riff kick things off, with the opening instrumental moments of the song soon morphing into a more groovy and hard-driving section - with a good balance of more straight ahead beats and plenty of double bass drumming. The main riff mixes great groovy patterns with a hardcore attitude, whilst the rest of the song moves back and forth between mid-paced power and thrash-adjacent speed. Taylor is a hugely powerful harsh vocalist. He may not be the most diverse of singers, but his tone and diction is great - and he works well above the snapping riffing and drumming of this mix of thrash and sludge, with the chorus in particular sounding powerful thanks to some gang vocals from the rest of the band. Despite not featuring any clean vocals or lead guitar moments, which does set this song apart from many of the band's others, the mix of riffing styles and speeds allows for a dynamic approach. A brief spoken word section then segues into Trenches - a real groove/hardcore effort which largely stays in a more mid-paced lane, sticking its chest out with real attitude. Taylor dominates during the intro, spitting out the opening vocals against staccato riffing and drumming - whilst the darker verses which follow feature more prominent bass playing, with more reined in guitars, to allow for a little light and shade, despite the heavy tone remaining. Hall's roaring clean vocals add a lot to the later chorus. He does not sing as much here as he sometimes does, but he backs Taylor's growls nicely - and the chorus sticks in the brain as a result thanks to this vocal approach and a more old-school metal riff. A brief guitar solo also adds a lot. If It's All the Same to You really harks back to the previous album, and it is one of the album's biggest anthems. It feels as if the band has focused a lot more on anthemic songwriting in recent years - and this song is another example of such. The opening mid-paced riff is an immediate ear-worm, and one sure to open up pits live, whilst a great mix of thrashy verses and a slower chorus with more of a clean vocal presence really is Malevolence 101 at this point. After a couple more riffy songs, too, there is a lot more lead guitar here. Baines throws in some bluesy and effects-heavy leads following the first chorus, only adding to the melodic nature of the piece following Hall's gritty chorus vocals, and some of the riffy moments feature leads over the top of them. A hardcore breakdown later adds further grooves - and I can see this song becoming a real fan-favourite.

Counterfeit opens with distant riffing and vocals, with the band fading into view as Taylor bellows the song's title - only for another big mid-paced riff to kick in. There is definitely a strong Lamb of God influence to what Malevolence do, despite the hardcore edge, and this riff feels somewhat influenced by that band - despite the drumming not being as intricate. This is not to take anything away from Thorpe, who puts on a great show throughout the album, it is more to note the different vibe between the two bands - although there is a pre-chorus moment which does feature some more intricate drumming as if to prove me wrong! Despite lots of mid-paced riffing here, this is a song which feels pacier overall. It is certainly at the higher end of mid-paced, and Baines' guitar solo is set to a backdrop of real thrash, with the speed allowing for some more technical riffing and some slightly higher-pitched vocals from Hall than is typical. Salt the Wound is more of a change of pace, with the song showcasing much more light and shade. It has ballad-like tendencies, and has vibes of Higher Place from the last album - but this is a heavier track overall in my opinion. Still, clean guitar melodies and slow-burning drumming kick things off, with Hall taking the lead vocally during the verses. His deep, rumbling voice is able to carry quite a bit of emotion, and he suits the murky clean guitar backing here - before the band take things up a notch during a groovy, mid-paced chorus which ups the heaviness and sees Taylor take over. Bluesy guitar interludes add to the atmospheric nature of the piece early on - but once the riffing takes over properly after the second chorus it is very much business as usual for the rest of the song, with mid-paced grooves building on the early murk, even if Hall sings more than would be typical. So Help Me God is another song which is very typical of the modern Malevolence sound - insofar as it is a song which was clearly written to be an anthem. Despite this, it feels thrashier than some of the band's other anthems, which means that the verses really barrel along at pace, but this pace only helps the song to feel memorable overall. Occasional slower, groovier moments take over, but generally the track steams along - although the hooky chorus is somewhat more mid-paced, with Hall's vocals more overtly melodic than is typical. I am not sure the band have done a chorus quite so melodic before, but it works well - and the thrashy pace and riffing elsewhere help to maintain the overall heaviness. Imperfect Picture opens with some percussive drumming and a slow-building riff, which soon morphs into a simplified Lamb of God-style groovy opening - with the rest of the song generally sticking to a similar pace, despite a murkier overall vibe. Hall's vocals are generally reserved for chorus hooks or ballad-like moments - but he sings quite a bit of the song, with his clean vocals over the heavier verse riffs giving the song a grungy feel. Taylor's harsh vocals weave in and out, but the clean vocals tend to dominate - and that gives the song a different vibe. Due to this murky feel, with effects-heavy guitars in places, the song never feels as heavy as is typical for the band - with the grungy feeling making the song stand out. I have to say it is not a song that has really stuck with me, but I appreciate the intent to try something new.

