Just Before The Drop: #3
Featuring: Architects, LANDMVRKS, Papa Roach, and more. Check out the newest issue of your weekly, curated modern punk & hardcore music recommendations.
Hey friends!
New week, new drop - Just Before The Drop! đ Weâve got an awesome new batch of music recommendations lined up for you, and trust us, you donât want to miss this one. And as 2025 rolling in, weâre keeping pace with more exciting releases.
Alright, enough talking - letâs go!
Blackhole
by Architects | selected by Lukas
Architects 𧱠are on fire. Blackhole, their latest single from the upcoming album The Sky, The Earth & All Between (dropping February 28, 2025), is with not doubts (at least on top of what weâve heard till now) a ferocious return to their roots while still pushing their sound forward. Following the earlier singles Whiplash and Curse, this track solidifies the idea that Architects arenât holding back - theyâre on the new/old territory.
The anticipation for The Sky, The Earth & All Between is high - and for good reason. As their 11th studio album, Blackhole suggests itâs shaping up to be one of Architectsâ most aggressive and powerful records yet. What sets Blackhole apart is its ability to balance fury with control. Samâs vocals are back with a vengeance, the riffs hit hard and fast, and the atmosphere is gripping. This isnât just nostalgia - itâs evolution.
Adding to the intensity are subtle electronic elements, giving the track an extra layer of texture. The album might feels like itâs pulling heavily from their roots while refining those raw edges into something fresh and deeply exciting. Sure, the polished production and modern soundscapes mean the old-school Lost Forever // Lost Together mastering isnât replicated exactly, but Blackhole channels the same energy, making it a clear nod to that era.
To me last productions from these guys were fine, but had no huge emotions along. With this one is much different, really canât wait for it. Days left.
Barbarian
by August Burns Red | written by Adi
Another recommendation straight out of Pennsylvania, and this time from a band thatâs much more recognizable and seasoned. August Burns Red has been a pillar of the metalcore scene for two decades, and theyâre showing no signs of slowing down.
Itâs been 20 years since ABRâs debut album, and one of the great news in 2024 was the announcement that the band would be re-recording their first album. As of a âfew hours agoâ, you can now listen to Thrill Seeker completely reimagined, recorded with their current lineup - though with a few exceptions. On Barbarian, the vocals once again come courtesy of Josh McManness, who originally recorded them for the bandâs debut.
Not everyoneâs a fan of special editions or anniversary releases, but this oneâs worth it for Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage alone. He lends his talents to the new version of Your Little Suburbia Is in Ruins and, fun fact, was the original producer for ABRâs debut album.
What if Burn đ„
by Bury Tomorrow | picked by Lukas
Bury Tomorrow has just dropped their latest single, What If I Burn. This track is a sneak peek into their upcoming album, Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience, set to release on May 16, 2025.
From the first tones, What If I Burn hits differently. It's not your typical Bury Tomorrow banger; they've ventured into new territory here. The song kicks off with Dani Winter-Bates delivering clean vocals - a move that caught many fans off guard but in the best way possible. Around the 2:10 mark, Tom Prendergast steps in with some gritty growls, adding a fresh layer to their sound.
The band describes the track as atmospherically stirring, focusing on the tricks that our mind plays on our perception of existence. It's a deep dive into the human psyche, wrapped in a melody that's both haunting and captivating.
I might say itâs not a typical Bury Tomorrow, we can hear here some definition both the sound lineup and vocals - stronger, more versatile. If this track is any indication, the upcoming album is going to be a wild ride. Bury Tomorrow is pushing their boundaries, and we're here for every second of it. Again!
Donât Let Me Get too Town
by Silverstein | selected by Lukas
Itâs outstanding that bands weâve been growing up with, that were starting their careers with us (at least with me), theyâre still here, making this great music, not giving up even for a minute. And so one of these bands definitely is Silverstein that just unveiled their latest single, Don't Let Me Get Too Low, offering a dynamic blend of their classic sound infused with pop-punk and (as always) hardcore elements. The track is a precursor to their forthcoming album, Antibloom, scheduled for release on February 21, 2025. Btw. check out this new Spotifyâs feature of upcoming albums with the premiere clock moving down.
Frontman Shane Told describes the song as a fusion of their traditional style with newer influences, creating a multifaceted experience within a concise runtime. The accompanying music video, filmed in the desert outside Las Vegas, features Told digging his own grave - a visual metaphor that complements the song's introspective lyrics.
Whatâs most interesting is that this release sets the stage for Antibloom, the first installment of Silverstein's ambitious double album project, with Pink Moon slated to follow later in 2025. Crazy as it sounds, but hey, letâs wait for it.
CULT
by Magnolia Park | selected by Lukas
Ohhh my, emotions. Reflecting on pivotal life moments, music often serves as the soundtrack to our experiences. For me, Magnolia Park's MoonEater EP was that defining scene during a significant transition - moving out, packing up family belongings, and embarking on a new chapter in the new country. The EP's blend resonated deeply, making those days unforgettable.
Now, Magnolia Park has unveiled their latest single, CULT, from their forthcoming neo-gothic concept album, VAMP, set to release on April 11, 2025. The band describes CULT as a powerful anthem about reclaiming one's power from oppressors, aiming to inspire listeners to stand up for what's right.
