Scene Queen – METALICIOUS
Release Date: 11th September 2026
Label: Hopeless Records
Opinions are divided when it comes to metalcore subgenres – particularly Scene Queen’s self-defined “bimbocore”. Proudly reclaiming the slur, the New York native (real name Hannah Collins) characterises the sound with heavy guitar breakdowns, trap beats, bubblegum-pop hooks and ferociously pro-feminist lyrics. Not traditionally scene by any stretch (as her name might otherwise suggest), her girly style and tongue-in-cheek sound owe to her embodiment of full-swing Y2K – in a deliberate, glittery callback to Juicy Couture, flip phones and Mean Girls. An acquired taste – and metalcore’s Marmite equivalent – whether you like her or not: she’s extraverted, in your face and unafraid to make a scene for the past five years she’s been on it.
New EP METALICIOUS is an inclusive record designed for all misfits rejecting the moulds carved out for them. Collins shared: “The heavy parts are the heaviest they’ve ever been”, though it’s still rife with hyperpop sensibilities and satirical lyrics, it delves deeper for its share of “trauma dumping” too.
‘Tracksuit’ and ‘Metalicious’ present the strongest metalcore offerings. ‘Tracksuit’ sees vocals shift between spoken word, harmonies, screeches and death roars, relying on a fair bit of distortion to really hit the mark – just ignore some of the jarring lyrical cliches. The music video showcases her parading around in her element, all smiles, whilst hammer-wielding amid police tape and blood spatters. The EP title track involves Collins joining forces with Atlanta deathcore alumni Left to Suffer, with emphasis on trap clashing with heavy guitar.
Stronger tracks include punchy opener ‘Pink Flip Phone’ – with bullhorn vocals, heavy riffs and high-pitched guitar screws, and the Fergalicious wall of death ‘Manicure’ – a scathing strike back at domestic violence, though its gimmicky trap beats and showy death growls become a touch too much.
There’s a TX2 collab on ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’, if you fancy some pop-punk-meets-emo-meets-club-night. It’s a 2010s crunkcore homage that could even draw in fans of 3OH!3 and Kesha.
For a launch that promised hefty amounts, metalcore could have been far better utilised. Beyond the overexaggerated gutturals, it almost feels like Collins is reluctant to fully lean into it – electro beats and ditsy deliveries still taking priority. Though, one thing you can’t fault is her sheer enthusiasm and energy.
METALICIOUS tries to achieve too much at once, but its deliberately obnoxious vibe perfectly complements Collins’ overall attitude – plus she’s still making music that keeps people talking. But if you like straight-up, no nonsense metalcore, then this, unsurprisingly, won’t be for you. Either way, Scene Queen is having a rowdy old time.
Recommended Track: ‘Pink Flip Phone’
Rating: 6/10
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