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

Heyo!

Over four months ago, I had mentioned that I won a Mackie product at the annual holiday party… but I couldn’t mention what it was since it wasn’t released. Until now!

We released another – yes, another, haha! – set of loudspeakers and subwoofers. Hey, what can I say, our bread and butter is mixers, monitors, loudspeakers, and subwoofers, with the occasional misdirection. Anyway, two tops, two bottoms. I won a pair of the THUMP15V4 loudspeakers! Check ’em out here, if interested. I might know the guy who wrote the manuals, ha!

I can already hear some of you ask, “…but Troy, you gotta have a PA already, right?” Yes, that is correct. But you know what my tops are? The original SRM450s from two-plus decades ago! Sure, they still work, but they are heavy as hell and have definitely seen better days. Lots of crackling, noise, etc… BLAT!

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There are a few series and movies that I’d like to discuss.

First up, earlier this year, I raved about season one of The Pitt (on HBOMAX) and in 2023, Beef (on Netflix). Seasons two of both shows are out now, and… while enjoyable, we found both of them to be drop-offs from S1. Have you watched either (or both) of them? If so, what did you think?

Continuing on with headscratchers, we spent two-and-a-half hours watching Marty Supreme, wondering WTH we just watched. Lots of names in it, nominated for a zillion awards (and winning multiple), so it’s gotta be phenomenal, right? Eh, whatever… how about you? Any Marty Supreme movie lovers, or do you agree with moi?

I do have one show to recommend, though! Big Mistakes S1 on Netflix is wild! Dan Levy – “David” from Schitt’s Creek, and Eugene Levy’s son – is the creator and one of the main actors in this crime comedy. The plot is highly, highly unlikely – check your brain at the door – but there are plenty of laughs and hijinks throughout. Plus, they’re only something like 30-minute episodes. Easy, fun binge! Anyone else watch it and care to comment?

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‘Twas a fantastic week for new releases, but only one can rise to the top, and that is…

…you’re gonna have to scroll down to see :-)

😁 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** – April 24th to April 30th, 2026:

15,034 – Einar Solberg (feat. The Norwegian Radio Orchestra) – Vox Occulta

Oh man, this was so f’n good!!! As a massive fan of the band Leprous, I had high hopes for this release since Einar is their lead vocalist and keyboard player. This is right in that same vein. It is a stunning, beautiful prog-rock/metal mix that continued to grow on me as the album progressed. I can’t wait to spin this again, ’cause I’m sure I’ll catch all kinds of goodies on this album! Fantastic!

From InsideOutMusic: “Einar Solberg (Leprous), returns with Vox Occulta, his second venture under his own name and a bold, heavy and symphonic statement, recorded in collaboration with the much-sought-after Norwegian Radio Orchestra. Solberg is out to cement himself as one of experimental music’s most epic-sounding characters: “I want to be seen as the cinematic person in prog,” he declares. “I want to completely own that. This is a very cinematic album, and that’s what I was aiming at.” ‘Stella Mortua’, Vox Occulta’s opening track, reflects that clarity of vision. Solberg croons over classical strings before electric guitar chords emphatically join the fray and the vocalist powers his way through a majestic chorus. From there, each song has its own character – with ‘Medulla’ emphasising its huge, metallic riff and ‘Grex’ being a near-12-minute odyssey. Vox Occulta was co-produced by Solberg and David Castillo, known for his work with Opeth, Katatonia, Amorphis, and more. Drummer Keli Guðjónsson (Agent Fresco), violinist Chris Baum (Bent Knee) & guitarist Ben Levin (ex-Bent Knee) return, with newcomers Jed Lindgat on bass and John Browne (Monuments) and Pierre Danel (Novelists) on guitar. Biffy Clyro alum Adam Noble handled the mixing.”

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

15,813,544 – Meghan Trainor – Toy with Me

I dig her doing Top-40 pop, but injected with a ’50s doo-wop / swing. I admire her for that, and the tunes are catchy as hell. It’s here in the ‘Hell yes!’ category because of all that. Having said that, it’s just not an album I’ll reach for again. Fun fact: All of her albums start with the letter “T”, referencing her last name (‘Title’, 2015, ‘Thank You’, 2016, ‘Treat Myself’, 2020, ‘Takin’ It Back’, 2022, ‘Timeless’, 2024, and now ‘Toy With Me’, 2026). Another fun fact: her massive single ‘All About That Bass’ is now 12 years old. Where did the time go?!

From amazon: “Global superstar Meghan Trainor has announced her seventh full-length album, Toy With Me! In this new era, Meghan expertly dances between vulnerability and empowerment, encouraging fans to embrace themselves despite any challenges they may be facing. All the while, Meghan delivers undeniably infectious pop production and witty songwriting with more precision than ever.

On the new music, she shares, “‘Still Don’t Care’ really sets the tone for this whole Toy With Me era — it’s bold, fun, a little cheeky, and full of confidence. This song came from a place of growth for me; I’m learning to care less about perfection and more about what actually makes me happy.””

13,312,590 – Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy

Foo Fighters is a band I really dig! Singer/guitarist/drummer Dave Grohl is ridiculously talented, just a great songwriter and performer. While this album continues on with the great tradition of their previous releases, I found it slightly more underwhelming than their previous releases. The last track – ‘Asking For A Friend’ – is a rager, but the rest was kinda meh. But hey, what do I know? It was released to rave reviews from fans and critics alike, as a return to their more “high-energy, uptempo rock”. It is the first FF album to feature new drummer, Ilan Rubin.

