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LIVE SHOW REVIEW: IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX

When a legendary band comes to town, it’s wise to go see them. Even more so when you add two other legendary bands making an absolutely stacked and perfect lineup. On Sunday, September 27th, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Iron Maiden along with Megadeth and Anthrax absolutely made their presence known in among the sold out crowd. 

Opening the evening at little after 6:00pm, New York’s own, Anthrax took the stage to a rousing reception to the many thousand already there and immediately launched into “Caught In A Mosh.” Songs like that are quite the pit starter. In fact throughout their entire set, the pit did not let up. “Madhouse” was delivered in grand form. “Metal Thrashing Mad” followed. Anthrax surely had the crowd getting more and more energized and roaring. When they got to “It’s For The Kids” which was the first single from their new album, Cursum Perficio, it was very refreshing and great to hear a new song. So much so that having it sandwiched between two cover songs really felt kind of weird. Maybe it’s just me but, playing covers when you have a wealth of great material doesn’t entice me at all. Yes I know “Antisocial” and “Got The Time” are “hits” for the band but, let’s be honest, it’s taking away from more great music we all would want to hear. Closing out their set was an extended version of “Indians.” The band was firing on all cylinders and were great to watch. Lead Guitarist Jon Donais, really deserves a standout mention. He absolutely killed it on the songs, solos, and genuine energy. Just gonna put this out there, how about Shadows Fall on tour with Anthrax?!

Direct support for the show was Megadeth. Before this goes any further, I have to note that this slot should have gone to Anthrax. Sorry but, Megadeth just doesn’t have it anymore. Don’t worry I’m not talking about their individual playing abilities. Dave Mustaine and company can absolutely still shred. And this evening they surely did that part great. The voice, stage presence/energy and production are just not there. Even the way their set began was bizarre. Not sure if this is playing into the narrative of media or something else but opening with “Mechanix (aka The Four Horsemen) and “Ride The Lightning,” while looks and sounds cool in theory, just feels like trolling. The rest of the set was filled with classics like “Hangar 18,” “Symphony Of Destruction” and a stellar instrumental performance of “Tornado Of Souls.” A new song in “Let There Be Shred” which is a really cool song instrumentally fit well in the set. As said above these guys are great players but let’s get someone else in to sing. It’s time! If this next couple years are to be the retirement tour, go out on top with someone who can really let you go out with a bang!

Iron Maiden. That’s it. That’s the review. All you need to know is Iron Maiden. Kidding of course. What a show this was. From set list, playing/singing, production, and performance, just WOW! It’s been twenty six years since I last saw Iron Maiden. When I went it was the reunion with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith with Halford solo opening and Queensryche as direct support. This evening just like that one, was amazing.

What a great way to open the set then with “Murders In The Rue Morgue,” “Wrathchild,” “Killers,” and “Phantom Of The Opera.” I like to think of this as a tribute to late Paul Di’Anno. Those first two albums still cause the volume to be turned up!!! From there an exquisite barrage of “The Number Of The Beast,” “Infinite Dreams,” “Powerslave” and “2 Minutes To Midnight.” The visual aspect during these three were a show of its own too. Side Note: Hey Guns N Roses!!! You need to hire who Iron Maiden did for theirs! Then right smack in the middle of the set, not only does it go epic and amazingly theatrical, we get “Rime Of The Ancient Mariner.” At this point it’s been a great show even though Rime did feel like it dragged a bit. Thankfully the band brought it all back up with “Run To The Hills.” Next up “Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son” had the crowd in a frenzy. Pits aplenty were everywhere on the floor! The next three songs to close out the main set not only are Maiden classics but, a trifecta of amazement. “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and “Iron Maiden.” Each song delivered a performance that any band would strive to aim for. The way the crowd and band connected with these should be studied in the best way possible. There’s nothing like hearing 30,000 plus people singing along. Speaking of singing along. When the encore came, I’m pretty sure the general area of BMO Stadium could hear it too. Closing out the night with “Aces High,” “Fear Of The Dark” and my all time favorite Iron Maiden song, “Wasted Years,” was exhilarating! “Wasted Years” last is just simply divine!

Bruce, Adrian, Steve, Dave, Janick and Simon were on fire for two hours. Tours and shows like this are a reason to celebrate the love of music and the bands. Iron Maiden has been consistently great for fifty years now. Let me say that again, 50 Years! The appropriately named Run For Your Lives tour is going to go down in Maiden history as one of their best. Making it a legendary night. Remember, when the opportunity comes to see three legendary bands on a night, GO!!!

