review

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 OF THE WEEK: EMMA RUTH RUNDLE- THESE KILLING TIMES

When the words conveyed in a song come to life in your mind as you listen it’s beyond a treat. Suddenly your mind goes into a different state and you get lost in it all. That’s what happens when you listen to These Killing Times, the new album from Emma Ruth Rundle.

The sheer poetic nature of the songs found on These Killing Times is drenched in dark yet beautiful imagery. The vocal delivery by Emma is cinematic and enchanting. Having this be a full band album too, makes everything more heightened. There’s a soundscape element across the entire album that engulfs you like ocean waves. Don’t let that fool you though as the sheen on top of the dark only goes to the depths of apocalyptic despair.

Each song tackles its own theme and through the melodies and arrangements, it’s all unlocked and unhinged. The confrontation can feel subtle and unsettling at the same time. While the release, though cathartic, really makes you feel and think about each aspect of the song. There’s not one thing on this album that doesn’t deliver what’s it’s meant to. Even with guest appearances from Gina Gleason (Baroness), George Clarke (Deafheaven), Bryan Funck (Thou) and Marissa Nadler, they are accents to further experience the idea of the whole. To go track by track or even highlight a few songs would be a disservice to your own reaction and feeling to this album.

Albums and art like this exist in a place that is honest and pure. This is exactly Emma Ruth Rundle in this moment come to life. The folk and post punk elements hit the right notes while the atmosphere and sonic dynamics push you into another realm. These Killing Times is a great representation of the world we live in today. Emma just makes you feel less alone in it.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Emma Ruth Rundle- These Killing Times:

https://emmaruthrundle.bandcamp.com/album/these-killing-times

BAND OF THE WEEK: WRONG MAN

There’s always something to be said when you put on an album without knowing a single thing about it other than the name and then the moment the first note rings, you know that you’re in for a treat. As a music enthusiast, curator and somewhat of a tastemaker, that feeling gets to be expressed here on Audioeclectica. And now here’s a band that is equal parts post-hardcore, noise rock, blues and melodic. Hailing from Belgium, Wrong Man features members of Oathbreaker (their album Rheia is beyond a masterpiece. Seriously it’s ten years old now and still will have you crying tears and blood (metaphorically)), Rise And Fall and Partisan. Their second album, Here’s That Feeling (note what I said previosly), is a soulfully sonic and dynamic album that is raw and beyond expressive. Each song arms itself with a tonality that lets each member’s part guide you in the direction needed to go.

Here’s That Feeling on first listen felt like I had missed an album from the era of bands like Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, Helmet and even Rollins Band and Planes Mistaken For Stars to an extent.

The way the album opens with “Loose Ends” it feels like a shotgun blast to the heart. Then “It Won’t Wash Off” into “Exit Strategy” and a very stunning guest spot from Jeremy Bolm of Touche Amore. One song that really stuck out and caused multiple repeats is track four, “Blue.” The aggressive yet melodic nature of the song really opened up the album a bit more a bit like a perfect transition into track five “Petty Thief.” The way the album starts and gets to this point is beautiful. As the album unfolds even more, with “Mystic Eye” and “Heaven Ain’t Happening.” The final two songs “Ripped Open I” and “Ripped Open II” are absolute gems. Live these songs will hit on the epic richter scale. There’s so much great music, lyrics, melodies and subtle parts to make you feel like you are floating. Seriously put on a really great set of headphones and just press play. You’ll thank me later!

What a great album! This is pure and natural progression for a band like this. One other great aspect of this record is the immeasurable amount of tension and urgency found throughout. One can only hope that US dates are announced for Wrong Man. Los Angeles surely needs this! And of course Deathwish Inc releases this great album. They’ve been on quite the roll over the past few years with the bands and albums released! Now go make the right decision and listen to Wrong Man!

By: Brian Lacy

Wrong Man- Here’s That Feeling:

LIVE REVIEW: GUNS N ROSES AT ROSE BOWL

The last time Guns N Roses played the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, it was 1992. Fast Forward thirty four years and here they are again. It’s unmistakable the influence Guns N Roses has had on musicians and bands for over forty years now. The debut, Appetite For Destruction is still very much talked about.The Use Your Illusion albums have gone on to live in infamy for their great songs, arrangements and who can forget those videos (“You Could Be Mine,” “Don’t Cry,” “November Rain” and “Estranged”). And then there is Chinese Democracy. I’m probably one of the few out there that enjoy it. Take away the over produced aspects and some of the electronic elements, a couple songs and you’ve got one hell of a good album with some spectacular songs (“Better,” “Street Of Dreams,” “There Was A Time,” “Sorry,” “Madagascar,” and “Prostitute”). It’s been since 2021 when I saw GnR last, and on a whim myself and my friend Justin of Sinister Reviews, decided to head out to the Rose Bowl to see what Guns N Roses are up to.