From amazon: “Preceded by its addictive new title track and last year’s incendiary “Asking For A Friend,” Your Favorite Toy is Foo Fighters’ 12th album — and quite possibly their hardest rocking to date. Burning through 10 absolute bangers in under 40 minutes, Your Favorite Toy demands and rewards repeat listens in equal measure. It’s Foo Fighters pushing boundaries as they pin the volume meters, adding new dimensions to their timeless signature sound.”

4,712,748 – Noah Kahan – The Great Divide

Wow, this was fantastic, color me surprised! Noah is a folksy-poppy singer-songwriter who has been nominated for nearly 20 awards in a three-year span (2023-2025), winning two. I am sure there are more to come. He has an incredible voice, and the songs are very well written. It is his fourth full-length, yet my introduction to him. Perhaps I need to go back to previous releases. Even at an hour and 17 minutes, it didn’t feel bloated. Great stuff, well done!

From Townsend Music: “From the hills of Vermont to the global stage, Noah Kahan’s fourth studio album is his most personal yet. Produced by Gabe Simon and Aaron Dessner, The Great Divide captures the raw honesty of a songwriter at his peak. A reflection on Noah’s past, his now-complicated relationship to family, friends, his native Vermont, as well as the disconnect and distance that silence and unspoken truths create between people.”

2,427,131 – Sepultura – The Cloud Of Unknowing EP

Pretty kick-ass heavy fucking metal/thrash EP from Brazil’s own Sepultura… and sad that it is their swan song! Four songs clocking at 16:31, leaving nothing in its wake. I probably wouldn’t listen to it a whole lot, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t kick your ass! Thanks for all the music throughout the years, Sepultura!

From Rough Trade Records: “After four decades of aggressive, crushing, genre-shaping metal, 15 studio albums, and 14 gold records, Sepultura remains one of the most impactful bands in heavy music—Brazil’s relentless force on the global stage. Having stormed 80 countries and sold over 20 million worldwide, The Cloud of Unknowing EP channels their ferocity, intensity, and unyielding identity as the final leg of their farewell tour ignites.”

1,951,202 – Beach Bunny – Tunnel Vision

Just like their last release – 2022’s ‘Emotional Creature’ – “I knew that I wouldn’t like this [poppy indie rock] album before I listened to it. I was banking on it. Lo and behold, I kinda dig it! Solid songs, great frontwoman (awesome vox!), really good production. Man, I was wrong on so many levels. My only complaint was that this was only ~33 mins. Gonna keep my eyes and ears peeled for future releases. Nicely done!”

From Rough Trade Records: “Tunnel Vision, the third LP from Chicago indie band Beach Bunny, finds them getting back to basics. Rocked by the pandemic, singer/songwriter Lili Trifilio dealt with a lengthy bout of writer’s block for the first time in the lead-up to recording. As she regained her confidence, she turned inward to write about the quarter-life crisis she was experiencing and the existential challenges her friends were facing. Trifilio’s incisive lyrics and buoyant vocals are complemented by undeniably catchy guitar-based hooks, making it clear that Tunnel Vision is a modern power pop classic.

Beach Bunny – the name refers interchangeably to both Trifilio and the full band that also features bassist/lead guitarist Anthony Vaccaro and drummer Jon Alvarado – recorded Tunnel Vision in 2024 in Chicago with longtime producer Sean O’Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack). Where the band experimented with synths and samples on Emotional Creature, this new album returns to their urgent, wildly catchy guitar riffs.

Tunnel Vision includes 2024 singles “tangy, sharp and sweet” (Needle Drop) “Vertigo” and “charming” (Rolling Stone) “Clueless.” The album also features a re-recording of “Cycles,” a song released under Trifilio’s own name in 2019; the subject matter—encouraging someone not to give into social expectations—fits right in with the rest of the new album.”

977,084 – Metric – Romanticize The Dive

This was a very enjoyable, kinda mellow-ish, sorta synth-pop-ish album… I dug it. Nothing memorable, but it didn’t need to be. Great production, too!

From Season Of Mist: “Metric’s relentless pursuit of timeless songwriting and fiercely independent ethos have cemented their place as one of the most essential and ahead-of-the-curve bands of the last two decades. The trailblazing Toronto outfit was founded by songwriting and production partners Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw, along with bandmates Joshua Winstead and Joules Scott Key. Though both were also founding members of the influential and sprawling Canadian indie rock outfit Broken Social Scene, Metric was always the top priority, and shortly after they met and cemented their mission, they left Toronto for New York in search of like-minded artists. There, they found themselves at the center of the city’s burgeoning indie sleaze scene alongside bands like LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, TV On the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol.

Their 10th studio album Romanticize The Dive harkens back to the free spirit of that era, kicking off with Haines nostalgically imploring the listener to “let me take you back, it was the start of something…” before pulling back the curtain on a band that has consistently stayed true to each other and their ethics for decades. In a tribute to lifelong friendship, the album also reunites the dream team behind their 2009 breakout album Fantasies at Electric Lady Studios in New York. All at once a heartfelt reflection on their history, a celebratory gift to those who have been along for the ride, and an outstretched hand to new fans, Romanticize The Dive is another testament to the band’s unwavering love for each other and their insatiable desire to push themselves as artists.”

362,490 – Glen Hansard – Don+t Settle (Vol. 1 – Transmissions East) [Live]

Legendary folk singer-songwriter Glen Hansard used to busk on the streets of his hometown of Dublin, Ireland, but those days are long over. Dude just writes great, folksy singer-songwriter tunes filled with raw emotion and beauty. Wonderful stuff. All of his releases are gold. This (live for an intimate audience) album especially seems to get stronger as the album plays on…. and at nearly an hour of playtime, I didn’t want it to end. So good! Check out the movie ‘Once’ [2007], which he stars/plays in… it is FANTASTIC!

From Townsend Music: “Don’t Settle – Transmissions East is the first release of two volumes coming out this year. Highlighting an incredibly prolific and diverse career, this isn’t just a ‘Best Of’ – it’s a live studio album, it’s no second takes, no autotune, no editing. Just live, raw, direct energy that captures the magic of Glen like nothing released before.

Recorded at the legendary Funkhaus in Berlin, a historical East German radio and recording studio, with a huge acoustically perfect orchestral live room – the album was captured in a controlled studio environment, yet recorded and filmed across two nights in the round, with 600 fans in the room each night.”

362,475 – Plini – An Unnameable Desire

Plini (Roessler-Holgate) is a bad-ass guitarist/composer out of Australia. His all-instrumental tunes are sort of a rock-fusion-prog-djent mash-up… tasty!

215,260 – Terror – Still Suffer

Straight-up, no bullshit hardcore band out of L.A. Twenty-seven minutes and 15 seconds of pummeling tunes… in the best of ways, of course!

From amazon: “Nobody could have ever guessed the trajectory that hardcore would have taken back when this movement was first formed. And in the early 2000s, nobody would have guessed that a band like Terror would still be one of the most influential bands in the subgenre, 24 years after their start.

Their aggression, coupled with a love and appreciation for the scene that so many have come and gone from, or even forgotten altogether, has let them thrive- now unveiling their tenth full-length record, STILL SUFFER, releasing April 24th on Flatspot Records.

Originating from Los Angeles, California, during a time when hardcore needed a band to smash things back to center as the genre found itself falling off track, Terror rushed in, immediately made their mark, and never let go.

Working with producer (and former guitarist) Todd Jones, the band created ten fast, aggressive, in-your-face tracks that embrace the themes that made Terror so influential in the first place. Songs about self-empowerment, survival, and an unrelenting will to face challenges head-on with the values and support found within these walls.

STILL SUFFER was rounded out with engineering and some additional production by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio, mixing by Jon Markson, and mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, with additional vocal engineering by Jay Zubricky at GCR Audio, and drum engineering at Studio 606 by Taylor Young and Oliver Roman.

Guest vocals on the album come from Jay Peta of Mindforce on “Beauty in the Losses,” Brody King of God’s Hate, and Dan Seely of King Nine on “Deconstruct It,” along with Hot Water Music’s Chuck Ragan providing an assertive delivery on “Fear The Panic, ” a song which was also co-produced by New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert.

From the start, Terror has never turned their back on the things that made this band so vital since its inception. With the release of STILL SUFFER, it’s clear that the band has no sign of letting up, continuing to succeed on their mission to deliver hardcore, authentic to themselves, and to show the world that this is much more than just music. This community and movement that nobody can truly put into words is the exact place the energy comes from that fuels Terror to continue to build and grow with STILL SUFFER. “Forever doesn’t change, you’re damaged just like me.”

203,117 – The Milk Carton Kids – Lost Cause Lover Fool

Several years ago, Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo gave this folk duo a shout-out, and with good reason… they sound like a 21st-century Simon & Garfunkel. Wow! Beautifully crafted songs with great guitar and vocals.

From Rough Trade Records: “On their seventh studio album, Lost Cause Lover Fool, The Milk Carton Kids deliver 9 songs that, more than ever, invite listeners to lean in close and hover in the small moments the album magnifies.

Much has changed since The Milk Carton Kids — Los Angeles-based singer-songwriters Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan — burst on the Folk scene in 2011. And The Milk Carton Kids have changed, too. But at least one constant remains. Pattengale and Ryan continue to make music that entices us to turn down the volume on a chaotic world and dwell as long as possible on what matters most.

With rootsy arrangements, Lost Cause Lover Fool expands on the duo’s signature minimalist sound their fans love while also, somehow, making it even smaller. Lost Cause Lover Fool begins with the lonesome pluck and strum of the banjo on “Blue Water.” Often employed either for lightning-speed or rhythm, here the banjo is handled carefully, with reticence, so that it feels more like light cast across a stretch of grass than a whole bluegrass instrument. Lyrically, this album-opener zooms in on a snapshot of a man walking along a riverside, remembering the child that used to lay on his chest who has now grown to share his worried mind. It’s a moment so small it might easily have been dismissed, except that it holds an emotion as universal as it is fleeting.

Lost Cause Lover Fool magnifies many such small moments, turns them into mesmerizing worlds, and reminds us — pleads with us — to pay attention to them as they go by.”

170,032 – Angélique Kidjo – HOPE!!

Wonderful world music album! Part jazz, part Latin, part Afrobeat, all excellent!

From amazon: “Global icon and five-time GRAMMY® winner Angelique Kidjo returns with HOPE!!, a revelatory 16-track collection that serves as a vibrant antidote to the times. Following her 2021 success Mother Nature, this album bridges continents and genres, featuring a star-studded lineup including Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Nile Rodgers, and Davido, among other A-listers.”

151,066 – Failure – Location Lost

Holy hell, I love the fact that Failure is back!! It has sort of a “Deftones” prog rock meets space rock meets shoegaze meets alternative rock sound to it. The song with Paramore’s Hayley Williams [‘The Rising Skyline’] is killer, too. Super-tasty!

From amazon: “Influential shoegaze pioneers, Failure, return after a half-decade with their seventh studio album, Location Lost (Failure Records/Arduous/Virgin). The LP features nine new tracks, showcasing a focused, modern vision of their signature alternative space-rock sound, including the mesmerizing track, ‘The Rising Skyline’, featuring Paramore’s Hayley Williams. The album follows the band’s 2025 Hulu/Disney+ documentary, “Every Time You Lose Your Mind,” which spans the band’s career & legacy.”

66,610 – Matteo Mancuso – Route 96

Matteo is a certified bona fide Italian all-instrumental jazz-rock guitarist. Dude’s got chops for miles and has been hailed as one of the greats of this generation of guitar shredders (by the guitar shredder community, no less!).

From his bandcamp page: “The Sicilian guitar savant Matteo Mancuso has announced details of his new album Route 96, which will be released on 24 April via Music Theories Recordings. The album features appearances from Steve Vai, Antone Boyer, and Valeriy Stepanov.

Matteo burst on the scene in 2023 with his debut album, The Journey, after his prodigious ability caught the attention of the likes of Tosin Abasi, Al Di Meola, Dweezil Zappa, and Steve Vai. The release of his debut with its perfect storm of dazzling fingerstyle technique and beautifully crafted compositions saw him adorn the front covers of multiple Guitar magazines, being hailed as the “world’s hottest virtuoso,” “the young guitarist redefining virtuosity,” and saw his international touring take flight with sold-out shows across Europe and the US.

This year, the 29-year-old Palermo, Sicily-based Mancuso returns with his second solo album, Route 96. While his debut was made over the course of three years, this latest release was written and recorded to a much faster timeline, as is often the case with sophomore records.

Route 66 features Matteo alongside Riccardo Oliva (bass) and Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and was recorded at Fico D’India Studios in Casteldaccia, Italy, and produced by Matteo along with his father, Vincenzo Mancuso.”

31,638 – Death Lens – What’s Left Now?

The band started in 2011, yet this is my introduction to them… only took 15 years and a handful of albums! But, hey, better late than never! They deliver a dozen songs in strong garage-punk fashion. No BS rock ‘n f’n roll!!

From amazon: “Los Angeles alt-punks Death Lens return with What’s Left Now?, an album that feels like a jolt of clarity after a year that never seemed to slow down.

Fresh off touring with Militarie Gun, they dove into the studio with producer/mixer Zach Tuch (Knocked Loose, Touché Amoré) to craft their first new music since 2024’s Cold World. The result is a set of songs that coil hooky guitar lines around lyrics about taking stock of what you have, what’s been taken from you, and confronting what remains without any sugarcoating.

Death Lens have always played with contrast: ferocity disguised by swagger, volatility wrapped in melody. Onstage, they transform that tension into something communal – cathartic enough to leave rooms wrecked, connective enough to leave people changed.

Once a crew of party-driven garage punks, they’ve sharpened their voice into something broader and more urgent, speaking on life in heavily policed neighborhoods, immigration reform, and the responsibility to lift up the communities that raised them. What’s Left Now? pushes that vision forward, framing resilience not as a slogan but as a lived philosophy: one world, one community, one band refusing to stand still.

Death Lens is comprised of Bryan Torres (vocals), Jhon Reyes (guitar, backing vocals), Tony Rangel (drums), and Ernie Gutierrez (guitar).”

30,780 – Gus G. – Steel Burner

Firewind and ex-Ozzy, Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy, and Nightrage guitarist goes solo, and I dig it. Half the tunes are all-instrumental, and the other half feature guest vocalists Doro Pesch, Matt Barlow, Dino Jelusick, and Ronnie Romero (on two tracks). If you dig shreddy guitars, it’s fucking great!

From Napalm Records: “Gus G., the guitar virtuoso famous for his work with FIREWIND and Ozzy Osbourne, has announced the release of his fifth solo album, Steel Burner, which is scheduled for 24 April 2026. This marks his first solo album in five years and delivers a powerful blend of modern instrumental shredding with select vocal collaborations.

The album takes its title from the instrumental track ‘Steel Burner’, which sparked the entire project. Originally commissioned by a company that builds industrial metal-shaping machines, the track was inspired by a machine called Steel Burner — an idea that ultimately defined the sound and concept of the album.

Balancing instrumental firepower with vocal tracks, Steel Burner features an impressive line-up of collaborators: Doro Pesch appears on ‘Nothing Can Break Me’, a metal anthem centred on inner strength and resilience. Dino Jelusick lends his voice to ‘No One Has to Know’, a modern hard rock track addressing the false realities projected through social media. Matt Barlow (Iced Earth) delivers a commanding performance on the epic metal track “Dancing with Death”, which explores addiction with a modern twist. Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) is featured on two powerful tracks: “My Premonition” and “Frenemy”, both of which were inspired by Gus G.’s recent joint tour with Romero. The album was mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward (Helloween, Pink Cream 69, etc.).

