Rise Vinyl & CDs

Review: Known for his raw authenticity, Hot Water Music co-frontman Ragan embraces a dynamic blend of genres on this new collection. The album's lead single, 'Wild In Our Ways', showcases Ragan's signature gravelly voice alongside harder-hitting Americana-infused rock, marking a shift from his usual folk sound. The track's anthemic spirit captures themes of survival and resilience, with lyrics that rally behind the underdog. Ragan's commitment to honesty and musical exploration shines throughout Love and Lore, which was delayed due to the pandemic and his family commitments. Conceptualised in 2016, it eventually came together in early 2023. Songs like 'Echo the Halls', also featured on the album, continue this bold sonic evolution and Ragan's approach remains rooted in integrity and a willingness to stretch beyond boundaries. For fans of both his punk and solo work, Love and Lore promises to be a bold, heartfelt release, with his unmistakable warmth and conviction at its core.

Review: Canadian progressive metalcore outfit Spiritbox have become one of the unlikely success stories of the past few years within the metal and hardcore spheres. With huge festival and touring slots and millions of streams, it's a wonder to think how far the members have come since their early days as part of the chaotic mathcore group iwrestledabearonce, with their increasing exposure contrasting greatly against their rhythmic and pummelling grooves as well as enigmatic frontwoman Courtney LaPlante's inhumane shrieks. Riding the rigid momentum of their 2021 debut full-length Perfect Blue into last year's Rotoscope EP, the band are set to capitalise on the now with another bombastic, vicious and succinct statement of intent with The Fear Of Fear. Six new tracks of technical heft and serene melodies, designed to keep the band at the centre of the metalcore conversation while LP2 slowly brews.

Review: California deathcore mob Spite have made waves over the last decade with their tireless work ethic, intense live shows and sonic brute force. Few artists within their scene often prioritise hardcore aspects over the metal machinations, but on their fourth full-length, Dedication To Flesh, the absolute balance has been struck. With trudging grooves, heaving breakdowns and a visceral, animated delivery from vocalist, Darius Tehrani; this is death metal-inspired hardcore at its most literal audible manifestation, while arriving on new label-home, Rise, following a lengthy stint with Stay Sick, is surely indicative of an entirely new, hideous era of Spite.