(written by Islander) Are you tired of your face? Have you reached the point when you don’t even want to look in the mirror? Has the task of trying to mask your horror at daily life just become an exercise in futility? Would you prefer to just erase the slate and start over? Well, you’ve […]
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Metalcore act Hollow Like Her will be releasing their upcoming EP "Through The Darkness". The band's music tackles concepts of pain, mental health, heartbreak, and survival–using a deep, unfiltered honesty. Hollow Like Her is made up of vocalist Holly Hollow, vocals and bass from JR Jinx, drummer Randy Reckless and guitarist Bodie Breakdown. The whole EP was also produced by Pablo Viveros of Chelsea Grin.
The 4-track EP starts with "Envy the Dead", a track that introduces itself with growing ambience as bright guitar leads and slamming drums create a hard-hitting but melodic instrumental sound. Quickly Holly Hollow's soaring vocals cut through the mix as JR Jinx's screams create a dynamic between soft and harsh vocal styles. Hollow Like Her create a powerful sense of contrast between modern metal instrumentals and melodic vocal, building intense hooks that are fought by explosively heavy metalcore-esque guitar riffs. "Through Her Darkness" even bursts into a brutal breakdown with deep growls before trap beats build back into a final chorus.
"Still Broken" starts bouncing synth pads and percussive clicks before introducing lofi distorted guitar chugs that soon burst into full clarity. I really enjoy the electronic elements introduced in this track, switching things up significantly from the first song. Ambient clean guitar creates an immersive soundscape that reminds me of prog metal as soft vocals soon make way for dramatic guitar chugging, booming drum grooves, and powerful, soaring vocals. Bright guitar dissonance is layered behind energetic screams as the song's intensity increases. Hollow Like Her once again create a striking balance of heaviness and melody, this time in a format that feels more progressive than the previous track.
"Watch Me Break" starts with a celestial synth arpeggio as distant singing creates a haunting intro before glitching screams are thrown over top of the vocals. Hollow Like Her catapults the listener straight into extreme metal as drop-tuned guitar riffs, low screams, and an emergency siren create an immediate sense of intensity. In the song's chorus the arpeggiated synthes are brought back alongside the soaring vocals. "Watch Me Break" features multiple breakdowns and the most memorable heavy parts of the album in my opinion as progressive chugging patterns create a sound that reminds a little of acts like Meshuggah.
The final song "White Noise" starts with hard-hitting guitar strumming as slamming drums take the forefront of the mix. Dramatic swelling synth bass is met by raw screams and melodic guitar leads before the song bursts into a catchy chorus. Hollow Like Her introduces some of the most diverse heavy vocals of the EP so far as high and low screams are matched by deep growls that create another level of variety in the band's music.
Overall, "Through The Darkness" is an impressive showcase for Hollow Like Her that delivers a visceral sound that is reinforced by haunting melodies. Fans of metalcore, progressive metal, and melodic death metal will certainly enjoy Hollow Like Her. You can check out the band's currently release music and prepare for the upcoming release of "Through The Darkness"
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When your band is hand picked by the Foo Fighters to open for them, that says something. LES SHIRLEY have earned their place as Montreal rock royalty.
Since forming, Raphaëlle Chouinard (lead vocals and guitar), Lisandre Bourdages (drums and backing vocals), and Sarah Dion (bass and backing vocals) have shared stages with NOFX, Weezer, Sublime, Simple Plan, Billy Talent, The Beaches, Green Day and Avril Lavigne. Their touring résumé stretches across Quebec and Ontario, along with six European tours through Germany, France, Belgium, Spain and beyond.
Now they return with a punchy new single, Not My Problem, from their upcoming full-length album Hail Mary, set for release this fall.
Sometimes a song just clicks. Not My Problem came together in a focused one-hour burst of creativity, fueled by frustration and turned into a sharp, cathartic release. It captures the raw energy and honesty that have defined the band from the start.
