Shockpowder is a shoegaze, post-metal project with metal influences founded by Joshua Scurfield in 2015 and Numb But Fragile is his latest single, released on 30/06/2023.

Already a fan of Shockpowder after reviewing a few previous releases, I was excited to receive this one to see what he had produced this time! I was not disappointed. Using sound to paint dreams, Shockpowder intends to “capture the power and emotional glory of dreams and the human psyche” with his music.

This song has an added mournfulness as it is about how a death affected him from a young age and throughout his life, and I am sure it is a theme many people can resonate with.

With the usual blend of shoegaze and metal infusions that we have come to know and love from Shockpowder, this track is more atmospheric than previous releases due to the nature of the heartfelt lyrics. Once again, this is a song of ups and downs, with serene verses that have more laid-back guitar work and drumming but it is in the choruses that the guitars and drums really step up a notch or three and hit you right in the stomach.

The shoegaze element is more evident in this track too, with fuzzy guitars really merging with the haunting vocals, almost to the point of inaudibility of the lyrics, but creating a very sorrowful ambience to the song.

I am always amazed how this guy manages to get the sound he does, but that just goes to prove his talent and musicianship. Please head on over to Spotify or Soundcloud and look up Shockpowder. His music is hard-hitting, ambient, and emotional.

This one actually brought tears to my eyes!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

A Leicester-based alternative band with punk influences, 9 O’clock Nasty consists of Sydd Spudd on beats, Pete Brock on guitar and vocals and Ted Pepper on bass and vocals, and Mickey Humper, A Pocket Opera is their latest release, unleashed on to the public on 01/07/2023.

The Mickey Humper, A Pocket Opera EP is a collaboration between 9 O’clock Nasty and The Qwarks, both of which I have reviewed in the past and I must say it is one of the weirdest, whackiest, and downright maddest things I have heard.

The EP consists of two tracks, Mickey Humper by The Qwarks and Mickey Humpper by 9 O’clock Nasty and is the tale of a dog called Ludo who “loved his mickey toy just a little too much for polite company!”

With punk and progressive influences on both tracks, each song is completely different to the other, each band’s traits becoming apparent in their relevant song.

9 O’Clock Nasty’s track definitely has the punk vibe that I have come to know and love from them, and with the wackiness of the lyrics, this really is a track that stands out.

9 O’clock Nasty really are a band with a lot of diversity and more people should check them out, so if you haven’t done so already go and do it now! Go on, off to Spotify with you and see what you are missing out on! GO!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

The Breakdown are a sensational melodic rock band from London consisting of members Mike Connell on vocals, Andy Strevens on guitar, Richard Gale on guitar, Toby Young on drums and Michael McGuiness on bass. Triumphing over adversity during lockdown, they released their acclaimed debut album Open The Barricades in 2022 and are now in the process of completing their sophomore album, which is due for release in August 2023.

This Rigged Machine is the band’s latest single, released on 29/06/2023, and is a “captivating and honest portrayal of the modern dating scene.” It portrays the challenges of finding genuine connections in a society full of ‘swipes’ and superficial interactions.

Not only does this track take the listener on a heartfelt journey with insightful and meaningful lyrics, but also on a tour of many different genres, ranging from alternative rock to indie rock and also a hint of punk rock, and all in the space of just over four minutes.

The track changes pace numerous times throughout and with each change there is a different style of music. The guitar and drum work ranges from slow and laid back to full on and hard-hitting, with lots of energy and with an extra bounce and swagger provided by the meaty basslines, this is a track that should get you dancing around your living room.

The vocals split between being melodic alternative rock to more shouty and punchy punk-esque and the contrast is great to hear. With layered backups in the same style, the song has a great depth and vigour to it.

Check out The Breakdown and see what you think. I, for one, am looking forward to hearing more from them.

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Miron is a singer / songwriter based in Paris and All Of A Sudden is his latest single, released on 30/06/2023.

The rock artist, who is making waves in the rock music scene, has once again delivered a great track following the release of previous singles, Plague, With Your Eyes, Too Deep and Long Nails, which were all resounding successes.

With a classic rock foundation this track also sprawls out into other genres, resulting in a sound that is strong, powerful, and electrifying.

With heavy guitar riffs that will stick in your head, the guitar work is raw and captivating, the solos fantastically performed and with a hint of blues thrown in for good measure. The music side of things on this track has a nostalgic 80’s feel to it, while at the same time maintaining a modern edge that really sets the track apart from the rest.

Miron’s deep, powerful vocals really make the song, and there is a touch of grittiness and gruffness about them that really encapsulates the raw power and depth of the track.

I loved this track from the first few notes that I heard and the more I listened to it, the more I liked it. There is also a swagger to the track that will make you tap your foot, at the very least.

Awesome sound from a very talented and passionate artist and I look forward to hearing more!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum