Category: news

Eight songs you need to hear right now, from Jack White, Stanley Simmons, Sevendust and more

Synthwave, sometimes referred to as outrun music, had a big moment in the 2010s, both in and outside of heavy music circles. A leading voice of the movement within the metal scene is Carpenter Brut. They debuted with the album Trilogy in 2015, which gained attention alongside Perturbator’s Dangerous Days as an essential release. Their followup, 2018’s Leather Teeth, shot them to even greater heights. Now, a decade after the synthwave movement’s heyday, they’re returned with their fourth full-length record, Leather Temple, bringing the ending of the Leather trilogy (which consists of Leather Teeth, Leather Terror, and Leather Temple). 

…

…

Synthwave is already a genre that is hand-in-hand with retrofuturism, an artistic movement that desires to return to images of the future as depicted in earlier eras. Modern retrofuturism has been entrenched in the 1980s for more than a decade in all aspects of culture, from the popularity of Stranger Things to Darkthrone writing “I Am the Graves of the 80s” in 2010. Electric Light Orchestra penned “Ticket to the Moon,” a song about 80s nostalgia, in 1981 when the decade was only just beginning. 

Carpenter Brut takes the retrofuturist undertones already present in the style and makes them far more overt. Their vision of the future is not a bright, hopeful one, but something darker and dystopian. They intended Leather Temple to be the soundtrack to an imaginary film from the ‘80s depicting a future ruled by a despotic character called Iron Tusk. Appropriately, the album feels like Carpenter Brut’s most grandiose yet. It absolutely does a soundtrack’s job of creating a mood. The synthesizer arrangements are heavy, massive, and extremely flashy, like a vast, empty, abandoned warehouse playing home to a neon gothic rave. Deep growling saw-wave synthesizers provide the foundation for the more sparkling sounds to play on top of. Pieces such as “Iron Sanctuary” use these instrumentations to bring forth images of large, echoing industrial spaces and grimy, dust-filled skies, reminiscent of Blade Runner. Others tracks like “Tracks like “Start Your Engines” and “Speed or Perish” establish a breakneck pace with a glitz and glamor that conjures idealized images of sleek and powerful muscle cars of the 80s. 

Moments of hopes dot Leather Temple through its story, wherein its protagonist Bret Halford, a human-turned-cyborg, leads a revolution against the chains of the tyrant. For example, “Neon Requiem” offers a heroic motif, indicating when Halford is at his lowest point, finally begins to make progress in their struggle, again using one of the most iconic symbols of the ‘80s (neon) to do it. Meanwhile, the album’s denouement, “The End Complete”, closes things out on an uplifting and triumphant note, underscoring a victory for Halford. 

Overall, Leather Temple succeeds at being a soundtrack, which is both a strength and a weakness. It fits well into the soundscape while you fill in the images of its story. Each song works as a great mood piece for its intended part of the narrative. However, the flip side of that is that there aren’t as many hooks as one might like. It fades into the background and doesn’t have quite the same immediacy of previous Carpenter Brut albums. That’s not inherently bad, but it makes Leather Temple a little more difficult to dig your teeth into. Ultimately, Carpenter Brut are still one of the heavyweights of the synthwave genre, and perhaps even the top dog, given how some of their peers have fallen off in the last few years.

–Kevin Zecchel

…

Leather Temple is available now.

Kreator/Carcass/Exodus/Nails 02 Academy Glasgow 29th March 2026 Review & Photography by Gavin Lowrey They say that things happen in threes, but tonight in Glasgow, it’s […]

The post Kreator/Carcass/Exodus/Nails – O2 Academy Glasgow 29th March 2026 appeared first on Metal-Rules.com.

These are the bands that didn’t just define metalcore—they shaped every era of it, from underground chaos to global dominance

Which Metalcore Bands Defined Metalcore The Most?

Killswitch Engage built the foundation of modern metalcore, but the genre’s identity was shaped by 13 bands across multiple eras that expanded its sound, influence, and global reach.

Metalcore has evolved over the years, but certain bands didn’t just follow the movement—they defined it. From breakdown-heavy aggression to melodic innovation, these artists shaped what metalcore became.

These 13 bands represent the core of the genre, influencing everything that came after.

TL;DR:

• The Evolution: Tracing the shift from Earth Crisis hardcore roots to the high-production dominance of Architects and Bring Me The Horizon.
• The Essentials: Why Killswitch Engage remains the undisputed king of the genre’s “Golden Era.”
• The Technical Titans: How August Burns Red and Architects redefined the technical and atmospheric boundaries of heavy music.
• Modern Icons: A look at how Bring Me The Horizon became the most famous metalcore band in the world by breaking every rule in the book.
• The Ranking: Scroll down for the definitive deep dive into the 13 powerhouses you need to know.

Check This Out – The 13 Most Influential Christian Metalcore Bands (Only The Active & Unscandalized Kings)

The Ranking Method (What Actually Matters Here)

This list isn’t about streaming numbers or nostalgia bias.

It’s based on three things:

• Genre impact (Did they change metalcore?)
• Longevity (Did they stay relevant across eras?)
• Influence (Did other bands build off their sound?)

That’s why some newer bands don’t appear—and why some older ones rank higher than expected.

Because metalcore didn’t grow evenly.

It shifted when certain bands forced it to.

That becomes obvious when you trace the albums that triggered each wave—especially in this deeper breakdown of the most essential metalcore albums ever ranked

The Full Ranking (Least Best To Best)

Underoath
The Devil Wears Prada
Every Time I Die
All That Remains
Atreyu
As I Lay Dying
Shadows Fall
Parkway Drive
August Burns Red
Architects
Bullet For My Valentine
Bring Me The Horizon
Killswitch Engage

Loaded Radio Recommends – The Ultimate Prog-Metalcore Starter Pack: 13 Albums That Ripped Up the Rulebook

If you actually want to hear how these bands evolved across eras, it’s something that comes through way clearer in rotation—we cycle a lot of these tracks regularly on the Loaded Radio stream, especially when you start comparing early 2000s metalcore to what it’s become now.

The Top 13 Best Metalcore Bands: The Definitive Ranking

13. Underoath

Underoath didn’t just add melody to the genre—they made emotional vulnerability part of its foundation.

When “They’re Only Chasing Safety” dropped in 2004, it divided fans almost immediately. For some, it felt like a shift away from heaviness. But in reality, it expanded the genre’s emotional range in a way that hadn’t been fully explored before. The dynamic between Spencer Chamberlain’s harsh vocals and Aaron Gillespie’s clean singing became one of the most replicated formulas in the genre.

What solidified their legacy wasn’t just that shift—it was what came next. “Define The Great Line” proved they weren’t chasing accessibility. It pushed deeper into darker atmospheres, layered songwriting, and unpredictable structures. That album showed metalcore could evolve without losing intensity.

You can trace their DNA directly into modern melodic and atmospheric metalcore bands today—and once you notice it, it’s hard to unhear.

12 – The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada represents one of the rare cases where a band didn’t just survive multiple waves of metalcore—they adapted ahead of them.

Early releases like “Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord” captured the chaotic, unfiltered energy of mid-2000s metalcore. But instead of locking into that sound, the band pivoted. “With Roots Above And Branches Below” showed a tighter, more focused approach, while the “Zombie EP” introduced thematic cohesion and atmosphere that set them apart from their peers.

Their later material, particularly “The Act” and “Color Decay,” shifted even further—leaning into mood, pacing, and emotional weight over sheer aggression. That evolution mirrors where the genre itself has gone.

Most bands get left behind when the sound changes.
The Devil Wears Prada changed with it—and influenced what came next.

Get Your Official 2026 The Devil Wears Prada Tickets Here

11. Every Time I Die

Every Time I Die never fit neatly into the metalcore box—and that’s exactly why they mattered.

While other bands refined structure and leaned into melody, ETID carved out a lane built on chaos, groove, and unpredictability. Their sound pulled from hardcore, southern rock, and metal, creating something that felt loose but deliberate.

Keith Buckley’s lyricism elevated the band beyond typical genre tropes. Sharp, abstract, and often darkly humorous, it gave their music a personality that stood out in a scene often driven by similar themes.

Albums like “Radical” showed a band that never stopped evolving, even at the end of their run. Their influence is felt most strongly in bands that prioritize feel, energy, and identity over formula.

10. All That Remains

All That Remains played a crucial role in bridging metalcore with a broader heavy music audience without sacrificing technical credibility.

“The Fall Of Ideals” remains one of the genre’s defining crossover records. It balanced aggressive riffing with melodic hooks in a way that felt organic rather than calculated. Songs like “This Calling” became gateway tracks for listeners who might not have otherwise engaged with heavier music.

Their foundation in melodic death metal gave them an edge in musicianship, allowing them to stand out in a crowded scene. At the same time, their willingness to incorporate more accessible elements helped expand the genre’s reach.

That balance—between precision and accessibility—is something many bands have chased since, but few have matched as effectively.

9. Atreyu

Atreyu helped define one of the most recognizable structural dynamics in metalcore—and did it early enough that it became foundational.

The contrast between harsh verses and clean, melodic choruses became a defining feature of the genre, and Atreyu executed it with consistency and identity. “The Curse” in particular stands as one of the early blueprints for that balance.

Beyond structure, they brought a distinct aesthetic and emotional tone to metalcore that helped it connect on a wider level. Their ability to combine heaviness with memorable hooks made them accessible without losing credibility.

Even years later, that vocal dynamic remains one of the most commonly used tools in metalcore songwriting.

8. As I Lay Dying

As I Lay Dying helped solidify the melodic metalcore sound during its most influential period.

Their approach combined aggressive riffing with intricate guitar harmonies, drawing heavily from melodic death metal while maintaining the intensity of hardcore. Albums like “Shadows Are Security” and “An Ocean Between Us” became benchmarks for both songwriting and musicianship.

Their impact is most visible in how many bands adopted similar riff structures, harmonies, and production styles throughout the 2000s and beyond.

Despite controversy surrounding the band, their musical influence remains deeply embedded in the genre’s DNA.

7. Shadows Fall

Shadows Fall brought a heavier, more metal-driven perspective into metalcore at a critical time.

Emerging from the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, they leaned heavily into thrash and melodic death metal influences. This gave metalcore a level of technical credibility that helped it gain respect among traditional metal audiences.

“The War Within” demonstrated that metalcore could be both aggressive and musically sophisticated. Their approach broadened the genre’s appeal without diluting its intensity.

They played a key role in bridging the gap between hardcore-influenced metalcore and more traditional metal listeners.

6. Parkway Drive

Parkway Drive represents one of the most successful evolutions in metalcore.

They started with raw, breakdown-driven aggression on albums like “Killing With A Smile” and “Horizons,” delivering some of the most iconic moments in the genre’s early wave.

But instead of staying in that lane, they expanded into a larger, more cinematic sound. Later releases embraced massive riffs, anthemic structures, and arena-level production.

That transition is where many bands fail.
Parkway Drive turned it into their greatest strength.

5. August Burns Red

August Burns Red elevated the technical ceiling of metalcore in a way few bands have matched.

From the beginning, their focus was precision—complex rhythms, layered guitar work, and relentless pacing. “Messengers” and “Constellations” didn’t just define their sound; they pushed the genre forward musically.

They never chased mainstream trends, choosing instead to refine their technical identity over time. That consistency helped establish them as one of the most respected bands in the genre.

The deeper you go into metalcore’s technical evolution, the more their influence becomes impossible to ignore

4. Architects

Architects reshaped the emotional and atmospheric direction of modern metalcore.

Their music became heavier in meaning, not just sound. Albums like “All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us” carried themes of grief, existential crisis, and societal collapse that resonated deeply with listeners.

Musically, they combined crushing riffs with expansive production, creating a sound that felt both massive and introspective.

They didn’t just evolve the genre—they gave it a new emotional depth.

3. Bullet For My Valentine

Bullet For My Valentine played a massive role in pushing the genre into global recognition.

“The Poison” wasn’t just a successful album—it became a defining moment for the genre. It blended aggression, melody, and technical guitar work into something that connected far beyond the underground.

Their ability to write hooks without losing intensity helped bring metalcore into mainstream consciousness.

That level of reach changed the genre’s trajectory.

2. Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon didn’t just evolve—they disrupted the entire genre.

Starting as a deathcore band, they gradually incorporated electronic elements, pop structures, and experimental production. “Sempiternal” marked the point where metalcore expanded beyond its traditional boundaries.

That shift divided fans—but it also expanded the audience dramatically.

They redefined what a heavy band could be, and the ripple effect is still being felt across modern metalcore.

1. Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage built the foundation that modern metalcore still stands on.

“Alive Or Just Breathing” established the blueprint—melody and aggression working together rather than against each other. “The End Of Heartache” then brought that sound to a mainstream audience.

Their approach became the standard.
Decades later, it still is.

If metalcore has a core identity, it starts here.

Loaded Radio Recommends – The 13 Most Brutal Metal Breakdowns Ever Recorded (Ranked)

FAQ

What defines a metalcore band?
Metalcore bands combine hardcore punk aggression with metal instrumentation, often featuring breakdowns, melodic elements, and dynamic vocal styles.

Who is the most influential metalcore band?
Killswitch Engage is widely considered the most influential due to their role in shaping the melodic metalcore blueprint.

What is the most successful metalcore band?
Bring Me The Horizon has achieved the highest level of global success, expanding beyond traditional metalcore boundaries.

Is metalcore still popular in 2026?
Yes, metalcore continues to evolve and remains one of the most dominant subgenres in heavy music.

The post Metalcore Bands Ranked: The 13 That Actually Defined The Genre appeared first on Loaded Radio.

It’s somehow been six years since the “new” Strokes album The New Abnormal came out, and the band has been announced for a zillion festivals this year, including an appearance at Coachella this Saturday. So perhaps it was obvious a new LP was on the way. Today they’ve confirmed it.

The post The Strokes Announce New Album <em>Reality Awaits</em> appeared first on Stereogum.

Keenan shares how the four-star general once was supportive as he decided to leave the military to pursue a career in the arts. Continue reading…

Back in February, Boston metallic hardcore pioneers Converge released Love Is Not Enough, their first proper album in about nine years. It fucking rules. Last week, Converge announced plans to follow Love Is Not Enough almost immediately with Hum Of Hurt, their second new album of 2026. Judging by the title track, as well as past experience with this band, that album will almost certainly fucking rule, too. Converge are one of the few legacy acts where you want to hear the new songs when you go to the show, and they worked a bunch of new tracks into their setlist when they kicked off their latest tour at Cleveland’s House Of Blues last Thursday.

The post Watch Converge Debut New Songs Live At Cleveland Tour Opener appeared first on Stereogum.

Ronnie Romero has sung for some of the most demanding figures in hard rock — Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, Adrian Vandenberg — and come out of each chapter with something useful to say about the experience. He’s not a man who tends to shy away from direct answers. So when Chaoszine‘s Marko Syrjälä asked whether Romero would consider joining forces with Yngwie Malmsteen if the call came in, the response was about as clear as it gets.

“I wouldn’t think about it,” he said. “I wouldn’t wanna do it because of all the stories I’ve heard from people I’ve worked with who have worked with him. I’ve worked with people like the Johansson brothers — Jens and Anders — Jeff Scott Soto and Mark Boals. I know all those guys, and they’ve told me some stories, and I was, like, ‘I don’t know…’ So, when somebody asks me, ‘What if Yngwie calls you?’ I would say, ‘No.’ I’d hang up the phone.”

That said, Romero is careful to separate the man from the music. His entry point into Malmsteen‘s catalogue came through Swedish singer Mats Levén, and it left a mark. “The way I discovered Yngwie was actually when Mats Levén was in the band. The first Yngwie album I heard was the 1998 live album Live!!, and Mats was singing on it. Then I heard Facing the Animal, which is one of my favorites, together with The Seventh Sign. So yeah, if that ever happened, I’d choose just one song — and that would be ‘Facing the Animal’, for sure.”

When the interviewer mentioned that Levén is set to perform the entire Facing the Animal album in Japan in May, Romero didn’t hold back his admiration. “Yeah, he told me that, and that’s fantastic. He’s a great singer. As I said in a post the other day, he’s one of my heroes. Together with David Coverdale and later Ian Gillan, he was one of the first singers who really blew me away. I was, like, ‘How can this guy sing like that?’ On that live recording, he’s just killing it.”

Romero made his live debut with Rainbow in June 2016 after Blackmore selected him to front the reformed lineup. Beyond Rainbow, his CV includes Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Elegant Weapons, Sunstorm, and Vandenberg — with whom he recorded the 2020 album 2020 before parting ways.

His most recent solo release is Backbone, put out via Frontiers Music Srl, produced by Romero himself and mixed and mastered by guitarist Jose Rubio Jimenez. It features contributions from former Europe guitarist Kee Marcello and songwriter Russ Ballard, who penned the track “Hideaway.”

Backbone followed Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters, his first solo album of original material, and two covers records: 2023’s Raised on Heavy Radio, which took on material from Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, and Metallica with guests including Gus G., Chris Caffery, and Roland Grapow; and his debut Raised on Radio, which traced his roots through classic rock from Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, and Led Zeppelin.

The post RONNIE ROMERO Says He Would Never Work With YNGWIE MALMSTEEM If Asked: “No, I’d Hang Up The Phone” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

(Gonzo makes another of his monthly appearances at NCS today, with reviews of four albums released in March 2026.) We’re only three months and some change into 2026, and I swear on Satan’s taint that I’ve already identified at least 3 new albums fighting for contention in my annual top 20 list. Dark and uncertain […]

The post GONZO’S HEAVY ROUNDUP, MARCH 2026 appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.

Metallica's No Repeat Weekend comes to an arena with Suicidal Tendencies and Spiritbox. Continue reading…