With Los Angeles burning, social media working itself into a frenzy over nuking Iran and tempers fraying in the blistering sunshine, it feels like we've landed in a sequel to June 2020: bigger, bolder and with greater stakes at risk.
So I'm going to do a 180 and list the 20 records I've been playing the most over the past six months. I'm sure this list will change come December but, for the mean time:
20. Chaos Emeralds: Passed Away
Once described as sludgy shoegaze, this release doubles down on that description by upping the fuzz, the twinkly melodies and the reverb on the vocals. The end result is a cult classic in the making. ‘Count Me Out’ is akin to a psych band trying to play funeral doom while ‘Asking Too Much’ is the best Spaceman 3 song never written by Spacemen 3.
19. Noisepicker: The Earth Will Swallow the Sun
Nearly a decade on since the vastly underrated ‘Peace Off’, this English two piece have gone for the jugular with this release by toning down the sludge and going for an apocalyptic vibe on some songs, like opener ‘What You Deserve’ which is pure Neurosis worship while ‘What Did You Think Was Going to Happen’ is akin to the Melvins covering ‘Kashmir’.
18. Guiltless – Teeth to Sky
As a follow up to one of the finest releases of 2024, Guiltless are back with a full-length release and what a monster it is. Mixing math rock, post metal and noise rock into a powerful, overwhelming and apocalyptic sounding release, Guiltless have made the first essential release of the year. In particular, listen to ‘Our Serpent in Circle’ and feel the power on display.
17. Score – Original Copy
Described in the press release as “...another round of trippy and melodic groovers for the heart and mind...” that “…hint playfully at the idea of ideas, and the power of creativity…”, this is a blissed-out LP that will sound just as good walking about in the sun as well as soundtracking summer evening barbeques. Ten minute closer ‘Lightbulb Moment’ exemplifies this euphoria.
16. Lust For Youth/Croatian Amor – All Worlds
Six years on since their solid self-titled record, Lust For Youth are back. Roping in old friend and collaborator Croation Amor has made them up their game as they blend dubstep, 80’s pop, chillwave and dream pop in glorious fashion. ‘Passerine’ should be the blissed-out summer tune of 2025 and ‘Fleece’ will soundtrack the shift from summer to autumn.
15. LA Witch – DOGGOD
A shocking five years have passed since the underrated ‘Play with Fire’ and they’re back with more garage influenced post punk, albeit with slightly more emphasis on the post punk this time around. Songs like ‘777’ give off autumnal vibes due to the brittle (yet cutting) guitar tone while ‘Eyes of Love’ perfectly meshes The Gun Club with The Sound.
14. Iggor Cavalera/Shane Embury – Neon Gods/Own Your Darkness
Two stalwarts of extreme metal have teamed up to deliver a split release of industrial/noise on Cold Spring. Although Iggor’s side is the most effective due to the thrilling atmosphere, layered sounds and varying volume, Shane’s track does offer a more ambient, yet sinister, take on drone. Hopefully both give us full albums in the future.
13. Nina Garcia: Bye Bye Bird
Solo noise guitar records can often come across as a newbie fucking around in their bedroom but Nina Garcia’s time playing live and recording installation pieces means this LP has a discipline, a flow and texture that others lack. ‘Le Leurre’ is the blues gone industrial while ‘Dans l’alios’ is what a collab between Sunn O))) and Rhys Chatham would sound like.
12. Adrian Younge – Something About April III
Renowned composer/producer Adrian Younge closes out his 60’s referencing trilogy with this magnificent record. Featuring an all-Brazilian choir of vocalists, songs like ‘A Musica Na Minha Fantasia’ and ‘Nos Somos as Estrelas’ blend Brazilian and Portuguese psychedelia and soul so beautifully, they are the aural equivalent of swimming in chocolate. Highly recommended.
11. Inhuman Nature – Greater Than Death
Nearly six years on from their stunning self-titled record, England’s finest thrashers are back in fine style. ‘Dawn of Inhuman Man’ rips your face off with its teutonic riffage and the sheer force of the drums which knock you for six. This standard is maintained throughout, in particular with ‘Mad Man’s Cage’. Catch. Them. Live.
10. The Ex – If Your Mirror Breaks
Dutch legends The Ex continue their idiosyncratic journey from anarcho-punks to art punks without ever compromising their principles. Although not a million miles away from 2018’s ’27 Passports’, this is no bad thing as ‘If Your Mirror Breaks’ is an immediate, angular and tuneful record with ‘Wheel’ being the standout number.
9. Russell Haswell – Boro Salvage
The techno/noise legend is back with a live set from Middlesboro in 2024. His sound veers from cut up beats, disjointed bass to moody ambient pieces and overwhelming noise. In places, it reminds me of Autechre and, in others, I marvel at the force that Haswell creates. Fans of IDM will find much to enjoy here.
