Just Before The Drop: #4
Featuring: blessthefall, Stick To Your Guns, All That Remains, and more. Check out the newest issue of your weekly, curated modern punk & hardcore music recommendations.
Hey friends!
New week, new issue - go, go, go! We’re super thrilled to welcome this week’s new subscribers. If you like what we’re doing here, maybe consider sharing this publication with your friends. Thanks in advance, Lukas & Adi.
We’re stoked to bring you another batch of killer recommendations. The year is already speeding up, and trust us, there’s so much exciting stuff ahead. Keeping up with all the fresh drops is getting trickier, but don’t worry - we’re here to cut through the noise and deliver only the hardest bangers and the slickest tunes from the past week (or so).
Alright, no more talking - let’s dive right in!
Drag Me Under
by blessthefall, Alpha Wolf | written by Lukas
Alright, I have one, tiny, not-so-old reminder before we start for good.
blessthefall made a thunderous return after five long years with the single Wake the Dead, but let’s be real - Drag Me Under was the one that absolutely demolished everything in its path lately.
Released in summer 2024, this track didn’t just mark their comeback - it reminded the scene who the f*ck they are. The moment that first riff hits, you know you're in for something feral. It sounds like something really good from the past. As always, Beau Bokan’s - very recognizable - clean vocals carry that signature blessthefall soaring intensity, but it’s really grows when Lochie Keogh (Alpha Wolf) jumps in. His feature? Absolutely devastating. The dude brings in a level of savagery that turns this track into a full-fledged mosh-fest anthem.
When that drop comes, it’s like getting hit by a train in slow motion. This is peak blessthefall - melodic, heavy as hell, and dripping with energy that makes you wanna throw fists, stage dive, or just straight-up lose your mind.
Drag Me Under may have landed last year, but if you somehow slept on it, now’s the time to fix that. Blare it, break stuff, repeat. 🤘
Strangers In Crime
by Balance Breach | selected by Lukas
Just encountered a scorching new track that's been on endless repeat this month. Finnish metalcore heavyweights Balance Breach have teamed up with Melissa Bruschi from Hand of Juno to drop Strangers In Crime and it's an absolute banger.
Released just last week, this track is already making waves, racking up over 20k streams on Spotify. It's the lead single from their upcoming album, Save Our Souls, set to March 7th, 2025. If this song is any indication, we're in for a wild ride.
From the get-go, Strangers In Crime hits you with a blistering riff that sets the tone for what's to come. The synergy between Balance Breach's ferocious instrumentation and Melissa's powerhouse vocals is nothing short of electrifying - I absolutely love the moment when this featuring gets in, vocals sneaking in within this gentle flow, that integrates with the track so perfectly. Can’t get rid of this one from my mind! The chorus is anthemic, the breakdowns are crushing, and the energy is relentless.
If you're into bands like Architects or While She Sleeps, this track will be right up your alley. It's a perfect blend of melody and aggression, showcasing the best of what modern metalcore has to offer. And it’s from Finland! Don't sleep on this one. Check the other released tracks as well, technically it’s a masterpiece, and some of the parts may surprise you as f*ck! 🔪
Kerosene
by All That Remains | picked by Lukas
Kerosene, or paraffin, is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is derived from petroleum. It is widely used as a fuel in aviation as well as households. 😜
The wait is finally over! All That Remains has unleashed their tenth studio album, AntiFragile, on January 31, 2025, and it's an absolute beast. This record is heavy, technical, and emotionally charged, but most importantly - it feels fresh. It doesn’t just rehash past ATR formulas; instead, it redefines their sound for a new era. However, it has the very recognizable character of the Band’s sound.
From the first punch of Kerosene (which, let’s be real, is an instant headbanger) to the atmospheric buildup of No Tomorrow, this album flows like a battle - constantly shifting between aggression and melody, light and dark.
The biggest game-changer here? Jason Richardson (formerly of Chelsea Grin and Born of Osiris) on lead guitar - new band’s addition from 2019. The guy’s technical wizardry is all over this album, adding intricate solos and shreddy chaos that push ATR into new territory. His presence - alongside Anthony Barone’s machine-like drumming - gives AntiFragile a precision and sharpness that feels both modern and nostalgic.
Lyrically, AntiFragile leans into struggle, resilience, and raw emotion, echoing the band’s journey over the past few years. Phil Labonte’s vocals switch effortlessly from soulful cleans to feral screams, proving once again why he’s one of metalcore’s most versatile frontmen. 🛢️
Check out previous issues of Just Before The Drop!
