One Louder Magazine… RESURRECTED!

One Louder Magazine… RESURRECTED

Introduction
Album of the Week
Honorable Mentions
Missed The Cut
Addendum
On The List
Looking Forward To
Fine Print
About One Louder Magazine

Hola!

Hey, if you’re tired of me bitchin’ and moanin’, raise your hand – 🙋🏻‍♂️ 🙋🏻‍♂️ 🙋🏻‍♂️

Yeah, I admit it, I’ve been in a bit of a funk these past few weeks, and y’all allowed me to get shit off my chest. No more work, no more politics… well, for a while. Read my lips, haha!

The funk is what it is, but let’s talk good stuff, right? Howz about this – the weather was so nice over the weekend that I finally got to mow the lawn, woo-hoo! I will admit, though, that the first mow of the season is always a bit difficult. The grass was “shaggier” than usual, plus the under layer was still wet, which can lead to difficulties, as well.

Once finished, my thought was, “Well, it’s not great… but it’s better than it was.” Now, I take a lot of pride in my work, so “good, not great” is not good enough in my book. But I know the next one will be easier, especially since the first mow is now done and over with, plus the days will become warmer.

…and in other news, I got my taxes did. How exciting, huh? Ha, let’s get to the music!

Oh, wait, one sports-football thing that crossed my mind. I just thought it was funny. Seahawks’ WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently signed a contract extension – four years, $168.6 million (including $120 million guaranteed) – making him the highest paid WR in NFL history. Totally deserved. The funny part (to me) is that on the biggest stage – Super Bowl LX – dude had four catches (on TEN targets) for 27 yards. Total dud, right? Yeah, yeah, he was injured… but just play with me…

Then there’s RB Kenneth Walker III. What did he do? Let’s see <checks notes> – 27 carries for 135 yards, plus two catches for 26 yards, totaling 161 yards, top-10 all-time in a SB. Heck, he’s #1 overall in the past 28 years! What else? Oh, right, he won the Super Bowl MVP trophy. So, how did the team compensate KW3? They shipped him off to the Kansas City Chiefs, hahaha!

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What an incredible week of new releases! There were so many that I couldn’t make it through all of them, but the albums that I did listen to were fantastico!

I’d like to start by discussing two albums from artists whom I hadn’t listened to until this past week. Neither is AOTW, but I highly recommend listening to them. I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed them, fully expecting to do a listen-and-pass. Anyway…

RAYE and José González both released absolute bangers! Be sure to check ’em out.

Also on the docket ARE this past week’s AOTWs:
Lili Refrain – Nagalite
Monsternaut – Approaching Doom

I would’ve liked to have had the time to spin these again – and I will eventually – but ran out of time…

😁 BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES 😁

Be sure to let me know what you agree / disagree with, etc… always fun to hear your opinions, too. Happy listening… and see you next week!

Cheers,

Troy

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Album(s) of the Week** – March 27th to April 2nd, 2026:

10,873 – Lili Refrain – Nagalite

I had never listened to Lili prior to her last release (2024’s ‘Live In London – Hammersmith Apollo’, even though she’s been releasing albums since 2007), but I am HOOKED! This is fantastic, and that album cover is pretty happenin’, too!

I’m just going to let her describe her “sound” via her bandcamp page: “Lili Refrain is a musician based in Rome-Italy. Since 2007, she has a solo project in which she uses electric guitar, vocals, percussions, synth and loops in real time, without using any computer or pre-recorded tracks. Her masterful technique and her refined taste, lead the listener through the maze of an unforgettable act beyond the boundaries of any genre. She produced 5 albums.”

From her bandcamp page: “NAGALITE is the new release by Lili Refrain, a suite in four movements.

Four alchemical states of an imaginary serpentine metamorphosis, a practice of transformation that crosses the body, memory, and the historical time we inhabit.

A sonic reflection that speaks of us, in an era where wars return to burn and horror becomes normalized, dissolving into background noise.

And in the midst of this darkness, the serpent becomes an act of love: the possibility to change, to shed the skin that hurts, to refuse the repetition of suffering.

The title fuses NAGA, from Sanskrit meaning “serpent” and bearer of ancient knowledge, with LITE, from Greek lithos, meaning stone that endures beyond space and time.

From this emerges a symbolic being, a stone-serpent: the living body of metamorphosis and its foundation. A totem that reminds us that every authentic transformation is both a political act and an act of love, because it is carried out not only for ourselves but for everything that surrounds us.”

1,783 – Monsternaut – Approaching Doom

What the hell, man?! This is the band’s third full-length, yet my introduction to them. THIS is the kind of stoner metal band that I dig. Mega-gigantic-doom-sized riffs for as far as the eye can see, solos that can pierce even the thickest of skin, and the album just oozes with groove. The vox leaves a little to be desired, but throw the horns in the air for the music… fuck yeah!

From their bandcamp page: “Approaching Doom is the third album by Monsternaut, a darker and heavier representation of the band’s established devotion to groovy riffs and to the point compositions. The songs took shape over several years, during which the arrival of a new drummer opened the door to more adventurous rhythms and riff ideas, pushing the band into new territory while staying true to their roots.

Sonically, the album leans toward the grit and weight of early 90s metal rather than polished modern production, giving it a raw and immediate edge. Its lyrics and atmosphere follow a naturally darker direction as well, adding an extra layer of tension beneath the grooves.

Recorded entirely the old-fashioned way, straight to analog tape with no digital editing, it captures the band playing as they are, relying on performance, chemistry, and feel rather than correction. The result is a record that hits harder, feels more focused, and marks a confident new chapter in Monsternaut’s evolution.”

Honorable Mentions (in order by “popularity”*):

3,358,545 – RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. – Holy crap, this was RAD! I went in fully expecting it to be a hard pass, and ended up becoming a fan. Rachel Agatha Ken (bka Raye) is a British singer-songwriter rooted in R&B, jazz, soul, and a touch of pop. I admit that I was reluctant to dive in since the album is ~73 mins long, but… I didn’t want it to end! This is her second full-length and features special guests Hans Zimmer, the legendary Al Green (79 years young!), Grandad Michael, and Amma & Absolutely.

From amazon: “Four-time GRAMMY Award-nominated global superstar RAYE is releasing her highly anticipated sophomore album THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. The album, set in 4 “seasons” with each side of the vinyl being a different season, takes listeners on a sonic journey that begins with darkness and ends with light.

“Music is medicine. I’ve always said that, and I guess I’m in the process of making medicine for myself that I can share with the world. I want us all to say to ourselves that it’s going to be all right, and I’m going to have faith in the seeds that I’ve planted beneath the snow. I wanted to create something that is a hug or bed or soft place for that person who needs it.”

RAYE recently kicked off her massive 51-date sold-out arena tour THIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC includes arena dates across Europe and the UK — including six sold-out nights at The O2 — before heading to her sold out North American tour with stops at iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall (April 15 and 16th) and the Greek Theatre (May 12 and 13th). Additionally, RAYE will be a special guest on Bruno Mars’ The Romantic Tour for 27 stadium shows across the US this summer. For tickets and more information, visit RAYEofficial.com.”

1,870,146 – Black Label Society – Engines Of Demolition – Zakk Wylde, Ozzy’s former guitar slinger, releases another album chock-full of your deluxe meat ‘n potatoes heavy fucking metal. Per usual, it’s packed with killer riffage, great songwriting, etc… and yes, solos galore! It seems like it’s been a while since his last release, and it was five years… the longest gap between album releases in BLS history.

From amazon: “Black Label Society — the uncompromising, thunder-wielding force led by the one and only Zakk Wylde — roars back to life with their twelfth studio album, set for release on March 27, 2026. The record captures everything fans have come to worship about BLS: crushing riffs, soul-soaked solos, signature vocals, and that unmistakable mix of heaviness and heart that only Zakk can deliver.

The album’s thirteen tracks were born in rare moments between Zakk’s other monumental undertakings — from leading his Black Sabbath tribute juggernaut Zakk Sabbath, to stepping into near-mythic territory as the touring guitarist for the Pantera tribute, honoring his fallen brother Dimebag Darrell. Through it all, he has channeled decades of road dust, sweat, and brotherhood into a record that’s as raw as it is refined.

A full U.S. tour kicks off in late February, promising a setlist that tears through the past and punches straight into the future. Expect no gimmicks, no gloss — just pure, unfiltered Black Label: riffs, reverence, and relentless devotion to the creed of heavy.”

1,245,545 – José González – Against The Dying Of The Light – Wow, this was a great album! It’s just guitar and voice, and the songs are gorgeous. I was bearish with José’s previous two releases – 2021’s ‘Local Valley’ and 2015’s ‘Vestiges & Claws’ – but this release is likely to be spun multiple times. Really nice stuff here!

From amazon: “Mute is excited to announce the release of José González’s new album, Against the Dying of the Light, arriving March 27th. The album will be available on black vinyl and CD, both packaged in a gatefold jacket. Where Gonzalez’s previous record, Local Valley, turned inward toward place, language, and personal reflection, Against the Dying of the Light widens its gaze, becoming an urgent call to preserve the light of humanity with all its flaws, at a moment when technology increasingly shapes how we think, feel, and relate to one another.

Across the album, González works within a deliberately minimal framework, pushing his familiar palette to new heights through subtle variation, restraint, and detail. Each song unfolds with its own distinct character, proving how much emotional and musical range can be achieved within self-imposed limitations. Written in English, Swedish, and Spanish, the record reflects his Swedish-Argentine roots and frames its humanist message as a global one rather than a purely personal or political statement.

José González is one of the most quietly influential artists of our generation. The Swedish-Argentine artist has built a singular musical world from hypnotic, minimal guitar work and his unmistakably gentle voice—a sound that has become deeply personal to millions of listeners worldwide. With billions of streams across platforms and hundreds of thousands of physical records sold, González’s songs often act as emotional landmarks. Ask almost anyone, and they can name at least one of his tracks tied to a defining moment in their lives.”

528,951 – Melissa Etheridge – Rise – I’ve always been lukewarm with pop-country singer-songwriting legend Melissa Etheridge’s releases in the past, but she’s been really growing on me over these last few. She’s a fantastic songwriter/musician, and I like her raspy vox!!

From amazon: “Global rockstar and cultural icon Melissa Etheridge presents her new album Rise on Sun Records. The project contains heartfelt and triumphant songs produced by Shooter Jennings and Melissa Etheridge at Sunset Sound in LA. Ten brand new songs include “Don’t You Want a Woman”, “Bein’ Alive”, “Call You”, and “The Other Side of Blue”, co-written by and featuring Chris Stapleton. As Melissa sagely notes, “sometimes you’re gonna taste the dirt, but then you’re gonna rise.””

353,369 – Scouting For Girls – These Are The Good Days – I was lukewarm with their last release – 2023’s ‘The Place We Used to Meet’ – but believe they made a big leap with this one! They’re an English indie rock band that plays power-pop with a folk delivery…or perhaps vice-versa, ha! Regardless, this was an enjoyable listen. Fun fact: The band’s name is a play on words from a handbook titled ‘Scouting for Boys, ‘ written in 1908.

From Townsend Music: “The chart-topping, multi-Platinum selling Scouting For Girls will release their new album ‘These Are The Good Days’ on March 27th, 2026. The album was entirely written and produced by Roy Stride, and recorded between studios in California, Dublin, and the UK with fellow founding members and lifelong friends Greg Churchouse and Pete Ellard. The album is lifted by the addition of touring guitarist Connor McDonald, whose Clapton-esque playing brings a new musical depth to the band.”

265,377 – Don Broco – Nightmare Tripping – Right on! It’s a post-hardcore band / album, but they do so with a melodic, alternative pop delivery. The production is lush, and the album ended long before I was ready for it to end. A welcome return to form after 2021’s craptastic ‘Amazing Things’ album.

From amazon: “Since forming in 2008, DON BROCO have been creating innovative music that effortlessly merges elements of metal, post-hardcore, and electronica into a unique amalgam of music all their own. The band’s Fearless Records debut will be their heaviest and most nuanced album of their career, complete with star-studded collaborations.”

257,206 – Dance With The Dead – Malombra – All-instrumental darksynth / synthwave metal duo that I got into with their last full-length release, 2022’s ‘Driven To Madness’. They’re inspired by heavy metal and John Carpenter (Horror soundtracks), and it shows. I went in with little to no expectations and came out a fan. Nice!

189,883 – The Casualties – Detonate – Now THIS is how a punk album should sound! Solid riffs, good lead and gang vocals, and a great recording, as well. Good stuff!

From amazon: “Politics. Hatred. Endless war. We doomscroll as our rights are stripped away. Bombings. Kidnappings. Mass shootings. The nightly news is a litany of brutality. Assassination. Subjugation. Deportation. We argue with each other while the rich get richer, and cruelty is normalized. These are just a few of the reasons why the title of The Casualties’ new album is Detonate.

Detonate is the second chapter in a new epoch for The Casualties. As their second album with David Rodriguez at the mic, it solidifies the vocalist’s partnership with drummer Marc “Meggers” Eggers and guitarist Jake Kolatis. “It’s like a new era for the band,” Meggers says. “It solidifies that Dave is here to stay.”

As the follow-up to 2018’s Written in Blood and their first record for Hellcat Records – the Epitaph subsidiary curated by Tim Armstrong of Rancid – Detonate sees this new version of The Casualties locking into place. “We were in the studio for Written in Blood about eight months after I joined,” Rodriguez says. “With this new record, we really grew together. For me, it’s the proud moment where we clicked the three Legos together.””

135,971 – Lou Gramm – Released – Lou is the co-founder and original frontman of legendary rock band, Foreigner, but here – at 75 years young, no less – he returns with his third solo album… but only his first since way, way back in 1989, a span of nearly 40 years! He is considered to have one of the finest voices in rock history, and he still sounds damn fine! It’s a little too AOR for my taste, and I won’t listen again, but props to Lou for not only writing and releasing a new album… but also touring behind it. Wow!

From amazon: “Ten Original Songs From Lou Written With Former Black Sheep Member Bruce Turgon, The Album Features Appearances From Tony Franklin On Bass For The Track ‘Long Gone’ And Vivian Campbell On Guitar For Opening Track, ‘Young Love’, Alongside Long-Term Musical Associates, Such As Lou’s Brother Ben On Drums.

Hailing from Rochester, New York, Lou Gramm was born into a highly musical family, and his first significant band was the bluesy hard rockers Black Sheep, who released two underrated records for Capitol. Lou first met his future bandmate Mick Jones when Black Sheep played a hometown show with the band Spooky Tooth, then featuring Mick, in 1975. The pair would eventually team up in 1976 as Foreigner for a string of multi-platinum albums and chart-topping hit singles. In fact, they were the first band since The Beatles to have their first eight singles reach the US Top 20.

While still a member of Foreigner, Lou embarked upon a solo career, releasing ‘Ready Or Not’ in 1987, which featured the huge solo hit, ‘Midnight Blue’. It was followed by another smash solo album, 1989’s ‘Long Hard Look’ featuring the hit, ‘Just Between You And Me’. Now in 2026, Lou releases his long-awaited third solo offering, the much anticipated, and suitably titled, ‘Released’.

Produced by Lou himself, ‘Released’ can stand proudly alongside Lou’s previous solo albums, as well as his matchless recordings with Foreigner. The album also features ‘True Blue Love (Unplugged)’, which had originally appeared on ‘Long Hard Look’ back in 1989.

Reconnecting with his former Foreigner bandmates, Lou contributed words and vocals for the new song ‘Turning Back The Time’ to coincide with Foreigner’s induction into the Rock And Rock Hall Of Fame in 2024, and also the unreleased ‘Fool If You Love Him’ for the latest Foreigner ‘4’ box set in 2025. Lou and his band will be touring to support ‘Released’ in 2026.”

114,411 – Good Riddance – Before The World Caves In – Classic punk band from the streets of Santa Cruz, CA. It’s been seven long-ass years between releases, but they delivered the goods! I’m pretty satisfied with most everything off the Fat Wreck Chords label, and this is no exception. Straight-up, kick ass, no bullshit punk rock!

From Rough Trade Records: “Hailing from Santa Cruz, California, Good Riddance is a definitive force in the punk scene, famously bridging the gap between high-velocity skate punk and the raw intensity of hardcore.

They are celebrated for their “intellectual aggression,” a unique sound that fuses blistering drum speeds and sharp guitar riffs with surprisingly infectious melodies.

For a new listener, the band represents the gold standard of the genre, proving that punk can be incredibly fast and aggressive while remaining musically polished and technically precise. Beyond their sonic impact, the band serves as a vital introduction to the activist roots of punk rock.

Led by vocalist Russ Rankin, their lyrics dive deep into social justice, animal rights, and political critique, offering a much more thoughtful perspective than typical radio rock. By exploring classic albums like A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion, fans can hear exactly how punk serves as a powerful voice for the marginalized and a dedicated platform for challenging the status quo.

Recorded with Bill Stevenson at The Blasting Room.”

108,711 – The Twilight Sad – IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE – Rad Scottish shoegaze meets post-punk band! If you dig The Cure, give this a spin. The Cure’s mainman, Robert Smith, guests on three tracks. Definitely gonna keep these guys on my radar… good stuff! Fun fact: not only does the band sound like The Cure-ish, not only did Robert Smith guest on three tracks, but he is also a fan of the band: “They are the best band playing the best songs – consistently brilliant, emotional, intense, inspiring, entertaining.” – Robert Smith, The Cure

From Rock Action Records: “Beloved Scottish band The Twilight Sad announce their long-awaited sixth album IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE, due out 27th March via Rock Action Records and available to pre-order now.