8. Turnstile – Never Enough
One of the records that will define the summer of 2025, Turnstile return with another record that blurs the boundaries between hardcore, pop (80’s and current) and alt rock. Maybe not quite as breath taking as 2021’s ‘Glow On’ but songs like ‘I Care’, ‘Slowdive’ and ‘Sunshower’ certainly help lift the mood whenever one is feeling down in this heat.
7. HAIM – I Quit
Their first album in five years is a little sprawling and a tad confused in terms of lyrics, but it’s appropriate considering that the theme running throughout is the end of relationships and what happens next. Musically, a lot more acoustic and less poppy than previous outings which further the mood of introspection and confusion. Sampling U2 on the final song? *chef’s kiss*
6. FACS – Wish Defence
One of the finest bands in the world return with an album that, lyrically, revolves around the concepts of the self and whether we have a true self. Musically, the album is more muscular, angular post-punk that feels world building (check out the track ‘Ordinary Voices’ for proof) and self-contained (‘Sometimes Only’ is apt proof of this).
5. Manic Street Preachers – Critical Thinking
The last few Manics albums have been ruminations on aging as the world you knew collapses. While in a similar vein, this is much more optimistic LP in its outlook with songs accepting that humans aren’t perfect (‘People Ruin Paintings’), finding catharsis in reconciling the old and young self (‘Hiding in Plain Sight’) and standing firm against the madness (‘OneManMilitia’).
4. Sevendials – A Crash Course in Catastrophe
Reteaming Chris Connolly (Revolting Cocks) and Paul Ferguson (Killing Joke) was always going to be a winner and adding Mark Gemini Thwaite into the mix guarantees success. While the focus has been on their cover of Sparks’ ‘Number 1 Song in Heaven’, the broodier numbers like ‘Corrupted Verse’ and ‘Zodiac Minds’ are where the band come into their own.
3. Zero Again – Ever Changing is the Art of Death
Blending d-beats, gnarly UK82 style vocals, angular riffing and muscular bass runs, this second album from the UKHC stalwarts is another assault on the senses that manages to showcase influences from the likes of Voivod, Broken Bones and Killing Joke, with ‘Without Consequence’ being the perfect example of how these styles coalesce into something extraordinary.
2. Combust – Belly of the Beast
NYHC hasn’t sounded this metallic since ‘Best Wishes’ by the Cro-Mags. Filled with gang vocals, breakdowns, divebomb solos and oozing menace, this is a stellar release. 12 songs filled with anger and intensity that runs to 30 minutes with ‘Swallowing Swords’ and ‘Truth Hurts’ being particular highlights.
1. Swans – Birthing
For the final release of this iteration of Swans (according to Michael Gira), they’ve gone out with a bang. Easily their most astonishing LP since 2014’s ‘To Be Kind’, the power on display throughout is nothing short of breath-taking: ‘I Am a Tower’ and the title track make the listener feel like they’re standing on a mountain during a storm, challenging God to deliver more.
19. Noisepicker: The Earth Will Swallow the Sun
Nearly a decade on since the vastly underrated ‘Peace Off’, this English two piece have gone for the jugular with this release by toning down the sludge and going for an apocalyptic vibe on some songs, like opener ‘What You Deserve’ which is pure Neurosis worship while ‘What Did You Think Was Going to Happen’ is akin to the Melvins covering ‘Kashmir’.
18. Guiltless – Teeth to Sky
As a follow up to one of the finest releases of 2024, Guiltless are back with a full-length release and what a monster it is. Mixing math rock, post metal and noise rock into a powerful, overwhelming and apocalyptic sounding release, Guiltless have made the first essential release of the year. In particular, listen to ‘Our Serpent in Circle’ and feel the power on display.
17. Score – Original Copy
Described in the press release as “...another round of trippy and melodic groovers for the heart and mind...” that “…hint playfully at the idea of ideas, and the power of creativity…”, this is a blissed-out LP that will sound just as good walking about in the sun as well as soundtracking summer evening barbeques. Ten minute closer ‘Lightbulb Moment’ exemplifies this euphoria.
16. Lust For Youth/Croatian Amor – All Worlds
Six years on since their solid self-titled record, Lust For Youth are back. Roping in old friend and collaborator Croation Amor has made them up their game as they blend dubstep, 80’s pop, chillwave and dream pop in glorious fashion. ‘Passerine’ should be the blissed-out summer tune of 2025 and ‘Fleece’ will soundtrack the shift from summer to autumn.
15. LA Witch – DOGGOD
A shocking five years have passed since the underrated ‘Play with Fire’ and they’re back with more garage influenced post punk, albeit with slightly more emphasis on the post punk this time around. Songs like ‘777’ give off autumnal vibes due to the brittle (yet cutting) guitar tone while ‘Eyes of Love’ perfectly meshes The Gun Club with The Sound.
14. Iggor Cavalera/Shane Embury – Neon Gods/Own Your Darkness
Two stalwarts of extreme metal have teamed up to deliver a split release of industrial/noise on Cold Spring. Although Iggor’s side is the most effective due to the thrilling atmosphere, layered sounds and varying volume, Shane’s track does offer a more ambient, yet sinister, take on drone. Hopefully both give us full albums in the future.
13. Nina Garcia: Bye Bye Bird
Solo noise guitar records can often come across as a newbie fucking around in their bedroom but Nina Garcia’s time playing live and recording installation pieces means this LP has a discipline, a flow and texture that others lack. ‘Le Leurre’ is the blues gone industrial while ‘Dans l’alios’ is what a collab between Sunn O))) and Rhys Chatham would sound like.
12. Adrian Younge – Something About April III
Renowned composer/producer Adrian Younge closes out his 60’s referencing trilogy with this magnificent record. Featuring an all-Brazilian choir of vocalists, songs like ‘A Musica Na Minha Fantasia’ and ‘Nos Somos as Estrelas’ blend Brazilian and Portuguese psychedelia and soul so beautifully, they are the aural equivalent of swimming in chocolate. Highly recommended.
11. Inhuman Nature – Greater Than Death
Nearly six years on from their stunning self-titled record, England’s finest thrashers are back in fine style. ‘Dawn of Inhuman Man’ rips your face off with its teutonic riffage and the sheer force of the drums which knock you for six. This standard is maintained throughout, in particular with ‘Mad Man’s Cage’. Catch. Them. Live.
10. The Ex – If Your Mirror Breaks
Dutch legends The Ex continue their idiosyncratic journey from anarcho-punks to art punks without ever compromising their principles. Although not a million miles away from 2018’s ’27 Passports’, this is no bad thing as ‘If Your Mirror Breaks’ is an immediate, angular and tuneful record with ‘Wheel’ being the standout number.
9. Russell Haswell – Boro Salvage
The techno/noise legend is back with a live set from Middlesboro in 2024. His sound veers from cut up beats, disjointed bass to moody ambient pieces and overwhelming noise. In places, it reminds me of Autechre and, in others, I marvel at the force that Haswell creates. Fans of IDM will find much to enjoy here.
8. Turnstile – Never Enough
One of the records that will define the summer of 2025, Turnstile return with another record that blurs the boundaries between hardcore, pop (80’s and current) and alt rock. Maybe not quite as breath taking as 2021’s ‘Glow On’ but songs like ‘I Care’, ‘Slowdive’ and ‘Sunshower’ certainly help lift the mood whenever one is feeling down in this heat.
7. HAIM – I Quit
Their first album in five years is a little sprawling and a tad confused in terms of lyrics, but it’s appropriate considering that the theme running throughout is the end of relationships and what happens next. Musically, a lot more acoustic and less poppy than previous outings which further the mood of introspection and confusion. Sampling U2 on the final song? *chef’s kiss*
6. FACS – Wish Defence
One of the finest bands in the world return with an album that, lyrically, revolves around the concepts of the self and whether we have a true self. Musically, the album is more muscular, angular post-punk that feels world building (check out the track ‘Ordinary Voices’ for proof) and self-contained (‘Sometimes Only’ is apt proof of this).
5. Manic Street Preachers – Critical Thinking
The last few Manics albums have been ruminations on aging as the world you knew collapses. While in a similar vein, this is much more optimistic LP in its outlook with songs accepting that humans aren’t perfect (‘People Ruin Paintings’), finding catharsis in reconciling the old and young self (‘Hiding in Plain Sight’) and standing firm against the madness (‘OneManMilitia’).
4. Sevendials – A Crash Course in Catastrophe
Reteaming Chris Connolly (Revolting Cocks) and Paul Ferguson (Killing Joke) was always going to be a winner and adding Mark Gemini Thwaite into the mix guarantees success. While the focus has been on their cover of Sparks’ ‘Number 1 Song in Heaven’, the broodier numbers like ‘Corrupted Verse’ and ‘Zodiac Minds’ are where the band come into their own.
3. Zero Again – Ever Changing is the Art of Death
Blending d-beats, gnarly UK82 style vocals, angular riffing and muscular bass runs, this second album from the UKHC stalwarts is another assault on the senses that manages to showcase influences from the likes of Voivod, Broken Bones and Killing Joke, with ‘Without Consequence’ being the perfect example of how these styles coalesce into something extraordinary.
2. Combust – Belly of the Beast
NYHC hasn’t sounded this metallic since ‘Best Wishes’ by the Cro-Mags. Filled with gang vocals, breakdowns, divebomb solos and oozing menace, this is a stellar release. 12 songs filled with anger and intensity that runs to 30 minutes with ‘Swallowing Swords’ and ‘Truth Hurts’ being particular highlights.
1. Swans – Birthing
For the final release of this iteration of Swans (according to Michael Gira), they’ve gone out with a bang. Easily their most astonishing LP since 2014’s ‘To Be Kind’, the power on display throughout is nothing short of breath-taking: ‘I Am a Tower’ and the title track make the listener feel like they’re standing on a mountain during a storm, challenging God to deliver more.
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. He is currently the TPQ Friday columnist.
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