New Release

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: BLACK MAGNET- KEEP IT DOWNTOWN

When bands start to evolve past their origin point, most of the time it’s pretty interesting and shows real growth as songwriters. One band that I’ve had my ears tuned to since I heard them a few years back, have been subtlety showing that growth in their music. That band is Black Magnet.

Black Magnet have released some of the best modern industrial music in the last couple decades. And they’ve only been around for a handful of years. Their album Body Prophecy, is an unsung masterpiece. The follow up, Megamantra, is an all out audio assault of heavy and viciousness. That’s not to say each album didn’t have those outlier songs that hit at different elements and ideas. Which has led us to where we are now in the band’s evolution.

The mastermind behind all this is James Hammontree and on this new song, “Keep It Downtown,” the roots are still intact, only this time an alternative twist has been added to the mix. A move into post punk and more gothic undertones is now more prevalent in an exciting way. The Jesus and Mary Chain and David Bowie (you can hear his late 70’s Berlin era and early 80’s work in this) have been cited as inspirational examples into this new territory. I’d also put The Cure (Faith/Pronography era) into the fold too. “Keep It Downtown” has the grittiness of its origins with a swagger of these new distinct elements. Produced by Nick Rowe (who also co-produced Greg Puciato’s debut solo album, Child Soldier: Creators Of God, as well as being a member of the underrated, Bloodsimple), produced this song. This new collaboration between Black Magnet and Nick is something to keep your ears on!

Enjoy!

By: Brian Lacy

Black Magnet- Keep It Downtown:

Audioeclectica Interviews- James Hammontree of Black Magnet:

AUDIOECLECTICA INTERVIEWS: JAMES HAMMONTREE OF BLACK MAGNET

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:

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:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: XCOMM- TIME TO BURN

When you ignite the future with the right bands, there is a good chance you can see where music is headed. For too long, modern heavy music has gotten too overproduced and frankly generic. Granted that sounds like a blanket statement, when there are bands out there that don’t fall into that trap. Instead what’s happening is a bands full of youngsters are providing a resurgence of a more raw and invigorating sound. There is one band in particular that has caught my attention for some time and has chosen the punk and hardcore route, XCOMM.

XCOMM have released their debut album, Time To Burn, and just like its title, that statement rings very true in a multitude of ways. Across eleven songs and thirty minutes, this unrelenting five piece band, rip through the gamut of the best of what hardcore punk is. While influences like Minor Threat, Black Flag and Bad Brains are the foundations of the genre and can certainly be heard here, Xcomm don’t rest on that. What you hear is part homage and the rest is pure and full of promise.

Kicking things off is “Reasons” a shotgun blast right out of the gate. This is just that start of the boiling tension that starts this album. Also the video for this song was directed by Dean Karr and perfectly executed that feeling. Check it out! Next is “Hot Pursuit/One and Nothing” a two for one song that shows that promise I mentioned earlier. Just listen. “Fake ID” is a fun barnburner of a track. And again, a fun video worth watching. “Borrowed Happiness” is a thrashy punk song that hits at the right melodic tinges. The title track “Time To Burn” is a to the point statement. “Pirates” continues the onslaught with guest vocals from Ghostmane. “Running Zeros” is a departure from the frantic frenzy. In fact this standout is song that shows another side of the band. There’s some great little subtle nods in this song as well towards those inspiring bands. “Relevance” returns to the punk sound with a snarl and crashing backdrop. “No Teeth” will definitely get circle pits going. It has that vibe right from the beat drop. “Purity” is eighty seconds of a a slamming good time. Closing out the album is “Negativity.” Don’t get that twisted though, this song packs a ton of optimism for what’s to come from XCOMM.

What Ross Robinson was able to get from XCOMM on Time To Burn is exquisite. The raw prowess of the production combined with ferocity of the songs really makes for a great listening experience. Having seen the band live, a good amount of their live energy is here in a way that only Ross can capture. Each band member has their own moments through that shows not just their musical abilities but, shows how each member plays a dynamic role in these songs.

XCOMM are without a doubt legit. They have the live show, songs and energy to make you a fan. Time To Burn is a great debut and one hell of a way to get your attention. There is a definite throwback element to this album too that, if you came of age at certain points, will remind you of that time in the best of ways. It’s worth noting too that for all the seriousness on this album, it’s also a fun record. And who can’t use a little fun in their life?!!

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

XCOMM- Time To Burn:

Music Videos:

NEW RELEASE: ANTHRAX- IT’S FOR THE KIDS

For the first time in over a decade, Anthrax, have released their first new song, “It’s For The Kids.” This new song is the first single from their upcoming album, Cursum Perficio, which will arrive September 18 via Megaforce Records. Cursum Perficio will be the band’s twelfth studio album.

This new album was produced by the band and Jay Ruston. “It’s For The Kids” is a heavy, driving song with a big hook chorus-a combination of classic Anthrax and a bit of a modern twist.

After forty five years of being a band, this new album and song, sees the group firing on all cylinders to make sure their legacy remains!

Anthrax- It’s For The Kids:

NEW RELEASE: GENGHIS TRON- BORN PREY

The wait for the new Genghis Tron album is making me impatient. A few weeks ago, the band released the news that their new album, Signal Fire would be coming out on June 12 and the first single “I Am All” from said album , right out of the gate was sonically pummeling!

Now, as the impatient wait continues, Genghis Tron has dropped another new song “Born Prey” and this one is even more unrelenting than the previous. The song is a welcome return to the bands older and more abrasive side while also pushing the boundaries of where heavy music can go.

I for one am very stoked on this upcoming new Genghis Tron album. Bands like this need to be celebrated more. There’s a real uncanny amount of artistry in this band and it’s really quite stunning. Prepare yourself accordingly!

Genghis Tron- Born Prey:

NEW RELEASE: CONVERGE- DOOM IN BLOOM

I’m declaring 2026 to be the year of Converge! The year started off with their new album, Love Is Not Enough, which came out of the gates like a bat out of hell. Then came news that there was a second album on its way, in the form of Hum Of Hurt, which arrives on June 5th!

The second single from Hum Of Hurt has arrived in “Doom In Bloom.” This song is heavy and full of a raw, unrelenting riffs and rhythms. Lyrically it’s introspective in a very optimistic way.

One of the things about Converge that I personally enjoy the most is the honesty in their music. Every album has a different meaning and feeling. The way the artwork plays into the lyrics which in turn plays out through the music. It’s an underrated aspect about Converge and what comes with each album. Bring on Hum Of Hurt, I’m ready!

Converge- Doom In Bloom:

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: THE OWLING- INTRAVENOUS FLOW

Late last year, I introduced you all to the band The Owling. Their debut album, You Don’t Bow, You Will Learn” hit me out of nowhere and was a perfect end note to the year. Now, Kal Michael (guitar/vocals) and Art Quanstrom (drums), have kept their creative flow going and have released a new EP titled, Intravenous Flow.

Intravenous Flow is quite the perfect title for this release. Clocking in at just about twenty five minutes, the way this EP plays out really feels more like an album. The title track, “Intravenous Flow” starts things off and truly does have quite the flow. The delicate nature of the guitar creates a warm texture against the ambient cymbals and drums, while the vocals float on top. In a way there’s a post punk tinge to go along with the doom riffs and thunder drums. “Hollowed” is quite possibly my favorite song by The Owling. There’s a really cool almost Neurosis vibe to this song and it’s one of those really great slow burn songs. And then comes the cover song you didn’t know you needed, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mama I’m Coming Home.” I quite enjoy this version. The way it pays homage to the original but, sways more into Sabbath territory is treat. Closing out this record is an acoustic version of “Intravenous Flow,” And what I said prior still stands, this one truly is THE delicate one.

I haven’t had the chance to see The Owling live yet but, I sure will soon. These songs live are going to be huge! The Owling aren’t just the a typical doom/insert other genre here band. When you listen you hear substance and depth. Something that is truly missing from so much rock music these days. Take your time with this record and really listen.

The Owling Online HERE

BY: Brian Lacy

The Owling- Intravenous Flow:

The Owling- You Don’t Bow You Will Learn:

ALBUM REVIEW: FAILURE- LOCATION LOST

The idea of making an “album” these days seems to escape most bands. While so many are so focused on the quick song or short attention span fans, Failure have returned with their seventh album, Location Lost, and remind everyone why making an album is so important. 

Location Lost is an album that shows Failure at a vulnerable and fragile state that draws from personal, societal trauma and issues. When you put this album on and the crisp sound comes bellowing out of your speakers, it’s a passionate and deep presence felt. There truly is magic between the music created by Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott. Each brings in a unique batch of influences and styles thus creating a tour de force of music and art. 

Across nine songs and forty minutes, Failure does what they do best, rock! The album opens with “Crash Test Delayed” a delicate space rock song that incorporates the bands early post punk/new wave influences. For a moment you can feel like it’s 1986 but, then realize it’s 2026. “The Rising Skyline” is a beautiful mellow-dramatic piece. The collaboration with Hayley Williams is the perfect choice. Her vocals on the second verse and then intertwined with Ken and Greg’s voices, is stunning! “Solid State” picks up the energy and glistens like a twinkling star. “The Air’s On Fire” is a gem. It’s one of those songs that makes you turn up the volume. You know where too. “Halo And Grain” strikes you with a grabbing bass line that lets you glide into quite the melodic treat. “Someday Soon” is another in the post punk/new wave song, with a sweet twist of melody and delicate pulsating rhythm. The title track “Location Lost” is another treat. It has an almost Magnified era vibe to it as well. “A Way Down” is going to be a classic in the bands catalog. There’s such a fun to this song that it really makes you want to play this one while “taking a ride, with your best friend.” Closing this album is “Moonlight Understands.” The unfolding subtleness allows you to drift along into a fuzzy state that leaves you contemplative.

For those that are new to Failure, this album might not grab you at first. Stay with it though as everything you enjoy about Failure is here in this album. As I mentioned earlier, their post punk/new wave influences shine throughout. Even the production of the album pulls from some of those early albums. If you have a really great set of headphones, put them on while listening. You’ll get a whole other listen out of it. It has been talked about that this could be the final album for the band. If so, it’s a real delight to hear the honesty and passion of Ken, Greg and Kellii. I sincerely hope there is more to come from Failure. For now though, Location Lost has now been found with Failure. 

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

FAILURE- LOCATION LOST:

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: LVX- HEXER

Late last year I introduced you all to a new electronic group called LVX. Their debut song “Writhe” has yet to leave my suicide rotation. I enjoyed it so much that I had to know more and interviewed Justin Hanson, which was an absolutely fantastic conversation. Now here we are as “Hexer” has arrived. This song continues in the cinematic universe with some great twists and turns. There is a heaviness to this song without it being “heavy.” “Hexer” is the type of electronic song that escalates in a subtle manner and will sway you in way that feels weightless. Be sure to check out the video as well as that will take you places as well. I am very pumped for what else is to come!

LVX- HEXER:

Audioeclectica Interviews-Justin Hanson of LVX:

https://audioeclectica.com/2026/01/30/audioeclectica-interviews-justin-hanson-of-lvx/