The follow-up to the acclaimed IT WON/T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME (2019), IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE is the most personal yet relatable album to date from a band whose portraits of bruised humanity have forged close ties with their audience.

Featuring guest performances from the legendary (and self-professed The Twilight Sad fan) Robert Smith, the album was recorded at Willesden’s Battery Studios with Andy Savours (My Bloody Valentine) and mixed by Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Slowdive).”

105,402 – Flea – Honora – After nearly 50 years as the bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea goes solo for the first time, inspired by his first love: jazz. In addition to bass, Flea plays trumpet and sings. The album contains six originals and covers of songs originally written/recorded by Eddie Hazel and George Clinton (‘Maggot Brain’), Jimmy Webb (‘Wichita Lineman’), Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor (‘Thinkin Bout You’), and Ann Ronell (‘Willow Weep For Me’). Producer Josh Johnson adds saxophone and keys, and the rest of the band is rounded out by jazz luminaries such as guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss, and drummer Deantoni Parks. Furthermore, the song ‘Traffic Lights’ features Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, and the song ‘Wichita Lineman’ features vocalist Nick Cave. The album? Fire! It’s excellent and much more enjoyable than anticipated. I hope he releases more of these!

From amazon: “After a nearly five-decade (and counting) career as one of his generation’s defining rock bassists, Flea releases his first full-length solo album, Honora, on March 27, 2026, on Nonesuch Records. Time and space have finally allowed him to return to his first musical loves: jazz and playing the trumpet. The song “Traffic Lights, ” co-written with Thom Yorke and Josh Johnson, accompanies the album announcement.”

92,562 – Iron Savior – Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy – Hahahahaha, holy shit, this was hilariously awesome!! Iron Savior is a cheesy AF power metal band, but… instead of another album of originals (thank God!), we’re treated to an all-covers release, including: ‘Fame’ (Irene Cara), ‘All I Need Is a Miracle’ (Mike and the Mechanics), ‘When the Rain Begins to Fall’ (Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora), ‘Maniac’ (Michael Sembello), ‘Take on Me’ (A-ha), ‘Relax’ (Frankie Goes to Hollywood), ‘What a Feeling’ (Irene Cara), ‘Against All Odds’ (Phil Collins), ‘Separate Ways’ (Journey), ‘Suburbia’ (Pet Shop Boys), ‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ (Eurythmics), ‘She’s Like the Wind’ (Patrick Swayze), ‘(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight’ (Cutting Crew), ‘Forever Young’ (Alphaville), ‘Since You Been Gone’ (Russ Ballard), ‘Call Me’ (Blondie), and ‘Catch Me I’m Falling’ (Pretty Poison).

It’s not an album I’ll reach for again, but ’twas fun for a single spin!

From Reigning Phoenix Music: “After reigniting their cosmic engines with “Machine World – Reforged” in 2025, IRON SAVIOR return from the stars with their boldest mission yet: “Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy”.

Building on the modern firestorm of their noise-era classics, the band ventures into uncharted galaxies with this new work. IRON SAVIOR take some of the most iconic pop hits of the 80s and forge them into blazing power metal epics, charged with their signature energy, precision, and unstoppable passion.

From the electrifying “Take On Me” (A-Ha) to the dramatic work of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds”, the driving atmosphere of Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora’s “When The Rain Begins To Fall” to the classic by Michael Sembello’s “Maniac”, IRON SAVIOR make timeless classics shine in a new, metallic brilliance.

“After the huge success of the 2002 ‘Condition Red’ bonus track ‘Crazy’ (Seal), which was even used in an HBO series, fans and media kept asking us if we’d ever do a full covers album. And now, two decades later, it’s finally here!” explains frontman Piet Sielck. “Awesome Anthems” continues the transformation from pop to metal in typical IRON SAVIOR style, as it began with Seal’s ‘Crazy’ and the Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’. We’re incredibly proud of the result – the songs all retain their original vibe, but are 100% Iron Savior. Give it a listen – I guarantee a big grin on your face at many points!”

With “Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy”, IRON SAVIOR combine nostalgia and future spirit, passion and precision, proving once again that the past can shine brighter than ever when it is reforged in metal.

81,584 – Anneke van Giersbergen – La Mort EP – Love her voice! And the music is really nice, too… not sure I’d listen to this a whole lot, if ever, but it was definitely an enjoyable listen and piqued my interest enough to keep my eyes peeled on future releases. It’s sort of a prog-rock meets folksy singer-songwriter EP from the Netherlands.

From her bandcamp page: “Anneke van Giersbergen is a Dutch singer-songwriter, known for her serene yet powerful voice, musical versatility, and captivating stage presence. After thirteen years as the frontwoman for melancholic metallers The Gathering, Anneke ventured out on her own in 2007. Since then, her creativity has known no bounds.”

73,014 – Hellripper – Coronach – Well, God-fucking-damn, son! Hellripper is a Scottish one-man blackened speed/thrash/death metal “band” [James McBain]… and it fucking rips! It totally sounds like a mix of ‘Kill ‘Em All’-era Metallica meets the punk ethos of Motörhead, and I love it! The growly vox leaves a little to be desired, but the rest is rippin’! I dig the album artwork, too!

From Century Media Records: “From the moment that Hellripper burst into the metal world’s simmering consciousness back in 2014, the speed metal throne was destined to be conquered. Containing 8 new songs across 44 minutes, the highly anticipated 4th album “Coronach” reaches new levels of incisive, metallic intensity for the Scottish blackened speed metal threat. Bolder, braver, and more adventurous than ever before, Hellripper are built for speed and ablaze with infernal glory! “Coronach” is available as a CD, 180g LP, and as a digital album. Don’t miss Hellripper’s European headlining tour with Schizophrenia and Sarcator in March/April…All hail the goat!”

From Metal Injection: “Scotland’s ibex-obsessed blackened thrash bastard of Hades, Hellripper, has announced the release of his fourth studio album, Coronach, arriving worldwide on March 27, 2026, via Century Media Records. The album marks a major milestone for mastermind James McBain, serving as Hellripper’s debut release for the iconic label.

To herald the announcement, Hellripper has unleashed the album’s opening salvo, “Hunderprest,” a ripping black thrash anthem that wastes no time plunging the listener into chaos. A high-energy performance video for the track — filmed at Damnation Festival 2025 by Sethpicturesmusic and edited by Jake Ten — is now available.

McBain describes “Hunderprest” as the perfect album opener: “‘Hunderprest’ hits immediately with a chaotic deluge of dissonance, and is what I felt to be the perfect way to open the album — leaving the listener with no time to prepare. Based on the legend of ‘Hunderprest,’ or ‘dog priest’ – the vampire of Melrose Abbey. The sinful chaplain inherited his nickname because of his habit of hunting on horseback with his pack of hounds.

“After his death, legend says he was buried in the graveyard of Melrose Abbey, and because his spirit could not find peace, he would rise from his grave when night fell to harass the villagers and his former mistress to satisfy his bloodthirst. He was eventually defeated when a group of monks from Melrose Abbey exhumed Hunderprest’s blood-soaked body in broad daylight and set it on fire, throwing the ashes into the wind to be sure that the vampire would no longer be able to torment the town.

“Musically, the track primarily takes influence from a mixture of thrash (Kreator, Merciless, Metallica) and black (Watain, Rotting Christ, Tribulation) metal, with a healthy dose of some more ‘atmospheric’ d-beat elements from the likes of Oathbreaker and Fall of Efrafa.”

He adds about the album, “‘Coronach’ is a personal exploration of Scottish Culture — its music, literature, history & folklore. From Pictish mysteries to Victorian Gothic literature, sinister lore, classic Scottish poetry, and modern urban tales, the album tells stories of the country throughout the ages.

“Inspired by anything and everything from Venom and Mercyful Fate, to Watain and Opeth, to Manic Street Preachers, film scores and traditional Scottish music, the album is a good representation of myself all wrapped up in a nice speed metal package! Quite a bit of experimentation went into this album, and I wanted each track to contain something that I had never done previously. Whether it be the inclusion of a different instrument or how a song begins, I aimed to offer some element of surprise in each track.

“The album, named after the vocal lament traditionally sung at funerals in the Scottish Highlands, encompasses everything the band is about: mixing modern and old-school influences, past and present storytelling, the dark side of Scottish history, and my personal interpretation of it.

“As always, the writing and recording took place in my home studio, with various other people putting their stamp on a few of the tracks. The album was mixed by myself, and was mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios, and the artwork was done by Adam Burke (Nightjar Illustration). Fàilte gu Alba – Welcome to Scotland!””

23,869 – Pan•American – Fly The Ocean In A Silver Plane – Goodness gracious, I haven’t listened to a Pan•American album since 2009’s ‘White Bird Release’ (and 2024’s ‘Stop Traffic On Redding Road’), stating, “Mark Nelson’s [vocalist and guitarist of Labradford] side project. Very cool, low-key, ambient, soundscape-y instrumental tunes. I found it very soothing, almost like white noise…” This is exactly the same kind of meditative music.

From his bandcamp page: “The music on this record is a reflection of journeys and travel. The real world kind and the metaphorical ones as well. Having experienced the arrival of my children, the decline and departure of my parents, and the many years of venturing out and returning home in my own life, travel feels like the perfect tropology to consider the mysteries we inhabit. Travel and its impressions, rituals, superstitions – the possibilities and risk – all open up onto the landscape of our biggest questions, fear, and wonder.

Two songs established the spine of this music. Songs I’ve always loved, it seems, even before I’d heard them. The first one, and the source of the title, is You Belong to Me by Jo Stafford. Colonial overtones unmissable to our modern ears aside, it’s also a beautiful mid-century romance, and an ode to the threat of a shrinking world. The song represents the loneliness and the mystery of being alone and left behind. The singer is not asking their loved one to shut down horizons, merely reminding them to return when the traveling is done. To set aside The Silver Plane of transition, change, and the in-between for the intimacy of solid earth.

The second song is Promised Land by Chuck Berry. Also about a journey and another one that moves easily between allegory and narrative. The singer is on the move across segregated America, trying to get to the promised land of California. The song is both a tall tale that evokes Mark Twain and an American epic that can keep good company with Herman Melville. When the hero finally makes it to California, his first instinct is to call home and reassure the Old World that he’s safely arrived in the new one.

The songs on Fly the Ocean in a Silver Plane were recorded at home over the last couple of years. I played an electric guitar, a rubber-bridge acoustic guitar, Ableton Live, and an Electron Digitone synth. My friend Mallory Linnehan, aka Chelsea Bridge, contributed beautiful violin and vocals to a couple of the songs. We recorded those performances on a summer afternoon in Chicago at the Not Not space with the windows open.

The cover is a photo of my mom – one I never saw when she was alive. With the headscarf and that excited, nervous expression, she looks about to embark on a journey. Ready, finally, to cross the tarmac and board the Silver Plane.”

Wishing safe travels to all. Mark N / Pan•American

15,951 – Devil Electric – Tahlia – Yo, pretty cool doom metal album, even if it’s only ~35-ish minutes long. I don’t totally love it, but I like it quite a bit! Will keep my eyes and ears peeled for future releases…

From their bandcamp page: “Devil Electric are a riff-heavy, four-piece rock ’n’ roll band from Melbourne, Australia. Taking musical cues from the hard rock greats of the ’70s and combining them with powerful, female-fronted vocals. A tango between vintage doom metal and modern heavy rock. Tahlia is a homage to the Latin phrase “that which nourishes me, destroys me”.”

12,744 – Selwyn Birchwood – Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues – Someone’s gonna save the blues, and his name is Selwyn Birchwood. Fiery and passionate, dude’s got mad skills and is a great songwriter! Don’t sleep on him.

From amazon: “Rolling Stone calls award-winning Florida musician Selwyn Birchwood “a remarkable, contemporary bluesman… a powerhouse young guitarist and soulful vocalist.” Now, this mesmerizing guitarist, lap steel master, and cinematic songwriter unleashes the powerful new album Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, further blazing his own musical trail.

