Browsing Tag

Dark Rock

The Simpletone is back with vengeance in their darkly kinetic alt-rock anthem, Circles

Posted on 4 October 2024
The Simpletone

After amassing renown for the intensity of their live performances following their 2010 inception, releasing three critically acclaimed LPs, gaining a cult following, winning the Cambridge Band Competition, joining New Model Army on tour and being revered by Classic Rock Magazine, The Simpletone broke their fair share of hearts when they split in 2017.

After a six-year hiatus, The Simpletone sound is sharper than ever; their comeback track, Circles, which teases what’s to come in their upcoming fourth LP, The Eternal Now, dares you to imagine the veins of blues rock running through a sonic love child conceived between Sisters of Mercy and Queens of the Stone Age.

The shadowy rock licks bring the arcane atmosphere as the rhythm section intravenously injects kinetic energy into the anthem, which proves that The Simpletone weren’t down and out in 2017; they were priming for one of the most scintillating artistic reinventions the UK alt-rock scene has seen in the past decade.

Circles will be available to stream on all major platforms from October 4th. Hear the single on YouTube and follow The Simpletone on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all future releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Trish Discord & Devon Aviles electronically augmented alt-rock with the broodingly vindicating single, Ever So Holy

Posted on 8 March 2024

Trish Discord and Devon Aviles are both forces to be reckoned with respectively; combined, they’ve sent electrifying shockwaves through the alt-rock domain with their dark and broodingly vindicating track, Ever So Holy. The intro is a masterclass in mood setting; the massive waves of synth bass, coupled with a haunting melodic lead, create an industrially tinged atmosphere that is as dark as it is scintillating.

As the track progresses through its rhythmic cascade of unpredictable volition, it morphs seamlessly, throwing hooks left, right, and centre to pull you into the track’s magnetic core with the same force as the most infectious artists in the pop-punk domain.

The production style is a high-wire balancing act; a complete yin-yang of raw elements and polished cultivation. The huge guitars and compressed drums bring a traditional rock feel, while the electronic components narrate a new chapter in the alt-rock genre.

Vocally, Trish Discord channels the spirit of Evanescence, Nightwish, and Within Temptation, while simultaneously carving out a unique niche and guiding the listener through the tumultuous sonic landscape. In short, it’s a symphonic riot that ignited a revolution in the electronica landscape.

Ever So Holy was officially released on February 29th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SumicSo – It’s Over: A Gothic Rock Ode to Resilience and Power

Posted on 2 March 2024

SumicSo’s latest single, ‘It’s Over’, is a compelling blend of gothic glamour and rock nostalgia, echoing the likes of Siouxsie Sioux, Blondie, Fleetwood Mac, and the Manic Street Preachers. The UK-based musician and songwriter channelled a clarion call for strength and resilience, which will resonate deeply with those who’ve faced the bitter ends of deception and departure.

The track is a masterful fusion of 80s rock aesthetics with 70s rock timbres; the vocals, rich in emotion and power, light a beacon of hope and solidarity, reaching out to listeners who find solace in her message of fighting through pain.

While the production of ‘It’s Over’ might benefit from further refinement, the raw energy and potential of SumicSo as a trailblazing artist are unmistakable. Her lyrical prowess, combined with the strident and rhythmic melodies, ensures that this track is an anthem for those battling their inner demons.

Watch the official music video for It’s Over by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Porter – Behind the Banlieu: A Disparaging Sign of Our Digital Disconnected Epoch

Posted on 16 January 2024

Germany’s most tuned-into-the-harrow-of-our-digitised-material-reality progressive alt-rock outfit, Porter, leaned into the disconnect and isolation our instant connectivity has brought us in their aptly dark single, Behind the Banlieu. While no one is living under the illusion that we’re living in the healthiest epoch, Porter’s single is efficacious in its attestation to the damage that is being inflicted on us with each passing day.

This track is a testament to Porter’s ability to fuse various musical influences, from the raw energy of metal and punk to the nuanced storytelling of indie and singer-songwriter styles. The result is a sound that’s uniquely theirs, mature yet vibrant, complex yet accessible.

Raimund, the band’s new frontman, brings an electrifying presence to the track. His vocals resonate, echoing the power of the pounding drums and the deep growls of the basslines. This combination creates a sound that’s as dark as it is energising, a perfect canvas for the song’s powerful message.

With raw rock riffs which tear through the alchemised atmosphere, there’s plenty of room for contemplation, when you’re not locked into the tumultuous volition of the single that carries all of the elements of an electrifying rock anthem. Consider the single as the first stone cast in a sonic revolution and a fierce declaration from a band that knows its power.

In a world where oppressive ideas are gaining ground, Porter uses their music as a tool for resistance and inspiration. The chorus is not just memorable; it’s a call to arms for those who crave a shift towards democracy and freedom.

Behind the Banlieu is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Enter Luxifer’s dark and distorted evocation with ‘Always Remembered’

Posted on 20 November 2023

Luxifer used their latest EP, Hook, Line, and Sinker, to reel fans of dark and twisted experimentalism in with exactly what it says on the tin. Known for their explosive on-stage rock n roll antics, the internationally diversified four-piece injected plenty of that captivating visceralism into the sludgy, doomy melodicism which pulsates through the standout single on the EP, Always Remembered.

With instrumentals that pull you into the undercurrent of their alchemy with every progression in the same vein as Deftones fused with a magnetically devil-may-care demeanour which matches the arresting intensity of Rammstein, Luxifer effortlessly succeeded in asserting their originality while ensuring that their distinction levels with the commercial appeal. It’s not rock n roll as you know it; it’s a transgression that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the dynamic outfit, which has exactly what it takes to reach higher ground in the rock and metal charts if they keep delivering tracks as atmospherically cultivated as Always Remembered.

Always Remembered is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Forgotten Tides have debuted their disarmingly compassionate post-punk-wrapped rock hit, Dark Thoughts

Posted on 12 November 2023

For their sophomore single, Dark Thoughts, the up-and-coming melodic rock trailblazers who came together to forge Forgotten Tides sharpened their instrumental and vocal hooks to ensure no one who becomes witness to the resonant reflections in the lyricism would come away unscathed from their ingenuity.

With atmospheric layers of post-punk draped over the stellar production, there’s a chill in the angular guitar lines, but there’s enough tonal dynamism and soul within the track to keep you warm as you’re enveloped by the compassion extended through the promise that as dark as days get, there will always be someone there to share their light.

From the first hit of Dark Thoughts came the affirmation that my mind will be continually turned back to the cogency and consolation from the alchemically innovative release which ended 2023 on a high note for the Aberdeen-hailing four-piece.

Forgotten Tides said:

“This rocky yet heartfelt song is a poignant reminder for anyone battling the shadows of depression. It gently whispers the comforting truth that, even in the darkest moments, there’s an unwavering circle of friends and family ready to embrace and uplift you. Dive into its soothing melodies and let the warmth of its message envelop your soul.”

Dark Thoughts was officially released on October 24; stream it on Spotify & YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nullor has arrived with his compelling prog rock Tour De Force,  Here

Posted on 26 October 2023

The Fort Worth, Texas-hailing solo artist, Dan Crawford, operating under the moniker Nullor has made his long-awaited debut; it came in the form of his dynamic LP, Finalform. The dusky, doomy and artfully captivating lead single, Here, envelops you in an atmosphere you will never want to come up for air from.

The progressive 6-minute Tour De Force won’t fail to evoke contemplation; the grungy vocal lines which run in the veins of Alice in Chains allow the melodic ambience in the orchestrally cut instrumental arrangement to resonate as a sonically sweet sedative before the monolithic build and burst into intricately electric groove metal.

In the following single, Overdrive, Nullor gives you a taste of classic thrash metal, proving that there are few alternative genres outside of his repertoire. Rather than being a jack of all genres, the versatility of his talent is just as impressive as the degree of it.

Here was officially released with the Finalform LP on September 29; stream it on Spotify and follow the artist on Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Pretty Creatures unleashed alt-rock’s most ominous arrival with their atmospheric single, It’s Coming

Posted on 27 August 2022

With a Slipknot Unsainted-Esque intro, Kyuss-reminiscent hard rock sludge and a similar rhythmic sense of seduction to Velvet Revolver, Pretty Creatures’ seminal track, It’s Coming, is a harbinger of overdriven atmospheric alt-rock that every self-respecting rock fan should heed.

Primed to dominate the Glasgow alternative scene, Pretty Creatures (formerly known as Dead Coyotes) have blackened their sound, allowing their new transition to coalesce with the dystopia of our modern era. Thankfully, none of their former melodicism was lost to the juggernautical furore in It’s Coming. You can’t say you haven’t been warned.

It’s Coming is out now on Spotify. Check out Pretty Creatures on their official website & Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

PRESSURE inspect the sands of time in their rock ballad, AM I TOO OLD.

Posted on 10 October 2021
PRESSURE

The Stockholm-based powerhouse PRESSURE is set to drop their hard-hitting rock ballad, AM I TOO OLD, which tears through the self-doubt that starts to manifest in our mortal coil when youth has been lost. In true rock opera style, PRESSURE touches on raw issues veraciously while letting the atmosphere consume you in the intensity of the emotion.

I’ve lost count of the people that have come to me with ageism-inspired anxiety in the industry; the truth of the matter is that experience will be a better friend than youth ever was. I mean, you’ve heard of the Rolling Stones, right?

AM I TOO OLD is a stellar track, in every conceivable way. The theatrics of the track will take you right back to the time when we spent far too long thinking about what Meatloaf wouldn’t do for love.

AM I TOO OLD is due for official release on October 15th, 2021. You can hear it for yourself on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Cagri Raydemir takes us on with ‘Choosing Your Own Battles’

Posted on 17 June 2021

Opening up with a descending acoustic guitar line and some suitably doom-laden lead work, ‘Choosing Your Own Battles’ is taken from independent musician and producer Cagri Raydemir’s fourteenth (yes, fourteenth) record, and the second of two EPs, ‘Outlasting The Opposite Pole’; loosely alt-metal, there’s elements of System Of A Down to the guitar work and Raydemir’s vocal delivery, mixed in with dashes of prog and some bluesy flourishes. It’s unsettling, moody, and heavy without resorting to the sort of ‘everything louder than everything else’ distortion that lesser artists might use to imply ‘heaviness’, relying instead on a relatively clean guitar tone, vaguely ‘Eastern’-sounding scales (think Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ or some of Jerry Cantrell’s drop-D tuning-based work), and the power of the lyrics and subject matter to give it gravity and depth. And more power to it, that restraint and emphasis on phrasing and ‘grunt’ giving it a potency that would be lost with a more overdriven sound. It’s solid, powerful, and over far too quickly; a very tasty opener that gives a perfect introduction to the EP.

You can hear ‘Choosing Your Own Battles’, and the rest of the ‘Outlasting The Opposite Pole’ EP, on Spotify.

Review by Alex Holmes