Silver Swarm
by Thornhill | picked by Adi
The Australians from Thornhill are gearing up to release their third full-length album this April, and it's introduced by the fresh and heavy-as-leaving-Australia single Silver Swarm.
This is the third track from the upcoming Bodies - maybe not as instantly catchy as Nerv, but with huge live potential. A powerful intro, crushing sound, and a soaring chorus make it clear that the band is headed in the right direction. If this is anything to go by, the upcoming album is set to meet the high bar they set for themselves three years ago with Heroine.
Silver Swarm dives into the emotional maze of being trapped in a toxic relationship, where manipulation becomes the daily norm. Even if you've been lucky enough to dodge such experiences, you’ll find yourself sinking into Thornhill’s world like you would on an Australian beach - just kick back, let the sun consume you, and forget about SPF. 😈
All For Nothing
by NOVELISTS | written by Adi
It’s hard to find a more diverse metalcore band on the European scene today than the French Novelists. They experiment boldly but with grace, much like their vocalist Camille Contreras, who officially took over as the band's “frontwoman” at the end of 2023.
Expect electronics, progressive metal, and who knows what else, all blended seamlessly. Add to that Contreras’ soaring melodic choruses and razor-sharp riffs, and you’ve got a four-minute sonic tsunami that builds up to its full force in May - when Novelists drop their fifth full-length album, CODA.
If you’re on the hunt for something fresh, some new inspiration, and somehow haven’t checked out Novelists yet, now’s the time. They’re currently on a world tour, having already stormed through Asia, North America, and Australia, and are now conquering Europe. And while they’ve been at it for 12 years, CODA might just be the turning point in their career. Keep your eyes (and ears) on this one! 🚀
Keep Planing Flowers 🌷
by Stick To Your Guns | selected by Adi
It’s only the beginning of February, and the amount of incredible music that’s already dropped this year is insane. There’s been so much, in fact, that we’re only now getting around to talking about Stick To Your Guns. Their latest track dropped in mid-January, but it’s so damn good that we have to give it some well-deserved attention today.
Once again, Jesse Barnett proves why his voice is one of the most important in the metalcore scene. STYG has always been known for their powerful, socially conscious lyrics—taking on injustice, questioning authority, and expressing the loneliness of feeling unheard in a crowd. And while Keep Painting Flowers isn’t the catchiest single they’ve released, it holds you in suspense from start to finish.
One of the softest tracks in their recent catalog …
But I know life can be such an unbearable reward,
So for those who've been truly devoured,
You were never invisible to me.
This track is a stunning mix of reflection and hope - a reminder that no matter how dark things seem, there's still a glimmer of light. But whether that light shines through or fades into the background? That’s entirely up to us.
One thing’s for sure - this new STYG album won’t go unnoticed. It’s a record that will help people push through their struggles and find strength. And just like on their past albums, there will be moments while listening to Keep Painting Flowers where you’ll feel like the lyrics were written just for you, perfectly capturing exactly what you’re going through.
And that? That’s a rare gift. 🌷
Check out previous issues of Just Before The Drop!
Someone Who Can
by Coheed and Cambria | written by Adi
Growing up, you try to understand the world and make sense of the changes you experience. Then, over the years, you start to realize that you’ll never fully figure it all out.
That’s how Claudio Sanchez described his band’s latest single, and honestly? He might’ve just summed up the entire human experience in one sentence. While Someone Who Can won’t magically solve all your problems, it might just put a smile on your face and help you see things from a lighter, better perspective.
This track is one of the most uplifting songs in Coheed and Cambria’s entire catalog. Dropped in mid-January, alongside a nostalgic, emotional music video, it serves as a perfect teaser for their upcoming 11th studio album, Vaxis - Act III: The Father of Make Believe. If you’ve been a longtime fan, this video might even bring a tear to your eye. If this is your first encounter with Coheed, prepare to be intrigued.
And there’s plenty to catch up on - this New York-based band is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and it seems like they’re not even close to being done with concept albums. Vaxis - Act III continues the narrative saga from their previous two albums (2018 & 2022) and once again tells a new chapter of Sanchez’s ever-expanding universe.
Musically, Someone Who Can oozes feel-good energy, carrying an almost summery, laid-back vibe. It’s radio-friendly without feeling forced, the kind of track that might hook new fans who haven’t yet fallen down the Coheed rabbit hole. Sure, they’ve written more intricate, progressive masterpieces in the past, but this one? It’s easygoing, welcoming, and just feels right.