Heavens Shake returns to something more riff-driven, although the opening moments and later chorus do feel a bit different from the band's typical sound, The riffing is a bit more slow-burning despite it retaining the band's heaviness, but there are some quite prominent synths which add a slight coldness. The intro and chorus repeat this vibe throughout, whereas the verses are more typical with groovy, headbanging riffs and Taylor's staccato, barked vocals giving strong hardcore vibes. Lead guitar moments are quite plentiful, too, with a shredded lead acting as a hooky pre-chorus - whilst a later solo builds on these. Hall and Taylor join forces for the chorus, battling against the synths, whilst a slow hardcore breakdown throws things back to the band's early days. This song shows the band's mix of styles nicely, and is one which really opens up after repeated listens. In Spite features Blythe and, following a couple more slightly experimental tracks, Malevolence return to their core sound here. The track is a venomous, mid-paced anthem with numerous big riffs and plenty of knotty lead guitar interludes. Slightly faster verses and a headbanging, groovy chorus are packed with the band's usual attitude - with Hall adding some clean hooks to the sweeping chorus, and Taylor's barks elsewhere powerfully rise above the mix of thrash-adjacent riffing and hardcore grooves. Blythe is added later in the piece, initially adding moody spoken word before be gradually morphs into his distinct growl over a building and groove-laden bridge section. Demonstration of Pain is also a fairly typical Malevolence track at this point, although it is another which plays with pace quite a bit. Parts of the song are quite thrashy, with instrumental riff-led moments upping the pace and allowing for some brief moments of shredding, whilst the vocal-led sections tend to slow the pace somewhat - with the verses in particular taking on a sludgy groove. The chorus is more typical and mid-paced, with a subtle anthemic quality, and I like how the song constantly plays with pace - which is built on again later during a bridge section which slows things down further and introduces some death metal-adjacent riffing briefly. The album then comes to a close with With Dirt from My Grave, which opens with some thrashy riffing - that tends to characterise the song throughout. This is one of the fastest overall songs here, and it leaves the band's usual groovy approach behind for the most part. The chorus feels somewhat groovy, with strong anthemic vocal hooks, but it is still pacier than would be typical - whilst Thorpe's ride-led drumming is perfect for the pace of the track. This is another song which has grown on me quite a bit - with the chorus hooks now shining through, and the energy levels being upped a welcome closing statement. Baines' guitar solo is excellent, too, and the fast song is a powerful way to close out the album. With some strong, anthemic statements and a few moments of experimentation, Where Only the Truth Is Spoken is a powerful effort from Malevolence. It builds on the more straight ahead Malicious Intent, showcasing perhaps a little more variety, whilst ensuring that the good work established in the past remains intact. It might not feel as immediate but the album rewards those repeat listens - and Malevolence are certainly deserving of all the love coming their way.

The album was released on 20th June 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Below is the band's promotional video for If It's All the Same to You.

A-Z's 'A2Z²' - Album Review

Whilst the US progressive metal act Fates Warning have never officially split up, it seems to be received wisdom that they are essentially done. Following the release of the band's last album Long Day Good Night (which I reviewed here) in 2020, Fates Warning have been quiet. They have not toured since the pandemic, meaning that nothing from Long Day Good Night has ever been played live, and it was hinted at in some interviews around the time of the album's release that it could well be the band's last - and so far that seems to have been true. I think I recall frontman Ray Alder essentially confirming that the band was done, at least as a live act, sometime after Long Day Good Night's release. This was sad news, but all things have to come to an end at some point - and Fates Warning never really received the fame they deserved compared to many of their peers. The band seemed destined to play small clubs forever, despite some early success, and this must become tiring after a while despite Fates Warning generally being well received and respected in the prog metal world. I can understand why Alder and founding guitarist Jim Matheos quietly put the band to bed - but I think that it is fair to say that neither have been quiet in terms of new music over the past few years. Matheos has been busy with his melodic hard rock project Kings of Mercia, with FM's Steve Overland, which have released two enjoyable albums - and he even teamed up with Alder last year for an atmospheric and sparse album under the name North Sea Echoes (which I have not heard). Alder, on the other hand, has released two solo albums (although the first one came out in 2019, before Fates Warning's last album) and has joined forces with former Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder in the supergroup A-Z. Zonder was the drummer of Fates Warning from 1988 to 2005 - so contributed to some of the band's best albums including the lush, commercial Parallels from 1991 and the dense, conceptual A Pleasant Shade of Gray from 1997. Zonder has also played in heavier bands such as Warlord and Spirits of Fire - so he is well-known in the metal world and commands plenty of respect. A-Z's self titled debut album (which I reviewed here) was released in 2022 and it was one that I enjoyed quite a bit at the time - but have not returned to much of late. It was unclear at the time whether or not the album would be a one-off or whether A-Z would morph into a more long-term project. The band have not played live since the album came out, which is typical of all of these post-Fates Warning projects, but clearly it was felt that there was chemistry following the first album - as three years on A-Z are back with their second album A2Z². Sound-wise, this latest album is similar to the first one - insofar as it is a song-based, melodic progressive metal album that is not especially intricate with some classic hard rock overtones. There are shades of the more overtly melodic end of Fates Warning's early 1990s songwriting - with similarities to Alder's two solo albums also present. This latest album is certainly more of the same, but the songwriting remains strong - and I have been enjoying its 10 songs over the past month or so.