With Steel Burner, Gus G. makes a bold and versatile statement, bridging generations and styles within modern metal.”

18,653 – Elegant Weapons – Evolution

Elegant Weapons is a “supergroup” of sorts, featuring guitarist Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest), drummer Christopher William (Accept), bassist Davey Rimmer (Uriah Heep), and vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group). Andy Sneap (who also plays guitar in Judas Priest) is the producer. With that lineup, you know what to expect. Straight-up metal riffage, and I dig it all. Richie Faulkner is no joke and a great choice for Judas Priest!

From RSD: “Elegant Weapons return with their sophomore studio album, Evolution. This quartet of lifelong musicians – guitarist Richie Faulkner [Judas Priest], vocalist Ronnie Romero [Rainbow, MSG], bassist Dave Rimmer [Uriah Heep], and drummer Christopher Williams [Accept] – have rallied around a collective vision.

They’ve architected a signature style sealed tightly by unforgettable riffing, surgically precise solos, bold grooves, and skyscraping hooks. The world got its first taste of Elegant Weapons with the release of Horns For A Halo in 2023.

Exhibiting both a craftsman’s attention-to-detail and an innate knack for arena-ready anthems, Elegant Weapons have rapidly progressed in real-time as they push forward again on their second full-length offering, the aptly titled Evolution. Featuring “Evil Eyes,” “Generation Me,” and the lead single “Bridges Burn,” Elegant Weapons have evolved into their most dangerous and dynamic effort thus far.””

10,695 – John Corabi – New Day

Great debut album from long-time rocker, John Corabi. He’s probably best known as the guy who replaced Mötley Crüe vocalist Vince Neal for their 1994 self-titled release (who some claim is their best album). He was also the frontman of The Dead Daisies from 2015-2025, among a slew of other bands prior to. Anyway, this was just a good, solid, meat ‘n potatoes rock ‘n roll album, reminding me a bit of ’70s Aerosmith meets The Black Crowes. Great stuff, and I hope he releases more solo albums. Dude is 67 years old and still out there crushing it!

From Frontiers Records S.R.L.: “Today, rock icon JOHN CORABI is proud to announce his debut full-length solo album ‘New Day,’ due out on April 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

‘New Day’ marks JOHN CORABI’s first full-length solo album of original material. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

The record features the previously released singles “Così Bella (So Beautiful)” (2021) and “Your Own Worst Enemy” (2022), now presented as part of a rich collection of tracks that spotlight his commanding vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful songwriting. Throughout the album, CORABI is joined by Marti Frederiksen, who adds backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion; Evan Frederiksen on drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming; Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) on lead guitar; Paul Taylor (Winger, Steve Perry) contributing piano, organ, and clavinet, as well as Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) offering guitar solos. Together, they create an organic, instrument-driven sound built on real performances, melodic interplay, and soulful energy.

With a European tour planned for February/March 2026 and additional shows running through late spring and summer, CORABI is poised to bring this new music directly to fans, delivering both powerful live energy and genuine emotional resonance.

More than just a solo debut, ‘New Day’ serves as CORABI’s personal testament to rock’s enduring spirit—an exploration of melody, soul, and authenticity, played with passion and conviction at every turn.

JOHN shares:

“I’m very excited for everybody to hear this new collection of songs! I wanted to put together an album of eclectic, organic songs that are reminiscent of the music I grew up listening to, and I truly believe the mission was accomplished! This is a ’60s-’70s sounding classic rock and roll record…Turn it up, and enjoy!!!””

LINEUP

John Corabi – Lead Vocals, Backing vocals, lead/rhythm guitars
Marti Frederiksen – Backing vocals, lead/rhythm guitars, piano, percussion
Evan Frederiksen – Drums, bass, B3 organ, programming, electric guitar, percussion, mandolin

Richard Fortus – Lead Guitar
Paul Taylor – Piano, Organ, Clavinet
D.A. Karkos – Backing vocals
Matt Farley – Backing vocals
John Farley – Backing vocals
Charlie Starr – Lead/rhythm guitars on 3

1,593 – Tom Rowley – Moses And The Drones

Tom is a touring member of Arctic Monkeys (among others, guitars, keyboards, backing vocals), but here he goes solo with a beautiful singer-songwriter album. Nice stuff, Tom, keep it coming!

From Townsend Music: “After spending his formative years immersed in Sheffield’s fiercely creative music scene, Tom Rowley went on to spend more than a decade performing on stages around the world with Arctic Monkeys. As a key touring member and sometime co-writer, he contributed guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals across the band’s global tours from the AM era onwards, playing everywhere from intimate theatres to the world’s biggest festival stages.

Across three distinct chapters of the band’s evolution, through AM, Tranquility Base Hotel, and Casino and The Car, he played a quiet but significant role in bringing their sound to life. And somewhere in the background, he was writing his own record.”

380 – Mika Häkki – Mika Häkki & Dark Yonder

Mika Häkki is the bassist of Swedish sludge-stoner band Monolord, but here he forgoes the ‘heavy’ and aims for more of a psychedelic singer-songwriter vibe. I don’t totally love it, but I like it enough to keep my eyes on him for future releases.

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

1,059,845 – Atreyu – The End is Not the End

I’ve never much cared for this metalcore meets post-hardcore band… and still don’t, really. However, this release is much better than previous releases; I’m pleasantly surprised! The band calls this release: “…the heaviest and most adventurous they ever made. They also described it as their biggest musical journey in years.” While it may be “heavy”, I found it to be much more accessible and palatable than older releases. I won’t reach for this again, but… am I starting to like them?

From Rough Trade Records: “The End is Not the End is undeniably Atreyu’s heaviest album ever and their most adventurous. “We realized what made Atreyu great in the beginning was that we didn’t sound like anyone else,” frontman Brandon Saller explains. “We didn’t really make sense anywhere. We weren’t an emo band, a metal band, a punk band — but somehow it all worked. We kind of just carved our own path.”

Unburdened by false restrictions about anything sounding “too heavy” or “too pop,” Atreyu remains a creative beacon of hope for those shaken by the suggestion that “rock is dead.” They’ve entered the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 more than once, and two of their albums are certified gold.

Produced by Matt Pauling, Atreyu’s tenth album is vibrant, inventive, and beautifully aggressive. “It’s our heaviest, most metal record we’ve made,” Saller points out. “But it’s also the biggest musical journey we’ve taken in years.”

Atreyu’s unquenchable appetite for creative achievement and pursuit of shared catharsis on stage drove them to form the band as teenagers around the turn of the millennium. That drive pushed them beyond their do-it-yourself beginnings to massive festival stages (including two runs on Ozzfest), sold-out headlining tours, movie and game soundtracks, and appearances alongside fellow genre standard-bearers such as Linkin Park, Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Slipknot, and Bring Me The Horizon.

“We just refuse to become boring,” Saller declares. “We’re not chasing what’s cool. We’re not chasing anything. We’re trying to do what isn’t being done and to play exactly what we want to hear. And somehow, 25-some-odd years later, it’s still growing. We still have much more to accomplish.””

1,028,061 – Ringo Starr – Long Long Road

I love The Beatles, but Ringo’s solo work is probably my least favorite of the four. This takes it a step further as it is his second country album, featuring special guests Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent. Underwhelmed.

From amazon: “Long Long Road, the brand-new album from Ringo Starr, was co-written and produced by T Bone Burnett with Daniel Tashian and Bruce Sugar. The 10-song album includes collaborations with Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent and is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2025’s chart-topping Look Up. With solid roots in country, Long Long Road layers an easy Americana vibe alongside Ringo’s classic rock roots with songs about life’s many journeys and finding love along the way.”

823,839 – The Amity Affliction – House Of Cards

They’re a hella popular band outta Australia, but they sound like every other crappy metalcore band out there to my ears, offering absolutely nothing new. Yep, pass…

284,106 – At The Gates – The Ghost Of A Future Dead

Classic death metal band, At the Gates, returns with a brand-new album (and, sadly, their last album… or at least their last with lead vocalist, Tomas Lindberg, who was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma and ultimately died in September 2025). There are moments here and there, but as a whole, I can’t get into it. However, hats off to Tomas and his brass fucking balls for recording all vocals the day before his surgery! RIP Tomas Lindberg (1972-2025) :-(

From Metal Injection: “Swedish melodic death metal pioneers At the Gates have begun teasing a new album titled The Ghost Of A Future Dead, with an official announcement and further details expected soon.

Tragically, the record will mark the final appearance of founding vocalist Tomas Lindberg, who passed away in September 2025 following complications related to his battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). His death was first confirmed by his family to SVT Nyheter, before the band issued a heartfelt statement honoring their longtime frontman.

“Tomas passed away this morning following complications related to his ongoing cancer treatment,” the band wrote. “Despite intensive medical efforts, his life could not be saved. Tomas – You were an inspiration to us all. A true friend, both compassionate & sympathetic. You will always be remembered for your generosity and your creative spirit. You will be eternally missed. Forever in our hearts.”

Lindberg was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer in December 2023. He underwent major surgery to remove part of the roof of his mouth, followed by two months of radiation therapy. Though initially recovering, traces of the cancer returned in early 2025. By May, complications required long-term care, with his bandmates later revealing he was receiving around-the-clock treatment.

In a deeply personal statement written in March 2025 and shared publicly that August, Lindberg reflected on his struggle: “It has been a very tough year. First, there was a major surgery, where they took away a big part of the roof of the mouth. This was followed by radiation therapy for two months, and ever since, it has been a long, hard path towards recovery. Now, in the beginning of 2025, they have found some remains of the cancer, and it is inaccessible by surgery or radiation.”

Despite his illness, Lindberg was determined to complete vocals for the band’s upcoming album. He revealed that the final vocal tracks were recorded in a single day — largely in one take — the day before his surgery: “The last version of the vocals, the ones that will end up on the album, were recorded in ONE day, mostly one takes, the DAY before the surgery, just to make sure we HAD the album, so to speak.”

He described The Ghost Of A Future Dead as a creative reunion and a return to form, noting it was the first time in a decade that he, Jonas Björler, and Anders Björler had worked together extensively on a full album. Musically, he characterized it as a blend of the ferocity of Slaughter of the Soul and the band’s modern resurgence on At War with Reality.”

208,878 – Six Feet Under – Next To Die

Six Feet Under is considered one of the bigger (i.e., more popular) death metal bands out there, but at the end of the day, it’s still death metal with growly Cookie Monster vox, blast beats, and annoying riffs. Sorry, boys, not my thing…

146,533 – White Denim – 13

White Denim is a multi-genre, rule-breaking rock band. They blend elements of psychedelic rock, indie rock, country-twang, garage rock, and above all else, experimental rock, among others. Unfortunately, this band is a bit too outside for my taste.

From amazon: “13, the thirteenth album of White Denim’s career, is an incandescent, groove-heavy alchemy of rock, funk, dub, soul, and down-dirty blues – and plenty more besides – it’s imbued with the same questing spirit that’s been the band’s trademark since first starting in Austin, Texas, some 20 years ago.

Petralli’s wide-ranging musical appetites have become more voracious over time. The sounds and textures of ’13’ are informed by everyone from Scritti Politti to The Gap Band, Terry Reid to KingTubby, Caetano Veloso to John Cale, Stevie Wonder to ’80s-era Steve Winwood. Such diversity is reflected in multi-faceted gems like “(God Created) Lock And Key”, “Only A Fool”, and “That’s Rap”.”

86,438 – Gia Margaret – Singing

Gia is a folk-based singer-songwriter. I suppose it was fine for a listen, but for the most part, it didn’t move me at all. Came and went, leaving little to no impression. I gotta pass, unfortunately. That said, the story behind the album is pretty intense/impressive. She recovered from a vocal injury, thinking she may never sing again (see ahead)!

From amazon: “Every artist has to discover their voice. Gia Margaret didn’t find herself until she lost hers. With a vocal injury that kept her from singing for years, she developed other musical languages, mastering the grammar of an intricate, homey form of ambient music pioneered by Ernest Hood and perfected by The Books.

Now, her physical voice healed and her artistic voice honed, she comes full circle with Singing, her first vocal album since 2018’s There’s Always Glimmer. Led by soft piano lines that fall like breath on glass, the music on Singing evidences the same jeweler’s sensitivity to detail that she developed in her silence.

“There was a time when I really didn’t know if I would sing again. So once I healed, there was a lot of internal pressure to come back strong,” Margaret says. “I didn’t know who I was anymore. So it felt like beginning again, and reconnecting with these very old, old parts of myself.”

This feeling of intermixed alienation and rediscovery is palpable across the album. In the opener, “Everyone Around Me Dancing,” she watches a party from the wings, aware of how her body keeps her from communal joy while also providing new modes of self-knowledge. Shut out from the scene, she is “closer to the ground, the planet.”

In “Alive Inside,” she’s so far away from the source that she’s praying to whoever might hear (“a god, a friend that’s gone, a spirit”). As her voice rises, it seems to be trapped in a web of distortion; it’s as if in her pursuit, she’s pushing at the very boundaries of what can be said. The process of making Singing was one of learning how to trust each of those feelings.

The album was partially recorded in London with Frou Frou’s Guy Sigsworth, who helped Margaret unify the spree of ideas she had for “Good Friend,” an album highlight that includes Gregorian chant by ILA and turntable scratches, among many other things. David Bazan and Amy Millan also make appearances, as do Kurt Vile and Sean Carey, while Margaret’s longtime collaborator Doug Saltzman plays on and co-produces much of the record. Deb Talan, previously of The Weepies, lends her voice, piano, and guitar to the album’s closing-and definitive-statement, “E-Motion.”

Gia Margaret is always singing. Every note of this album sings a warm requiem to her past selves; every layer sings her future self into being. Across the album, she applies the lessons of speechlessness – the quasirational ways we communicate without communicating, the way formless sound can cut to the heart of things like a scalpel – to her own artistic voice.”

47,402 – Portrayal Of Guilt – …Beginning of the End

Ooph. Raw as fuck blackened hardcore with tastes of crust metal, screamo, and more. I didn’t care for the music, the vocals, the production, or anything. Hell, it was 31:23, and that was 31:23 too long. Pass.

38,667 – CRIMEAPPLE – BEEMER ON BROADWAY

Been listening to – and loving – hip-hopper CRIMEAPPLE for a couple of years now. I really dig his style, but think this was a miss. What a bummer of an album. Underwhelming. At least it’s only 34:41. I’ll reach for older albums, not this.

38,286 – Friko – Something Worth Waiting For

I feel the same way about this, their sophomore release, as I did with their 2024 debut, ‘Where we’ve been, Where we go from here’: “Whoa, what a shitty album. They used “post-punk, chamber-pop, and experimental rock” as their guiding light and succeeded. I’m actually still listening, but it’s over soon. This is laughably bad.” Something Worth Waiting For? I think not.

25,049 – Vomit Forth – In The Name Of The Father EP

The band’s name is “Vomit Forth”. I think that alone tells you all you need to know about the album. Yes, that is a pass. But there’s always a silver lining, right? This is a 3-track EP that clocks in at a quick 7:37.

15,127 – The Bluebells – This Is The Bluebells

The Bluebells are a Scottish indie rock band that adds elements of jangle pop and perhaps a touch of new wave. It’s not a particularly bad release, but it’s one that didn’t pique my interest, either.

11,302 – Creye – IV Aftermath

As you might’ve guessed by the album title, this is indeed the band’s fourth full-length release… but it’s my introduction to them. If this album is any indication, I’m not sure I missed much. It’s ultra-cheesy ’80s butt rock with far too many ballads. This shit be drippin’, yo, haha!

