Weekly Update #32 – November 24, 2024

FEATURED ALBUM
Counterparts // Heaven Let Them Die
Released: November 7, 2024

Counterparts just dropped a surprise EP, and it’s insane. This is the darkest, heaviest version of the band yet. 

Brendan Murphy seems to have forgotten that he was recording vocals for Counterparts instead of End. For the uninitiated, this EP is going to be a wake up call. The harsh, easy to understand yells present on most Counterparts songs are few and far between – replaced by raspy, rage filled screams. 

End’s chaotic ethos is also present throughout this EP.  It’s a crossover long imagined for those who dared to dream. Counterparts shows are about to get a bit more perilous.

Lyrically, the vocals on this EP are also similar to End’s. Focusing on spiritual forces and religious imagery, there are recurring motifs of flame, decay, and purity. These abstract themes are a departure from Counterparts’ typical introspective approach centered on the self and relationships with others. 

While the comparisons to End are many, this is undoubtedly Counterparts at the core. A momentary evolution into an ultimate form that can’t be maintained indefinitely. Discarding a meek exterior and embracing an inner power.

“A Martyr Left Alive” is a highlight among highlights, and with a runtime of 17 minutes, this EP offers more than expected and should be listened to in full. Experience a new sound from a band that continues to peak.

Playlist of New Songs

Quick playlist highlights

– Thoughts In The Mind of God is a new band that consists of Landon Tewers (vocalist of The Plot In You) and David Gunn (vocalist of King 810). They’ve teamed up to create an unsettling track that is incredibly fresh. It’s a little odd, and it took a few listens, but I am fully on board with this and hope that we get a full album. The new music from The Plot In You has been great, but I’m so thankful that Landon’s dark/deranged side still exists in other projects like this that he’s always working on.

– Aviana is on fire, and I like the decision to focus on Joel as the figurehead of the band in the music video. After being recruited to join and then subsequently abandoned by every other member, the band only continues to exist because of him. Watch out for their new album – it’s going to be ferocious.

– It seems like Architects might be getting back on track. The choruses and overall lyrics are still catering to Octanecore / buttrock listeners, but at least there’s a decent amount of heavy. Still could go either way – they have a long way to go before I trust them again.

– Frontierer is preparing to release an EP on December 20. The new singles have been wicked. In particular, this one has the perfect mix of chaos for me. All of their songs are meant to be an assault on your senses, but this one has nice grooves to latch onto.

– Distant just put out a new album. I need to give it a proper listen, but these guys are the kings of colossal deathcore, and I expect big things from them.

– Bury Tomorrow has another new track. It’s been cool seeing these guys get big over the years, but I just don’t care about any of their new music. I’m not sure why, it just feels so sterile, like there’s no power behind it. Unfortunately, my favorite album from them, their debut titled ‘Portraits,’ isn’t on Spotify anymore. Go listen to “These Woods Aren’t Safe For Us” from that album. Infinitely better than anything they’ve done since.

– I Declare War‘s new EP is super solid. These guys have never been super flashy, which is probably why they haven’t blown up, but they know what they’re doing.

– Livealie, the new band of James Harrison (original vocalist of Oceans Ate Alaska) just put out their fifth single. Their new album comes out December 27, and it looks like it’s going to be a good time.

– Speaking of bands that I just can’t find it in me to care about, Spiritbox has a new single. Their forthcoming album is due March 7 which is still a ways away. I really wish they would utilize Josh Gilbert more. His singing skills are wasted in a band that isn’t going to at least give him some of the spotlight.

– I also stopped caring about Killswitch Engage once Howard Jones was replaced by Jesse Leach. His vocals are so flat. No power. Singing is bad. I’m super surprised that they’re able to continue like this, which is sad, because I don’t want them to become a band that relies on their legacy to stay afloat.

VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

Have you ever wanted to vote on your favorite albums at the end of the year? Well now you can!

I created the Google form below to get your input. I’ll still have my official list, but I’m also going to create a second list that compiles your rankings. All you have to do is respond to the first question and put 10 (or more) albums in order from your favorite to least favorite.

The form has a list of about 75 bands that released music this year in case you need a helpful reminder. You can also add other bands to your list – the 75 I provided are just meant to be a helpful reference. I put the bands in alphabetical order to make sure I didn’t reveal my own ranking.

There isn’t a maximum, but I ask that you at least provide your top 10. As an example, your list could look like this:
1. Like Moths To Flames
2. Alpha Wolf
3. In Hearts Wake
4. Erra
…all the way to 10 (or more)

Don’t forget to submit it when you’re done!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JyISFC231gbsA98As3pgxW-r8kabki75gFc5D0y_BLM/edit