Your guide to new rock, metal and punk bands worldwide
My first thought when I encountered Long Island-based band Hold Fast Hope was whether they took their name from the Thrice song of the same title. My second, far more important thought upon listening to the band's recently launched debut EP, was that the New Yorker rockers are truly outstanding. To very quickly deal with... Continue Reading →
Hertfordshire hardcore newcomers VNDTA are on a mission to bring a fresh, modern sound to the UK's metal scene. Led by the impressive clean and screamed vocals of Megan Targett, the band have honed a raw, aggressive, powerful sound dominated by huge progressive riffs and booming low-tuned metal chords. And they're out to set peoples'... Continue Reading →
The idea of marrying goth music with the adjective "life-affirming" may seem contradictory to many, but that's exactly the label that's been laid against Totnes post-punk band Council of Giants. How apt the label of goth music is, however, is up for debate. The quartet began life when Tai Chi and Kung Fu teachers Luke... Continue Reading →
Riding a wave of praise from the Norwegian media Ondt Blod (which translates to Evil Blood) are launching their fusion of Satanic metal and feel-good punk rock upon the unsuspecting British public. This exciting, unique sound, which they term, somewhat oxymoronically, as "catchy death music," sees heavy metal verses counteracted by catchy punky choruses, with massive... Continue Reading →
Fusing a high-energy punk rock sound with anti-political messages that aim to right failings in modern society is always going to be a hit, as London's Drones are finding out. Indeed, we caught up with lead singer Lois McDougall on the eve of the band setting out to tour Germany and the Netherlands later this... Continue Reading →
If you're after a bit of edgy, energetic new punk in your life, then let us introduce you to the brilliantly named Who Killed Nancy Johnson?. The Reading-based band have honed a punky sound that they describe to us as "intense, energetic and spiky." Addressing the elephant in the room, so to speak, the quartet... Continue Reading →
As the name implies Cardiff newcomers Dead At 27 have taken plenty of inspiration from a certain legendary Seattle musician - to the extent they've written a song depicting the events of his suicide. And their raw rock sound is almost an ode to Kurt Cobain, with gruff vocals supported by intense, pounding drums and... Continue Reading →
In the year that thrash gods Slayer announced they're calling it a day, Corby's similarly named Reaper are intent on keeping the scene alive. The band initially started as a concept over a decade ago, but the current line-up of Scott Litster (vocals), Drew Reilly and Mark Innocent (guitars), Ricky Audio (bass) and Carl Sheldrick (drums)... Continue Reading →
Not content with crafting an engaging punk meets rock sound that they describe as "passionate, explosive and empowering," Canada's Excuses Excuses are also on a mission to make the modern society we find ourselves lumbered with a better place for everyone to live in. The Toronto-based trio's story began way back when Kyle Wilton (vocals and guitars)... Continue Reading →
Canadian rockers Sound Drown are on a mission to rejuvenate the pop-punk genre, which they feel is being killed off by mainstream media. The quartet, from the port city of Saint John in New Brunswick, was originally formed by Brandon Wiseman (lead vocals and bass) back in 2014. He began testing the band's chemistry by playing... Continue Reading →
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