Birchwood’s sound is an intoxicating mix of deep blues, blistering, psychedelic-tinged rock, booty-shaking funk, and sweet Southern soul, played and sung with true blues passion. From an emotionally devastating whisper to a soul-baring scream, Birchwood’s vocals command attention.

Schooled in the blues’ storied traditions (he toured with and was mentored by the famed Sonny Rhodes), Birchwood maps out a dazzling future for the blues with his visionary music. Selwyn Birchwood is one of the hardest-touring artists on the Alligator roster, and will support the new release with shows throughout the U.S. He’s no stranger to European stages either, with plenty of tours there under his belt, and having just completed over a month’s worth of European dates, 27 shows in all, with 24 taking place in France, three in Belgium and one in Czechia.”

9,790 – Taylor Janzen – The Water Keeps Me Clean EP – Taylor’s going places. Great voice, great songwriting… I just wish it was longer than ~17 mins! Taylor deserves all the accolades coming her way!

From her bandcamp page: “Taylor Janzen’s music hits like a storm – raw, charged, and unfiltered. Originally from Winnipeg and now based in Nashville, her songwriting dives deep into spiritual reckoning and post-religious trauma, delivered with a fearless vulnerability that sets her apart. Her upcoming EP is her most expansive work yet.”

8,223 – Konradsen – Hunt, Gather – Konradsen is a Norwegian indie-folk duo that plays a nice, mellow mish-mash of folksy soul peppered in with minimal electronics.

From their bandcamp page: “Konradsen is the indie-folk duo of vocalist and pianist Jenny Marie Sabel and multi-instrumentalist Eirik Vildgren. The two met in high school and have been making music together since then. Their music is alternately romantic, tender, and wry, and you can find little flickers of voices from old home movies, or snippets of conversations with friends, woven throughout many of their songs.”

6,298 – The Young Fresh Fellows – Loft – The Young Fresh Fellows are a cool, quirky, alternative rock meets power-pop band from Seattle, WA! These guys have been around a long time (celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band with this release) and continue to write fun, jangly (and even somewhat psychedelic) tunes. This is their first studio release in six years. Welcome back!

From amazon: “To celebrate the legendary Young Fresh Fellows’ 40th anniversary remix/re-release of their first album, The Fabulous Sounds of the Pacific Northwest, the band took one day off their hectic touring schedule to head to Wilco’s The Loft studio in Chicago.

The band got GRAMMY-Award winner Tom Schick behind the boards, cut 11 brand new songs, and later added some legendary friends across the album, including Neko Case (sings lead on “Destination”), John Stirratt of Wilco (harmony vocals), Morgan Fisher of Mott the Hoople (keyboards), Jonathan Segel of Camper Van Beethoven (violin), Jenny Conlee of The Decemberists (accordion, harmony vocals), Mark Greenberg of Eleventh Dream Day (vibraphone), Peter Buck of R.E.M. (12-string guitar), and Dave “Max” Crawford of Poi Dog Pondering (trumpet).

This fully realized version has never been released before, and the cover is a faded/fated tie-in with the 40th anniversary of YFF’s second LP Topsy Turvy, released November 1985.”

3,622 – Godsticks – VOiD – Pretty sweet prog-rock meets shred album. Tons of groovy riffage and tasty songs from the British-based band. No surprise, as it was released via KScope, home to some of the best prog-rock bands out there.

From Burning Shed: “VOiD is Godsticks’ darkest, heaviest, and most uncompromising album to date. Reflecting a disillusionment with a world increasingly defined by division, ideological rigidity, and the loss of nuance, the album documents a retreat into a personal void.”

“Their blend of indie-rock and alternative metal has emotion and depth.” – Buzz Magazine

2,280 – Butler, Blake & Grant – Murmurs – Butler, Blake & Grant is Bernard Butler (Suede), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), and James Grant (solo, Love and Money). This is a folksy singer-songwriter’s album, and a solid one at that! I was a little underwhelmed with the band’s 2025 self-titled debut, but I enjoyed this one, the follow-up!

From Townsend Music: “A year on from their debut album, Bernard Butler, Norman Blake & James Grant, collectively known as BUTLER, BLAKE & GRANT, return with MURMURS, which sees the trio re-imagining songs from their respective back catalogues, which was the inspiration behind the trio’s initial formation. Of the ten tracks featured on MURMURS, only one doesn’t originate from within the trio; Me & Magdelana, which was written by Blake’s friend, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service fame, for The Monkees’ 2016 reunion album ‘Good Times’.”

23 – Carnivore A.D. – Transmutation EP – Before bassist/vocalist Peter Steele (RIP) formed Type O Negative, he was in a speed/thrash/crossover metal band in the mid-’80s called Carnivore [releasing their self-titled record in 1985, and follow-up, ‘Retaliation’, in 1987]. A band formed to keep the memory of Carnivore alive with the formation of Carnivore A.D., playing the occasional show around the country. Now they’ve decided to release music under this moniker with their focus on keeping the legacy of Peter Steele and Carnivore alive. I’m admittedly not at all familiar with Carnivore, but if this is anything like it, I approve! You can hear the pre-Type O roots, even within the crossover genre!

From their bandcamp page: “The Evolution Has Begun. Dedicated with love and honor to the memories of Peter Steele and Keith Alexander, Carnivore A.D. emerged as a post armageddon neo barbaric soundscape – a relentless force keeping the primal energy of Carnivore alive on stages and festivals around the world. Formed by NYC Hardcore and Metal veterans Baron Misuraca (vocals & bass – ex-SHEER TERROR), Chuck Lenihan (guitar – ex-CRUMBSUCKERS), and Joe Cangelosi (drums – ex-KREATOR, WHIPLASH, MASSACRE). Co-founded with full endorsement by original drummer Louie Beateaux, Carnivore A.D. has honored its roots by performing the explosive and brilliant works of Peter Steele with intensity, respect, and raw power.

