Band named Guitar is the focus – What are you waiting for?
August 2025 has seen an array of guitar greatness released, with standout tracks from artists like Deftones, Lorna Shore, Big Thief, Young Dervish, and Paco Peña, among many others. In the world of Guitar World editors’ picks, these tracks have captured our attention and admiration throughout the past month. Our Spotify playlist below features all of our favorite new releases from August, showcasing the exceptional playing, tones, and songwriting that have left our six-string senses tingling.
The new Deftones release has particularly stood out, with their track “Infinite Source” earning high praise. Described as the band’s best work since 2012’s “Koi No Yokan,” this double-picking jam is a standout. Hayley Williams of Paramore has also showcased her love for woozy ’90s indie on her new solo record, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” on which she plays a significant amount of guitar. Thrice has ventured into their bluesier single-coil side with great success on the anthemic “Albatross,” while Shiner from Kansas City delivers a fuzz-rich single that challenges even Josh Homme’s prowess with “Asleep in the Trunk.” Midwest emo band Algernon Cadwallader has made a strong comeback after 14 years with their album, “Hawk,” reminding fans of the genre’s roots and evolution.
Polyphia’s collaboration with Babymetal on “Sunset Kiss” showcases a heavier direction that Tim Henson is guiding the band towards, incorporating multiple guitar styles and tones throughout the track. Tom Morello has recognized grandson as a worthy successor to Rage Against the Machine’s riff-rock legacy, particularly praising the track “GOD IS AN ANIMAL” for its pentatonic riffs that reignite excitement in the genre.
Acoustic guitarist Mason Lindahl takes a different approach, exploring the warmth of nylon-strung tones in experimental and unconventional ways with his latest double album, “Joshua / Sam.” Overall, August 2025 has been a month filled with diverse and exceptional guitar releases that have delighted Guitar World editors and fans alike.