Just Before The Drop: #1
Featuring: Fame on Fire, In Hears Wake, Mayfield, Linkin Park, Fever 333, The Plot In You, Make Them Suffer, Stand Atlantic, Blink-182, Face to Face.
Hi there. Adi & Lukas here!
This is our very first issue of Just Before The Drop! If you're not familiar with what is all about yet, be sure to check out our about page, where we share our backstory, explaining what you can expect from this publication.
With that said, let's dive into the list!
Chains (The Tower)
by Fame on Fire & SiM | written by Lukas
Oh boy, this is so exciting! Before we sink into Chains, I’ve got to say - it wasn’t easy trying to set the perfect order for these 10 amazing tracks. Adi and I went back and forth on this for quite a while, fiercely debating how to make this just right. It was a challenge, but we’re finally there - and we really hope you’ll love what we’ve put together. Buckle up!
The Cover Band that's how people often refer to them. Sure, they’ve released a bunch of awesome reinterpreted hits like Shape of You by Ed Sheeran or Chemical by Post Malone, but hold on a second... they have original, self-written music too. In fact, starting with Levels (2020), the band has been delivering powerful tracks that balance fast, energetic post-hardcore with more moderate melodies. I think that pandemic played a huge role in spreading hits like Not Dead Yet or Plastic Heart through social media, helping Fame on Fire gain recognition beyond their stunning cover arrangements. I love revisiting their no-crowd live performances from the pandemic days - I’m pretty sure that they helped massive amount of people get through that tough times.
Guess what? The post-hardcore superstars from Palm Beach, Florida are back with a new record. The Death Card is the title of that thing, and man, it’s so good. Mature, dark, packed with melodic riffs, it’s a cohesive piece that marks a significant evolution in the band's sound and lyrical depth. You can still hear the signature Fame on Fire style - those characteristic overdriven guitars - but dive deeper, and you'll find more keys, dragged breakdowns, surprisingly fewer screams, and a precise balance that ties into the tarot cards from the cover and theming concept.
Let me highlight Chains, my absolute favorite track from this release. Featuring a collaboration with SiM, it delivers an unstoppable blend of power and melody that you’ll want to keep on repeat on and on. Enjoy!
The Emptiness Machine
by Linkin Park | written by Adi
“There are people who can’t be replaced” or “No one is irreplaceable.” Whichever statement rings true to you, it’s impossible to stay indifferent to the rebirth of one of the most iconic nu-metal bands in history. This sentiment is clearly shared by thousands of fans worldwide, especially since their latest single debuted directly at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100—their highest chart position since 2009.
Seven years after Chester Bennington’s tragic death, the band stunned the world by announcing Emily Armstrong, frontwoman of the hard-rock band Dead Sara, as their new vocalist. Wasting no time, they dropped a powerful track to promote their upcoming 8th studio album, slated for release this November. The title, From Zero, perfectly encapsulates their current moment. While it signals a fresh start, let’s be real - when you’re a band like Linkin Park, you never truly start from zero.
Though I’ve never been a die-hard LP fan, I deeply respect the monumental impact they’ve had on music. With the new single and Emily Armstrong at the helm, I can’t wait to hear what they’ve got in store when November 15th rolls around.
No Hostages
by FEVER 333 | written by Adi
“A black panther doesn’t attack unless cornered, with no way out. That’s how it is with our band.” Jason Butler (vocals) leaves no doubt - Fever 333 is more than just a music group. The Californians bring a full-throttle, anti-establishment mentality to everything they do, fighting for minority rights and drawing unapologetic influence from legends like Rage Against The Machine and Public Enemy. Wrapped in a hardcore-punk package, their sound is a fiery mix of raw energy and sharp intent.
Their latest track, No Hostages, promotes their upcoming third studio album and proves they still have plenty of dynamite left in their arsenal. And just when you think they couldn’t turn up the heat any higher, along comes Darker White, dropping October 4th. Expect infectious choruses, relentless energy, and lyrics that hit as hard as the riffs.
If you haven’t checked them out yet, but 20 years ago you were playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater while blasting RATM, it’s time to catch up—fast.