Overall Rating: A

Iron Maiden: A / Megadeth: B- / Anthrax: A

By: Brian Lacy

SET LISTS:

ANTHRAX:

01) Caught In A Mosh

02) Madhouse

03) Metal Thrashing Mad

04) Antisocial

05) It’s For The Kids

06) Got The Time

07) Indians

MEGADETH:

01) Mechanix

02) Ride The Lightning 

03) Hangar 18

04) Let There Be Shred

05) Poison Was The Cure

06) Tornado Of Souls

07) Symphony Of Destruction

08) Peace Sells

09) Holy Wars/The Punishment Due

IRON MAIDEN:

01) Murders In The Rue Morgue

02) Wrathchild

03) Killers

04) Phantom Of The Opera

05) The Number Of The Beast

06) Infinite Dreams 

07) Powerslave

08) 2 Minutes To Midnight 

09) Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

10) Run To The Hills

11) Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son

12) The Trooper

13) Hallowed Be Thy Name

14) Iron Maiden

ENCORE:

15) Aces High 

16) Fear Of The Dark

17) Wasted Years

ALBUM RANK UPDATED: TRIVIUM

For well over twenty years now and ten full length studio albums, Trivium have cemented themselves at the forefront of heavy metal. Each of their albums shows growth as a band and as songwriters. The word consistency is synonymous with Trivium as they have truly been working hard since their debut being out on the road and in the studio. The last three albums of theirs especially have put Trivium into the upper echelon of metal bands. Currently the band is working on their eleventh album with producer Josh Wilbur. In the mean time, check out this very definitive ranking of their ten albums.

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ALBUM REVIEW: LAMB OF GOD- INTO OBLIVION

For well over twenty five years now, Lamb Of God have been at the forefront of heavy music. Their sound and style is unmistakable and quite pummeling. Never a band to stay in one place, they have expanded their sound through the course of ten studio albums. Each record carves its own place within their catalog and tells a particular story of the time. Their new album, Into Oblivion is explosive as it is urgent. What you have here is Lamb Of God firing on all cylinders and reaching into their past as well as diving into new territory.

Across the ten songs and forty minutes, there is no letting up with Into Oblivion. As the title track starts things off with quite the bang, each song after leaves it’s own mark. This album still packs the heavy and the groove that fans have come to love. What you find though is the inspiration coming through. It’s not so much an influence that comes to light, it’s the feeling. One of the strongest undercurrents found on Into Oblivion is the Swedish Melodic Death Metal style a la At The Gates and even Meshuggah. The way that inspiration finds its own niche on certain songs like “The Killing Floor” and “St. Catherine’s Wheel” is astounding. The sheer heaviness on these two will incite mosh pits for years to come. Then you have a couple songs that make sharp left turns into a more bluesy realm like “El Vacio” and “Blunt Force Blues.” The first two singles “Sepsis” and “Parasocial Christ” are very classic sounding songs with a very rage filled aggression. The latter half of the album is pretty intense. “Bully” provides some interesting social commentary and some really great melodic moments. While “A Thousand Years” feels like a storm brewing. Ending this stellar album is “Devise/Destroy” which is a great summation of the album. It’s got everything I mentioned above and more.

Into Oblivion is one of those albums that when it’s done you want to start it again. If you are driving it will definitely make that foot go heavier on the gas. Lamb Of God have been a constant in heavy music for a reason. Randy Blythe delivers vocals and meaningful lyrics with a passion that is unwavering. You can feel every word he says/sings/screams. And in this world we live in it’s nice to hear someone with common sense. Musically this band is on one hell of a run. Mark Morton and Willie Adler are one of the best guitar duos in all of music. They both have a different style and you can hear each of them on these songs. The rhythm section of drummer Art Cruz and John Campbell is oh so sweet. John is one of the best heavy music bass players and Art continues to push the boundaries of drums and percussion in this band. I say this with all due respect, Art Cruz is the better drummer for Lamb Of God. Just listen to how he plays the older songs and these new ones.

