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2278 days between releases, and LOATHE still have time on their side. Six years' worth of work has culminated in the fabled return of one of the UK’s most urgent heavy acts, and much like their earlier discography, when the band deliver, they provide their best. A Stranger To You was never late; instead, it arrived right on schedule - ahead of the curve and still at the top of their game. In the grand scheme of things, it’s nowhere near as long as the two thousand-plus years of history detailed in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, but if the fates have anything to do with it, these two mythic bodies of work released on the same night in the UK seem almost poetic. After all, Odysseus was described as ‘Polytropos’, translated as a man of many twists and turns, and LOATHE’s sonic labyrinth of experimentation provides one hell of a breathtaking epic, a Trojan horse of sonic fury that confronts metalcore head-on. As an album shifting over the years between various states of completion, A Stranger To You seemed to loom over the alternative scene almost mythically, with fans foaming at the mouth for its grand debut. After a cancelled tour in 2022 (to complete the album), the record seemed to be pushed further and further away, until the release of Gifted Every Strength in May 2025, signalling that something unprecedented was on the way. The singles have been telling a story of hard-line aggression, the cut-and-thrust brutality of Revenant (featuring ex-CODE ORANGE co-conspirators Jami Morgan and Shade Balderose) and the unwavering gloom of recently-released Fangs. However, this album flips the narrative entirely. A Stranger To You is a wicked experiment of letting the references speak for themselves. Amongst the grit of the DEFTONES-inspired shoegaze and the bombastic heaviness, there is some inspired use of personal influence, such as jazz, hip-hop and electronic, that can give so much necessary contrast to this album. The record becomes unlike anything else entirely, moved into its own space that’s so unique and personal. Real sensitive care has been taken from the moment the album begins, with a spoken word segment from Bucki Sugar, who, according to an interview with Kerrang!, serves as the album’s narrator, adding perspective against the darkness of the sludgy base segments. From here, the record falls into a brutalist landscape bombarded with a vocal feature from STATIC DRESS frontman Olli Appleyard. From the etherealism of 2020’s I Let It In, And It Took Everything, released a month before the pandemic, there’s an underlying grit that comes through in the bass tone that wasn’t there before. In some ways, this makes the album feel loose, with plenty to dissect after the first listen. In tracks like Harder To Pretend, there are some tangy moments of dance, encircled by electronic synths and cascading vocals. The tone shifts again in The Way It Breaks to go full pelt on a face-melting guitar solo. Meet My Maker adds this real pop-centric drive running through the centre of the record, melting garage-style beats and BOSTON MANOR-esque harmonised choruses into a gloriously groovy ooze. The Ladder really challenges the LOATHE sound with acoustic guitar and wandering lyrics that make this track a standout. Little inflexions and added musical parts give this record real definition, one that just could not be made in quick succession. Trilling guitar notes that aim themselves towards real moments of catharsis, a dazzling display of Erik’s synths and style. Kadeem ties it all together with outstretched lyrics that are the band’s most heartfelt. And it does not feel pretentious at all; it feels honest and, at times, raw. During the course of this project, the band really found themselves, and it’s that imperfect nature that drives this record home. LOATHE are a tastemaker, and this record proves that as much as you can build the foundations of a genre, it’s just as easy to tear them down. Rating: 10/10 Words: Amber Brooks Photo: Steve Gullick

RED METHOD have never been a band to shy away from the darker side of life, and As In Life might just be their most focused release yet. After a turbulent few years behind the scenes, this six-track EP feels like a reset button. It's heavy, emotional and unapologetically bleak, but underneath all the aggression is a band that sounds more confident in who they are than ever before. Things get underway with Counting Corpses, and it's one hell of an introduction. Built around crushing grooves and huge riffs, the track wastes no time making its intentions clear. Lyrically it's a savage look at greed, power and humanity's destructive nature, but it never comes across as preachy. Instead, it feels like controlled chaos, setting the tone perfectly for what's to come. That intensity doesn't let up with Dispose of Me. It's easily one of the most frantic moments on the EP, with pounding rhythms and vocals that sound genuinely unhinged. There's a rawness to it that makes the song hit harder, proving that RED METHOD don't need to rely on constant breakdowns to sound heavy. The atmosphere does just as much of the work. Fans will already know All for One, None for All, but it still earns its place here. Jayant Bhadula's guest appearance adds another dimension to the track, blending melody with sheer aggression in a way that never feels forced. It's one of the EP's biggest hooks without sacrificing any of the band's bite. If there's one song that really sums up where RED METHOD are heading, it's Becoming the Sickness. It feels like the perfect balance between the band's older material and this new chapter. The riffs are massive, the chorus sticks with you, and there's a maturity in the songwriting that stands out across the EP. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel; it just does what RED METHOD do already, only better. Detonate keeps the energy high with another groove-heavy assault, refusing to give you much chance to catch your breath before the EP takes a different turn. Closing track The Revolting Self strips things back into something much darker and more cinematic. It's an unexpected ending, but one that works brilliantly, leaving an unsettling feeling that lingers long after the final note. What makes As In Life work so well is how genuine it feels. The themes of grief, isolation and mental struggle aren't there for shock value, they're woven into every riff, every lyric and every vocal performance. It's an intense listen, but never one that feels overdone or self-indulgent. At just six tracks, the EP doesn't overstay its welcome either. Every song has a purpose, and there's very little filler to be found. It also feels like a natural progression from For the Sick, showing that while RED METHOD's sound is evolving, they've never lost sight of what made people connect with them in the first place. As In Life isn't just another heavy EP; it's a reminder of why RED METHOD continue to build such a loyal following. Aggressive, emotionally honest and packed with some of the strongest material they've released to date, it's a confident return that leaves plenty to be excited about for whatever comes next. Score: 9/10 As In Life will be released on 17th July 2026 via Depraved Records. Words: Jack Norris Photos: Red Method