At about 7:50pm, as the sun was almost completely set, the house music turned off, the lights off and the roar of tens of thousands of people, Guns N Roses took the stage and immediately made sure we knew where we are with “Welcome To The Jungle.” Still one of the best track one’s of all time. Over the course of the next three hours and twenty eight more songs, you knew you were in for a night. Jumping into “Bad Obsession” next was a treat. Such a good bluesy number to get things shaking a bit more as “It’s So Easy” and “Mr. Brownstone” were right after. One of the highlights of the show was when they played “Chinese Democracy.” The newer arrangement on the song plus this band, really makes this song shine. Another big highlight was “Don’t Cry.” What a song it still is and this evenings performance of it was top notch. A slew of other classics and fan favorites like “You Could Be Mine,” “Rocket Queen,” “Think About You,” “Civil War,” and “Yesterdays” were played. The three newer songs they played “Hard Skool,” “Nothin'” and “Atlas” sounded good and are definitely from the Chinese Democracy era. The encore was just a sweep of hits from “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “November Rain,” “Nightrain” and of course “Paradise City.”

There is one aspect of this whole night that has left a bit of a sore spot with me. I’m not saying this wasn’t a really good show but, the inclusion of SEVEN COVER SONGS is too much. While I get to a point the need to play “Live And Let Die” and “Knockin On Heaven’s Door,” there is no need for anymore than that. Yes, The Spaghetti Incident exists and yes they have been playing covers since their start but, come on already. I’m sure the majority of people in the audience would have rather heard “Pretty Tied Up,” Locomotive,” “Dust N Bones,” Coma,” “Dead Horse” or like me more from Chinese Democracy, over a The Damned cover, one from Rose Tattoo (wish you a speedy recovery Angry Anderson), two Black Sabbath covers and “Slither” from Velvet Revolver. Thats five songs right there that should have been original songs. Instead of Duff singing a cover, let him sing his song “So Fine.” What’s so hard about that?! You wrote the songs! PLAY THEM!!

Axl still sounds good. While there are certain higher notes he can’t hit anymore (and he still tries), it’s nice to know he still has the passion and care to want to deliver. The songs though that featured a lower register vocal, sounded amazing. When they got to “Estranged” that’s when you could really tell how good this side of Axl still is. “Estranged” has been my favorite Guns song since I was eight years old, and to still be able to hear it live and this damn good, made my night. Just a thought, if it’s too much for Axl to hit all these notes across a three hour show, consider shortening the show! I mean it would still be a great show and then you get two openers that are really good on and you have yourself a stellar night. The band was on fire all night. Slash did Slash things and sounded great. Duff was right in the pocket all night and added a great rhythmic flair. New drummer Issac Carpenter was superb. He actually plays more like Steven Adler than any other drummer that’s sat back there. But it’s two other members that really need to get the due respect they deserve. Dizzy Reed is a gem in the band. His piano/keyboards add the right amount of texture and dynamic to the songs. There’s really a special charm with Dizzy. As well as longtime guitarist Richard Fortus. What a talent too. Great playing, great style and swagger. He fits in this band like a glove. Plus he kind of looks like Izzy Stradlin, bonus for everyone missing Izzy.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ice Cube was the opening act. I don’t know whose idea that was (probably Axl, as he was always a fan) but, come on! Know your audience. The Black Crowes have been out with you for a few shows, they would’ve been a better choice. That’s not to say Ice Cube wasn’t good. He was fine. He did his thing up there and a chunk of the crowd was dancing and shaking their asses a bit. It’s just this wasn’t the right time or audience for that.

Guns N Roses are not about to go anywhere. It’s great to have them back and out there. Now it’s time to really work on some new music. The want is there and if done right, this could be quite the record. GnR still knows how to put on a great show. The Rose Bowl was filled with people of all ages and from different generations which makes it more fun to share the night with. Provided they aren’t obnoxious or drunk. Let’s hope that the next time Guns N Roses comes through, things are a bit different. And while they’re at it, let’s ditch the silly background images playing behind the band Pretty sure most were from five years ago too. Just show the band, that’s what the people want to see!