The track introduces us to Aurora X1, a half-human, half-cyborg protagonist navigating the tumultuous world of Nocturne Nexus, where rulers and rebels clash. Musically, CULT delivers a ferocious blend of pop-punk energy and hardcore intensity, showcasing Magnolia Park's signature sound while pushing their creative boundaries - itâs for sure something new.
As I immerse in CULT, I'm reminded of the transformative power of music. Just as MoonEater was the soundtrack to a significant chapter in my life, CULT promises to be an anthem for those seeking empowerment and change. Band continues to craft songs that not only reflect their artistic evolution but also resonate deeply with listeners navigating their own journeys; and thatâs my personal interpretation of it, too much?
Even If It Kills Me
by Papa Roach | picked by Adi
Speaking of bands with a knack for live shows, Papa Roach is gearing up for the release of their 12th full-length album! Ahead of its debut, theyâve dropped the first teaser track, Even If It Kills Me.
Longtime fans wonât be surprised by whatâs on offer here-some rap-infused verses and, as always, a sharp, unforgettable chorus that digs its way into your head. Frontman Jacoby Shaddix has teased that the new album, slated for release later this year, will carry the same vibe as Ego Trip (2022) while still experimenting with new ideas. That said, Even If It Kills Me is firmly in their comfort zone, delivering exactly what their loyal fans have come to expect.
The track might not revolutionize their discography, but if youâre already hooked on Papa Roachâs style, this one is bound to stay on repeat. And who knows - after a few listens, it might just turn into your next favorite jam.
Nod
by Rise Against | proudly selected by Adi
Because the line that is drawn between nightmares and dreams is thin like a razor, and weâre fast asleep.
For over 25 years, Tim McIlrath has proven himself to be a brilliant lyricist and an even better vocalist. The punk rockers from Chicago officially celebrated their 25th anniversary last year, but without a commemorative album. Instead, theyâve made us wait until 2025 for a world tour with Papa Roach and their highly anticipated 10th studio album. Nod makes it clear that the bandâs priorities havenât shifted - theyâre still making music that matters.
Are you saving the world so desperately?
Or are you holding a gun, demanding peace?
In these uncertain times of global conflict and a reality thatâs shifting faster than ever, the music of Rise Against remains steadfast: it continues to unite and inspire action among thousands of fans worldwide. Nod is another manifesto, refusing to accept the political tensions that affect not just Americans but people everywhere. McIlrath himself has said that the new track is also a reminder that weâre not alone, and that thought, even if briefly, can ease our anger and frustration.
Weâre counting the days until the new album, because bands like Rise Against arenât just important- theyâre essential in todayâs world.
2 AM
by Moonroof | written by Adi
The lightest pick of the week - almost as light as the gentle frosts in Philadelphia, where the journey of Moonroof began. If youâre from the city of Rocky, chances are youâre already familiar with this indie-pop quartet, as local radio stations have been championing them in their competitionAs for years.
It seems like theyâre finally ready to make waves beyond the Delaware River, because 2 AM has everything it takes to catch the attention of bigger stations. Dreamy yet melodic drumlines guide us through the track, accompanied by David Kimâs soft, delicate vocals. But donât be fooled - these guys know how to crank up the tempo when performing live.
Breaking into the indie-pop scene wonât be easy, but if youâre a fan of The 1975, Two Door Cinema Club, or The Lumineers (whom they even opened for in 2019), make sure to add Moonroof to your followed list on Spotify.
A Line in the Dust
by LANDMVRKS, While She Sleeps
European metalcore forces unite once again! LANDMVRKS are gearing up to release their fourth album, The Darkest Place Iâve Ever Been, this April. Weâve already had a glimpse of three tracks from the record, and this latest offering features none other than Mat Welsh of While She Sleeps fame.
A Line In The Dust stands out as one of the bandâs most personal songs to date. Lines like, And I'm drowning, full of lies and empty words I've been saying for so long, bounce hard, especially when delivered by Florent Salfatiâs unmistakably raw and emotive vocals. LANDMVRKS have a unique sound thatâs hard to confuse with any other metalcore band, and this track only hardens their position as one of Europeâs most exciting acts.
This upcoming release has all the makings of a game-changer - not just for their European fanbase, but on the global scene as well. With the momentum theyâre building, The Darkest Place Iâve Ever Been could very well be a contender for metalcore album of the year.
Keep your ears open for more from this incredible record. And honestly, we wouldnât mind seeing LANDMVRKS return to the stage alongside While She Sleeps sometime soon, because the energy and growth this band brings year after year are undeniable.
Elevator Operator
by Electric Callboy | finally selected by Lukas
Electric Callboy has carved a niche with their signature blend of electronic-infused metalcore and humor-laden lyrics, delivering hits like Pump It, We Got The Moves and their re-edition of Everytime We Touch. Their latest release, Elevator Operator, continues this trend, featuring actor Uke Bosse in the music video and offering a mix of funky grooves, EDM energy, and heavy breakdowns.
While the track maintains the band's established style, some fans express concerns about potential repetitiveness. Comments from the metalcore community suggest that the formula might be wearing thin for some listeners. And to be honest, I share this thoughts too⊠I mean, I love the style and the overall concept, but having another song with the same flavor might eventually too much.
As Elevator Operator serves as a precursor to their upcoming album, it raises questions about the band's creative direction. Will the new album offer fresh elements to keep their sound engaging and the bandâs momentum, or will it adhere closely to the established formula? Only time will tell if Electric Callboy can continue to captivate its audience without the novelty wearing off. What do you think?