Back catalogue: Metal

Review: Serving as the follow up to 2022's critically acclaimed and super cheesy by design stadium-goth opus Impera, Swedish rock occultists Ghost make their grand return with sixth full-length Skeleta. The vision of Tobias Forge, renowned for his charismatic vocal cadence and immense range, but more so for his undertaking of different characters and monikers for each album cycle, the Papa Emeritus IV delving into empirical fallacies on their previous outing has been usurped by Papa V Perpetua, who promises to deliver his band of Nameless Ghouls' "most unflinchingly introspective work to date" while showcasing "distinct individual emotional vistas", touching on "demonic possessions" and the allure of succumbing to "dark forces". In other words, expect mammoth riffs, epic refrains, large doses of overt theatricality verging on camp, and on-the-nose song titles such as 'Satanized'.

Review: Skeleta marks the sixth full-length from Swedish theatrical goth rock entity Ghost, following on from 2022's retro stadium-goth swing for the fences Impera. Known for their high-concept aesthetic solely credited to mastermind Tobias Forge, who undertakes differing mantles and characters pertaining to each era and project, Papa Emeritus IV who fronted their preceding work has now been replaced by Papa V Perpetua, and while his predecessor was said to have been driven by ruminations on empirical reigns, the latest leader of the band of "Nameless Ghouls" is more concerned with "demonic possessions" and succumbing to "dark forces", with the album promised to be their "most unflinchingly introspective work to date" while showcasing "distinct individual emotional vistas". With big riffs, soaring hooks and a lead single as brazenly titled as 'Satanized', it's time for yet another era of overtly gothic and purposefully cheesy occult-rock.

Review: Originally released in 2002, Alive Or Just Breathing would serve as the acclaimed sophomore full-length from Massachusetts metalcore legends Killswitch Engage. Noted for initially marking the end of their tenure with original vocalist Jesse Leach, who would depart and be subsequently replaced by Howard Jones until 2012 before his eventual return; the album is considered a landmark in the scene due its ability to highlight the commercial viability of a melodious metal meets post-hardcore style, which had remained a niche underground subgenre up until this point. Produced by guitarist/ drummer/overall mastermind Adam Dutkiewicz before switching his sole focus to guitar, the crunching grooves, saccharine melodies and staggering confidence displayed quickly cemented the band's legacy, whilst lead single 'My Last Serenade' remains their most popular hit to date.

Review: Unatoned (stylized as UNATONED) serves as the 11th full-length from Oakland, California groove metal titans Machine Head and marks their first effort to feature drummer Matt Alston and lead guitarist Reece Scruggs (with the latter replacing Decapitated axeman Wac?aw Kie?tyka aka Vogg who worked with the band on 2022's Of Kingdom & Crown). First announced through lead single 'These Scars Won't Define Us'; a self-described "Wu Tang Clan-level thrash collaboration" featuring guest vocals from members of In Flames, Lacuna Coil and Unearth, who will all support the band across their 2025 North American tour in support of the project, the addition of secondary single 'Unbound' showcases mastermind Rob Flynn's knack for marrying venomous heft to anthemic structures, whilst the air of brevity compared to some of their previously far lengthier compositions is indicative of a much more instantaneous sonic delivery (or gut-punch) this time around.