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

By: Brian Lacy

GUNS N ROSES SETLIST:

01) Welcome To The Jungle
02) Bad Obsession
03) It’s So Easy
04) Mr. Brownstone
05) Slither (Velvet Revolver Cover)
06) Chinese Democracy
07) Live And Let Die (Wings Cover)
08) Nice Boys (Rose Tattoo Cover)
09) Yesterdays
10) Shadow Of Your Love
11) Double Talkin’ Jive
12) Hard Skool
13) Estranged
14) Knockin On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan Cover)
15) You Could Be Mine
16) Nothin’
17) Junior’s Eyes (Black Sabbath Cover)
18) Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath Cover)
19) Rocket Queen
20) Don’t Cry
21) New Rose (The Damned Cover- Duff Singing)
22) Think About You
23) Atlas
24) Civil War (with snippet of Jimi Hendrix “Voodoo Child”)
25) Slash Guitar Solo
26) Sweet Child O’ Mine
27) November Rain
28) Nightrain
29) Paradise City

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: MASTODON- MARROW DEEP

Every so often throughout music history, a band comes along that transcends the time. Meaning that this band writes songs and albums that are timeless while also exploring different thematic aspects that makes for an experience be it on album or live that is so vivid it all comes to life. For the last twenty six years, Mastodon, have truly been the best new band of the Millennium. Never a band to rest of what they did before, Mastodon have pushed the boundaries aside of what you can do in rock music. Across now nine albums, Mastodon have established themselves as a bands band and one that can play with an array of bands and artists. On their now ninth studio album, Marrow Deep, Mastodon have taken their shared and personal tragedies and turmoil into an album that like Crack The Skye, oozes emotion and reaches so deep that each nuance is felt.

Throughout the twelve songs, there is not one ounce of filler or anything that feels out of place. Some might say there is but, that only exposes that persons lack of interest and knowledge into a musical space that expands ones mind. The intricate details that Mastodon have added over the years shine on Marrow Deep. While this is the first album without longtime bandmate and contributor, Brent Hinds (R.I.P.), it didn’t slow down Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher. Now with the addition of Nick Johnston on guitar and Joao Nogueira on keys, the complete vivid vision has finally come together. Even the album cover hints at this vivid picture as the colors and lines weave in and out of one another.

From the start with “Barbarian’s Blood” till “The Three Fates,” it’s clear that this is a take your time album. The different elements from sludge, prog, space, psychedelia are signature Mastodon. The more cinematic nature on these songs has an almost “score” type of vibe as well. When you listen to a Mastodon album, the ability to lose yourself in it is vital. Be it a heavier song like “Poisonous Weapons” or an epic prog rock song like “Out Like A Lamb” there is something new to find the more you listen. There’s even bits of free form jazz found on songs like “They’re Coming For You,” “Snakes For Dinner” which features Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme (marking his second collaboration with the band. He was previously featured on “Colony Of Birchmen” off Blood Mountain), and “The Vanishing” the latter of which features Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler on bass. If you’ve heard Master Of Reality or Volume 4 by Black Sabbath, you know what I’m talking about here. One of the absolute standout songs on Marrow Deep has to be “Moth And Bone.” This song has so many layers to unfold in a beautifully dynamic way. Just listen and you’ll experience it. Throughout the record there are subtle nods to Brent be it in the lyrics like “Your Ghost Again” or small guitar parts or even a vocal melody like on “A Vampire’s Demeanor.” The album ends with “The Three Fates” which again ends an album as Mastodon does on an epic note.

The additions and contributions of Nick and Joao are very present and prevalent. This new blood injected into Mastodon has brought out a side that feels invigorated and alive. The chemistry between Bill, Brann and Troy is unmistakable and now with Nick and Joao, the chemical bond has only grown! These songs when they play them live will no doubt deliver you into a different dimension. Let the Marrow Deep run wild in your ears and mind.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review By: Brian Lacy

MASTODON- MARROW DEEP:

ALBUM REVIEW: MACHINEKIT- BODY WITHOUT ORGANS

The thought of experimentation and exploration within music swings like a pendulum. Each side has its own distinct sound and feel just like Machinekit’s new EP, Body Without Organs. In a fun metaphorical sense, perhaps each organ that is missing represents the style of the music.

Across five intense and almost primitive songs, Machinekit mastermind, John Rojas, emits a mixture of electro-punk, jazz, industrial, doom, and darkwave all in a raw nature. This is where the primitive sense comes in. The vocals tear through skin and pull at your own organs. The way the songs have a visual impact gives the EP an even darker and tortured feel. The instrumentation here is direct and given a clear mission to teeter the line of precision and avant-garde.

When a release like Body Without Organs arrives, it might take a minute to fully grasp what is happening. Go with it! As each song pulls you in a twist, there’s more to uncover with each listen.

Review By: Brian Lacy

Machinekit- Body Without Organs:

LIVE REVIEW: BUSH AT VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

When the chance to see a band you’ve been into for well over thirty years in your “backyard,” you make that happen! On Wednesday night July 29, 2026 around 7:30pm at the Ventura County Fair, Bush took the stage set against the ocean and coastal backdrop of Ventura, California.