Returning from the first album to join Alder and Zonder is bassist Philip Bynoe - but the rest of the band this time are new, with A-Z expanding to a six-piece. Replacing guitarist Joop Wolters are Simone Mularoni (DGM; Empyrios; Lalu) and Nick van Dyk (Redemption; Fool's Game), meaning that this album sees Alder and van Dyk reunited following the many years they spent together in Redemption, and replacing Vivien Lalu on keyboards is veteran musician Jimmy Waldo (New England; Alcatrazz; Blackthorne; Graham Bonnet Band; Warlord). As with the last album, A2Z² is a collaborative effort from a songwriting perspective - but the line-up changes have not significantly altered the band's core sound. Alder and Zonder drive the project, though, so those mid-period Fates Warning comparisons are inevitable - and the opening track Fire Away sets the band's stall out from the off. A cinematic guitar chord progression, behind which Zonder introduces himself with some big drum fills, opens the mid-paced track - and from the off the band's focus on melody is apparent from the off. Alder, who has aged more gracefully than some of his peers, really delivers on the vocal front throughout. His warm and melodic delivery suits the song's mid-paced and wide scope - whilst the two guitarists allow for proper rhythm and lead definition. Subtle guitar leads are present throughout much of the song - with the chorus in particular growing in stature when you notice the guitar melodies behind Alder's vocals. A slightly crunchier bridge section later showcases a bit of a heavier approach, with big power chords and Zonder's punchy drumming, whilst a shredded guitar solo injects some prog metal flamboyance. I get the impression that much of the lead work here is from Mularoni, and his soloing is fast-paced but tasteful. Running in Place segues in from the ending of the previous song, but the band pick up the pace somewhat here initially - with a more pronounced guitar riff and some double bass drumming from Zonder. Despite this heaviness, which resurfaces throughout the song, the track feels a bit more dynamic overall. The verses are generally more slow-burning, with percussive drumming, guitar and bass melodies playing off each other, and subtle keyboards, whilst the pre-chorus and chorus are more akin to the song's opening moments - with heavier drumming and a more intense vocal performance. A short guitar solo is included early on, too, whilst a bridge section later on diverts into AOR territory with subtle vocal harmonies and more of a keyboard presence. A second (and third) guitar solo later feels more stretched out and cinematic - and the song overall is a good example of the band pushing themselves somewhat. Nothing Is Over also opens with some big guitar moments, but this time a hooky refrain draws the listener in from the off - with some of Zonder's drum fills recalling the 1980s. This track feels tougher overall, and there are some strong 1980s prog metal vibes throughout - with plenty of knotty little guitar melodies during the instrumental moments and the occasional burst of Hammond organ. A smooth chorus adds plenty of melodies, bringing out the best of Alder, whereas the verses are much punchier thanks to some hard-hitting drumming and the organ's pulse. There certainly strong Fates Warning vibes here, but the chorus also leads into some of those AOR vibes from the last song - with another big guitar solo for good measure.

A Wordless Prison reins in much of the mid-paced rock vibe which has dominated the album up to this point, at least first, instead opening with subtle percussion and swirling synths. Once Alder starts to sing, Waldo adds some ringing piano whilst the guitarists come in with some clean melodies. As is typical of Alder's work, though, the atmospheric song has a dense feeling. There is nothing light and airy here, with the song feeling weighed down by its atmosphere - which is fitting given that the piece does not end up being a ballad. It seems at first like it could be - but it is not long before the band crash in and the track morphs back into the band's core sound, with crunchy riffing and punchy drumming creating a tougher mid-paced rock sound. The verses buzz thanks to this metallic guitar tone, whilst the chorus feels a bit more anthemic thanks to another subtle guitar lead sitting beneath Alder's soaring vocals. He may not have the biggest range these days, but his tone and emotional approach to singing keeps him sounding fresh - and he can switch between a grittier, heavier approach and something more anthemic with ease. This song is the best of both, then, with the atmospheric intro a bonus in showcasing his diverse singing approach. Reaching Out returns more to the core sound of the rest of the album from the off - with a barrelling guitar riff nicely accented by some more prominent keyboards. This is not an especially keyboard-heavy album, particularly given the two guitarists present, but they do shine through occasionally - and the opening part of this song is one of those moments. Some of the riffy moments throughout are embellished nicely by the keyboards, but generally this is a pretty typical A-Z song at this point - with some more shades of AOR during a hooky chorus and guitar playing which is generally memorable despite a lack of typical prog bombast. I would have liked the keyboards to take on a bit more of a prominent role at times - but that has never really been Alder's style, with more of a tapestry approach often taken. The Remedy opens with a bit of a drum barrage, before a hooky little guitar motif takes over - whilst a drum groove and a similarly interesting chord progression backs it. Whilst the track is another mid-paced piece, the grooves from the intro remain throughout. This gives the song a unique rhythm compared to many of the other songs here - with Bynoe shining during the slightly funky and hard-driving verses. A hooky and smoother chorus, with some effects-heavy guitars in the background, are more akin to everything else here, but the mix of these hooks and the pulsing verses makes for a strong combination. I Am Numb picks up the pace somewhat, building on some of the heavier moments of last track to create something which is also somewhat groovy - but also hard rocking. The song is not exactly thrash pace, but compared to much of the album it feels faster - with up-tempo shuffling drumming keeping the song moving whilst snappy prog metal riffs pack the verses full of melody. Alder sings in his slightly gritter manner during much of the song, too, which helps the overall vibe, even if the chorus is as smooth and hooky as ever.

Opening with some piano melodies and strings, This Chaotic Symphony feels quite different to much of the rest of the album. It is certainly a much more atmospheric piece than many of the rockers here - and it channels some strong prog vibes throughout. As was the case with A Wordless Prison, too, the song is not a ballad - but it starts out slowly, building over the first couple of minutes until the band kick in proper. The keyboards and clean guitars set the atmospheric early tone, and the classic Alder vibe is once again intact - with his emotional vocals rising above the slow-burning intro, and filling the rest of the song with grit. There have been cinematic moments on the album up to this point, but this song builds on all of them - and really leans into the prog songwriting talents of those involved. Instrumentally the song is more intricate than is typical, too, with harmony guitar leads, a big guitar solo, and even a synth solo from Waldo allowing for a powerful and fairly lengthy instrumental section - whilst another memorable chorus ties everything together with some more excellent Alder vocals. Opening with some punchy guitar riffing and some Hammond accents, Learning to Fly returns to the album's core sound following the more expansive previous track. Following the prog instrumentation and scope of the last track, Learning to Fly feels a little rudimentary in comparison, but it is still a strong song with hooky melodies - and some of the individual guitar leads here are some of the album's most memorable. Occasional heavier guitar riffs and the aforementioned organ inclusion do help the track to stand out - but generally this another pretty smooth hard rocker, although the guitar solo, which builds on those aforementioned leads, may be one of the album's best thanks to its hooks. The album then comes to a close with Now I Walk Away, which opens with some pulsing synths and gets going once some murky clean guitars join in and Alder starts to sing. That dense semi-ballad approach from the other slower sections on the album returns here, but this song feels more ballad-like than the others. A more band-orientated chorus sees some heaviness and fuller arrangements, but generally this is much more of a slow-burner with atmospheric keyboards and murky guitar melodies. Alder sounds great here and, even more than usual, this song really feels like a vehicle for his voice. His voice is full of character, and the more atmospheric approach lets him pour plenty of emotion into the album as it comes to a close. Another lengthy guitar solo is excellent, too, and it builds on many of the emotions which Alder injects into the piece. It is a solo which gets busier as it moves along, which suits the song's more dynamic approach of slower verses and a heavier chorus - and it is fitting that one last guitar solo is included given that they have generally been highlights of the album. Overall, then, A2Z² is a very enjoyable follow up to the band's debut album - with the line-up changes not having much of an impact on the band building on their established sound. There is very much a template here which is generally stuck too, but the occasional deviations showcase the band members' prog backgrounds nicely - and there is a lot to like here from both a prog metal and a more typical hard rock perspective thanks to some big guitar solos and some melodic choruses.

The album was released on 6th June 2025 via Metal Blade Records. Below is the band's promotional video for Nothing Is Over.

Katatonia's 'Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State' - Album Review

Given my love of progressive metal and the fact that I generally enjoy a lot of gothic metal, it seems strange that the Swedish band Katatonia is not one that I have paid much attention to over the years. My first real exposure to the band was 2012's Dead End Kings, which I picked up a little while after it came out following the constant good reviews the album was getting in prog circles. It seemed to be one of those albums that stuck with a few prog-loving friends for a long time - and I somewhat enjoyed it when I finally picked it up, feeling that some of the songs were somewhat reminiscent of what Anathema were doing at the time but with more of a gothic edge. It did not stick with me, though, and it is only over the past year or so that I started to make more of an effort with the band - following picking up 2023's Sky Void of Stars quite cheaply. I have since heard some of the band's other more recent albums, alongside fan-favourite Viva Emptiness from 2003, but I would certainly not consider myself an expert. There is still much to explore, including the death/doom era which kicked off the Katatonia story in the early 1990s, but I have started to gain something of an appreciation for the band - despite them currently falling into that quite cold end of the prog metal scene that I tend to struggle with. I have never really liked Porcupine Tree that much beyond a handful of songs, and all of the bands which followed in their wake such as Leprous and Karnivool have never done much for me, either. Katatonia's more recent work certainly has shades of that sound, but there is enough of their gothic and doom metal past to keep me interested - and I have found quite a bit to like in the band's catalogue and I am sure that I will find more to like as I keep exploring. A new album was always going to be the thing that helped me find a real way in, though, so when Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State dropped last month I picked it up on release. The band's thirteenth album, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State is actually quite a key album in the band's history - as it is the first without founding guitarist, and sometime bassist, Anders Nyström. Katatonia members have come and gone over the years, but frontman Jonas Renkse and Nyström were the ever-present duo keeping the band going. Earlier this year, though, Nyström announced that he had left the band due to his unhappiness with the recent musical direction that Renkse was pushing. Even as a casual Katatonia fan, this departure did not come as a shock. Nyström had not contributed to the last couple of albums from a songwriting perspective, and his contributions before that had been declining for a while. I think he wanted to pursue heavier music again, and this clearly not something which Renkse wanted. Given the recent departure of guitarist Roger Öjersson, too, this new album features two new guitarists in the form of Nico Elgstrand (Terra Firma; Entombed; Entombed A.D.) and Sebastian Svalland (In Mourning; Pain) - both of whom have played live with the band on and off over the past few years. Funnily enough, though, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State is a little heavier compared to the last few Katatonia albums - with a few more riffy and lead guitar moments than has become average. The overall style is very similar, though, with Renkse writing everything and delivering another slab of sombre, gothic-tinged, and atmospheric prog metal.

Bassist since 2009 Niklas Sandin and drummer since 2015 Daniel Moilanen complete the current Katatonia line-up, with Renkse handling the keyboards. That heavier feeling is present from the very opening seconds of Thrice, as a tough riff opens the album, but the feeling is short-lived - and melodic clean guitar melodies soon take over, with Renkse adding his mournful vocals over this guitar and synth backing. Renkse may not have the biggest range, but he has always managed to inject plenty of emotion into his delivery. As such, he really suits this sombre approach - and he delivers again throughout this album. The clean guitars and this sombre vocal approach characterises the song's verses, but the heaviness from the intro does return - with the chorus being pretty intense in the context of the band's recent sound. Soaring lead guitar moments sit atop heavy riffing as the chorus is approached - whilst the drum sound really punches through whilst retaining an organic feel that is not always present in metal. Renkse does not really change his vocal style against these heavier sections. There is not much grit to his delivery, but the smoothness and mournfulness works well against the crunchy and gothic guitars - similar to how the guitar leads are used elsewhere. Later portions of the song retain a heaviness, too, with a groove-laden riff-led section forming a strong instrumental break - whilst stark synths add subtle leads and depth. It is perhaps the heavier chorus which brings the best out of the band, though, and the song comes to a hard stop following its final reprise. The Liquid Eye also opens with a slight crash of heaviness, but it is less pronounced than Thrice's opening - with percussive drumming and prominent bass playing forming the basis of a smooth verse, over which clean guitar melodies and Renkse's voice shine. Whilst the last song revisited some of the band's past heaviness, this track overall feels more akin to their more recent approach. There is still a dynamic approach taken, though, with the big drumming bulking out the verses nicely - whilst the chorus is a little more hard rocking with some subtle guitar leads and crunchier chords. It feels more cinematic than heavy, though, and the song is not as a driving as the previous one - but Renkse's voice soars atop this cinematic chorus, and there is another heavier section which also features a melodic and emotional guitar solo. Wind of No Change is a bit more of a driving rocker, at least in the context of Katatonia's mournful approach, and it opens with some strident bass playing - over which some choral vocals and a mid-paced mechanical guitar riff soon add some weight. The verses remain melancholy, although Moilanen's drumming feels busy and the bass is high in the mix, but the choral vocal depth from the intro gives the song a different feel - and it returns during a gothic-tinged chorus. The drumming during this chorus is slow-burning yet heavy, whilst guitar crunch and busy leads flesh things out - with Renkse adding his mournful voice against the choral majesty. Dense piano later forms the basis of a bridge section, which leads into a spacey guitar solo - with the track overall being a good mix of gothic melodrama and atmospheric prog.

