Alarm!
The latest LP from Stockholm, Sweden's Alarm! marks my first exposure to the band; whose lineup has connections to Outlast, Victims, Acursed, and many more. Something about the band name/logo had me anticipating a bit more of a traditional or "old school" hardcore style, but in fact its 10 songs/22 minutes carry a darkened D-beat type of edge—at times with even a Motörhead-ish kick!—with vocals that are higher-pitched than average, which gives them a distinctly harsh edge that aligns well with the intensity of the music. The writing is generally fast-paced and aggressive but on occasion does slow down a touch and explore more rhythmically pounding tempos. It's entirely possible that it's just because I'm generally out-of-the-loop, but it feels like this band falls on the more underrated side and should probably be getting a little more attention? This is a great outing.
Failure by Design is available on CD or LP through De:Nihil Records. Head to Bandcamp for digital; or stream through Apple Music, Spotify, and so forth.
Bleeth
Miami, FL's Bleeth had one of the best albums of 2025, so I was excited to see them return with a new three-song EP in late-May—opening with a cover of Hole's "Pretty on the Inside" before two new originals. I don't want to say these tracks are more "experimental," per se, but they definitely highlight the noisier and more abstract elements of the trio's atypically doom-laden sound, which retains plenty of variety both vocally and musically. "Bent" additionally explores a faster-paced energy that makes me think of an almost Helmet-esque take on gloomy post-hardcore. The band has referred to this material as a "new beginning," so I'm certainly curious to see what unfolds as they continue to move forward...
Lázara is digital-only, so my first choice is always Bandcamp. Apple Music and Spotify and all that does exist, though.
Eastwood
German grinders Eastwood have returned with nine songs of top-notch grindcore fury in under 12 minutes; for fans of Nasum, Assück (whose classic "Salt Mine" is covered herein), etc. It's not taking long here for me to be reminded that Eastwood is simply one of the finest grind bands out there right now. Their work is absolutely packed with the classic staples of the genre: fast-paced yet powerful riffing, a multi-vocal attack, graspable songwriting, and—even though they're not online—lyrics that tend to have something to say. Totally rips. If you're still sleepin', wake up!
Alle Gegen Alle is out now as a one-sided 12" with screenprinted B-side through Lixiviat Records and Loner Cult Records. You can also grab the vinyl or download via Bandcamp. If you insist on streaming, head to Apple Music or Spotify.
Laid Low
This is the first substantial release from Cleveland, OH's Laid Low since their self-titled EP back in late-2023, continuing their interesting mix of grungy post-hardcore that arguably hints at a "nu" edge—in part because this material delves into more of the darker/heavier influences and well-balanced splits between singing and intense screaming. Imagine, perhaps, a Quicksand meets early Deftones vibe. I really hope this band catches the attention of a label at some point. This totally seems like the type of thing that would land well, as this niche is relatively "popular" within the underground, and Laid Low executes with a higher level of quality than most, without question. Quite well done.
Judas Kiss looks to be digital-only, so Bandcamp comes first. Streamin' types can load up Apple Music, Spotify, etc.
Turn the Tide
The debut four-song EP from Turn the Tide out of Memphis, TN presents melodic/metallic hardcore that tends toward a traditional foundation, but in that way that holds enough character to hit with some oomph and not just feel like a one-sided retread, you know? The vocals possess a touch more gruffness than is common for this style, which offers a cool contrast to the more melodic aspects of the guitar work. The overall delivery is definitely the type of thing that should heavily appeal to fans of classic hardcore, and I find the color scheme of the cover art quite eye-catching, too.
As with most of the above, this one's also digital-only, so head to Bandcamp; or try Apple Music and Spotify and all that.
Yokedevils
The latest EP from Richmond, VA solo artist Yokedevils apparently dropped way back in January, and I've been sitting on a reminder email since, like, April, so, uhhh... oops. Expect more quirky, grungy, punked-up noise rock with ruggedly dense production where light distortion over the vocals finds them sitting right in amongst the instrumentation. This time out there are some grittier abrasive textures and a few riffs that tend toward an intriguingly gnarled, sludgy side—the nine-minute closer even crafting those elements into an almost hypnotic, drone-like state at times—and those angles are definitely catching my attention the most herein.
Fall Session is another that's digital-only, so head to Bandcamp as your first stop. Otherwise, find it on Apple Music, Spotify, or whatever other resource you prefer...
