Nine Albums In, Russian Circles Are “Opening the Marriage”
PopMatters speaks with Russian Circles guitarist Mike Sullivan about what has kept the Chicago post-metal outfit going for two decades and nearly double-digit albums.
hardcore
Beartooth Capture Aggression and Pop on ‘Pure Ecstasy’
Pure Ecstasy‘s highlight is Shomo’s undeniable talent for pop songwriting; however, it also pushes Beartooth’s heaviness into new directions.
Evil Island on Reunion Tours, I.C.E., and Best Album Yet
“I truly feel that this is the best record I’ve ever made,” says the Blood Brothers’ Johnny Whitney of Evil Island, his new fiery, political, and defiantly different project.
Evil Island Create Their Own Lane on an Explosive Debut
Featuring members of the beloved Blood Brothers, Evil Island’s debut shows significant growth while delivering what made their previous band so essential.
Sex Prisoner Move From Powerviolence to Sludge
On Sex Prisoner’s Cautionary Tale, the transitions between powerviolence, hardcore and sludge are cleaner, each shift landing with maximum impact.
Quicksand Embrace Positivity on ‘Bring on the Psychics’
Quicksand are still standing where peers have fallen off. Their patented sound is evergreen. Smart, upbeat lyrics and chugging riffs will always find an audience.
Long Goodbye’s Evolution Becomes Imitation on Their New EP
A Whispered Promise of Failure sees Long Goodbye cut the fat from their sound, but lose some of the elements that made them stand out.
Truck Violence Reckon with Darkness on New Album
Rising Canadian noise rock band Truck Violence’s sound coheres on their sophomore release, The weathervane is my body.
Outbreak Festival 2026’s Best Performances
Outbreak Festival is the most consistently hailed event in European hardcore. Now, four years into that title, how can it possibly live up to the hype?
Static Dress Kill Emo Nostalgia on ‘Injury Episode’
Static Dress are the face of emo’s nostalgic new wave. They’re not here to provide nostalgia, though; they are here to kill it and build the present.
Square One and Turn of Phrase Create Powerful Melodic Hardcore
Pale Skies pairs two of the melodic hardcore’s strongest acts of the past year: Square One and Turn of Phrase.
Gouge Away Continue Their Ferocious Run on “Figurine”
Gouge Away’s “Figurine” is perhaps even a little prettier in the verses than the highlights of Deep Sage.