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Articles by Gary Trueman
Review: Distant – Into Despair
Distant Into Despair Century Media Records Deathcore needed a bit of a shake up having become samey of late and Distant are a band right at the forefront of that genre makeover. Rather than simply thrashing things up this unconventional group of musicians opted to go more down tempo which has resulted in music that is heavy with a capital ‘H’. ‘Into Despair’ chugs along grimly but never gloomily thanks to neat writing and well judged production.
Live Review: Black Water County, Fraser Morgan, The Waterfront Studio, Norwich
Nervous excitement mixed with talking/singing about personal mental health might not initially seem like a good combination. Fraser Morgan though makes them not only work but comes across all the more authentic for it. The long explanations of each song’s origin often done with humour and always with conviction allow you to understand the lyrics and the man more. The really great thing here is how Morgan puts over that none of us are perfect.
Review: Blind Channel – Painstream
Blind Channel Painstream Century Media Records Exploring the ability of pain to unite people through common understanding is a theme that needed to be handled sensitively. Blind Channel manage this commendably by using personal experience as their focus. They’ve been radio silent for the last 18 months and the time has been used well to hone their skills as well as writing this often poignant record.
Live Review: Sirenfest 2026
It was a real shock to the scene when we lost Siren Sycho early in 2026, and many thought it would be fitting to hold an event to remember the force she was and the legacy she leaves. And so we are at The Face Bar for the inaugural edition of what will hopefully become an annual celebration. Kicking things off tonight are Catfight, who may have formed only last year but have all the hallmarks of a veteran band.
Review: Fervence – Constructs
Fervence Constructs Metal Blade Records One of the conundrums of music is marrying music and vocals in a way that is as seamless as possible. You can have the greatest song and the finest singer but if they don’t gel everything is lost. When you hit that sweet spot though, well it’s a match made in heaven. Take Fervence and this stonkingly well crafted set of songs. Without Stevie B up there on the mic they would lose their bond and potency. This is a band working as a unit, and it’s fantastic.
News: Breed 77 Launch New Single “Wish You Well” – Out Now
With the recent announcement of their first album in thirteen years, “VII“, still in the minds of their fans, flamenco metal favourites Breed 77 are offering up a taste of the album in the shape of their new single “Wish You Well“. The first taste of new Breed 77 for some time, Wish You Well is more than worth the wait! It roars out of the gate with a huge opening riff from Danny Felice.
Review: Zilqy – Birth Of Riot
Zilqy Birth Of Riot Maverick With former members of Aldious and Lovebites in the line up you already know that the technical aspect of Zilqy will be covered. What hits you first here is that the music is a highly original melting pot of metal genres seasoned with a little pop and synth. This means the heaviness is tempered with big hooks and easy to listen to melodies. The guitar solos are well constructed and play out without being overly long.
Review: Left To Suffer – Unwelcome Guest
Left To Suffer Unwelcome Guest Hopeless Records There’s a swagger about Left To Suffer that impresses. Combine that with their crunching modern metal sound and you have a recipe for success. Rather than go down the complex for the sake of it route the four piece pare each song down to only what is absolutely needed. This no fat only sinew and bone approach gives ‘Unwelcome Guest’ the kind of beat heavy brutality you used to get with early grind core.
Review: Butcher Babies – Nightbloom
Butcher Babies Nightbloom Judge & Jury Records When therapy opens you up in ways that you never imagined it would and you find your soul laid bare you need to dig deep to deal with it. In Heidi Shepherd’s case digging deep meant pouring her heart into latest Butcher Babies album ‘Nightbloom’. Along with partner Henry Flury they have created a record that takes the band into new territory and it has to be said it also progresses them musically beyond what anyone would have expected.
Review: Kit Trigg – Free N’ Easy
Kit Trigg Free N’ Easy EP Self released It’s easy to like Kit Trigg’s sunny side up rock. He has a voice that has you daydreaming of beers on the beach and backyard barbeques with good friends. This is a band though and Adam Thorn and Max Rhead are equally as impressive here. This five track box of delights has a slightly (and we mean very slightly) heavier edge to it than what we’ve heard before from Kit Trigg.
Live Review: Evanescence, K.Flay, Utilita Arena, Birmingham
An artist both of their time and seemingly out of it at the same moment K.Flay is a wonderful enigma. She energises the already packed Utilita Arena simply by her presence. The music flows like liquid as she gets on with playing host. There are big nods back to some of the greats from the past both from within the song writing and the delivery, but you also get that lovely genre defying punch that screams freshness.
Live Review: Mangata Festival 2026
There’s a real buzz around the Rescue Rooms complex that runs through not just the fans but also the crew, bands and seemingly the very fabric of the building itself. The courtyard has vendors giving off a mini-village vibe, with the aroma of the food on offer making it impossible not to stop and eat something right then and there. This incredibly warm welcome sets the tone for the day. Here are Gary Trueman’s highlights from a great day across all five stages.
Review: The Meffs – Business
The Meffs Business Frontiers Label Group The gritty commentary served up by The Meffs has always seen them painted as punk rockers. At heart they may be but new album ‘Business’ only reinforces the fact that this snarling duo are just as at home in front of grunge or rock fans. They speak the universal language of the disaffected, pissed off and ignored so well they have become ambassadors for highlighting our lack of social conscience. Here the music is heavier than previous outings.
Review: RØRY – Bloodletting
RØRY Bloodletting SADCØRE RECORDS Emotions are messy things and working on them isn’t a science. Simply because you have recognition doesn’t solve anything. You still have to deal. This is how the themes within ‘Bloodletting’ play out. Anger is at the core of this wildly beautiful album but grief and self-reclamation orbit it like satellite moons.
Review: Scene Queen – Metalicious
Scene Queen Metalicious Hopeless Records Mixing mutated pop with metal gives this infectious EP a sharper edge than previous releases. It is explorative while retaining core melodic writing. And yes, it’s fun too. The feminist subjects dealt with in the lyrics are thoughtfully written and remain visceral without becoming rants. The really big deal here is the growth shown by Scene Queen. The songs flow well together and are consistently punchy.
Interview: Nika (Lady Rage) “I’m really grateful that she was my friend.”
Losing a bandmate is an undeniable tragedy. Lady Rage founder and singer Siren Sycho may have passed just when things were starting to happen for her and the band, but her legacy and influence on the scene she loved are unmistakable. Here, guitarist and close friend Nika bravely talks about those darkest of times that followed, coping with such an unbearable loss, and how she hopes a new yearly event, Sirenfest, will help keep her name alive.
Live Review: Rebellion Festival 2026
Fifty years since punk rock detonated, and thirty years since Rebellion Festival first spat in the face of the ordinary, this year, the only rule was: go bigger, go louder, go harder. There are extra events before the Winter Gardens fully open their doors to mark this most special time. Featured are Neville Staple, Adam And The Ants and Altered Images, among others. The four-day line-up was a musical feast to behold.
Review: Electric Callboy – Tanzneid
Electric Callboy Tanzneid Century Media/Sony Synth metal pioneers Electric Callboy are back with another dose of fun and we should rejoice that once again they have hit the mark perfectly. The mood is a little more dance oriented than previous release ‘Tekkno’ but the heaviness is still there too. We should all be familiar with single ‘Ratatata’ featuring Babymetal by now and if you like that song then you’ll love this album.
Interview: Lindsay Schoolcraft “Music is such a magical thing.”
Bridging classical and heavy music like no other, Lindsay Schoolcraft has forged a musical path that is passionate, honest and utterly unique. Here she talks to Gary Trueman about her latest album ‘Harrowing’ and discusses her vocal style and how and why it is growing. Let’s talk first about your latest album ‘Harrowing’. The title itself says a lot. It’s a beautiful record, and we kind of expected that, knowing the work you put out previously, but it does have a bit of an edge to it as well.
Review: Mayday Parade – Sugar
Mayday Parade Sugar MHE Album trilogy projects are tricky things to pull off. They are usually penned over a wide time expanse where artist dynamics naturally change, not to mention music itself is continually moving on. So with the upbeat ‘Sweet’ and introspective ‘Sad’ already released to much acclaim the pressure was definitely on Mayday Parade to make this third instalment equally as hard hitting. This they’ve done, and in some style too.
Review: Jamie Lenman – Puke
Jamie Lenman Puke Self Released Taking a more stripped back approach to his last outing Jamie Lenman proves that core writing is what really matters. This is visceral garage rock that has that gnarly rawness to it so beloved of acts such as Mudhoney. Lenman is someone you can never accuse of being pretentious but ‘Puke’ is just epitomises anti-pretention.
Review: Mercers – The Liminal Tapes
Mercers The Liminal Tapes EP Self Released Heavy vocals don’t tend to indicate happiness. More like hate – if you can actually make out what’s being spat. In Mercers’ case, you can hear every word of Olly James’ dissatisfaction and discontent. The band’s Brit post-hardcore base soars into melodies and soundscapes, but no matter how sweet the tune becomes, they never stray from their fresh take on showing vulnerability while sounding vicious.
Live Review: Eddfest, Knebworth Park
It’s a scorching hot Saturday at Knebworth Park. The previous day had already seen a packed programme of preliminary celebrations of 50 years of Maiden and now it’s time for the main course. Opening up the event are The Almighty a band who themselves have a venerable history. Ricky Warwick and co don’t mess about they just get on with a scintillating performance that gets everyone in the party mood. Cheeky chappies Airbourne are a reminder of what a rock and roll show should look like.
Live Review: Sumo Cyco and Eville, The Bodega, Nottingham
It’s a hot and sticky Nottingham that greets people for this well supported gig so the fact that the venue is at least initially a little cooler than outside is welcomed by all. Eville soon raise the temperature both literally and figuratively though, their hyper rock perfect for the occasion. Three piece they may be, and then only with a part time live guitar, but the sound is full and the tempo fresh and fun. With vocal contrast adding definition this is a band very much heading upwards rapidly.
Review: Devildriver – Strike And Kill
Devildriver Strike And Kill Napalm Records For well over two decades now Devildriver have been hitting it hard with their groove driven brand of metal. Their music may be brutal but it’s always had the melodies to give it big grin head banging appeal. ‘Strike And Kill’ retains all the qualities that have made the band so consistently popular but offers more too.
News: Floor Jansen returns with new single ‘Run’.
On June 26, Nightwish vocalist and solo artist FLOOR JANSEN returns with her new single, ‘Run‘, released via REVAMP Music / Warner Music. Following her solo debut LP “Paragon”, a sold-out theatre tour, and a strong streaming footprint of nearly 150 million streams across her solo catalogue, ‘Run‘ marks the beginning of a powerful new solo chapter. The single reveals a heavier, darker side of Floor’s solo sound.
News: Hawxx share video for ‘Arm The Animals’.
Political punk metal band HAWXX are known for their wild performances and songs of rage, love and resistance. The London based progressive trio have created their most devastating and beautiful work with their second full-length album, “The World Splits Open”, which is available today. In celebration of the release, they’ve shared a music video for the focus track ‘Arm The Animals‘, which targets those who take pleasure from bloodsports.
News: Ho99o9 announce benefit show in aid of Youth Music
Ho99o9’s recent single ‘Power In Numbers’ delivers a powerful message rooted in unity, resistance, and collective strength. The incendiary punk/hip-hop duo put their money where their mouths are with the announcement of a Benefit Show at London’s Moth Club on 4th July, as part of their current EU / UK tour (details below).
News: Raphael Weinroth-Browne releases cover of Sleep Token’s ‘Fall For Me’
Ahead of the release of his highly anticipated third solo album Empyrean on 11th September, acclaimed Canadian cellist and composer Raphael Weinroth-Browne has unveiled a breathtaking reimagining of Sleep Token‘s hauntingly beautiful track, ‘Fall For Me’. Transforming the song through the expressive voice of the cello, Weinroth-Browne captures the fragile balance of sorrow and beauty at the heart of the original, offering a deeply moving interpretation that stands as both tribute and reinvention.
News: n0trixx releases new single and video ‘St Chaos’
Russian-born, Lancashire-based bedlamcore artist n0trixx has released the video ‘St. Chaos’, the new single from her widely acclaimed debut album A Catalogue of Madness and Melancholia. ‘ST. CHAOS’ – WATCH HERE A neon doused n0trixx runs riot in a twisted junkyard as she channels Mad Max dystopia in the ‘St. Chaos’ video. It is an explosive, genre-defying track which mirrors the overstimulated, restless mind of someone living with ADHD.
Interview: The Download Tapes – Pryma
The beaming faces say so much. They tell just what it meant to Pryma to play the Boardie Takeover on the Wednesday at Download Festival. The Kent crew did themselves proud so who can blame them. We chatted to them well into the Sunday and they were clearly still lapping up every moment. So what was that experience like for you, playing the Download Festival Boardie Takeover? “Oh man! We are still on cloud nine now.
Review: Hawxx – The World Splits Open
Hawxx The World Splits Open Self Released Punk metal lends itself so well to angry activism and raging against increasing injustices. It’s a genre straddling beast that has maximum engagement. Hawxx though take it to even new heights on their second long player ‘The World Splits Open’.
Live Review: Download Festival 2026
There are a number of reasons why this year saw Download Festival once again show they aren’t afraid to break new ground or adapt. Most obvious is Emily Armstrong gracing the Apex stage with Linkin Park as the first female-led act to headline in the event’s history. Limp Bizkit also made their debut as headliners, joining Guns N Roses. Elsewhere, District X continued to thrive with smart bookings.
Review: Evanescence – Sanctuary
Evanescence Sanctuary Sony Music They may not be prolific, six releases in 23 years is pedestrian at best, but Evanescence can never be accused of lacking in the quality department. They set the bar ridiculously high with the debut ‘Fallen’ and have in some ways returned to what made that record so highly regarded with latest outing ‘Sanctuary’. This it has to be said is also a set of songs very firmly anchored in the now, not the past.
News: Evanescence release new album ‘Sanctuary’
Today Evanescence releases their 6th studio album, Sanctuary. The 12-track record was produced by Zakk Cervini (Bad Omens, YUNGBLD, Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox), Jordan Fish (Bring Me The Horizon, Poppy, House of Protection, Architects), and Nick Raskulinecz (Deftones, Korn, Foo Fighters, Rush). The album is available as a Digital Album, Standard CD, Deluxe CD and limited-edition Box Set. The album is also available on all streaming services.
Review: Lindsay Schoolcraft – Harrowing
Lindsay Schoolcraft Harrowing Self released There’s a sweet spot that lies somewhere between various elements of metal and modern classical that is ghost like. You know it’s there, it can give you goosebumps and yet it is undefinable – until now. Lindsay Schoolcraft somehow has managed to perform witchcraft and given that particular musical fog form. ‘Harrowing’ is certainly hauntingly beautiful but it also has an edge rivalling Death’s scythe.
Special Feature: Download Festival – Welcome to District X
You’ve bought a camping ticket to Download Festival, congratulations this means you will have access to District X. It’s important to recognise that once pitched, especially if you’re arriving on the Wednesday then you will want something to do, and drink, and eat, and drink some more. Yes hanging out with your mates is a blast but the hub (almost) central to the camp sites that has food and drink vendors also has much more entertainment too.
News: Siren Sycho free tribute gig to be held on June 7th 2026.
It was terrible news to learn of the passing of Siren Sycho singer of Lady Rage earlier this year. She was well known and much loved on the UK underground circuit. A free tribute gig will be held in her honour at The Old Nuns Head, London, SE15 3QQ on Sunday June 7th 2026.
Review: Self Deception – One Of Us
Self Deception One Of Us Napalm Records For those that like music that just gets on with it Self Deception are for you. This album hits the ground less running more at a sprint and doesn’t quit. It sits not only on that blurry area where rock and metal merge but also incorporates a lot of the more subtle crossover moves popularised by leviathans like Linkin Park. This is a band unafraid to write what works regardless of its origins.
News: Uprising announces stage splits and final band.
With just over a month to go, Uprising adds the final band to an already stacked line up. This year’s Uprising celebrates its tenth anniversary and promises to be an action packed day full of incredible Rock and Metal. Completing the Uprising 9 line-up is… The Sun’s Journey Through The Night! The intense creation of a masked frontman, known only as “No One”, has seen him spend over four years crafting his signature style of chaotic and cathartic Black Metal.
Review: Chroma – 25 Forever
Chroma 25 Forever Alcopop! Records Alt rock trio Chroma from Pontypridd, South Wales return with their second album following a successful debut and supporting shows with The Foo Fighters. Fans will notice they have returned with a grittier and more personal sound.
Interview: Cage Fight “We’ve got to know each other as musicians a lot more.”
Heavy music is going through a transformative time right now with acts having to work hard to impress increasingly discerning fans. The music needs to be not just memorable but also easily distinguishable. It needs personality. Step forward Cage Fight who on new album ‘Exuvia’ have taken their hardcore roots and built something truly unique. Gary Trueman chatted to singer Rachel Aspe and guitarist James Monteith about the new record, the writing process and their progression as a band.
Review: Lovebites – Outstanding Power
Lovebites Outstanding Power Napalm Records There are heavy music fans who are unapologetic traditionalists at heart but still crave something from newer artists. Since 2016 Lovebites have filled at least a part of that need with their rather grand take on power metal. The Japanese quintet blend a European (specifically 80s UK) vibe with the technical ability we’ve come to admire of artists from their country.
Review: Cage Fight – Exuvia
Cage Fight Exuvia Spinefarm Records You can read a lot into brutalists Cage Fight naming their second long player ‘Exuvia’ which refers to the skin shed by insects, arachnids and the like. Where their eponymous debut was like being hit by a bat this new offering sees that bat refined with fine carving and golden embellishments. Same instrument but a big step up. Same result but now you’ve been pummelled at a whole new level. Everywhere the boundaries have been less pushed more overrun.
Interview: BEX “I hate working with denim, but I always go back to it because it looks cool!”
BEX has been a busy bee since our feature in issue 57 of Devolution Magazine. She’s been hard at work creating fabulous new clothing as well as writing and performing new songs. So a catch-up and new photo shoot were definitely needed. Here she talks to Gary Trueman about what she’s been up to both as a fashion designer and as a music artist. It’s not been long since the previous interview and shoot you did for issue 57. We know you were very keen to return.
Review: Skindred – You Got This
Skindred You Got This Earache Records Instantly recognisable in way that few achieve Skindred have become a unifying force in music while also falling into that rarest of things, a genre unto themselves. This latest release is exactly what you would expect from the Newport crew while also providing plenty of surprises. The ragga-metal is smooth as silk this time around, a mellowing that emphasises the pure class of the writing.
Feature: Download Festival 2026 – Artists You Need on Your Radar
We know all about the headline acts but what about when it’s time to delve into the undercard? Well Devolution Magazine’s Download Festival team of Gary, George and Aggy have each put together a list of five acts they think are worthy of your viewing time at the event along with the day they’re playing and which stage. Hopefully you’ll check out this fantastic fifteen, and we recommend you take a listen to as many acts as you can before it’s time to pitch that tent and party.
News: Zombie metallers Dominum announce third album.
Zombie metal sensation Dominum return with their third full-length album, Night is Calling, to be released 3rd July via Napalm Records. After storming straight into the Top 10 of the Official German Album Charts with their previous album The Dead Don’t Die, the fast-rising band led by mastermind and vocalist Felix Heldt – better known to fans as Dr. Dead – is ready to open the next chapter of their dark and theatrical universe.
News: Angine de Poitrine announce first UK appearances.
Microtonal cardboard duo Angine de Poitrine will head to the UK for the first time in May, for sold-out performances in London, Bristol and Leeds and their first British festival showing at Brighton’s The Great Escape. Announced yesterday, they will also return for Dorset’s End Of The Road at the start of September.
News: The Pretty Reckless release video for new single ‘When I Wake Up’.
Record-breaking, platinum-selling rock band The Pretty Reckless have released the official music video for their high-octane new single “When I Wake Up” – Watch HERE. Directed by Taylor Momsen & Chris Acosta, the edgy, POV-style video captures the chaotic energy of a night-out with frontwoman Taylor Momsen and friends, giving the audience a first-person perspective through the blur of a wild bender as the night descends into true rock-and-roll debauchery.
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