There is a new force in punk and hardcore and alternative. Scowl combines all three into one perfectly blended green haired smoothie. Are We All Angels was boasted big time by the singles, especially “Tonight, I’m Afraid” and “Not Hell, Not Heaven”. The 33-minute run time helped prove the singles are not just one-offs. This album has strong writing and hooks, great basslines, and Kat Moss who is proving to be a force both lyrically and vocally. Through all the speed changes and tones within the album, you never feel anything is out of place or the band is reaching to do something they are uncomfortable with. If anything this album shows how much Scowl are capable of while still bursting with identity. The lyric line of “I don’t want to be special.”, Scowl’s Are We All Angles is special and I hope this album draws the attention of every type of punk and hardcore fan. 9/10.
Scowl – Are We All Angels | Album Review
Scowl “Tonight (I’m Afraid)”
Scowl “Special”
“Scowl is an American rock band from Santa Cruz, California. The band consists of singer Kat Moss, guitarists Malachi Greene and Mikey Bifolco, bassist Bailey Lupo, and drummer Cole Gilbert. Scowl has toured and shared the stage with bands like Circle Jerks and Negative Approach, System Of A Down, Korn, Turnstile and Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and toured Australia in May and June of 2023 with Sunami and Speed. The band also played the 2023 edition of the famed Coachella festival. In a 2022 interview with hardcore magazine In Effect singer Kat Moss said about touring: “We are focused heavily on touring as much as possible! We are trying to hit all the places in the US that we haven’t played yet as well as across the pond!” (Wikipedia)
On the heels of playing LA’s Kia Forum, and releasing “the anthem we need right now” (VICE), Rise Against have shared their second new single of 2025. Out now on Loma Vista Recordings, “Prizefighter” illustrates the internal battle between making art, maintaining autonomy, and meeting the demands of the present day’s never-ending, rapidly-shifting attention span. Rise Against vocalist and lyricist Tim McIlrath says, “‘Prizefighter’ is about a compulsion to create, that then creates an audience, and then your connection with that audience and your responsibilities to that audience, and how much an artist is obliged to that audience. It’s trying to reconcile the shift from spectator to the public arena, and what you owe the people that are your fans versus what you owe your own mental health.”
Listen to “Prizefighter” and watch the video, showcasing the symbolism behind the song, the roaring energy of Rise Against’s live shows, and the deep devotion of their fans:
“Prizefighter” follows Rise Against’s blazing return with “Nod” – their first new single in three years – which arrived days after the presidential inauguration, and delivered “a particularly potent rallying cry for the moment” (Rolling Stone). Quickly uniting millions in its call for community and compassion, encouraging listeners to not sit idly by as world events, societal changes and technology shape our ways of life, Rise Against have since toured across three continents this year, and have made “Nod” a highlight of their live sets. Watch the video here.
Produced by Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Foals, Manchester Orchestra, St. Vincent) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, The Killers), “Prizefighter” now marks a propulsive page-turn in Rise Against’s next chapter, revealing another side of the band’s outspoken perspective and prescient point of view.
Like the body of multi-Gold and Platinum hits that have come before, “Prizefighter”and “Nod” further amplify the type of invigorating music, defiant messages and bulletproof melodies that have earned billions of streams, filled arenas, topped charts, broken records, and, above all, joined fans in an embrace of vital issues. Just as the stakes could not be higher, the Chicago punk rock band is back bigger, louder and more progressive than ever.
Currently in the midst of their Rise of The Roach tour, band members Tim McIlrath (lead vocals/guitar), Joe Principe (bass/vocals), Zach Blair (guitar/vocals) and Brandon Barnes (drums) will be on the road all year long, with a slew of summer festivals, dozens of arena and amphitheatre shows, and more on the horizon, all throughout the US and abroad. See the list of upcoming dates below, and at riseagainst.com/tour.
Rise Against Tour Dates
Apr 3 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center*
Apr 5 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*
Apr 7 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena*
Apr 9 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center*
Apr 10 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center*
Apr 12 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center*
Apr 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center*
Jun 4 – Hannover, DE – Glide Parkbühne
Jun 6-8 – Nürburgring, DE – Rock Am Ring 2025
Jun 6-8 – Nürnberg, DE – Rock Im Park 2025
Jun 9 – Leipzig, DE – Haus Auensee
Jun 10 – Münster, DE – Halle Münsterland
Jun 12 – Nickelsdorf, AT – Nova Rock Festival
Jun 13 – Derby, UK – Download Festival 2025
Jun 28 – Oro Station, ON – All Your Friends Fest 2025
The Podcast That Rocked for 4/2/25. Linkin Park tickets are not selling as well as hoped in the US, Spiritbox experienced live, more.
LINKIN PARK US Tour Not Selling and Offering Discounts | The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
LINKIN PARK US Tour Not Selling and Offering Discounts | The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
SONG OF THE WEEK: Deafheaven “Winona”
Deafheaven “Winona”
Discussion Topics: -Linkin Park From Zero World Tour not selling great -Metal Weatherman gets Sleep Token worshippers angry –Spiritbox live on tour and doing great -New BABYMETAL Album and collaborations coming -Godsmack and Bad Wolves lose members -Upcoming tours and albums, Song Of The Week, more
“Things were at one time looking up for the revitalized Linkin Park. I’d say that time was from the moment they announced the reunion/tribute effort and the realization that their new vocalist Emily Armstrong had ties to Scientology and a convicted rapist. Ever since then, they’ve dropped a very “meh” album in From Zero and played a long list of shows all over the world. With their new single “Up From the Bottom” out now and their North American tour coming up soon, it seems interest in seeing the Chester Bennington-less version of the band has begun to wane. Things have apparently fallen off so much that the band is having a hard time getting asses in seats.” (MetalSucks)
Tallah Announce Third Album ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ Out September 5th Via Earache Records | Pre-Order HERE
Unleash New Single & Music Video “What we know” Listen HERE | Watch HERE
Unpredictable, uncompromising and unrelentingly original, Tallah have never been easy to categorise. The Pennsylvania-bred unit are back with a vengeance today as they announce brand new Tallah album ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’, due out September 5th via Earache Records and drop “What we know”—the first single and opening track. Listen to “What we know” HERE and watch the accompanying music video HERE. Pre-Order ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment“HERE.
Simultaneously maximalist, raw and unfiltered, “What we know” sets the tone for what’s to come—an album unshackled by rules or expectations. Blending acoustic guitars, trap-metal 808s, string quartets, talkbox solos and more into one furiously cohesive piece, the track is a mission statement for the chaos ahead.
“The first song that was written for the album, and easily my #1 Tallah song to date,” says bassist Max Portnoy. “The amount of experimentation on this track paved the road for the tone of the whole record. From performing the first half of the song on acoustic guitars, to layering trap-metal 808’s over a string quartet with dissonant plucks in the chorus, to a trading guitar solo with a talkbox and a slide, you can find so many fun tools we incorporated, without it feeling disjointed. To have all that experimentation, in a driving and energetic track with a massive chorus, made for my favorite piece of work yet. It was a no-brainer to start the record with this one.”
‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ is a concept album rooted in narrative and boundless in scope. Set on an alien planet, it follows Ana, a nurse, and Sheelah, an assassin—two strangers pushed to the brink of their morality by the same mysterious group of beings. Their journeys spiral through tests of belief, identity, and loyalty, building toward a finale laced with twists, dualities, and mirrored consequences. Architect of the exceptional and intricate world-building Tallah have become known for on each of their albums, vocalist Justin Bonitz shares
“Primeval Obsession/Detachment is a concept album taking place on an alien planet. The story follows two characters, Ana (a nurse) and Sheelah (an assassin). Both are approached by the same group of beings, who ask the main characters to each perform a task that will test their values and push their morals to the limit before ending with twist after twist. The album explores morality, duty, personal beliefs, duality, and understanding one’s place in society.”
Tracked live in Michigan with longtime producer Josh Schroeder, the record captures Tallah in their purest, most unhinged form. No click. No edits. No polish. Just instinct and execution. It also sees founding member, Max Portnoy, making a major creative shift from drums to bass and Justin recording the vocals for the whole album in one, continuous take.
Providing further context, Max Shares
“For me, this album is Tallah finding our voice. During the writing process, no boxes were in place. No rules were set. Whatever felt uniquely us, that was what made the cut. I’m not sure how to even label this record’s sound beyond ‘Tallah’. It’s weird. It’s experimental. It’s driving, and energetic. It’s raw. We recorded live, every instrument at the same time, with no click. That’s how we play shows, so why would we record differently? This album also marks my first recording dedicated to bass. I translated my drum knowledge to a new instrument and it was a huge creative breath of fresh air for me.”
For vocalist Justin Bonitz, the experience was equally intense.
“I practiced for months and was able to record the entire album in one huge, continuous take with no edits or redos or anything! And I was recovering from pneumonia! Nobody is gonna believe me! It was honestly the highlight of my entire vocal career. I was unsure if I could pull it off, but I went into the booth, grabbed an SM57, turned off the lights, and whatever happened happened. I think it feels more intimate and naked with all the flaws and imperfections, which is perfect for the raw, organic sound of this album.”
From mirrored track titles to reversed riffs, ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ is Tallah at their most deliberate and deranged. It’s a labyrinthine listen made for close listening and repeat immersion. As with everything they do, the chaos is crafted, and the madness is methodical.
‘What we know’ is streaming now. ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment’ arrives September 5th via Earache Records.
Primeval: Obsession // DetachmentTrack Listing 1. 05:01 2. What we know 3. augmented 4. as fate undoes 5. my primeval obsession 6. _la|cuna_ 7. A primeval detachment 8. undone by fate 9. depleted 10. what we want 11. 07:09
‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment is Tallah’s most dangerous and defining work to date: a no-compromise opus from a band that no longer cares where they fit—and never sounded more at home. Pre-Order it now HEREand prepare to step into the labyrinthine dimension of Tallah‘s third studio album.
“Some of the greatest bands in music history have stumbled out of the gate with debut albums that failed to capture their true potential. Pantera and Radiohead serve as prime examples of this phenomenon. Before Pantera became synonymous with groove metal, their early albums, including Metal Magic, leaned heavily into glam metal—a style far removed from the ferocious sound they later perfected on Cowboys from Hell. These early efforts lacked the aggression and innovation that would define their legacy, making them forgettable entries in their discography. Similarly, Radiohead’s debut album, Pablo Honey, is often criticized for its conventional alt-rock approach, overshadowed by the band’s groundbreaking evolution on later albums like OK Computer and Kid A. While Pablo Honey gave the world the hit “Creep,” it lacked the experimental depth that would make Radiohead one of the most innovative bands of their generation. These missteps highlight how some bands need time to refine their sound before achieving greatness.” (Summation from Louder)
Regretting The Past | Five Finger Death Punch – Got Your Six
The return of the growling, shrieking demon that is George Clark using his greatest talents, in what is going to be an album of the year contender. Lonely People With Power covers topics like trauma and loss in a freight train of a long album, and it’s as beautiful as it is relentless and terrifying. “Magnolia” is for the more traditional metal lovers while “The Garden Route” reflects Deafheaven’s venture to Clarke shrieking over clean shoegaze style guitars. The guitarwork is once again serene and expertly performed across the board. That ingenuity that Deafheaven has worked with on the past several albums feels mastered on Lonely People With Power. There is so much to take in and it all feels refreshing and mesmerizing. Metal fans and the online metal community will always have strong opinions on Deafheaven. Lonely People With Power is proof that Deafheaven earned everyone’s attention for good reason. 9/10
Rock Coliseum MADNESS! The live stream event where Jon, Mark, Crash, and Luke take 32 sophomore albums and decide which one is best (with the help of the live chat)!
Thank you to everyone that was able to watch live. The Madness bracket is a beast to do live but this one provided a lot of good discussion from 32 solid albums. If enough interest is shown, next time we do a Madness round we will do best third albums. The Podcast That Rocked is live every Wednesday at 8PM EST here. Please subscribe and watch live!
“Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Rock Coliseum live streams, where music enthusiasts and critics come together to debate and discuss the latest in rock, metal, alternative, and punk music. Hosted by Rocked on YouTube, these dynamic events feature prominent personalities such as Luke from Rocked, Jon from ARTV, Mark from Spectrum Pulse, and Crash Thompson. Each live stream invites viewers to participate by suggesting tracks, which are then reviewed and critiqued in real-time, offering a unique blend of insightful commentary and lively interactions. With a growing community of fans, the Rock Coliseum series has become a must-watch for anyone passionate about music, providing an engaging platform for discussion and debate. Join the conversation by subscribing to Rocked’s YouTube channel and tuning in for the latest episodes.”
Regretting The Past | Five Finger Death Punch – Got Your Six
PIXEL GRIP Returns With Electrifying New Single “Split”
“Razor-edged anthems that range from brooding industrial techno to airy synth pop to sexually assertive bass music” – NYLON
“Pixel Grip is relentlessly aggressive and relentlessly horny” – PAPER
“[Pixel Grip] melds Chicago house, French electronica, and high-energy to atmospheric synth-pop to create an enticing and entrancing sonic paradise beyond heaven” – THE BIG TAKEOVER
“Imagine if Aphex Twin, Lorde, LCD Soundsystem and SURVIVE got together to make a supergroup” – AUDIOFEMME
“Sexuality. Danger.” – GHETTOBLASTER
“[Pixel Grip] have unveiled an intimidating and dynamic piece of techno minimalism and all around intensity” – DESTROY/EXIST
Today, Chicago’s underground electronic trio Pixel Grip, comprised of Rita Lukea (vocals), Jonathon Freund (synth), and Tyler Ommen (drums), is back, unveiling their latest single, “Split”. A high-energy track layered with raw emotion and a triple entendre that explores the fractures of broken relationships, betrayal, and mental health. It’s a cathartic expression of pain and revenge, “Split” captures the sting of betrayal both lyrically and sonically, with pulsating production drawing listeners into an emotional whirlwind.
Pixel Grip “Split”
The single serves as their first offering of the year and the third release from their upcoming project. It follows their previous pulse-pounding releases, “Stamina” and “Bet You Do”, further cementing Pixel Grip’s reputation as a genre-defying force. With a sound that blends darkwave, electronic, and avant-pop influences, the trinity continues to push boundaries while maintaining its signature raw energy and star quality.
Pixel Grip shares, “‘Split’ is a triple entendre. First, it means to leave, ‘I’m going to split; see you later.’ Second, it refers to heartbreak; my heart split in half. And third, it touches on a psychological symptom where your perception of someone splits: they go from being your friend to your enemy, everything becomes black and white, and you cut them off – you split on them.“
Known for their seductive, avant-garde aesthetic and electrifying live performances, Pixel Grip has cultivated a cult following through relentless touring and an unapologetic exploration of themes rooted in desire, power, and liberation, amassing over 7M streams to date. In 2024, they toured as direct support for HEALTH and DEHD, followed by a sold-out North American headline run, including a standout performance at Chicago’s RIOT Fest. Their underground anthems “ALPHAPUSSY” and “Demon Chaser” have caught the eye of high fashion houses and have been featured on fashion runways for VERSACE and Alexandre Vauthier.
Listen to “Split” now and stay tuned for more Pixel Grip coming soon.
The Podcast That Rocked for 3/25/25. Discussion on KISS predictably returning from retirement, Sleep Token selling out US arenas, more.
KISS Predictably Returns From Retirement | The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
KISS Predictably Returns From Retirement | The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
Discussion Topics: -KISS can’t stay retired because $$$ -Sleep Token quickly sellout arena tour –Ghost may end the lore -Limp Bizkit/Fred Durst push through with UMG lawsuit -Dave Mustaine hates Nu Metal -Upcoming tours/albums/song of the week
SONG OF THE WEEK Imminence “The Call Of The Void”
“KISS, the iconic rock band known for their electrifying performances and signature makeup, is set to defy retirement once again with a live return in 2025. Following the conclusion of their farewell End of the Road Tour in December 2023, KISS announced a special unmasked performance as part of the KISS Army Storms Vegas event, scheduled for November 14-16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This marks their first live show in two years and will feature former guitarist Bruce Kulick as a special guest. Despite previous assurances that their farewell tour would be their last, band founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have left the door open for future special appearances, aligning with their history of returning to the stage after previous farewell tours.”
REMINDER: The Podcast That Rocked is moving to WEDNESDAYS starting Apr 2, 2025 on YouTube. Hope to see you all live in chat. Thank you again for support. Please tell your friends about the podcast and leave a review on Apple/Spotify/etc.
A Day To Remember return with a bit of a surprise album in Big Ole Album Vol. 1 and right off the bat, it’s much better than the previous You’re Welcome. You can hear the identity of Ocala’s favorite band come through in moments and the band at least sounds like they are enjoying music again. The biggest issues are the high level polish glazing over the entire album, and the lackluster lyrics and guitar writing across the board. Songs like “All My Friends” and “Die For Me” sound like they were made for commercials and soundtracks, all with that Fueled By Ramen coating. Big Ole Album Vol. 1 is a big ole step in the right direction for A Day To Remember, but also an extremely manufactured album without any realistic emotion or energy. 5/10
A Day To Remember Big Ole Album Vol. 1 | Album Review
A Day To Remember – “Make It Make Sense”
A Day To Remember – “Miracle”
“A Day to Remember, the renowned Florida-based band, has made a significant splash with their latest release, Big Ole Album Vol. 1. This surprise album marks a new chapter for the band, known for their unique blend of metalcore and pop punk. Following their previous album You’re Welcome, Big Ole Album Vol. 1 offers a fresh direction, featuring tracks like “Make It Make Sense” and “LeBron.” The album was initially released physically on vinyl and CD, with a digital rollout on streaming platforms. Co-produced by frontman Jeremy McKinnon and notable producers like Drew Fulk and Will Putney, this album showcases the band’s versatility and artistic evolution.”