Serving up a portion of Denver metalcore comes UNDER AUBURN SKIES, the latest of a long line of Colorado-based core acts - with their upcoming EP, Diminisher Of Hope, all but upon us. Drawing heavily on the sounds of bands like POLARIS and MAKE THEM SUFFER, the EP treads the thin line between relatively straight-forward melodic metalcore and the more complex aggressive end of the genre, to forge an end project that manages to have fingers in both pies. Across five songs and a small intro, the act show off the breadth of their current ability - going from the slow and ominous introductory moments on First Blood, we’re first properly introduced on World-Eater with a technical riff underpinning a colossal set of vocals. With moments of calm interspersed by some deathcore-influenced heaviness, the band aren’t messing around here. The Pale King opens with a brief space of melody before we’re crushed by the weight of the guitars turning up to 11. With chugging guitars and pummelling drums, there’s no room for any relaxing by this point on the EP. Gravemind and Dathomir continue in the same vein, with technicality and heaviness going hand-in-hand with the occasional break to gasp for air amongst ominous breakdowns. Finally, bringing up the rear comes the longest track on the record, Final Sin, and with its eerie beginning running into a multi-guitar riff in the vein of proper mid-2000’s metalcore it makes for a very fitting finale. This EP is a great effort from a band who are dominating their local scene, and whilst its relative homogeny could be improved upon it is still a commanding release that showcases an incredibly technical act, with bags of potential. If UNDER AUBURN SKIES can go even better on the next release, there’s no telling where it could take them. Score: 6/10 Diminisher Of Hope will be released on July 17th 2026. Words: Jasmine Longhurst Photos: Gustavo Diaz

Societies that rock are welcome here at Out Of Rage! Student Societies We are setting up the first official dedicated network of student societies and media in the UK. By working with us, you have access to a unique network of societies, student media and contacts to take your society to the next level. From advice hubs, to promoting your events, to networking opportunities, we want to work with you to facilitate your needs, gain new society members and give you invaluable external contacts. We can also give your members access to our opportunities, allowing them to cover alternative music events and attend festivals as press, as well as our full back catalogue of upcoming journalism opportunities. We can offer... To give your members industry level opportunities in the music industry including attending events as press, working with your favourite artists and receiving albums early Access to our online networking chats with an exclusive space for students Access to our photographer network- including editing challenges and advice chats Specialist advice for ratifying, supporting and creating student groups from alumni and people who work in SU’s. Positive feedback on written work and photography shoots allowing members to build skills in a range of subjects. Opportunities to get your work published online or in print Creating visible spaces for queer people in the alternative community Out Of Rage run events including live music and workshops find out more Want to join the fun? If you're in a society and want to chat to us, feel free to email us at info@outofrage.net

Out Of Rage is a rising Alternative publication that is taking the UK scene by storm! out of rage Out of Rage is an inclusive heavy music publication that aims to remove boundaries and represent young people in the music scene. We offer journalism and photography opportunities and allow anyone to join our community regardless of ability or background, whilst also championing the best upcoming music talent. Established in 2023, Out Of Rage was built by young queer creatives within the industry who wanted their own space to network and a platform that represented them. Already building solid foundations in live music reviews, album reviews, festival coverage and interviews, we do our best to make the industry more accessible and inclusive. Offering network opportunities on our member’s platform- we regularly host masterclasses and support anything that fulfills the needs of our community. Nothing is off the table and we are ready for a challenge! We currently represent hundreds of creatives across the world. Flying the flag for upcoming talent, we have also created the first network of alternative student societies and student media. FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM our team Amber Brooks (They / Them) - Director of Communications, Show and Festival Lead and Editor of the Out Of Rage Magazine Jasmine Longhurst (She / Her) - Director of Communications, Albums, Interviews, and New Music Lead Kayleigh Fryer (They / Them) - Head of Recruitment, Student Societies, and Platform Welfare Lead Nic Howells (He/Him) - Head of Photography Lizzie Jones (She / They) - Show and Festival Assistant Manager Isobel Scott (She / Her) - Show and Festival Assistant Manager Vee Richardson (She / Her) - Album Review Assistant Manager Freddie Lee (He / Him) - Head of the OOR Online Platform

Join us at Out Of Rage! We want writers, photographers, and creatives from all ends of the scene! want to be a part of out of rage? Follow the link below to join our online platform for creatives who want to work with Out Of Rage, including exclusive access to our journalism and photography opportunities! Click here IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MUSIC We will do our best to get you the best opportunities in music. From attending shows and festivals to getting early access copies of albums to review. Interviewing and editorial opportunities are also catered for. Out Of Rage offers opportunities regardless of background or opportunity, so anyone can get involved. We started our platform to remove the boundaries within our industry. Allowing you to learn and devellop skills is what we love to do! We currently separate our opportunities into writing and photography categories. However, you can participate in our online community as much as you like. You don't even need to contribute to be a part of it. Our network is a safe, inclusive and LGBTQIA+ friendly space. When you sign up, you will recieve an email from our team inviting you to our platform. Except from rare occassions, we will only advertise our opportunities there, including any online workshops. Lots more information including guides and instructions for using our platform will be made available once you sign up. FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM