In June 2025, US rockers Rattle Bones released ‘Desert Heart’. The single marked a slight shift from their usual sound, since they traded in some of their hard rock swagger for a smoother approach which introduced a pinch of Americana to the Rattle Bones musical blend. It may have not had as much of an edge, but from a songwriting and arrangement perspective, it was a single that suggested the band’s forthcoming album would definitely be worth checking out.
Category Archives: News
Listen: Beat Me Outta Me have ‘Nowhere To Hide’ on new track
The second single from Peterborough’s Beat Me Outta Me is a pleasingly downbeat affair. It’s first two minutes comprises slow, acoustic strums and a mournful vocal, drawing the ear very casually. The music isn’t exactly minimalist, but has certainly been arranged in such a way that the listener is made to focus almost exclusively on Annie Dickson’s fantastic voice. This is a smart move; from the outset, she shows an ability to weave a fantastic, almost mournful tone that suits the arrangement perfectly.
Finnish black metallers Verilehto share new video for ‘Aarnihauta’
On November 28th, Finnish black metal band Verilehto return with their second album ‘Aarnihauta’. As part of the early promotion, they’ve issued the title cut as a digital single.
The first new music from the band in two years, ‘Aarnihauta’ is surprisingly melodic. The opening riff doesn’t confront the listener with a typical sheet of abrasive black metal noise, but comes closer to a world of melodic thrash. By adopting more of a mid tempo, the riffs have room to breathe, and in places owe more to the likes of Testament and Soufly than Emperor.
Watch: Max Rael shares new video for ‘Almost’
Max Rael’s ‘The Enemy Is Us’ is one of 2025’s most interesting albums. Its blend of often melodic electronica and synth based sounds with spoken word, confessional lyrics is really striking. It has taken Rael’s experimentalism with Decommisioned Forests somewhere more accessible, but without feeling remotely in tune with the mainstream.
As part of the album’s ongoing promotion — this really is the kind of album that’ll only reach it’s audience through committed word of mouth — Max has shared a new video for one of the record’s more accessible tracks.
Listen: Spectral share new track ‘Falling’
With its huge piano chords underscored by a tinkling synth, the intro of ‘Falling’ by Spectral promises big things. Occasionally when it comes to things within the pomp and symphonic metal genres, such intros can lead to a massive disappointment, but it’s really not the case here.