Gay Meat’s debut album Blue Water arrives next month. So far we’ve heard “Love For Fun,” “More Good Angels,” and “The Powerball,” and today Karl Kuehn is back with the vulnerable ballad “Vodka Sprite.” “My mom wasn’t perfect. And neither am I,” Kuehn says of the song. “She always battled addiction and substance abuse and…
The post Gay Meat – “Vodka Sprite” appeared first on Stereogum.
Both artists confirmed they intentionally pushed heavier, riskier directions instead of repeating what already worked.
You can tell when a band is just continuing momentum—and when they deliberately tear it up and start again.
This episode lands squarely in that second category.
Both Don Broco and Atreyu had every reason to stay in their lane. Instead, they pushed into heavier, less predictable territory—and owned the risk that comes with it.
That matters right now because heavy music is crowded with safe releases. These two aren’t playing that game.
Rob Damiani walks through how Nightmare Tripping became their most unrestrained record to date.
The band doubled down on everything that makes them hard to categorize—metal weight, electronic textures, funk grooves—and leaned into the chaos instead of smoothing it out.
“True Believers” stands out immediately. Featuring Sam Carter of Architects, it’s aggressive, politically charged, and built around real-world frustration rather than abstract themes.
This isn’t a band searching for identity anymore. It’s a band choosing not to have one.
Brandon Saller doesn’t dance around it—this is the heaviest Atreyu record they’ve ever made.
The End Is Not The End wasn’t built in a single environment either. Part of it came together in Tokyo, surrounded by nonstop energy and sensory overload. The rest came from complete isolation on San Juan Island, where the band locked in and wrote without distractions.
That contrast shows up everywhere in the album.
Tracks like Dead, Ego Death, and All For You shift between melody and outright aggression, while Children Of Light (with Max Cavalera) pushes into full metallic intensity.
They didn’t try to fit back into a scene—they stepped outside of it.
Fans looking to catch Atreyu live can check available dates here.
Here’s the thread that connects everything in this episode:
Both bands had a formula that worked.
Both ignored it.
Instead of repeating what already connected, they leaned into uncertainty—heavier sounds, bigger swings, less structure.
That’s where most bands hesitate. That’s also where the most important records usually come from.
This is where the full conversation unfolds—writing environments, creative risks, and the exact moment both bands realized they couldn’t keep doing things the same way.
Neither of these albums feels like a one-off shift.
It feels like a line being crossed.
If this is the direction both bands are committing to, the next cycle isn’t going to look anything like the last one—and that’s exactly why this moment matters.
When is the new Atreyu album released?
The End Is Not The End arrives April 24 via Spinefarm.
What is Don Broco’s new album?
Nightmare Tripping, out now via Fearless Records.
Who are the guests on the Loaded Radio podcast?
Rob Damiani (Don Broco) and Brandon Saller (Atreyu).
What is the main focus of the episode?
The creative direction and mindset behind both bands’ new albums.
Formed in 2008, Don Broco built their reputation on refusing to stick to one sound. Blending metal, post-hardcore, funk, and electronic elements, they’ve headlined major festivals and consistently evolved their identity.
Since the early 2000s, Atreyu have remained one of metalcore’s defining names, earning gold records, major festival slots, and a global audience while continuing to push their sound forward.
The post Don Broco And Atreyu Took A Risk With These Albums—Rob Damiani And Brandon Saller Explain It On The Loaded Radio Podcast appeared first on Loaded Radio.
It’s always such fun to get the chance to chat to one of your musical heroes, and we’ve checked in at least once a year ever since. This time we talk about influences and the wonderful new album, but as always with John, there’s so much more…
For those that missed it here’s the press around the new record:
JOHN CORABI is proud to announce his debut full-length solo album ‘New Day,’ due out on April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, JOHN offers fans a first glimpse of the upcoming album with the release of it’s title track, alongside an official music video, available below. A trip down memory lane with a nostalgic mood, the lead single “New Day” moves from intimate acoustic moments to richly layered rock arrangements.
It’s a journey through the heart of rock, infused with soul and blues sensibilities and inspired by the melodic grandeur of early Boston and Queen. On the title track, JOHN shares: “‘New Day’ is a positive, upbeat song with a message of enjoy life!!! Stop whining and complaining about how unfair life is, and enjoy the ‘little beautiful things, life offers’ and make the changes you need to make your life better!!!
Change happens WITHIN…” ‘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.
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 60’s-70’s sounding classic rock and roll record…Turn it up, and enjoy!!!”
‘New Day’ Track List:
1. New Day 2. That Memory 3. Faith, Hope And Love 4. When I Was Young 5. One More Shot 6. 1969 7. Laurel 8. Good To Be Back Here Again 9. Love That’ll Never Be 10. Cosi´ Bella 11. Your Own Worst Enemy 12. Everyday People
The post INTERVIEW: John Corabi talks to Mark about the debut solo record ‘New Day’ and so much more… appeared first on The Rockpit.