5,390 – HOЖA – Via Miseria IV

Hey, does anyone miss Ville Vallo and the Finnish goth rock band H.I.M.? If so, HOЖA (aka HOKKA) would be a suitable replacement. And wouldn’t ya know it, HOЖA is also a Finnish-based band. I enjoyed it, but won’t be reaching for it again. How about their goth-tinged cover of Seal’s ‘Kiss From A Rose’, though? Solid! While there is a “IV” in the album title, this is actually their debut.

3,662 – VLMV – There Will Come Soft Rains

Well, that’s a bummer. I had high hopes for this release for two reasons. First, the genres were listed as ambient and post-rock (two of my faves!), and second, the album was released via the Pelagic Records label (one of my faves!). It is mellow ambient/post-rock… but with vocals. The vox are fine, but I was hoping for an all-instrumental album that was less “song-ey” and more… directionless (haha)?!

2,939 – Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell – The Trouble With The Shovell

Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell is a British-based power trio that blends ’70s proto-metal with a side of a little stoner rock. It was decent, but not amazing. Fun fact: Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell was based on a real person! Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cloudesley Shovell (1650-1707) was a naval officer and politician who commanded the Royal Navy!

1,437 – Julia Cumming – Julia

Julia is the lead vocalist and bassist in NYC-based rock band Sunflower Bean, and this is her debut full-length as a singer-songwriter. It was a mixed bag… that sounded so familiar that I couldn’t put a name to it. Until I saw the album bio: “Drawing freely from formative influences: Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Brian Wilson.” Ah, right, that’s who I heard! But only on like half the songs – the half that I liked. The other half – while not bad, per se, just didn’t land like the other tunes did.

1,041 – Heiden – Cma

How I have successfully avoided this atmospheric black metal band since their inception way, way back in 2003, I will never know. That’s over two decades (and TEN full-length albums) ago! Anyway, go ahead and pass on this Czech-based BM band.

687 – White Tundra – Stories From The Dark

There were a few bad ass riffs throughout this doomy stoner rock album, but as a whole, it didn’t really hit all the feels, man. I’ll follow them for future releases, but will keep my expectations tempered.

530 – Nuclear Messiah – Black Flame

Nuclear Messiah is a band formed by ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, who is featured on all tracks as the band’s full-time guitarist. There are also a TON of special guests on each track (listed below). While there are heavyweights on this release, this metal album didn’t particularly make (m)any waves. I’ll follow the band ’cause I love the Poland-era Megadeth – and the other musicians here are insanely talented! – but I’ll keep expectations tempered.

From amazon: “Hands down the biggest release in the metal world this year, a mega-powered supergroup uniting 34 legendary musicians from across 5 decades of rock and metal, Nuclear Messiah! Helmed by widely revered six-string shredder Chris Poland (of Megadeth fame), Nuclear Messiah isn’t just another supergroup, it’s a METAL BEHEMOTH that features contributions from Poland’s former bandmates Marty Friedman, Dave Ellefson & Glen Drover plus Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), Mick Box (Uriah Heep), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow) and more!”

1. Electric Burn feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, Joe Bouchard, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler
2. The Prophet Of Fallout feat. Chris Poland & William Shatner
3. Devil Won’t Let Go feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Vinnie Moore, Vinny Appice, Don Airey, Steve Di Giorgio
4. Death Or Glory feat. Chris Poland, Thor, Bob Daisley, Glen Drover, Fred Aching
5. Ride The Sky feat. Chris Poland, Arthur Brown, Vinny Appice, Alan Davey
6. Dice And Thunder feat. Chris Poland, Rick Wakeman, Ronnie Romero, Bumblefoot, Steve Di Giorgio, Fred Aching
7. For Mad Men Only feat. Chris Poland, Pat Travers, Joe Lynn Turner, Alan Davey, Shawn Drover
8. Nuclear Messiah feat. Chris Poland, Lance Lopez, Greg Walker, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Vinny Appice, Don Airey
9. Look At Yourself (Uriah Heep cover) feat. Chris Poland, Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Carmine Appice
10. She’s So Evil feat. Chris Poland, Joel Hoekstra, David Ellefson, Don Airey, Andrew Freeman, Simon Wright
11. Black Flame feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Jonathan Cain, Phil Soussan, Glen Drover, Chris Adler

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.

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…

499,688 – Paul Weller – Weller At The BBC Vol. 2 [Live] (3 CDs)

From Townsend Music: “Paul Weller releases Weller At The BBC (Vol. 2) on Friday 24th April. This second BBC outing gathers live sessions and live in concert performances, including intimate stripped-back acoustic versions and re-workings of tracks across The Jam, The Style Council, and Paul’s extensive solo career. From timeless classics such as Start!, Shout To The Top, and Wild Wood, to deep cuts and covers, like The Zombies’ Time Of The Season and Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For?”

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

4,171,420 – The Black Keys – Peaches!

1,245,809 – Sevendust – One

872,173 – Tori Amos – In Times Of Dragons

600,697 – Venom – Into Oblivion

502,504 – American Football – LP4

489,456 – KNEECAP – FENIAN

97,799 – Hiss Golden Messenger – I’m People

68,201 – Bluetech – Petite Constellations (DiN96)

64,921 – Crobot – Supermoon

51,800 – The Boo Radleys – In Spite Of Everything

51,524 – The Cold Stares – Texas

13,831 – -(16)- – – Forgeries – Volume I: 1972-1984

7,554 – Spell – Wretched Heart

1,626 – Fernando Perdomo – Clouds 5

717 – Stefano Panunzi – Caravaggio (2 CDs)

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

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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 red 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