You know how they say calling someone "nice" isn’t exactly a thrilling compliment? It doesn’t hint at a passionate romance, but it might just signal the start of a lifelong friendship. That’s exactly how Someone Who Can feels - maybe it won’t be your Song of 2025, but you’ll definitely feel damn comfortable in its company. 🧑🤝🧑
The Faustian Spirit
by Eidola | picked by Lukas
Alright, let’s talk about one of the freshest, most technically insane tracks I’ve discovered this year... so far. I discovered upon Eidola just last month, and The Faustian Spirit instantly caught my attention. This band brings a mind-bending fusion of post-hardcore, metalcore, and progressive rock, alternative maybe?, with intricate instrumentation and surgical precision (especially within thes guitar parts) that feels both chaotic and beautifully controlled.
If you're new to Eidola - like I was - here’s a quick rundown. Hailing from Utah, they’ve been pushing boundaries since 2011, blending philosophical themes, complex compositions, and raw emotion. Their discography includes albums like Degeneraterra (2015) and To Speak, To Listen (2017), both of which showcase their ability to merge aggressive heaviness with ethereal melody and easy-low lines. And now, they’re back.
First off - this track (The Faustian Spirit) goes “hard”. The opening tones alone - heard as a old-school 70s, harmonic parts - feels like a proggy intricacy, setting the stage for an absolute rollercoaster of a song. Andrew Wells delivers a masterclass in vocal versatility, shifting between pristine cleans, throat-shredding screams, and haunting harmonies. The progressive elements are off the charts here - tempo shifts, intricate guitar layers, and a fluid yet unpredictable structure keep you locked in from start to finish. It’s got that Dance Gavin Dance-like technicality, but with a heavier, darker edge. And that was my very first thought, what a great “influence”, I was amazed.
If you love bands that push genre limits - balancing technicality, emotion, and pure energy - Eidola is a must-listen. The Faustian Spirit is the perfect gateway into their world, and with a new album likely on the horizon, now is the time to dive in. Don’t miss this one. Blast it, get lost in it, and prepare to be absolutely floored. 👻
Oh, I have one more association… Proste The Hero!
Afterlife
by The Day We Left Earth | picked by Lukas
Sometimes you stumble upon a new band, and it feels like you’ve struck gold. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered The Day We Left Earth this January. These guys might be fresh on the scene, but they’re already making serious noise with their latest single, Afterlife.
Hailing from Norway, this band delivers a killer blend of modern metalcore and melodic alternative rock, maybe even a bit of of power-core from bands like Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! or I See Stars. Afterlife kicks off with massive, super-meoldic bone-crushing riffs, muffled footwork that hit you right in the chest, and the vocals? Cleans, soaring, and dripping with emotion, and growls got that perfect mix of heaviness and energy - the kind that makes you wanna headbang and sing along at the same time.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting - they’ve already teamed up with Dead by April on a track called Hurricane (from The Affliction). Collaborating with such a well-established name this early in their career? That’s a bold move, and it shows just how much potential these guys have.
They’ve got the hooks, the heaviness, and the heart. Definitely a band to keep your eyes on, especially with more new music likely on the horizon. Trust me - hit play on Afterlife, turn it up loud, and get ready to lose yourself in this sonic journey. 🌌
Dude, my favorite one this week, no doubts! Can’t wait for more!
Demoni
by No Good | selected by Adi
Back in the second issue of Just Before The Drop, I introduced you to the Mexican band The Shelter. Today, we’re once again stepping outside the “anglosphere” for another keep an eye on them recommendation. Meet No Good - a fresh band from Udine, Italy, channeling the energy of American punk rock giants like Bad Religion and Misfits, while carving out their own space on the local scene after a long break. And let’s be real - they’ve picked a solid direction that could easily take them far beyond just the Mediterranean waters.
Musically, it’s fast and melodic, very much in the Bad Religion vein, but with a catchier, more anthemic edge. The chorus - built around the demons lurking under the bed (or more precisely, at the back of our minds) - sticks in your head instantly. No Good clearly knows their roots, and they’re in good company - Italy’s punk rock scene has always been alive and kicking.
Over the years, bands like Sun Eats Hours, Melody Falls, Sunset Radio, and Vanilla Sky have drawn heavily from sunny California punk, and it looks like No Good is heading in a more pop-punk direction - which, honestly, is no bad thing. Especially considering that northern Italy, and Udine in particular, could use a little more sunshine.
So, if you’re down to explore non-English punk rock, Italy’s scene has plenty to offer, and No Good might just be the perfect excuse to dive in.