We first met LES SHIRLEY back in 2019 and were pulled in immediately by their rock and roll world when they released Korben Dallas. Since then, they have only grown louder, tighter and more confident.
Not My Problem is a strong preview of what is still to come from this Montreal powerhouse.
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The post LES SHIRLEY’s “NOT MY PROBLEM” Just Dropped. Should We Be Worried? appeared first on Montreal Rocks.
If you know anything about grumpy ole Grier, you know he’s been dry-humping Bizarrekult ever since 2021’s Vi Overlevde. “Dry-humping” might not be the correct term. Maybe passionate lovemaking? Yeah, that’s the stuff. But, in all seriousness, this little band came out of nowhere and has been making waves in such a short time. While the debut had me glued to my seat, the follow-up, Den Tapte Krigen, damn-near bolted me down—to the point that I had to cut myself out of my pants to break free. If that had been the band’s swansong, I would have been just fine for the rest of my life. But Bizarrekult is back to ruin another pair of my pants. Behold! Alt Som Finnes!
Before we begin, let’s explore some of the new additions Bizarre and co. have brought to the table with this new outing. While the general structure of the output remains the same, the approach can vary. Joining the ranks of second-wave Norwegian black metal, Alcestian meloblack, and Enslaved-like intricacies are three guest vocalists: Yusaf “Vicotnik” Parvez (Dødheimsgard), Lina (Cross Burner, Predatory Void), and Kim Song Sternkopf (Møl, The Arcane Order). I’m not sure whether the songs were created with the guests in mind or whether they evolved during the songwriting process, but each song was made for its guest. Each with a gentle, clean vocal style, you can expect some of the most melodic, gorgeous accompaniment in the Bizarrekult’s repertoire. And besides Sternkopf’s contribution to the closing “Tomhet,” this song is also the first ever to be penned in English. Not that we metalheads have an issue with songs in a country’s native language, unlike the rest of the mainstream poser fucks. But it’s a nice addition.
Alt Som Finnes kicks off with a surprising piece in the form of “Hun.” Mostly surprising in its simplicity and short runtime. Alternating between clean and distorted vocals and ripping blackened riffs, this track only whets the whistle—nothing more and nothing less. Which leaves me wanting more before “Blikket Hennes” slaps the fuck out of me like a cat who hasn’t received its treats. This track has a thick bass, unsettling old-school black metal dissonance, venomous Aldrahn-like growls, and a trudging pace slowed by tar. Then, it collapses into a gorgeous atmosphere as Parvez’s beautiful vocals hit hard and crush the olde ticker like it’s made of parchment.
There are so many reliable tracks that it’s difficult to choose one over the other. That said, “Avmakt” is a beautiful piece with one of the most memorable black metal licks I’ve heard in some time. And not because it’s thrash, death, or any other sort of approach, but because it’s a killer true black metal riff. As the song progresses, the melodies expand like an ever-growing blanket that settles over mountains and valleys, like giants slumbering below the fabric. It’s one of those songs that proves you don’t need the beauty of the clean vocals of “Blikket Hennes” to achieve the same task. While there are others in the same vein as “Avmakt,” “Aversjon” takes it to another level with its influences. Opening with slow-moving melodics and sorrowful sustains, it quickly goes dark, slithering below the Earthly strains like a viper. But, like a miracle at the darkest of times, an uplifting, Alcest-like air breathes over—pushing deep and far, even into Enslaved-esque prog-tivity.
On first spin, Alt Som Finnes is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that, even though it’s not uncommon for Bizarrekult to instill, leave me completely crippled by the end. Outside of the surprisingly two-pump Chuck that is “Hun,” the rest weave together while many still try to resist the tempting urge to give in and conform to the predictable fabric patterns. Instead, you have a glowing blanket that is also scorched and tattered beyond repair. Though it remains intact, when touched, it feels both gentle and painful at the same time. It’s a conflicting album in its tone but not in its delivery, and the intricacies of this slow burner try hard to topple Den Tapte Krigen from its perch. Who knows where it’ll stand in time, but, regardless, this new outing is a worthy addition to the Bizarrekult family.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 256 kb/s mp3
Label: Season of Mist Underground Activists
Websites: bizarrekult.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/bizarrekult
Releases Worldwide: February 20th, 2026
The post Bizarrekult – Alt Som Finnes Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.
Guitarists Alyssa Day & Daniella Sophia have joined the roster thus far.
The post Alissa White-Gluz (Ex-Arch Enemy) Welcomes Two Guitarists To Her New Band appeared first on Theprp.com.
In 2023, Foo Fighters brought in rock veteran Josh Freese as their new drummer, replacing the late Taylor Hawkins. Two years later, the band fired Freese and hired Ilan Rubin away from the mid-tour Nine Inch Nails. NIN simply responded by bringing in Freese, who’d previously been in the band for a stint, thus completing the great 2025 drummer swap. Since then, Freese has expressed confusion over the firing while admitting that Foo Fighters’ music “wasn’t music that I really resonated with.” Now, Dave Grohl has finally addressed the firing for the first time.
The post Dave Grohl Breaks His Silence On Firing Josh Freese From Foo Fighters appeared first on Stereogum.
Dave Grohl says the decision came after months of reflection during the band’s 2024 hiatus, ultimately concluding that the musical chemistry “didn’t fully resonate.”
Foo Fighters’ split with Josh Freese wasn’t sudden. Dave Grohl reveals the band collectively decided to “go in a different direction” after their touring break. Freese later admitted the music didn’t deeply connect with him, while Grohl emphasized how impossible it is to replace Taylor Hawkins. Ilan Rubin stepped in soon after. Foo Fighters’ stadium tour begins August 4 in Toronto.
When news broke in spring 2025 that Foo Fighters were moving forward without Josh Freese, fans were stunned. Freese had joined under uniquely emotional circumstances, stepping into a role forever shaped by the loss of Taylor Hawkins.
According to Grohl, this was never a snap decision.
Speaking with Apple Music 1 (via NME), Grohl explained that during the band’s extended 2024 break, the members had serious conversations about their future direction. The pause became a period of reassessment rather than rest.
Grohl described the choice as something that “didn’t happen overnight,” underscoring that the entire band — not just Grohl — made the call.
Grohl’s framing of the moment was telling.
Rather than presenting the shift as a leadership move, he emphasized collective responsibility: “We called, as a band, all of us called… ‘Hey man, that was awesome. That was such a blast, thank you so much, but we are going to move on and find another drummer.’”
It’s a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a band known for projecting unity and resilience.
Initially, Freese’s Instagram statement was diplomatic: “No reason was given… Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years.”
But months later, Freese’s comments to The New York Times added depth — and a dose of uncomfortable honesty.
He admitted the music didn’t fully resonate with him and acknowledged the crushing pressure of being perceived as “the guy that’s supposed to save the day after Taylor Hawkins died.”
That perspective reframed the split from mystery to mismatch.
Grohl even noted: “I think Josh said it best when he said that he didn’t feel our music really resonated with him.”
In rock terms, that’s about as real as it gets.
No discussion of Foo Fighters’ lineup changes exists without Hawkins.
Grohl’s words reflected lingering grief rather than closure: “We had Taylor Hawkins as our drummer for 25 years… He was our brother. He was our best friend.”
Grohl acknowledged the near-impossible expectations placed on any drummer entering the band after Hawkins’ death — a reality Freese experienced firsthand.
The emotional weight, Grohl implied, affects both the band and the musician stepping in.
A few months after Freese’s departure, Ilan Rubin — best known for his work with Nine Inch Nails — joined Foo Fighters.
Rubin brought elite technical precision, live stamina, and perhaps most importantly, a fresh dynamic unburdened by the immediate transitional phase Freese endured.