Been Here Before
by Plot In You | written by Lukas
Right… where do I even begin with this one? There’s just so much to say. After a quick thought, I think the best place to start is Left Behind. Have you heard it? If not, do yourself a favor and start there - it’s one of those tracks that will blow your mind instantly. When Adi and I first heard it, we were honestly at a loss for fuck’n words.
Why, you ask? Well, from my perspective, Left Behind felt like a revelation - something totally fresh, pure, and completely different. The melodic lines are out of this world, layered with unique instrumentation that feels innovative yet perfectly balanced. And then there’s Landon Tewers’ vocals, which absolutely crushing it. His delivery is delicate and subtle in the verses, drawing you in, only to hit you with full force and punch in the choruses. It’s this dynamic contrast that makes the track hit so hard.
The star, though, is the guitar work - that floating, slightly warped riff right at the beginning? It’s pure magic, sounding even like a transformed keys. It builds this incredible tension and gives the entire track a flow that’s both hypnotic and electrifying. It’s one of those songs you can’t help but play on repeat - shockingly good, shockingly fresh, and straight-up perfect. I was floored, utterly devastated in the best way.
This track kicked off a series of three consecutive EPs: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3. This approach fits right into today’s music release trends - smaller, more frequent drops instead of a single full-length album, with two, three singles before. Each EP contains three tracks, all of which follow a cohesive yet fresh sound direction for the band. However, Left Behind and Been Here Before stand out as the lightest and most melodic of the bunch. They’re less harsh, less raw, and instead lean toward alternative arrangements that showcase a more nuanced side of the band’s sound.
Been Here Before is the second track from these EPs and continues the incredible formula we’ve come to experience. The same pattern from Left Behind, that floating, ear-to-ear guitar sound is back, perfectly balanced with melodic string pulls and Landon “strong” vocals. This one picks up the pace a bit, driven by a three-beat drum rhythm that steadily cruises toward an unforgettable finale. In that closing sequence, you’ll hear that captivating sound bouncing from left to right, paired with subtle keys and Tewers’ gentle, almost ethereal voice - dude, it’s pure magic.
Adi put it best when he said this track fills you with positive energy. It’s not the kind of song that makes you want to throw your elbow in the pit - it’s more like the kind that makes you want to huddle up with your friends, feeling uplifted and connected. Well said, my friend, well said.
And finally you have the Spare Me … This one is out of planet and I will write about it within the next issue. Interested? Subscribe our publication.
Transmission (uns ǝɥʇ)
by In Hearts Wake | written by Lukas
I’ll be super honest, guys, I’ve been waiting for this album like crazy! Why? Have you ever heard Hellbringer or Son of a Witch from Kaliyuga? If not, you’ve gotta catch up fast! To me, that album was one of the most intriguing and refreshing discoveries of 2020. Fast melodic tempos, technical riffs, deep growls, and those hoarse, clean parts - it was seriously engaging stuff. At the time, it felt like the final step in their evolution, dialing back the raw harshness that defined their earlier albums like Divination, which had paved the way for this new branch of metalcore back in 2012.
Honestly, I expected this new album to follow that path - lighter, more melodic, with a solid chunk of clean vocals, leaning more towards post-hardcore than metalcore. But man, I was so wrong!
The first track I heard from Incarnation was The Flood, featuring Winston McCall from Parkway Drive. Oh my, this song is bold! It tackles the weighty topic of global devastation - nothing new for the Australian frontman - it’s so fast and bitter. McCall entrance is significant and very much on point, adding pungent flavor to the whole composition. There's this killer moment where electronics sneak in - after each verse, there’s this tension-building, almost breakdown-like part that sounds like it’s straight out of a techno track. Shockingly good! So after hearing this, I knew Incarnation wasn't going to be anything like Kaliyuga.
The new record is more aggressive and chaotic than ever, especially in tracks like Orphan, Shishigami and Spitting Nails, where blistering breakdowns and electronic flourishes push their sound even further. It’s like a nod to their earlier albums, but with a much sharper edge.
My personal selection from this release is Transmission. Unlike the relentless metalcore assault of most tracks, Transmission leans into a more melodic, almost progressive vibe. The intricate guitar work and extended instrumental sections give it an atmospheric touch. It still keeps their heavy roots but with a more reflective, emotional feel. It reminds me a lot of Controller by Misery Signals - seriously, I’m melting over here!
Adi has this statement - he’s repeating it from time to time - that every Australian metalcore band is making the best portion of music you can ever experience in this genre. He’s so right again!
Oscillator
by Make Them Suffer | written by Lukas
At the time of writing this, Make Them Suffer’s self-titled album Make Them Suffer has just dropped - it’s been a couple of days since the release, and I can’t recommend it enough. The album was teased with two incredible singles, Ghost of Me and Doomswitch, but it’s the third single, The Oscillator, that really steals the show and perfectly represents the taste of this release.
If you’re not familiar with the band, here’s a quick dive into their history. Make Them Suffer (originally from Perth, Australia) started out as a juggernaut in the deathcore scene, releasing their debut (LP) album Neverbloom in 2012. It was a raw record that left a lasting impression with its brutal heaviness, intricate melodies, and atmospheric undertones - quite inlined with current (that times) trends. Their follow-up, Old Souls (2015), continued in the same vein, blending crushing riffs with melodic parts from time to time, which was a tiny refreshment. These early releases cemented their reputation as one of the most creative and versatile in the genre. Further touring with bands like After The Burial or Acacia Strain.
Over the years, the band faced several lineup changes, which ultimately played a role in shaping their evolving sound. Some members departed, others returned, and new faces joined to push their music into the fresh directions. During the pandemic, they underwent a significant transformation, finalizing their current lineup, with Alex Reade, and releasing their fifth album, How to Survive a Funeral (2020). This record marked a turning point, introducing a more refined and melodic sound with the addition of female clean vocals and expanded keyboard lines. Tracks like Erase Me became instant hits, showcasing a move towards a post-hardcore’ish-inspired sound while still retaining the heaviness. Which was quite good as a final result. Finally, saying that this was an exciting evolution.
Now, with their self-titled album, Make Them Suffer have fully embraced this evolution while staying true to their roots. The Oscillator is a standout track - a dynamic blend of rough riffs, soaring vocals, and an some portion of electronics. This release is a clear proof of their ability to adapt, experiment, and thrive, keeping modern and fresh feeling.
If you’ve never given Make Them Suffer a chance, this is the perfect time to dive in. This album feels like the culmination of everything they’ve been building toward, and it’s absolutely worth your time.
17
by Stand Atlantic | written by Adi
In recent years, Australian metalcore bands have been dominating European clubs, but this time, Sydney delivers a rising star from the ever-expanding pop-punk scene. Stand Atlantic, led by the charismatic Bonnie Fraser, is one of the most exciting acts to emerge recently, bringing fresh energy to the genre with a female-fronted lineup. While 17 wasn’t released as an official single, it stands out as one of the strongest tracks on their fourth LP, which dropped in late August. And when we say "strongest," we mean it—this track channels a heavier edge, hinting at their brief flirtation with Australian metalcore heavyweights POLARIS, with whom they collaborated on the track Criminal.
Fans of Stand Atlantic’s harder side might also recall molotov [OK] from their previous album, still arguably their heaviest single to date. On the new record, the band masterfully blends sugary, irresistibly catchy melodies like Love You Anyway with high-energy concert anthems like 17. This one’s a guaranteed mosh pit starter - teenagers will be diving in headfirst, though they probably won’t be alone.
Stand Atlantic has already visited Poland three times, including a memorable show last year at Warsaw’s Niebo club, where the crowd proved that their fanbase isn’t just made up of teenagers. Keep your eyes on these Aussies - they’re on a trajectory to take the scene by storm.
If You Never Left
by Blink-182 | written by Adi
The return of pop-punk legends last year was one of the genre’s most monumental events in recent memory. Blink-182 reunited in their iconic lineup as Tom DeLonge rejoined Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker after a 7-year hiatus. The reunion sparked the band’s largest tour in their 30+ year history - 91 shows spanning four continents, with Billboard estimating a staggering $150 million in gross earnings.
