Month: June 2026

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: CONVERGE- HUM OF HURT

Earlier this year, Converge released their tenth studio album, Love Is Not Enough. Right out of the gate that album hit you like a pile of bricks. Then a sudden left hook came out of nowhere and the announcement of a second album to be released a few months later. And now we have arrived at that time and Hum Of Hurt, is everything you’d hoped it would be and then some.

Never a band to rest of their laurels, Converge explore every single nuance of influence and inspiration on Hum Of Hurt. There’s a very up front and confrontational approach to a lot of these songs that comes from the depths of each member of the band. One of the best aspects of the album is the sense of groove. The abstract atmospheric elements ooze out of the rhythmic grooves and blasts. While Love Is Not Enough leaned more into metal territory, Hum Of Hurt leans more into noise rock and emotional hardcore. The combination of those and their signature sound, propels this album past the previous.

Each song has its own charm and place. The sequencing of the album is tremendously satisfying. The way the album starts with the very image inducing “Slip The Noose,” you know that this is going to be a record that will tighten your heart. “Doom In Bloom” into “It Only Gets Worse” is a stellar one two punch! Then comes a trifecta of oblivion and obliteration with “Detonator,” “I Won’t Let You Go,” and “It’s Not Up To Us.” At this point catching your breath is a smart idea as “Dream Debris” sweeps you into a new realm. Just as you think the dust has settled, you’re thrust into the final three songs “It Used To Matter,” “Hum Of Hurt,” and “Nothing Is Over.”

What is accomplished here in thirty three minutes is near legendary. This is the year of Converge. It’s started out that way and it’s continued. There’s a feeling to this record too that makes you want to hear it played live in full. I can only imagine the sonic boom of intensity from that. Hum Of Hurt is a soon to be classic not just for Converge but, the genre as a whole.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

By: Brian Lacy

Converge- Hum Of Hurt:

SONGS IN FILM: SOUNDGARDEN- OUTSHINED IN TRUE ROMANCE

You don’t get much more iconic 90’s than the film True Romance, Christian Slater, Brad Pitt, Tony Scott (director), Quentin Tarantino (writer) etc. That’s just that the film part. One the music side adding in Soundgarden’s “Outshined” to the mix really ups the auntie! 

There are many scenes in True Romance that are pretty iconic. There is one though that, during the editing process, using a temp track (a place holder until later music is picked during the editing process), has stood the test of time in all aspects. Brad Pitt’s character “Floyd” is the consummate stoner. The whole scene plays out in such a great way. Then you add in “Outshined,” especially the opening riff, it all really fits the vibe of the scene quite well. 

True Romance- Brad Pitt “Floyd” with Soundgarden “Outshined” Scene:

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: A PLACE TO KILL- A PLACE TO KILL

The idea of finding a band name that encapsulates the music is never easy. Luckily for Richard Patrick of Filter and Photographer and There Is No Us vocalist, Jim Louvau, A Place To Kill was not taken, as that is quite the band name to debut their new band. There’s an eerie feeling that resonates through the post industrial sound. By delving into EDM and its many sub genres, A Place To Kill has found its kill room. 

Each song found on their debut EP, blends crushing electronics that hit at fun nuances, trap beat rhythms, and unadulterated dual vocals that alternate between seething aggression and controlled chaos. These are songs designed to hit hard, provoke, and challenge the status where electronic music can go.  The songs themselves from “The Killing Field” through “Something Inside Of Me” explore intriguing themes of the world of today and the future of tomorrow. Through the screams, melodic undercurrents and other urgent vocals, these themes are conveyed in a manner that calls you to attention.  Songs like “Jet Engine,” “What Feels Right,” and “Drown In A Sea Of Sorrow,” carve their own niche into the lyrical themes that accentuate the heavy distorted synths, deep grooves, and eerie atmosphere that amplifies the direct unease. 

The duo of Richard and Jim is quite seamless. You can hear in this that both have a great contrast of styles and influences that makes A Place To Kill not the run of the mill/generic electronic project. There’s a great deal of potential where this can go and I’m quite intrigued by the possibilities.

The end of the world is closer than ever and having a soundtrack to accompany that feels right. A Place To Kill have made an EP does just that. And live is going to be absolutely crushing and have the crowd screaming and dancing to usher it all in. 

Overall Rating: B

By: Brian Lacy

A Place To Kill- A Place To Kill:

THE AUDIOECLECTICA PODCAST: EPISODE 21- SIDE PROJECTS

Here we are at episode 21 now for The Audioeclectica Podcast! What a fun episode this one is. Episode 21 is all about side projects. I love a good side project as it gets to explore other ideas and concepts that might not otherwise be a part of the main band. On this episode we talk about a multitude of projects like The Black Queen, Down, Puscifer, Chino from Deftones many projects, Mike Patton’s many projects, Mad Season, The Smile from Radiohead’s Thom and Jonny, and so many more! So find yourself your favorite place to stream and listen away! Let us know what your favorite side project is!

The Audioeclectica Podcast- Episode 21: Side Projects:

Other Streaming Options:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/audioeclectica-21-side-projects

Credits:

Host: Brian Lacy (Audioeclectica)
Co-Host: Justin Sinclair (Sinister Reviews)

Recorded and Produced By: Brian Lacy

Recorded At: The Playroom Studios
Co-Produced and Edited By: Diggy Kat

Intro Music: Brian Lacy (And The Streets Were Silent)


Background Music: Vufcup

Distributed By: Lucky Star Radio

ALBUM REVIEW: MONOLORD- NEVERENDING

When you hear an album or a song that sonically catches your ear first, you know that what you’re hearing is meticulously crafted. The was exactly what happened the moment, I heard Monolord’s song “You Bastard,” the first single from their long awaited new album, Neverending. Across forty minutes and only eight songs, Monolord, has taken doom/stoner metal into higher ground that will make your speakers excited.

The thing with doom metal is that it can be drawn out and go nowhere. Thankfully, Neverending is not one of those album. Instead, Monolord, makes quite the engaging album. The focus and sequencing of this album is remarkable. From the way “Iodine” kicks off the album, you know you are in for something more. “You Bastard” feels like it’s straight out of the 1970’s, the way the fuzziness sounds and plays out. “Inside A Collider” is a trip of a song. Plus the placement of it makes for an interesting turn. Then it’s back to the heavy with “Crystal Bridge” which, also hits with a left turn that’s just so perfect. “Oozing Wound” is a killer song with a bass riff that would make Justin Chancellor of Tool stunned. “The Masque” and “Invisible” are a 70’s burner for sure. So much so, that such a trip back, it might make your pants into bell bottoms. Closing out the album is “It’s Neverending.” This just might be the bands heaviest song to date. There’s epic qualities to this song that feel like they are pulled from the depths of doom. 

As great as the album is, the other star is the production by Sylvia Massy. The way this album sounds is a triumph. Especially in an age where technology is heavily relied upon, going back to the well, sounds oh so right. The dynamics of each instrument, note, vocal, and subtle nuances are divine. This is truly one of the best sounding albums of the year. Sylvia is known for her work on early albums by Tool and System Of Down. And here, it’s brilliantly done by a seasoned professional who truly knows and understands what albums and real sounds truly sound like.

Do yourself a favor and carve out about an hour to sit with Neverending and let it just transport you back to the 1970’s but in a 2026 way. Albums like this will become sonic standards for the future. Especially when making this kind of music.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Monolord- Neverending:

NEW RELEASE: MASTODON- YOUR GHOST AGAIN

The time for new Mastodon has arrived!! While this news is superb, it is a little bittersweet, as this will be the bands first album without the recently departed, Brent Hinds.

“Your Ghost Again” is a great welcome back for Mastodon. This song has the heaviness, psychedelia, and emotional energy that has become signature throughout their illustrious career. There’s a bit of a Once More Round The Sun vibe to this song and a tinge of Blood Mountain. Be sure to listen till the end, as it’s quite the treat!

Mastodon- Your Ghost Again: