Relapse Records

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: GENGHIS TRON- SIGNAL FIRE

The element of surprise and evolution in music is one of the many things which makes people keep coming back to a band. For Genghis Tron, both of those qualities permeate through all of their songs and albums. Just as their 2021 return did with the atmospherically heavy Dream Weapon, the way in which Genghis Tron shape shifts through genres is stunning. Their new album Signal Fire, lights a very powerful path through the start of the band into a very intricate evolution that blooms to a vibrant and visceral sound.

Being a band that can weave melody and hooks into this style of music is an art form. Across the ten songs that make up Signal Fire, there is no letting up. While the atmospheric tension from Dream Weapon is apparent, the sharp left and right turns that blend into heavier experimental territory is very exciting. Signal Fire is an urgent record that calls to the now of a very fragile time.

Starting things off with the call to arms that is “I Am All,” truly sets this album off ablaze. Moving into the title track, you can feel and hear a plethora of treats as it plays out. “Future Worship” is a blast of a track. The playfulness lets you take it all in. “Like Fotochrom” is a great “calm before the storm” track that has a fun futuristic sound. “Tomorrow Mirage” is a burner! Just one listen will wake you up. “Nothing Blooms In The Hollow” is a banger of a song. The perfect mix of classic GT with all the new and a melodic cherry on top. “Without Form” is a subtle segue into the onslaught that is “Born Prey.” By the time you’re listening to this song, the sheer magnitude of volume should evoke auditory clarity! “A Love So Pure” is a great bit of departure from the heavy while still being heavy. The more post-hardcore vibe of the song makes it a great penultimate song. Closing out the album is “New Gods” one of the best end of album songs of 2026. The hypnotic sensibility of the song mixed with the electronics makes it a bit of a psychedelic sensation.

The core of Genghis Tron is Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky. The additions of vocalist Tony Wolski and drummer Nick Yacyshyn are impeccable as each adds their own distinctive character to these songs and makes Genghis Tron into the band that comes to life. The four of them have made Signal Fire one of the best albums of 2026. It’s interesting, when listening, if you are not familiar with the band, you might think something feels out of place but, it all makes perfect sense in the end. Personally I can’t wait for the tour. One can only imagine how much these songs will come to life in that setting.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Genghis Tron- Signal Fire:

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: 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 MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: GENGHIS TRON- I AM ALL

The very awesome and genre smashing, Genghis Tron, has returned with an upcoming new album , Signal Fire, and first single, “I Am All.” The bands previous album, 2021’s, Dream Weapon, was beyond a welcome back album. In fact it’s one of those albums that the more the years go by, certain aspects of that record have come true.

This new album though, shifts from the apocalyptic dreams of the previous album, and into a very unhinged and volatile new world. Like the last one with the lyrical themes becoming reality, Signal Fire delivers an urgency that is very direct and precise. “I Am All” is not just the first single but first track on the album. This song is heavy and punishing as well as quite the soundtrack to the end times.

Signal Fire arrives June 12 via Relapse Records! I’m very impatiently awaiting this release!

Genghis Tron- I Am All:

NEW RELEASE: MONOLORD- YOU BASTARD

Sweden always seems to have something good in their water when it comes to musicians. It’s really quite stunning how so many great bands can come from one region or area. Formed in Gothenberg, Sweden in 2013, Monolord have become one of stoner/doom metal’s best imports. Monolord has released five full length studio albums since their inception with their sixth and first in five years, Neverending, to be released on June 12 via Relapse Records. The new album as produced and recorded by legendary engineer, Sylvia Massy (Tool, System Of A Down). The first single “You Bastard” is a righteous slab of rifftastic, fuzzy, and crushing exploration into doom and psychedelia. The recording of this song feels so alive as well. It’s a treat to hear a record like this in these days. Personally, I am very much looking forward to what Neverending has to offer as I believe this album is going to reach new heights for Monolord. Be sure to crank the volume on this song!!

Monolord- You Bastard:

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: FINAL GASP- THE APPARITION

Remember the days of hearing a band name or seeing an album title and knowing you really want to check it out? I miss that too. Though, I’ve never stopped and a while back I heard a name that struck my fancy and somehow I just knew I’d enjoy it and what it might sound like. To my non shock it was what I thought. Think Type O Negative with Killing Joke, Christian Death, Samhain and a dash of Joy Division. All that combined and you have Final Gasp. While their 2023 debut album, Mourning Moon, cemented their “death rock” status, their upcoming new album, New Day Symptoms, takes that sound to the next step with added cinematic value and ambience that creeps in like a shadow. Final Gasp’s first single off the new album “The Apparition” really brings that ambience and cinematic vibe to life. New Day Symptoms will be out February 27 via Relapse Records.

The Apparition:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: IDLE HERIS- LIFE IS VIOLENCE

It’s only April and I believe I have found the album of the year. A couple weeks back I introduced you to the band Idle Heirs. I’ve been enthralled by this album from the moment I heard it in full. The singles definitely got me right off the bat as well. The 8 tracks on the album are some of the most gut wrenching, soul bearing and intense performances I’ve heard on record. Written by Coalesce’s Sean Ingram and Multi Instrumentalist/Producer Josh Barber, Life Is Violence, just set a new standard of what the “post-metal” genre should be.

I’ve mentioned in other reviews of mine that I don’t want to dissect each song as I feel that it truly takes away from the listeners experience of the album. The rawness, intensity and emotional charge that this album brings out of oneself is quite an accomplishment. It’s one of those albums that is like a mirror that responds back to you. The personal elements found throughout this album are eye opening and cut pretty deep. The way those emotions that are poured into these songs are enough to make you uncomfortable but, in a good way that is quite introspective. The vulnerability that Sean Ingram delivers on these songs is uncanny. The deeper you listen, the more you hear all the pain, anguish, remorse, sorrow and more in his vocal performance. I can only imagine how much more his live performance of this would be. I’ve seen Coalesce and this has got to be even more intense than that. There’s that word again “intense.” That’s truly what this album is. Musically Sean and Josh Barber crafted songs that not only are heavy in the traditional senses but, allowed for all the lyrical concepts to come to life through different instruments be it a simple shuffle on the drums, atmospheric soundscapes, sludgy tones, bright tones and a plethora of more. Life Is Violence is a great title for this album as that is a great summation of what this all sounds like.

When I first heard this band/album it immediately struck a chord with me. I don’t know what I was looking for at the time but, this was the one. For the past few weeks I’ve truly soaked this album up. It’s become one of those I can’t go a day without listening to it at least once. The eruption of brilliance that is poured out over 51 minutes is pretty astounding. I’d love to know more about the recording of this album because there are so many great nuances to it, that I’m just beyond curious to know. This is seriously one of those special albums that feels magical and for lack of a better phrase “Lightning In A Bottle.” What an incredible album and foundation to start with because, I sure hope this project keeps going. This is the power of music at its finest. The connection to a record and all that it brings. Thank you Sean and Josh for what you put into this to make what I truly consider to the the album of 2025!

OVERALL RATING= A

IDLE HEIRS- LIFE IS VIOLENCE:

THE VIDEOS:

Rare Bird:

Dead Ringer:

Pillow Talk:

BAND OF THE WEEK: IDLE HEIRS


You know that feeling you get when you hear a band and it immediately strikes a chord within? That’s how I felt when I first heard Idle Heirs. I’m not sure what I was looking for at that moment but, when I heard the first song released, I knew that this was the thing I was looking for. From that point on, I’ve highly been anticipating each single release as well as the album release (which is April 11 via Relapse Records). Idle Heirs is a new band that was formed by Coalesce vocalist Sean Ingram along with producer/multi instrumentalist, Josh Barber. The sheer intensity that is poured into each song really does play with your emotions in a fantastic way. The way the songs build and erupt is different than most bands that are in the “post-metal” genre. There is a push and pull vibe with the music and that mixes so well with the vocals. I love the rawness of the performance vocally. Sean Ingram has long been an influence and inspiration to many heavy bands over the years and to hear him be even more vulnerable and expressing himself in this way is beyond a treat. Their debut album, Life Is Violence, is 8 songs of some of the most intense moments I’ve heard in an album in quite some time. Even with the three songs released you can tell that this is not for the faint of heart. Idle Heirs and their debut album is one to look out for in 2025.

Pre-Order Life Is Violence HERE

Rare Bird:

Pillow Talk:

Dead Ringer:

New Release: Zombi- The Post-Atomic Horror

Zombi is a band I haven’t heard in quite some time. This duo has a knack for making really intriguing music which blends prog rock, electronics and an affinity for ‘70s and ‘80s era horror films. So much so that when you listen to them, it’s quite easy to get swept up in the mood and vibe they create in a very cinematic way. Their eagerly-awaited new album, Direct Inject (March 22, Relapse Records) is nine songs of Steve Moore (synth/bass/guitar) and AE Paterra (drums/percussion/electronics) with contributions from percussionist Jeff Gretz (Zao/From Autumn To Ashes), and guitar player Phil Manley (Trans Am). The first song released from, Direct Inject, is “’The Post-Atomic Horror’ which is quite the way to introduce this album. According to Zombi, this song has “No trappings from our machines, just bass and drums, as stripped down as we can be. Definitely one for us to lean into on stage – a few minutes of riffs and wide open drums.” The rest we will have to wait for. Until then, enjoy this new Zombi track and delve into what else they’ve done. It’s quite the catalog of goodies!

Zombi- The Post-Atomic Horror:

Album Review: Cave In- Heavy Pendulum

Cave In are a band that have weathered every storm you can think of as a band. And no matter what is thrown at them, be it life lessons and tragedies, Cave In always comes out on top and armed with a sense of passion and delivery that most bands would and should be envious of. What Stephen Brodsky, Adam McGrath, JR Conners and Nate Newton have put together on their new album, Heavy Pendulum, they should not only be proud of but this album sets the band on a whole new journey of triumphs to be had and stages to rock.

Heavy Pendulum is an album that has one hell of an ebb and flow just like an album should. All the classic Cave In elements are here along with some new twists and turns. As the album begins with “New Reality” it’s obvious the guys are looking to move on from what they have been through and using this a new way to set forth a new path for the band. This track not only sets the tone for the album, the riffs attack with a sense of urgency similar to that of the Perfect Pitch Black era. The melodic leads provide the right amount of ear candy to wet your Brodsky/McGrath guitar appetite. The album continues at a pace that draws you in more and more with lush sound scapes, sick riffs, rhythms that will get you up rocking and maybe dancing a bit, top notch melodies not just vocally, lyrics that are reflective, deep and provide a bit more closure, and a sense that this album really just re-kickstarted a band that is just scratching the surface of where they can go now.

The 14 songs that make up Heavy Pendulum swing ferociously. From all the heavy riffs to the mid tempo drops and the more delicate moments, this album has most definitely earned its spot within the top 5 albums of 2022. I could go track by track which I did when I was listening to the album but, I really believe that takes away from your listening experience. Instead I will point out a few of my favorite tracks like “Blood Spiller,” “Floating Skulls,” “Heavy Pendulum,” “Amaranthine,” “Nightmare Eyes” and the closing song “Reckoning” which I must say Adam McGrath absolutely shines on this song.

The addition of Nate Newton to the band is very present throughout the album. His tone, style of play and passion for this band radiates through each song. After I heard the news of Caleb Scofield’s passing, I knew the only person that could ideally fill his shoes was Nate and not only has he honored Caleb but he’s continued on with same drive for the band that he had. When you hear the parts of the songs that would be “Caleb moments,” Nate drives those parts home with a sense of gusto that I’m sure would make Caleb smile.

Cave In has made an album that not only sums up their career but sets the foundation for where they can keep going. There isn’t one moment on this album that feels forced or makes you want to change a song. The whole album captures the listener like an album should. Heavy Pendulum isn’t just another Cave In album, this one is one that was destined to be made and the end result is something beyond tremendous. Personally, I can’t wait to hear these songs take on a new life when played live. Cheers to Stephen, Adam, JR, and Nate for creating one of the best albums of 2022 as well as one of the best albums in the Cave In catalog.


Overall Rating: A

Cave In- Heavy Pendulum:

By: Brian Lacy