Amid this massive comeback, Blink also dropped their ninth studio album, which racked up over 30 million streams in its first week. The reunion itself was bittersweet, coming after Hoppus’ battle with leukemia, but it resulted in One More Time..., their first album in 12 years with the original lineup. Hugely embraced by fans, the album even got a deluxe edition featuring eight new tracks, proving their creative fire is far from burned out.
One of the standout additions is If You Never Left. It’s almost surprising this track didn’t make the original cut, as it’s an instant fan favorite and an absolute must-listen. With every new release, our hope (as Poles) grows stronger that Blink-182 will finally add our country to their map on their next tour. Fingers crossed! For now we had to settle for a gig in Prague.
Self-determined
by FACE TO FACE | w
Some bands have nothing left to prove. They thrive in their niche, unbothered by trends, and don’t need to chase relevance to stay in the game. The veterans of melodic punk rock from Southern California are one such band. Face to Face might not be planning their 13th album just yet in their 33-year career, but they’ve still found a way to remind us why their sound is timeless.
Self-Determined was originally written during the 2016 sessions for Protection - the album that marked their triumphant return to the legendary Fat Wreck Chords label after 20 years. Now, the track gets a second wind as it kicks off their upcoming South American tour alongside A Wilhelm Scream.
True to form, Self-Determined delivers everything fans have come to expect: no-frills, uncompromising punk rock paired with straightforward, defiant lyrics: "I don't care, you don't care. We aren't going anywhere. Anytime, anyplace. We're not running in this race."
Throw in their signature bass lines, and you’ve got the perfect embodiment of what makes Face to Face tick. At the helm, Trevor Keith (nicknamed “Zero Tolerance” from both his previous band and his purist approach to crafting punk rock) ensures the band never strays far from its roots. Yet, they somehow manage to keep their sound fresh with every release, delivering catchy choruses and sharp melodies that still stand out in their genre. Listen to Self-Determined for just a moment, and you’ll instantly know - it’s Face to Face.
Simulated
by Mayfield | written by Lukas
OK, these guys were completely off my radar. Never heard of them or their music. The first track I stumbled upon was Keep You, and right away, I was hooked. My initial thought? Solid pop-punk/alternative vibes with a bit of an edge. Naturally, I had to dive deeper, and before I knew it, I was looping the entire album for over a week straight.
The band hails from Ottawa, Canada, and they’ve got one full-length album - Careless Love (2019). What’s really interesting is how different that record is compared to this year’s release. It’s a solid case of evolution, and you can really hear how their sound has shifted over the years. Careless Love leans much closer to Counterparts, with that heavier, more aggressive hardcoreish vibe than e.g. Story So Far which sounds are closer with the style to the new album of Mayfield. Trust me, you’ll want to check out both albums. It’s a cool trip to hear how they’ve changed and grown musically. Maybe grown it’s not a proper word … maybe it’s just an evolution that is interesting to engage with. I need to think about it, but first I’ll play Recovery - what a song.
Although I was mistaken at first about their style, for the new album - as said - it’s more like pop-punk with punchy hardcore elements. The vocals really follow this flow: you get nice clean melodies, but then they throw in some harder, aggressive inserts that totally switch things up. It’s a mix of light and rough that keeps you on your toes. There are moments where the guitars venture into almost alternative rock territory, setting up a seamless stage for those whiny, screamy verses to come in hard, perfectly. All of this together sounds tight - solid and complete. I love how each track builds up, firstly its own interior and then its own unique facade creates the final piece. It’s impressive how original it is at the same time.
The whole record maintains this fresh and captivating vibe that’s impossible to put down. Even tracks like Mistake of God keep you hooked. And then there’s Nail In The Coffin - sitting on the other end of the spectrum. You’ll see what I mean when you roll it over.
My pick from The Cabin Sessions has to be Simulated. I’ve got this feeling that it perfectly captures the overall vibe of the record and gives the best first impression. It’s the kind of track that’ll pull you in and get you wow effect on their fresh, unconventional sounds.
P.S. Remember! You must check their first album as well.