This album is one of the best of the year and it’s only March. 2026 is going to be a year to remember for great music and albums. Lamb Of God have knocked it out of the park with Into Oblivion. I look forward to these songs becoming live staples and seeing the audiences explode.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Lamb Of God- Into Oblivion:

LIVE REVIEW: NINE INCH NAILS AT HONDA CENTER

Everyone has that one band they absolutely love. That one band that every time they come to town, you drop what you are doing to go see them live. Since the year 2000 when I first saw my all time favorite band, Nine Inch Nails live, I have made it a point to be at every single Los Angeles area show they have done since as well as a few others outside of the area. Last year I had the chance to attend both nights of the Peel It Back tour. I even remember telling my friends I was with, if this tour does a second round, I have to go, this was too damn good not to see again. And low and behold not long after the first leg wrapped up, the second leg was announced. Of course this one had to be in Orange County but, it’s Nine Inch Nails, and I’ll make the trek. After this show, my total of seeing Nine Inch Nails is up to twenty two times and I’m not even close to being done seeing them. This night at the Honda Center not only was astoundingly sublime but, filled with great memories to last a lifetime (wink wink).

The way the show starts on the small B stage is something really special. The stripped down piano version of “Right Where It Belongs” is devastatingly stunning. Then you add in a bit of my all time favorite song in “Somewhat Damaged” and it’s a recipe for greatness. The emotional weight of both those songs are enough to bring tears to your eyes, as it did Trent. Then moving into a partially solo/acoustic performance of “Ruiner” was something else as well. That song in particular sounded so good with just a piano. Then to close out that section with “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)” remix really gets the crowd’s energy pumping as Trent and band made their way to the main stage. The space in between was filled with a glorious Josh Freese drum solo section that included a snippet of “Getting Smaller” (which I hope that song makes its way into future set lists). Josh is so special in Nine Inch Nails. If you’ve seen NIN before you know what I mean. The second act on the main stage was just an onslaught of heavy classics like “Wish,””March Of The Pigs,” “Gave Up,” “Heresy.” One of the coolest moments was when “The Frail” was used as the transition out of “March Of The Pigs” into “Reptile.” Wow! What a seriously surreal section of the show. The seemlessness of the way those two songs meld together should be studied. Then we moved back to the small stage for the “Remix” section of the show. The way these remixes hit the audience is wild. If you’ve never been to a rave, this is a small glimpse into the fun you could be having. “Vessel,” and “Closer,” got the crowd jumping and dancing. Then you got hit with the How To Destroy Angels song “Parasite” and that in itself was a treat. This remix version is quite the jam. Closing out this section was the newest song “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” This song I can’t get enough of. Watching all the camera angles this evening and how Trent, Atticus and BoyzNoize manipulate the sounds was exciting and inspiring. Sure certain parts were on tape but the live remixing really takes things to a whole other level. Now back to the main stage and more awesomness as “Mr. Self Destruct” erupted with such a loud pop that you couldn’t tell if it was Josh’s drums or the audience. The rest of the set was just choice cuts like “Less Than,” “The Hand That Feeds,” and “Head Like A Hole.” I’m personally glad to see “The Perfect Drug” still in the set. This song was for years not played live and in the last few years and tours, it’s been a prominent staple! Plus getting to watch Josh Freese on drums during that drum break is so exquisite. And as always, “Hurt” closed out the show.

The production for this show is something else. The tight camera angles mixed with the lights and visuals makes for a very intense visual show. Then you add in the music, lyrics and vocals, and it just comes together so perfectly. I’ve seen this show three times now and this one just might been the best one. I’ve seen Nine Inch Nails twenty two times now and this was one of the best tours I’ve ever seen. The addition of Stu Brooks to the band brought even more life and energy to the band live. As good as Alessandro was at his instruments his lack of energy on stage always seemed to be a damper. Stu on the other hand moves around and you can see/hear the vitality in him as the songs are played. This lineup of Trent, Atticus, Robin, Josh and Stu is one that I hope stays for a long while. Nine Inch Nails are one of the best live bands of all time. Each tour evokes something different as it should. The sheer intensity you get from a NIN show is unlike anything else. Even the most casual fan will walk out of the show a full fledged fan. The albums and songs are timeless and will be for generations to come. Who knows how much longer Trent will keep going. I surely hope he’s not done yet. Nine Inch Nails are more than just a band. If you are like me, it means so much more. Plus, we still need a full on tour for The Fragile! Just putting that out in the universe to make happen!! What a night and show. If you’ve never seen Nine Inch Nails, make a point to rectify that! You won’t be sorry!

Overall Grade: A

By: Brian Lacy

Setlist:

01) Right Where It Belongs (Acoustic, with Somewhat Damaged Outro)
02) Ruiner (Partially Acoustic)
03) Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)
04) Wish
05) March Of The Pigs
06) The Frail
07) Reptile
08) Heresy
09) Copy Of A
10) Gave Up
11) Vessel (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
12) Closer (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
13) Parasite (How To Destroy Angels Cover- with BoyzNoize- Remix)
14) As Alive As You Need Me To Be (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
15) Mr. Self Destruct
16) Less Than
17) The Perfect Drug
18) I’m Afraid Of Americans (David Bowie Cover)
19) The Hand That Feeds
20) Head Like A Hole
21) Hurt

AUDIOECLECTICA INTERVIEWS: JOHN BUSH

I’m very excited to bring you this interview. A few weeks back myself (Brian) along with my podcast co-host and friend Justin, had the opportunity to interview John Bush of Armored Saint/Category 7/ex Anthrax. We talk about growing up in Los Angeles at a very interesting time, Armored Saint, joining Anthrax and working with them, and of course, the John Bush plays Anthrax shows! Thank you John for taking the time! What a great show it was too! Our recap of The Whisky A Go Go show is here too! If you get the chance when it comes through, go see John Bush play his era of Anthrax songs. Seriously, it’s so damn good!!! Now, enjoy the interview below!!

Audioeclectica Interviews: John Bush:

STREAM THE INTERVIEW WITH OTHER OPTIONS BELOW:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/luckystarradio/audioeclectica-17-john-bush

ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: BLACKWATER HOLYLIGHT- NOT HERE NOT GONE

There’s something about the feeling that comes over you when you hear a band that strikes at the right time. It’s not that I haven’t listened to this band before but, the way their new music sparked a sense of “Yes! This is what I’m looking for and I wasn’t even looking.” With that in mind, Blackwater Holylight is the band I’m talking about and if you haven’t heard this fantastic band, you’ve been missing out. In 2026, January 30th to be exact, Blackwater Holylight will be releasing their new album, Not Here Not Gone (via Suicide Squeeze Records). Packed with a sound that is as much intoxicating as it is hypnotic is quite the treat. The elements of shoegaze, doom and metal mixed with the atmospheric/cinematic synths, underlying pulsing rhythms that feel like waves and vocals that soar and swoon, are exactly what I hear in Blackwater Holylight. The two songs released so far, “Heavy, Why?” and “Involuntary Haze” are whimsical and the perfect way to introduce what’s to come. A full US tour will be happening next year with two bands that have been featured on Audioeclectica, Glassing and SOM. The idea of SOM and Blackwater Holylight on the same bill is actually blowing my mind as I think and write this. Truly, I can’t wait for this new album to hit right out of 2026. Now, go check out Blackwater Holylight!

Heavy, Why?:

Involuntary Haze:


Pre-Order NOT HERE NOT GONE:

TOUR DATES:

Glassing supports 2/13-2/27. SOM supports 2/27-3/14.

Fri 2/13 – San Diego, CA – Casbah
Sat 2/14 – Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit
Sun 2/15 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister
Tue 2/17 – Austin, TX – Radio/East
Wed 2/18 – Houston, TX – White Oak
Thu 2/19 – New Orleans, LA – Siberia
Fri 2/20 – Pensacola, FL – Handlebar
Sat 2/21 – Atlanta, GA – Drunken Unicorn
Sun 2/22 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy
Tue 2/24 – Charlottesville, VA – Southern Cafe
Wed 2/25 – Baltimore, MD – Metro
Thu 2/26 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
Fri 2/27 – Brooklyn, NY – Meadows
Sat 2/28 – Braintree, MA – Widowmaker Brewing
Mon 3/02 – Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl
Tue 3/03 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
Wed 3/04 – Chicago, IL – Sleeping Village
Fri 3/06 – Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
Sat 3/07 – Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
Sun 3/08 – Salt Lake City, UT – Aces High
Tue 3/10 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Wed 3/11 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
Thu 3/12 – Sacramento, CA – Starlet
Fri 3/13 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
Sat 3/14 – Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
Sat 3/21 – Los Angeles, CA – Pacific Electric

LIVE REVIEW: NINE INCH NAILS AT THE FORUM

I’ve spent the past week trying to put into words about how truly amazing and stunning the two nights of Nine Inch Nails were at The Forum. Those two nights were beyond magical and therapeutic for me as well as being the 20th and 21st times I’ve seen my all time favorite band. It’s astounding to me that songs written over 30 years ago can sound so fresh and invigorating. Almost to the point of taking on a whole new meaning. What Trent Reznor has been able to do with constantly being able to captivate an audience and make a show an entire experience is otherworldly.