Lilac opens with some quite mechanical riffing. It does not sound especially heavy, but there is a certain groove which is sat upon early which helps to set it apart from what has been heard up to this point. That being said, though, arrangement-wise the song is quite typical of the pattern of the album. This opening riffing injects some weight and groove, but the verses are generally quite slow-burning. There is clean guitar depth and synths, but there is also a little of the intro's crunch retained, with snaking guitar melodies sitting behind Renkse's voice. A more expanded version of the mechanical intro is later repurposed to create the chorus - although the riffing feels a bit busier and more typically metal here. Guitar leads are sometimes used to add melody instead of the vocals - but generally Renkse sings against this riffy backdrop, his smooth melodies a nice counter to the groovy riffing. Temporal opens with some chiming clean guitar melodies, which soon morph into a cinematic bed of crunchy guitars and synths - culminating in a soaring guitar lead. It is the most sweeping song intro here yet. It lacks some of the heaviness of the general song openings here, but it feels big thanks to the guitar melodies. These melodies are later repurposed during the chorus, which also feels cinematic thanks to a similar overall crunch and Renkse's vocal melodies, but the verses are some of the most sombre on the album in my opinion. The drumming sets a mournful beat thanks to Moilanen's slow pace, whilst the guitars are not busy at all - with dense synths filling in all the gaps. These verses help the chorus to really pop when it kicks in - and the song also has one of the longest and busiest guitar solos on the album up to this point, which even indulges in some brief moments of shredding. The song then crashes to a bit of a close and Departure Trails takes over with its mix of clean guitar and piano melodies. There is no heaviness to kick this one off, with this intro easily morphing into a similar-sounding verse which is set apart from the rest of the album by the piano. It sounds like an electric piano from the 1970s, which gives the song a real rooting in the prog rock world - which is later reinforced by some Mellotron-esque keyboards adding a shimmering halo. There is no riffing at all here really, with clean guitar melodies and leads weaving in and around these various retro-sounding keyboards as Renkse adds his sombre vocals over the top of this intricate mix. The rhythm section ground everything, but there is little weight here overall - and this is a true ballad with a strong prog vibe and a spacey guitar solo. Warden actually opens in a similar manner, with no heaviness and some stark guitar melodies - but the prog keyboards are largely absent this time, with Sandin's bass instead taking on a more prominent role. Hypnotic clean guitar melodies and the rumbling bass form the basis of the track, whilst Moilanen adds some intricate drum grooves, over which Renkse sings in his inimitable manner. Unlike the previous song, though, the chorus feels much weightier - with it picking up the pace and going for a much more metallic feel with crunchier guitars, even if the clean guitar melodies can still be heard in the background. The song is a bit more dynamic than the previous one, then, although is generally retains a more atmospheric sound - which is exemplified by a handful of guitar breaks featuring delicate melodies.

The Light Which I Bleed opens with some discordant guitar melodies, which sit somewhere between clean and distorted to create a strange sound. Moilanen's drumming here is quite different from the norm, too, with his busy hi-hat work giving parts of the song a shuffling feel - which again adds to this overall strange sound. There is something quite unsettling throughout the whole song and it does not really sound like anything else here despite a pretty typical arrangement being followed. The verses are slower and more stripped back and the chorus feels weightier, which is typical of the rest of the album, but the discordant nature gives the piece an edge - and there are later moments which feel quite symphonic, with some of the synths used here adding a grandness to parts of the track. This is how the ending of the song is characterised, and it does feel heavier than the norm, but overall the song is more restrained - which allows that strange vibe to permeate. The penultimate number Efter Solen is sung in Swedish - and it opens with Renkse at the piano and singing the opening lyrics alone against rumbling chords and subtle synths. This sparse vibe continues for quite a significant period of time and it is a while before anything changes. The piano and synths create quite a dense bed over time, though, and there are what sound like some programmed percussive noises at times - which fade in gradually and are easily missed unless listening closely. A strange programmed drum beat later joins in, and it reminds me of those initial comparisons to Anathema I had - as the programming really reminds me of the Anathema song Distant Satellites. The electronics slowly grow in stature as the song progresses from here, too, with more synths and strange beats giving depth to Renkse's emotional vocals and piano. It does not really sound like anyone else was involved in this track - but as a piece of gothic and downbeat electronica it works well to provide a different vibe. The album then comes to a close with In the Event Of, which returns to the album's core sound of a mix of heaviness and melancholy. The second half of the album is certainly less heavy than the first - so the opening riff and driving drumbeat which opens In the Event Of comes as a bit of a shock after the ballads and electronica which came before. The song is typical of the album's core sound, though, with slow-burning verses and a more cinematic chorus which builds on the opening riffs. Crunchy riffs and powerful drumming give Renkse's voice a strong bed during the chorus, whilst a stark guitar lead adds a countermelody, but the verses are typically low-key with plenty of synths and gothic overtones. A slow-burning guitar solo later adds some additional melancholy and melody to the piece - and it is nice that the album returns to its core sound to close things out, going slightly bigger again after a few smaller and more experimental pieces. It ends the album well, with Renkse even pushing himself a bit vocally during the last moments of the piece. Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State is the first Katatonia album that I have truly digested, and each listen has improved my opinion on it. I like the slightly heavier feel in places compared to the band's other recent work, and the two new guitar players have acquitted themselves well here. It is very much modern Katatonia in style, though, and that core gothic and atmospheric sound feels fresh thanks to the riffing elsewhere.

The album was released on 6th June 2025 via Napalm Records. Below is the band's promotional video for Lilac.

Inglorious' 'V' - Album Review

I have been talking quite a bit on this blog of late about British rock bands. New releases from Absolva and Pythia have both been featured recently, whilst recent concert reviews include pieces on more established acts like Cradle of Filth and Mostly Autumn. With a lot of the music I like coming from abroad, it is always good to remember that the UK still produces a lot of great bands in the rock genre. It may not be the powerhouse that it was in the 1960s and 1970s, but the UK punches above its weight I would think - and one such recent UK act which has seen some success is Inglorious. Having formed back in 2014, later releasing their self-titled debut album in 2016 (which I reviewed here), Inglorious are now just over 10 years old - and I think that it is fair to say that the band's career to date has been eventful. Three albums and plenty of touring filled 2016 to 2019 - and this busy period certainly seemed to take its toll on the band as, by the time 2019's Ride to Nowhere (which I briefly discussed here) rolled around, three of the line-up that recorded it had left in what transpired to be a messy split. The rock world is no stranger to messy splits, but Inglorious' seemed particularly nasty - and frontman Nathan James spent an ill-advised amount of time online publicly airing the band's dirty laundry. I liked Inglorious from the off, but I am on record here thinking that they were somewhat overrated early on - and the split and its fallout actually put me off the band for a while. I eventually got Ride to Nowhere, though, and found it be a record which was starting to justify the hype - and I saw the tour in Exeter later in 2019 by which time a new line-up had been put together. Only James and drummer Phil Beaver remained - and this line-up later wrote and recorded 2021's We Will Ride (which I reviewed here), an album I listened to a lot when it came out. I saw the band live again later in 2021, this time in Plymouth, and the second era of the band seemed to be a fruitful one - with covers album Heroine and live album Live at the Phoenix MMXXI also products of this line-up. Following another tour in 2022, though, the band entered a period of hiatus. It was unclear what led to this break, but thankfully this time any dirty laundry was kept unaired. Following some time away, though, last year James announced that he was working on new Inglorious material - and that founding bassist Colin Parkinson, one of those who had left in the lead up to Ride to Nowhere dropping, would be returning. Parkinson was always one of the band's main songwriters during the sessions for the first three albums - but these new sessions would see him and James collaborate exclusively, with the results being the band's fifth album V which dropped last month. V marks the start of the third era of Inglorious, too, with only James and Parkinson returning from previous iterations of the band. Guitarist Richard Shaw (NG26; Cradle of Filth) and drummer Henry Rogers (Final Conflict; DeeExpus; Touchstone; Mostly Autumn) were announced to be completing the line-up earlier this year - making Inglorious a four-piece for the first time in their history and V the band's first album without Beaver.

As well as being James' main songwriting partner here, Parkinson also seems to have been the main man in the studio. Alongside his usual bass playing, he is also credited with electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, and percussion - as well as producing the album. I would imagine that he is responsible for much of what is heard here, then, with Shaw perhaps coming in for the solos. Engineer Tony Draper is also responsible for some additional keyboards, as he has been in the past, as well as mixing the album. V is very much an Inglorious album in terms of sound, though, despite a few more modern-sounding touches - with the current line-up immediately feeling cohesive. A synthy drone opens the album, with Testify getting going proper once Parkinson's big bass riff kicks in - which is then doubled by the guitar to create a bluesy hard rock feel very typical of the band's past work. Subtle Hammond organ washes are used to add depth, but Inglorious have always been a guitar-led band - and the big riffing which kicks things off is full of character, which is reprised throughout the snaking verses. James has always had a great voice, packed with blues and soul, and he puts on another great performance throughout this album. The verses see him singing in his lower register, with plenty of gritty power, whilst the soaring chorus sees him pushing himself a bit more - opening up his range and delivering some David Coverdale-esque moments. The chorus hooks are memorable, too, and it is one that is sure to get stuck in the brain thanks to some smooth melodies and plenty of wordless vocal refrains. A melodic and high-octane guitar solo comes later in the song, too, as do a couple of slightly poppy vocal bridges which add a twist to the band's usual formula. Eat You Alive opens with James' voice with plenty of effects on it swirling into view, before another fast-paced hard rock riff kicks in - with the track being another bluesy piece in the band's typical style. Whilst the song's main riff is utilised throughout the verses, these verses do not feel as riffy as those from the previous song - with more of a bass groove and noisy guitar effects backing James - whilst the vocal effects from the intro are later repurposed to create a pre-chorus, which gives way to another hooky chorus backed with organ. These vocal-led sections allow for brief breaks in the driving hard rock of the rest of the song - with both the verses and the chorus moving along at a fair pace. The guitar solo section is another faster moment, too, with some shredded leads adding to the song's overall pace and weight. Devil Inside continues the vibe of the opening two numbers to some extent, but the sound utilised throughout is a bit more metallic overall. The guitar tones used this time, alongside some more chugging riffs, feel more old-school metal than bluesy hard rock - and the prominence of Parkinson's bass, which also sounds pretty gritty, only enhances this vibe. I cannot recall an Inglorious song in the past which has sounded quite so metallic - and I like the slight shift in tone. The change is not night and day, but this is certainly not a throwback classic rock piece as is typical for the band - with some strange guitar melodies and synths utilised occasionally over the top of the more slab like guitar and bass riffing. Rogers' drumming is a bit more intense, too, but James sounds as good as ever - injecting some soul over the top of this heavier base.

Say What You Wanna Say returns to something a bit more typical for the band, though, despite a faster pace being retained. The opening riff reminds me of the bluesy hard rock acts of the 1980s such as Badlands, whilst the prominent bass playing and busy drumming help to give the song real depth. Despite this familiarity, though, there are a few tweaks to help keep things fresh. The opening section of each verse sees James delivering the lyrics in a spoken word-esque manner - with some subtle synths and effects on his voice giving these sections a unique feel. They feel a little jarring at first, but they have grown on me - and later parts of the verses are sung more typically. What really gives the song a boost, though, is its chorus - which is a real winner. It is one of the album's hookiest moments - with James' soaring vocal melodies showcasing why he is held in such high regard as a vocalist. Organ and layers of backing vocals help to bulk out the chorus, too, and the song is a good mix of old and new. Believe is the album's only real ballad, with the slow-burning piece welcome following four pretty intense hard rockers. Delicate acoustic guitar melodies open the song, over which James sings in a much more low key and soulful manner than he generally operates in. He injects plenty of emotion into the song, particularly during these stripped back early moments, and things slowly build around him. Bass guitar and percussion are added to the mix as the chorus is approached - which is when the band kick in proper and the track becomes somewhat more hard rocking. The chorus is not as hard rocking as what has come before, but it is still packed full of power compared to the rest of the track - with some intricate guitar melodies backing James' emotional vocals. The band have written strong ballads before, and this is another one. Returning to something more of a modern sound, and something a bit different for the band, Stand goes for a funky alternative rock sound - with Parkinson's bass playing the key driving force throughout. Big guitar chords and Rogers' groovy drumming flesh things out and help the song tick - but the bass playing is what drives this track, with the verses in particular featuring little else. James' vocals also return to that spoken word-type delivery from earlier - albeit with more of a melodic approach. The verses are quite stark compared to the band's usual sound, then, although the chorus is much more typical with more of a guitar presence and James' more high-octane delivery. The grooves and the funky approach really help the song to come alive, though, and it has grown on me quite a bit despite being a bit unsure at first - especially as I can see it working really well live. In Your Eyes is another slightly heavier piece - with the guitar and bass tones of Devil Inside repurposed here. The song does not feel as metallic as that previous song, though, but there is certainly a bit of a heaviness to some of the riffing here - with the bass once again adding plenty of grit thanks to its powerful tone. Snappy verses feature this bass tone heavily, but it is James which steals the show - his playful vocal melodies sticking in the brain easily. Another big chorus really brings the song together, too, with a smoother overall approach thanks to the groove of the drumming offsetting the toughness of elsewhere.

Silent opens slowly, with some delicate acoustic guitar melodies - but any thoughts that the song is going to be another ballad are soon banished when another big bluesy riff kicks in. The track is more dynamic and mid-paced than much of the album, though. The verses are more slow-burning, with soulful vocals and more prominent bass playing - whilst the chorus channels the more epic side of early Whitesnake thanks to James' excellent vocal performance and the wall-of-sound approach taken production-wise. As such, there is plenty of light and shade here. Inglorious do operate in this manner from time to time, but arrangement-wise they are not always the most interesting band. This is one song that plays with the arrangement a bit more, though, with the slower verses, the heavier chorus, and a more cinematic bridge section all coming together to create something melodic and quite varied. Returning to something more typical, End of the Road is another muscular hard rocker - with a bit of a juddering guitar riff driving everything, whilst the bass, yet again, is high in the mix. The pace is a bit slower than many of the other tracks here - but the mid-paced feel allows the riffing to really shine, with the bluesy sound of Badlands once again somewhat referenced. I really like the mix of the strange grooves of the main riff and the more snaking and smoother feel of the song's chorus - which is another real winner thanks to James' big vocal melodies. He has a knack for writing strong choruses and this is another big one - with some really heartfelt and powerful vocals which showcase him at his best. It is a chorus which sticks in the brain from the off. The song also contains what is likely the best guitar solo on the album. My main criticism of this album is the lack of lots of big guitar moments. The riffing is strong throughout, but I would have liked more soloing and lead playing - but the lack of such is likely the result of Shaw probably not being that involved in the album creatively. The solo here is great, though, and it makes the song really stand out as a result. The album then comes to a close with Power of Truth - another more dynamic piece which opens slowly. Again, it gives the impression of being a ballad early on. The acoustic guitar opening does last for quite a while, too, over which James adds his emotional vocals - but soon the song kicks into a much higher gear with one of the album's best riffs and some off-kilter, percussive drumming. It is a song which certainly feels bigger and more epic than many of the others here - which means that it feels like a true album closer. The main riff is great, with the chorus later going for a sweeping, cinematic feel rather than something more overtly hooky. It is a song which grows as a result, but it is a powerful album closer - with the return to the plaintive acoustic intro as the song fades out feeling fitting. Overall, then, and four years on from We Will Ride, Inglorious have returned with a strong new album and a new line-up. Shaw and Rogers seem to have fitted in well, despite their metal and progressive rock backgrounds respectively, whilst James and Parkinson have written a number of strong songs to add to those from the past. My complaint regarding the lack of big lead guitar moments aside, I really like the sound and approach taken here - and there are a number of memorable songs here which will enhance Inglorious' setlist going forward.

The album was released on 6th June 2025 via Frontiers Records. Below is the band's promotional video for Testify.