Recap: November 14-21 – IDIOTEQ.com
New Music: A Weekly Roundup
As another week rolls in, the underground music scene delivers its unique blend of genres like hardcore, screamo, punk, metal, and experimental sounds. Dive into the chaos that awaits, whether you’re into the raw energy of hardcore or the melodic diversions of post-rock. Let’s explore what’s on the horizon this week.
Starting things off, the hardcore veterans CONVERGE have announced their eleventh album, “Love Is Not Enough,” scheduled for release on February 13. The title track sets the tone for what promises to be an exploration of empathy and compassion in today’s world. Jacob Bannon and the band strip away any studio embellishments, opting for a raw, unadulterated sound captured at Kurt Ballou’s God City studios. Don’t miss out on the intense energy of “Love Is Not Enough.”
Meanwhile, NAILED SHUT MA, a heavy outfit from Boston, unveiled their latest track, “Broken & Curled,” delving into themes of internal collapse and post-mortem imagery. The accompanying visuals, directed by Ian Urquhart, echo the song’s message of psychological unraveling. Riding high on the momentum from their previous EP “Lust in the End,” the band is gearing up for more shows and festivals.
DAGGER THREAT, the Hamburg-based nu-metal band, unleashed “leech,” a single that encapsulates their aggressive, no-nonsense style. Complete with a music video and a release-tour itinerary, the band’s unmistakable energy is sure to captivate their audience.
Minneapolis straight-edge group xSERAPHx showcased their metalcore prowess in a two-song promo that channels the energy of the early 2000s. With frantic vocals and powerful melodies, they are poised to make waves in 2026.
BAD NERVES, the garage-punk disruptors, dropped a quick-paced track titled “Loner,” reflecting themes of paranoia and media distortion. Praised by Billie Joe Armstrong as the best band in England, they are embarking on a UK tour that promises to be electrifying.
Over in Sweden, hardcore band HARD PASS unleashed their album “Distorted Eyes,” featuring ten tracks of blistering punk that sets the stage for intense political discourse. With production credits from renowned studios, the band’s debut LP is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft.
LASTBREATH, the hardcore unit from Cagliari, unveiled the music video for “Zero Seven Zero,” a gritty and heavy track that showcases their unapologetic energy. Accompanied by powerful visuals, the song captures the band’s relentless spirit.
METHOD OF DOUBT made a comeback with the release of their 7-inch album, “Total Soul Ignition,” a collection of tracks that deliver lean, unfiltered hardcore sound. Featuring sharp pacing and raw energy, the EP is a testament to the band’s refusal to compromise their style.
Closing things off, MY OWN VOICE, a hardcore group from Milan, unveiled their EP “The Last Dance,” featuring seven tracks that span various musical styles. With guest collaborations and fast-paced punk anthems, the band’s latest offering is a testament to their musical versatility and passion.
BEZETTE STAD, a noise-punk collective from Belgium, returned with “F.A.N.O.N.,” a high-octane recording that underscores their belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. With a one-day recording session and a commitment to social ideals, the band’s latest release is a powerful statement in today’s music scene.