The stage set up for this whole tour was something else too. Staring out on a small stage in the middle of the floor, Trent appears alone, at a piano, and begins playing the most absolutely beautiful stripped down version of “Right Where It Belongs.” This is one of those songs in the Nine Inch Nails catalog that will make tears start flowing and choke you up. Just when you thought it was over though, Trent pulls out my another stripped down song in “Somewhat Damaged.” Now this is my all time favorite Nine Inch Nails song and when I say this was emotional, I truly mean it. So much so that in the first 5 minutes of the show both nights, the tears were definitely filling up my eyes. From there another stripped down song in “Ruiner,” followed by the “Nothing Can Stop Me Now” remix of “Piggy” which can be found don the Further Down The Spiral remix album. I always love when Trent pulls out these versions live. It adds so much more of an extra dimension to the songs and live show.

At this point, the crowd was in the palm of Trent’s hands and then a full on onslaught of heaviness in the form of “Wish,” “March Of The Pigs,” “Reptile,” Heresy,” “Copy Of A” and “Gave Up.” It doesn’t matter how many times in my life I’ve heard those songs be it on album or live, I always seem to go apeshit. And at these 2 shows, oh did I. The way this part started with “Wish” and ended with “Gave Up” put it this way, if you still had a voice after these songs, you weren’t loud enough. By the end of “Reptile” on night one and by the end of “Wish” on night two, my voice was gone!

Then after that part of the set, Trent and Atticus moved back to the middle stage where they were joined by Boyz Noize for a set of songs that were remixed in a very awesome way. The highlight of this part was when they played “Vessel” from the very underrated and unsung masterpiece that is Year Zero. This had the crowd in a dancing frenzy. The crowd of course went nuts for “Closer” but the audience pop during the new song “As Alive As I Need You To Be” was something else. Closing out that portion was a really great remix version of “Came Back Haunted.” If you haven’t ever really given Hesitation Marks a listen, you should.

As the band headed back to the main stage after that awesome remix set, Trent and company unleashed more awesomeness with even more intensity as the band blasted “Mr. Self Destruct,” “Less Than, and “The Perfect Drug” into the stratosphere. Having Josh Freese back on the drums in Nine Inch Nails is like having him back home. Josh’s ferocious performance of “The Perfect Drug” is one of those that should be studied and watched a zillion times. It’s that good. Rounding out the set was the always fun “I’m Afraid Of American’s” which is quite the relevant song in the days we live in. As well as the staples of “The Hand That Feeds,” “Head Like A Hole,” and “Hurt.”

I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the production of the tour. The lights, visuals, performances, and energy of the whole thing was unlike anything I’ve been to all year. You could tell that this tour was meaningful in a myriad of different ways. Trent even said, he wasn’t going to do a tour unless it was something that was substantial. And oh boy was it. As I mentioned these were my 20th and 21st times seeing Nine Inch Nails and I can honestly say this tour is in my top five NIN shows of all time! Thank you Trent, Atticus, Robin, Josh and Alessandro for two nights of absolute gold! I can’t wait till the next time!

Overall Rating: A

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Set List (Same For Both Nights):
01) Right Where It Belongs (with Somewhat Damaged)
02) Ruiner
03) Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now Remix)
04) Wish
05) March Of The Pigs
06) Reptile
07) Heresy
08) Copy Of A
09) Gave Up
10) Vessel (Remix)
11) Closer (Remix)
12) As Alive As You Need Me To Be
13) Came Back Haunted (Remix)
14) Mr. Self Destruct
15) Less Than
16) The Perfect Drug
17) I’m Afraid Of Americans (David Bowie Cover)
18) The Hand That Feeds
19) Head Like A Hole
20) Hurt

Photos:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: HO99O9- TOMORROW WE ESCAPE

A few years back my friend Adam suggested I check out the band HO99O9 (pronounced Horror). I had heard the name before and was mildly curious. Then after I checked it out, I was hooked. Not long after that, we wound up going to a sort of secret show in the back of a coffee shop in Downtown Los Angeles to see HO99O9. That show really cemented for me what this band is all about. Intense isn’t the right word, more like vicious is a better way to describe this duo. HO99O9 blurs the line between hip hop, metal, industrial, electronic and then some. Having toured with Slipknot, Korn, Alice in Chains, Rob Zombie, Ministry, Cypress Hill, and Ghostface Killah, they definitely have the pedigree behind them.