But now, with the release of their first-ever studio EP “Transmutation”, Carnivore A.D. transcends tribute. They have challenged themselves to write new material – not to replace the original legacy, but to continue its spirit through their own lens. While the legacy of Carnivore remains sacred, Carnivore A.D. has become something more than its origin – a band with its own scars, its own instincts, and now, its own songs.”

“Think of Carnivore AD as a renowned dining establishment where its Chef passed on years ago, but the recipes remain, and folks still want to dine there instead of cooking the food themselves. And Chef Pete wouldn’t mind because his friends are making it with love.” – Louie Beateaux

Missed the Cut (in order by “popularity”*):

31,695,153 – Ye (Kanye West) – BULLY – It’s hard not to get past what a narcissist hip-hopper Ye – the artist formerly known as Kanye West – is, but a good album is a good album regardless of what the artist/band is like. Having said that, this album STINKS! So he’s a narcissist who writes/produces shitty albums. Bad combo. Beyond that, dude is antisemitic. That said, judging on the “music” alone, it’s still thumbs way down.

25,666,304 – Charlie Puth – Whatever’s Clever! – This pop-rock megastar’s latest release is so far out of my wheelhouse, and I will absolutely never listen to it again. Totally not my jam. That said… he’s got a good voice. You don’t climb the mountain without some skill, and I’m sure his handsome looks and boyish charms don’t hurt album sales, either.

22,468,478 – Melanie Martinez – HADES – Melanie is an INSANELY popular poppy singer-songwriter, having risen from the fires of her appearance on Season 3 of The Voice (2012). I totally get the appeal – my sister’s kids (used to) love her! – and the songs are pretty killer (for what it is), but she – and her style of music – is not really in my wheelhouse.

1,124,853 – Seafret – Fear Of Emotion – Seafret is a British indie folk duo. The folksy parts were cool, but I felt as if the songs leaned a little too hard into pop territory for my taste. And for that reason, I’m out. That said, it’s easy to hear why they are so popular. Fun fun fact, though: The duo – Jack Sedman and Harry Draper – met at an open mic night and enjoyed each other’s performances so much that they decided to work together. This was back in 2011.

904,229 – Robyn – Sexistential – A pumpin’ electro-dance album. Never went to the club – plus it’s only ~30 mins long – but I felt tired after listening to it; it drained me! Not my thing, I’ll pass.

633,771 – Courtney Barnett – Creature of Habit – There’s a lot of love for singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, but not from me. I found the songs average at best and didn’t care much for her “singing,” which is almost speaking / poetry-like on most tracks (which she is known for). I get the love, I can hear why people dig her, but she’s never worked for me…

495,184 – Suzi Quatro – Freedom – Suzi is a legend, no question. 75 years young and still out there crushing it in the hard rock / blues-rock scene! This is the third consecutive album recorded with her son Richard Tuckey. It contains a rippin’ cover of Freddie King’s ‘Going Down’ and the MC5’s ‘Kick Out The Jams’ with none other than Alice Cooper – Cooper, Quatro, and MC5 all being Detroit natives! I didn’t care much for the release, but mad props to her for still out there grinding! Fun fact: on occasion, we’ll play her 1978 single, ‘Stumblin’ In’ (with Chris Norman). Great tune!

400,796 – Snail Mail – Ricochet – Singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan leads this indie rock band. For the most part, I’d say that a good portion of indie rock artists / albums don’t do much for me, and this release is no different. They are wildly popular, and good for them! Not for everyone, not for me, but people do like Lindsey and Snail Mail.

235,185 – The Academy Is… – Almost There – Classic mid-aughts emo pop meets pop punk band returns with their fourth album, but only their first in nearly two decades after a lengthy breakup. While it didn’t do much for me, the fans and critics love it.

212,461 – The New Pornographers – The Former Site Of – This Canadian indie-pop rock band has been around since 1997, and they’ve been trying to (unsuccessfully) gain me as a new fan since who knows when. Yup, nothing I’ll listen to again.

11,561 – Chez Kane – Reckless – Holy shit, hahaha! Chez and her band had one goal in mind: write and release an album that sounds like it could’ve been released in the ’80s during the whole hair spray/spandex hard rock era. Even the album cover is dimed to the ’80! I mean, if you wanna be transported to that time, look no further than this release. Packed with rock riffs, sax solos, and Chez’s ’80s-based lyrics, this was a fun listen! It’s nothing I’ll reach for again, but for a single listen…? Hellz yeah, haha!!

90 – Heavy Metal Shrapnel – Heavy Metal Hairspray – Look at the band name. Now look at the album title. You know EXACTLY what to expect from this release, and they’re not shy about it. This literally could’ve been released back in the “hairspray” era of the ’80s. Some bands do it well. I don’t believe this is one of them.

47 – RedRedRed – Deaf Gods – Oh, what’s that saying again? Ah, right: don’t judge a book by its cover. Debut full-length from this stoner rock band. Stoner rock, you say? Check. Rad album artwork? Check. Inspired by bands such as “Clutch, Down, Monster Magnet, Mutoid Man, and Mastodon…”? Uh, fuck yeah! Super-check. The result? Eh. Underwhelming. Is it good? Sure. I’ll follow them, but this was not nearly as good as I was hoping (and expecting). Don’t judge a book by its cover.

From Monuments In Ruin: “RedRedRed from Poitiers, FR, deliver Deaf Gods, a stoner/prog metal assault fueled by raw energy, thick riffs, and relentless grooves. Drawing inspiration from Clutch, Down, Monster Magnet, Mutoid Man, and Mastodon, the band blends heavy riffing with twisted progressive structures and dark atmospheres. Loud, intense, and uncompromising, Deaf Gods is a decade of riffs, chaos, and pure rock passion distilled into one powerful statement.”

Addendum (in order by “popularity”*) – Albums that were released earlier in the year (or previous years) that I missed, but are worth mentioning, anyhow:

None, unfortunately.

On the List (in order by “popularity”*) – Albums that I didn’t get to (yet) for one reason or another. Will (hopefully) get to them at a later date:

Only listing ones that made me take notice, not everything…

56,747,282 – Queen – Queen II [Collector’s Edition – 1974] (5 CDs / 2 LPs) – Rock and roll. From amazon: “Queen II is the second studio album from the iconic British rock band. Originally released in 1974, it reached #5 on the U.K. albums chart. Collector’s Edition box set includes 5 CDs, featuring a 2026 mix of the album, session tracks, alternate takes, demos, B-sides, backing tracks, BBC sessions, Live at Golders Green Hippodrome in 1973, and Live at the Rainbow in 1974. The 2026 mix is also spread across 2 LPs pressed black & white 180g vinyl with etchings on Sides B & D. Housed in a lift-off lid box with super deluxe book and 4 individual prints featuring Mick Rock images, some previously unseen.”

7,002,317 – Van Halen – 5150 [40th Anniversary Expanded Edition – 1986] (3 CDs / Blu-ray) – Rock and roll. Disc one is the original album remastered, while discs two and three see the band live at New Haven Memorial Coliseum, New Haven, CT, on August 27th, 1986.

From amazon: “Celebrating its 40th anniversary, 5150 is the first of four albums Van Halen recorded with lead singer Sammy Hagar. To mark this moment, Rhino is releasing an expanded 1LP/3CD/1 Blu-Ray edition of this classic with a remastered version of the original album on CD and LP, a disc of rare singles edits and B-sides, and a previously unreleased live performance from the band recorded on August 27, 1986. Rounding out the package will be a Blu-ray inclusive of the first HD release of the band’s classic 1986 live video Live Without a Net and promo videos for the tracks “Dreams” and “Why Can’t This Be Love”.”

294,409 – Heaven & Hell – Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009 (4 CDs / Blu-ray) – Heavy metal. From Rhino Entertainment: “Ronnie James Dio joined Black Sabbath for the 1980s platinum-selling Heaven And Hell album. When Dio regrouped with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice between 2007 and 2009, they did so under the name Heaven & Hell. They released the live albums Live at Radio City Music Hall in 2007 and Neon Knights Live at Wacken in 2009, plus their sole studio album, The Devil You Know, in 2009. These recordings are now collected together as Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009 on a 7LP box set, featuring the aforementioned live shows in their entirety. These were the last recordings made by Ronnie James Dio before he sadly passed away in 2010, and represent a fitting testament to the music he made with Black Sabbath, featuring tracks from Heaven And Hell, Mob Rules, Dehumanizer, and The Dio Years.”

From metalsucks: “Black Sabbath may take the lion’s share of attention when it comes to bands featuring Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice, but maybe that shouldn’t be the case. I mean, all three guys were in Heaven & Hell with the late Ronnie James Dio, and that shit was undeniably awesome. This March, you’ll be able to remind yourself just how awesome that combination was, as Rhino Records is releasing an absolutely massive Heaven & Hell box set.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009 is a HUGE box set offering, spanning either 7 vinyl LPs or four CDs and a Blu-ray. Set for release on March 27, both versions will also feature an illustrated book with new liner notes from Hugh Gilmour. It will also come with a replica tour book and a poster.

Though the track lists span the band’s entire discography, this box set really covers their reunion that ran from 2007 to 2009. The set will include the band’s Live From Radio City Music Hall show, their killer album The Devil You Know, and the band’s live album Neon Knights: 30 Years of Heaven & Hell – Live At Wacken, which was recorded during the band’s 2009 European tour.

This box set marks the first time the Radio City Music Hall performance has ever been pressed to vinyl, and the first time eight tracks have been made into vinyl as well. As for the aforementioned Blu-ray, that bad boy is going to come with an HD-upscaled version of Bible Back.”

Looking forward to (in order by “popularity”*) – These albums will be released this week and should be in next week’s AOTW newsletter:

7,349,875 – Various Artists – Black America Sings Stevie Wonder

1,608,398 – Thundercat – Distracted

462,239 – Charley Crockett – Age Of The Ram

345,212 – Corrosion Of Conformity – Good God / Baad Man (2 CDs)

185,092 – SUNN O))) – SUNN O)))

135,997 – Angine de Poitrine – Vol. II

62,571 – Lantlôs – Nowhere in Between Forever

32,397 – Green Carnation – A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis

8,535 – The Bevis Frond – Horrorful Heights (2 CDs)

7,113 – Sun Don’t Shine – From Birth To Death

1,689 – Ten East / SoftSun – Turned to Stone: Chapter 10: Ten East / SoftSun

1,626 – Fernando Perdomo – Clouds 4

97 – Bronco Forte – Lightning Scars

…and several others. Some that I am looking forward to and others not so much.

———————————————————————————————

Small print that’s normal size print:

*These albums are listed in order by “popularity”. Wait, what? How? By no means is it a measured calculation. They’re listed in order by number of ‘followers’ on Spotify. While it is listed by Spotify ‘followers’, the order would (most likely) be similar if looking at the number of ‘likes and/or followers’ on each band’s social media pages. Speaking of “popularity”, there is a bolded purple number. This number (more or less) represents the number of Spotify ‘followers’ at the time of review.

**Album of the Week. No promises, but I will do my best to NOT include Greatest Hits, Best Of, Live releases, re-releases, etc. Even if these “new” releases include a ton of bonus goodies, multiple unreleased tracks, demo versions, etc, I’ll still (try to) hold off.

All albums are listened to IN FULL unless stated otherwise.

Some artists are quite controversial. My goal is to review the album on its own merits, not based on the history, beliefs (political or otherwise), police records, and/or anything else that could be considered “unsavory” of the artist(s).

(Almost) all albums are hyperlinked. I link in order by Bandcamp first, YouTube next, then Spotify last. This is so you can check out (AND PURCHASE) the album, if interested. I do and hope you do, as well!

Do you have any friends or family who might be interested in this weekly blog? If so, send ’em this way!

Until next week…

Cheers,

Troy