Freese, meanwhile, returned to Nine Inch Nails, closing an unexpected but respectful chapter.
This wasn’t just a lineup change.
It became a conversation about:
For many fans, Freese’s honesty made the situation feel less like drama and more like reality.
Foo Fighters now move forward with Rubin behind the kit as they prepare for their upcoming stadium run beginning August 4 in Toronto.
For Grohl and company, the mission remains unchanged:
Carry the energy.
Honor Hawkins.
Keep the machine alive.
Dave Grohl says the band decided to “go in a different direction” after extended discussions. Freese later shared that the music didn’t deeply resonate with him.
Public statements suggest a respectful separation rather than internal conflict.
Ilan Rubin joined Foo Fighters following Freese’s exit.
Roughly two years, from 2022 through spring 2025.
Grohl has repeatedly emphasized that Hawkins is irreplaceable, both musically and personally.
Foo Fighters formed in 1995 as Dave Grohl’s post-Nirvana project and quickly evolved into one of the most successful rock bands of the modern era. What began as Grohl’s solo recording effort transformed into a multi-platinum powerhouse known for massive hooks, explosive live shows, and an enduring connection with fans.
Across decades, the band has delivered era-defining albums including The Colour And The Shape, There Is Nothing Left To Lose, One By One, and Wasting Light. Their sound — blending melodic rock, post-grunge energy, and stadium-sized dynamics — helped shape mainstream rock for a generation.
Taylor Hawkins’ arrival in 1997 solidified the classic lineup and remained central to the band’s identity until his tragic passing in 2022. Rather than ending the story, Hawkins’ legacy became woven into the band’s ongoing evolution.
Today, Foo Fighters continue forward with Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee, and Ilan Rubin.
The post Dave Grohl Finally Explains Why Josh Freese Left Foo Fighters appeared first on Loaded Radio.
It seems Freese himself may have properly guessed why last August.
The post Dave Grohl Opens Up On Foo Fighters Firing Drummer Josh Freese appeared first on Theprp.com.
YUNGBLUD has just released ‘Idols II’, the expansion and completion of his 2025 album ‘Idols’, and shared a spine-tingling visual to accompany its best track.
That track is ‘Suburban Requiem’, the final track on the complete album, and what a fitting wave goodbye it is. A stellar combination of Brit-pop spirit, 70s Psychedelia and modern rock ambition, it is the pick of the bunch from this era, which is saying something considering how special this collection of songs is. A thrilling, emotional, triumphant four minutes and 35 seconds that perfectly sums up the freedom that came to define YUNGBLUD in 2025, and is now pushing him forwards in the great unknown.
Dom had this to say about the release, stating, “This is it. The second chapter of the Idols story. Part 1 was a journey that helped me reclaim my identity from the darkest position I’ve ever been in my life. Part 2 is about realising that I am alive, that I am real, that this journey that I’ve been on didn’t kill me. It’s about realising that you can feel invincible when you actually feel yourself.”
The full tracklisting for ‘Idols’ now looks like this:
1. Hello Heaven, Hello
2. Idols Pt. I
3. Lovesick Lullaby
4. Zombie
5. The Greatest Parade
6. Change
7. Monday Murder
8. Ghosts
9. Fire
10. War
11. Idols Pt. II
12. Supermoon
13. I Need You (To Make The World Seem Fine)
14. The Postman
15. Zombie (feat. The Smashing Pumpkins)
16. Time
17. War Part II
18. Blueberry Hill
19. Suburban Requiem
YUNGBLUD was the winner of Best British Artist at the 2025 Rock Sound Awards.
In a special interview, Dom looks back over the twelve career-defining months he just experienced to dissect the moments that changed everything, celebrate the people that made it possible and look forward to how he will further cement rock’s place back at the top.
Get your Yungblud magazine and poster plus an exclusive t-shirt at SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV.
The post YUNGBLUD Shares Visual For Astonishing New Track ‘Suburban Requiem’ appeared first on Rock Sound.