Tomorrow We Escape is the bands third full length album. This one is very direct and focused on a mission. Throughout the 11 song album, there are many twists and turns that keep you captivated and trying to guess what’s next. The chaos is controlled yet burns its own path. From the instant the first song “I Miss Home” begins all the way through to the epic closer “Godflesh,” there is no letting off the pedal. Chock full of powerful beats that pulsate even in your brain even after the song is done, hooks that feel catchy but not cheesy and an edge that is razor sharp that cuts so deep. Other standout tracks include “Escape,” “OK, I’m Reloaded,” “Upside Down, and “L.A. Riots.” There are two specific songs though that truly shine on this album. The first being “Tapeworm” which features Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan, Better Lovers, The Black Queen, etc) and it’s one hell of a song. Greg takes the song to a whole other level. Just listen and you’ll know what I mean. And the other one is “Immortal” which features Chelsea Wolfe. This track is a complete 180 for the band and it is hauntingly dreamy. There’s a soothing touch to this song.

This is the album, I’ve been waiting for HO99O9 to make. The OGM and Yeti Bones have truly found their path on Tomorrow We Escape. All the elements that were thrown into the mix have a distinct place on these songs. When you think something might be out of place or a little weird, it’s not, just go with it and let it sink in. If you are looking for a barn burner of an album, this one is for you. I highly recommend you play this one loud and make sure your windows are down, it might shatter glass!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

HO99O9- Tomorrow We Escape:

ALBUM REVIEW: REBA MEYERS- CLOUDED WORLD

When I first heard Reba Meyers was going to be releasing solo material, I got quite excited. After seeing her other band Code Orange a while back, I could tell there was more to Reba than just this band. There was a ferociousness that was just waiting to be unleashed. We already knew her guitar playing was top notch but the vocals took it all to another level and showed that Reba was the one in that band that had “the whole package.” Even when Reb guested on the Greg Puciato song “Lowered,” you could tell that Reba was well on her own path. And now here we are with Reba’s first release as a solo artist, Clouded World. This six song EP is full of dark, moody and melodic grooves and deeply personal and poetic lyrics and vocals.

There are many things to unpack on this release. As I mentioned the lyrics are very personal and poetic. The vocal delivery is otherworldly. You definitely hear and feel all the words sung. This is one of my favorite things about artists like Reba, the authenticity is 100% real. Musically, there are loads of influences and inspirations packed into these songs. On one hand you have some very heavy rock driven songs that have this attitude and bite to it with soaring melodies on top. Then you have more delicate atmospheric songs that explore a more etherial side with a bit of electronic elements to further open the space. All while still being poetic.

Clouded World has fast become one of my favorite releases of 2025. I eagerly await Reba’s full length debut which will be out in 2026. The tour kicks off today, and I’m very excited to see Reba live and hear these songs come to life when the Los Angeles date comes up on August 24th. Do yourself a favor and put this record on and let it take you places you haven’t been in a while!

Overall Rating: A

Standout Tracks: ALL

Written By: Brian Lacy

Reba Meyers- Clouded World EP:

The Videos:

Clouded World:

Got Your Hold On Me:

Certain Uncertainty:

SONG OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAGNET- ENDLESS

The other day I heard a song that was absolutely pummeling and punishing and it put a giant smile on my face. That song is called “Endless” and it’s by the mighty, Black Magnet. If you aren’t familiar with Black Magnet you should change that. Black Magnet have been a favorite of mine since I heard them a few years back. Their 2022 album Body Prophecy, is an unsung masterpiece and they are one hell of a band. Black Magnet are one of a handful of industrial metal bands that have really put the genre back on the map. This new song “Endless” is as relentless as it is raw. It reminds me of Broken era Nine Inch Nails and Psalm 69 era Ministry. It’s heavy and chock full of electronic goodies to discover with each listen. Black Magnet’s new album, Megamantra, is set for release on Federal Prisoner June 27th, 2025. I know I will be picking this up for damn sure!

Black Magnet- Endless:

Black Magnet- Endless (Official Video):