Just One Fix – Gods & Devils
Release Date: 19th January 2024
Reviewed By: Dan Hemming
Auckland, New Zealand. Probably not your first thought when it comes to full-throttled thrash. Best rethink that though, Just One Fix are back with to raise hell with their first release since 2017 in the form of ‘Gods & Devils’, a track taken from their upcoming EP, Submit Or Death, due out later in 2024.
Everything about this band screams. Almost literally. From the opening barrage through the following four and a half minutes of what feels like a delightful assault. ‘Gods & Devils’ is modern thrash that is heavily based in the 70s and 80s. Something that can only be a good thing. Get those neck muscles warmed up.
3 Leagues To Rome – Dying Day
Release Date: 20th January 2024
Reviewed By: Dan Hemming
Created from a heartbreak that is evident within seconds, ‘Dying Day’ is a song that may be best not to be delved into during a moment of delicate disposition. Pittsburgh, USA based five-piece 3 Leagues To Rome are taking experiences that have rocked their world and utilising them in a positive way – to create art that will soothe the soul. Featuring elements of ballad-adjacent hard rock and more than enough of a grungy vibe to it to elevate the overall sound to something a little grittier despite the subject matter, ‘Dying Day’ is the sort of song that brings crowds to a standstill for the right reasons.
Songs For Sabotage – Killer
Release Date: 8th December 2023
Reviewed By: Dan Hemming
Keeping things towards the softer end of the scale still, ‘Killer’ is the third single from Songs For Sabotage’s upcoming album Clean Trauma. One that the will be hoping furthers the work done by their 2020 albums as well as subsequent singles from the past couple of years. Featuring a style that is as close to pop-rock as you can get, the track features delightful vocals that counter the meaning of the track which focuses on when you cut someone off and become paranoid about the consequences. A slow burner that will absorb your attention.
Action Boys – Blue Rose
Release Date: 16th January 2024
Reviewed by: Michael Malyon
Skate punks and circle pit fanatics rejoice, as Kansas-based Action Boys return with their new single ‘Blue Rose’, from their latest album Shadows Keep. Coming in at a less than a two-minute run time, with a combination of galloping drums and quickfire no-nonsense guitar riffing, ‘Blue Rose’ sets the pace high and demands you to headbang along. There’s nowhere to hide with this type of punk and thrash foundation, and Action Boys execute these tried and tested licks in a way that sounds both authentic and engaging. Packed to the brim with catchy melodies, this single comes across equally as nostalgic as it does fresh. Singer Jordan Rome spits viscerally throughout, seemingly only coming up for air to cast attention to the brief, yet effective guitar solos. It’s 111 seconds of pure energy that begs to be replayed.
Cult Media – Omniscient
Release Date: 12th January 2024
Reviewed by: Tommy Rogers
The Norwegian quartet Cult Media continue their journey into the realms of prog rock, with their latest single, ‘Omniscient’, joining the only four strong back catalogue.
The track itself taking massive influence from progressive masters such as Porcupine Tree and Tool, shines in creating an incredible atmosphere and immersive soundscape. The verse, heavily vocal led with an instrumental build, sets the track up perfectly for it’s chorus and main hook of the song.
Flowing from the chorus we are met with syncopated kick patterns and polyrhythms, every prog rockers magnum opus, the perfect way for Cult Media to cement themselves into the genre. The final crescendo being a solo section and bridge which feels directly taken from Porcupine Tree’s album, Deadwing. Huge in sound but not overbearing, the perfect way to see the song close.
Cult Media show incredible class with this new single and have the makings of a band to take the prog scene by storm.
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