EP Review: Firmament – Ashes & Awakenings (Self Released)
Firmament, the five-piece metal band from Nottingham, UK, have released their much-anticipated debut EP, ‘Ashes & Awakenings’.
Credit: Tired George Studios
Album/EP Reviews
Credit: Tired George Studios
Album Review: In A House Of Heartbeats – Divination Of Dreams (Ripcord Records)
Instrumental trio In a House of Heartbeats released their debut album ‘Divination of Dreams’ on January 23rd, 2026.
Album Review: Softcult – When a Flower Doesn’t Grow (Easy Life Records)
Softcult’s new album ‘When a Flower Doesn’t Grow’ charts a journey through trauma, disillusionment, empowerment and eventual liberation. It is out January 30th, 2026, via Easy Life Records.
EP Review: Scared Little Toaster – Scared of the Manual (Self Released)
I dig the hell out of what they do and reckon you should give them your time. Who knows, you might just come away changed by it!
Album Review: The Hirsch Effekt – Der Brauch (Long Branch Records)
Progressive metal outfit The Hirsch Effekt are back with their brand-new album, ‘Der Brauch’. Out on January 30th, 2026, via Long Branch Records.
Album Review: Urne – Setting Fire to the Sky (Spinefarm Records)
I think this is the album that pushes Urne to a higher plateau where they finally, and deservedly, get more attention from a mainstream metal audience. They’ve evolved their sound without compromising who they are and found new creative directions to explore without isolating those who have been along for the ride since day one.
EP Review: HANABIE. – HOT TOPIC (Sony Music)
Japanese metal force HANABIE. will release their new EP titled ‘HOT TOPIC’ on 28th January via Sony Music.
Album Review: Sick Joy – More Forever (Self Released)
Sick Joy, the sonic heartbeat of singer and multi-instrumentalist Mykl Barton, will release their sophomore album, ‘More Forever’ on January 30th, 2026.