Exploring creative storytelling with darkness and devotion, Claws of Chaos inject imaginative realism and poignancy into the classic rock format, with the emotionally loaded nuance and harsh detailing of Baby Down.
Metal
Something a little creatively fearless now. Edinburgh alt-metal act Revelation 23 deliver a gothic rock explosion of poetic reflections, with the heavy fuzz and lighter haunting melodies of Sacrifice.
Celtic metal, alt-folk and rock – bold and beautiful vocals, distortion and delicacy consistently ebbing and flowing – Morganway carve out an unmistakable lane, with this piercingly emotive and gritty new anthem I Feel The Rain.
Led by a strong title concept and lyrics that prove equally provocative and poetic, WHITE NOISE features an unprecedented collaboration with the iconic Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens), and showcases the value of great songwriting in elevating the talent and passion of a modern band.
Indie champion and lifelong contender for the best rock and metal vocalist (and lyricist) of the scene – 3mind Blight’s latest release Hollow maintains these connections to the alternative metal realm, but also weaves in a surprisingly mellow, bass-heavy production and vibe, for something that feels infectiously emotional as it rolls along.
This playlist is a musical anthology, inviting listeners to reflect upon the human condition through the sadly forever relevant lens of conflict and determination. It’s a fiercely focused set of stories and songs, with a boldly heartfelt undertone that feels decidedly honest and, at times, heart-breaking.
Psychedelic dark metal with a creative twist of progressive musicianship and intriguing conceptual depth – UK five-piece Hookjaw pour their heart and soul into the process, along with a sheer and superb level of musical ability.
Jake Edwards and Kid Piccolo make up the Nu-er Metal act Human I Was, a creatively poignant and conceptually provocative act, with equal parts ambient and intense layers of expression all devoted to a single story.
Established guitarist and progressive metal songwriter The Steve Klatt Project showcases the very best of his finely honed abilities and passion at the helm, with the extensive and vast new album Dreams and Reality.
Introducing a compelling fusion of genres, an explosive collaboration between the unique spiritual consciousness of rapper Souleye, and the fiercely intense new metal weight of We Are PIGS – Ghost Town is a fast-paced and fascinating original track, that manages to feel both nostalgic and unrivalled in originality.
Introducing one of those rare occasions when the artwork perfectly encapsulates the essence and style of a release. Maxim’s Whispers of the Eternal is a uniquely vast and rather epic exploration of cinematic depth, built around an idea and dramatic vocal opening, layered with soaring guitar solos and distorted chords united in this progressive and fiercely soulful instrumental.
Defiantly unique and rather fearless in bridging the gap between the most intense distorted music and the more charming softness of acoustic and melodic satisfaction, In The Chaos I Return is a fascinating project, which feels profoundly more vast than its three-track limit appears to imply.