Opening the set was the always fun and classic “Machinehead.” Personally I’ve always thought this song has a great impact and energy to be a choice opening song. Then came “Bullet Holes” one of their newer songs from excellent album, The Kingdom. This is another great riff song and you might have heard it in John Wick 3! Next up was from their most recent album, the quite good, I Beat Loneliness, the anthemic “We’re All The Same On The Inside.” It was funny to watch crowd go absolutely silent because they weren’t familiar with these songs. Pretty much anything after Razorblade Suitcase was the cut off point for probably 99% of the crowd. Yes, myself and friend/podcast co-host Justin were the 1% that DID know these songs. Then back to a song some knew in “The Chemicals Between Us.” If you haven’t listened to the underrated The Science Of Things album, you should change that. The Land Of Milk And Honey” was next off their new album. This one was quite the live song that really upped the level than the studio version. From there a large crowd pop hit as the heavy distorted intro riff of “Everything Zen” launched like a rocket. Followed by two more newer really solidly good tracks from The Art Of Survival. “Identity” and “May Your Love Be Pure. A fun sing-along with the crowd came with “Glycerince.” I know that songs is super played out but, when you see it played live and the crowd sings it really loud back, that truly shows how timeless it is.

The next five songs were all from their latest three albums The Kingdom, The Art Of Survival and I Beat Loneliness. “Heavy Is The Ocean” is a fantastic song. While it is a track one (from The Art Of Survival), putting it in the latter part of the set was a real treat. “More Than Machines,” “Human Sand” and “Flowers On A Grave” rocked with the latter song leading Gavin from the stage all the way to the bleachers to sing with the crowd. Closing out the main set was “I Beat Loneliness” and if you haven’t heard this song, thats another one to rectify. What a song and what a way to end that part of the set. After a short breather, Gavin returned to the stage alone to begin a solo version of the classic “Swallowed” from my all time favorite Bush album, Razorblade Suitcase. The new arrangement adds to the already “heavy” nature of the song. To end the night out were classic crowd favorites “Little Things” and Comedown.” The latter of which has become quite the end of the show song with extended bridges and outros that show off how terrific the band of Chris Traynor, Corey Britz and Nik Hughes are.

Bush is still one hell of a live band. They are still putting out quality albums and songs that deserve your attention. I’m not kidding. Go check out the three newest albums, and you can thank me later. Even now as I write this, It’s still a bit of a trip to have seen Bush at the Ventura Fair. Gavin Rossdale sounds amazing. His voice like him hasn’t aged! The amount of energy he’s had from the beginning to now is passionate. One of the things about Bush now that I really like is that they don’t rest on the nostalgia of the band. As you can see there are only a handful of classic songs played and the majority was all new. And when you have albums and songs like they have put out the past few years, it’s best to keep it that way. I look forward to what comes next from Gavin, Chris, Corey and Nik.

Overall Rating: A

Overall Rating For The Crowd: C_ People need to actually care about the band you are seeing live!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

BUSH SETLIST:

01) Machinehead
02) Bullet Holes
03) We’re All The Same On The Inside
04) The Chemicals Between Us
05) The Land Of Milk And Honey
06) Everything Zen
07) Identity
08) May Your Love Be Pure
09) Glycerine
10) Heavy Is The Ocean
11) More Than Machines
12) Human Sand
13) Flowers On A Grave
14) I Beat Loneliness
ENCORE:
15) Swallowed
16) Little Things
17) Comedown

BUSH PHOTO GALLERY:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: FOREIGN FILM- A LOVE LETTER

The idea of the band Will Haven going in a full on 180 degree direction than their known heaviness is beyond intriguing. Usually when you hear a band, well the majority of a band, step out of their known repertoire it can go a bit haywire. That’s not the case for Foreign Film. While there is still a bit of heavy, their debut album, A Love Letter, is an ethereal ambient melodic rock record that soars in direction that flies through the atmosphere.

Across ten songs and forty two minutes you will get lost in this new world of Will Haven’s Jeff Irwin. Along with his fellow bandmates Mitch Wheeler (drums), Adrien Contreras (bass) and Sean Bivins (guitar) he’s also joined by Rylan Kerr (guitar), Robin Florkin (piano/keys) and Tami Taracena (backing vocals), they’ve made a record that moves in a more “post” rock style that’s emotive and full of lush soundscapes. This project has long been in the making and now comes to fruition.

Each song evokes it own emotion. There’s not one song on here that feels like it repeats itself. Instead it weaves an intricate web of all sorts of inspiration making A Love Letter an album that truly captures the essence of the idea. I urge everyone to listen from start to finish to see the whole picture come to life.

Foreign Film’s A Love Letter truly is a thoughtful piece of music and art that fits stands out on its own. There’s a place for both Will Haven and Foreign Film and rightfully so. Enjoy what this album is. The evolution of what this band can be is only getting started.

Overall Rating: B+

By: Brian Lacy

Foreign Film- A Love Letter:

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 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: