A legendary musician once sang these fine words.... "woahhhhh we're halfway there!" and while that guy isn't as active as he used to be, there's a new age of music makers who have been well and truly pumping out the hits in the first half of 2025.
In a time when we've seen big name acts call it a day - Void Of Vision, You Me At Six, Sum 41, Orange Goblin, Stray From The Path - there's been a blossoming of new and emerging talent that we should all be keeping our eyes and ears on. The Australian scene especially is oozing with an abundance of talent and raw energy which proves down under always delivers on the best heavy and alternative sounds shaping the future of the scene. Overseas, new music and bands with altered lineups are setting up foundations for a thriving future - with plenty of oomph and blastbeats to keep us salivating.
As always, the WoS team have come together to share our thoughts on the year so far, recapping our fav releases - albums, EPs and singles - and a sneak peek into what's getting us excited for the second half of the year. Don't forget to drop your Top 7 on our socials!
Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul
CEO/Editor-In-Chief/Daddy Metalcore
1. Architects - The Sky, The Earth & All Between
2. LANDMVRKS - The Darkest Place I've Ever Been
3. A Day To Remember - Big Ole Album Vol. 1
4. Parkway Drive - 'Sacred'
5. The Amity Affliction - 'All That I Remember'
6. Chasing Ghosts - Therapy
7. A Swift Farewell - Hollow Thoughts EP
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Parkway Drive - 'A Deathless Song' (feat. Jenna McDougall)
Shout out a new band you discovered?
LATE 90s - They absolutely killed their support slot with Neck Deep and State Champs - THIS IS WHY INTERNATIONAL TOURS NEED AUSTRALIAN SUPPORTS!!
Most looking forward to in the second half of 2025?
The live album and concert film for Parkway Drive's HOME recording at the Sydney Opera House. Holy fuck. I cannot stress this enough - you are not ready for this incredible achievement in Australian music history. Hopefully it arrives in time for Christmas.
Keen to hear Fit For A King take out the crown for metalcore kings with their new album. The Veronicas have new music incoming, as do Reliqa, The Beautiful Monument, Amy Shark and maaaaaaaaayyybe Polaris?! Crossing AC/DC off my bands to see live bucket list will be surreal and I might get my gay on at Lady GaGa for shits and gigs...
Also, I impulsively bought tickets to see blink-182 in America, so that's given me life and something to look forward to outside Australia before Summer festival season commences. Hitting Aftershock in California with Ricey will be a doozy!
Ricky Aarons @rickysaul90
Co-Editor/Deathcore Connoisseur
1. LANDMVRKS - The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been
2. CABAL - Everything Rots
3. Deafheaven - Lonely People With Power
4. Parkway Drive - 'Sacred'
5. Whitechapel - Hymns in Dissonance
6. Architects - The Sky, the Earth & All Between
7. Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea
It’s been a modest half year when it comes to metalcore and deathcore releases, in my opinion. There have been some bangers that have slipped through, but I would have expected to be carefully weighing up what to include, however this time I found myself struggling to reach 7. Have you had the same experience?
The top 2 are easy for me though - Europe are on top; Landmvrks from France and CABAL from Denmark are winning the metalcore and deathcore game respectively.
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Fit For A King - ‘Lonely God’ - I am constantly floored by releases from Fit For A King, but the new cycle of hits is promising an unforgiving new record, and I simply can’t wait for it.
Shout out a new band you discovered?
In the midst of parenthood, I can’t say I’ve been filtering through new artists, but I was recommended an emerging artist Ov Ruin from Tennessee. All I can say is, if you like the dramatic symphonic breakdowns from Lorna Shore, these guys are for you.
Most looking forward to in the second half of 2025?
I mentioned the first half of the year has felt like a slow burn with my tastes, but I think metalcore and deathcore are about to step up in a big way. I am so looking forward to new records from Fit For A King, Signs of The Swarm, blessthefall, Lorna Shore and more; and without any announcements yet, I’m optimistically hoping to finally get a glimpse of new albums from personal faves Breakdown of Sanity and Emmure.
Oh, and from a gig perspective, the biggest metal band on the planet are set to destroy Australia before the year is out. Metallicaaaaaaa
Kayla Hamilton @kaylazomboid
Writer/Interviewer/Asia-core Correspondent
1. ANNALYNN - 'White Flags'
2. KNOSIS - 'Dokunuma'
3. KNOSIS - 'Shinmon'
4. Stray From The Path - Clockworked
5. Within Destruction - Animetal
6. Ugoslabier - 'Hallucination'
7. District 105 - Chapter 1: The Lost Creator
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
I can't deny it, 'White Flags' by Annalynn is still dominating my most played. It's been out for a month and I'm still smashing it.
Shout out a new band you discovered!
After spending quite a bit of time this year in Thailand, I'm really enjoying the Thai hardcore scene and one band that I am absolutely frothing is Fordecision.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
So much! I have already been so lucky this year to interview some great artists, so I hope I can continue with that. I'm also looking forward to the SPEED tour, so everybody else in Australia can see how great Whispers is. Plus the new KNOSIS record coming out in September and just honestly, so many crazy shows and festivals.
The world may feel it's burning but the soundtrack certainly slaps.
KJ Draven @kjdraven
Reviewer/Metalhead/Eurovision Tragic
1. Jinjer - Duél
2. Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea
3. Ghost - SKELETÁ
4. Architects - The Sky, The Earth & All Between
5. Whitechapel - Hymns in Dissonance
6. Thornhill - bodies
(Tied) 7. Rivers of Nihil - Rivers of Nihil and Alien Weaponry - Te Rā
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
URNE (ft Troy Sanders) - ‘Harken the Waves’ and Baby Lasanga / Kaarijia - ‘Cha cha Cha / Rim Tim Tagi Dim (Battle Mash Up)
Shout out a new band you discovered!
Ominous Ruin from the Bay Area, California are fantastic. Check out my review of their new album Requiem.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
Give me that new Babymetal. Plus Metallica is FINALLY coming back!
.webp)
Adam Rice @riceyadam
Writer/Interviewer/Festy Fiend
1. LANDMVRKS - The Darkest Place I've Ever Been
2. The Amity Affliction - 'All That I Remember'
3. Whitechapel - Hymns In Dissonance
4. Architects - The Sky, The Earth & All Between
5. Melting - You Exist Because We Allow It
6. Diesect - Hide From The Light
7. CABAL - Everything Rots
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Thousand Below - 'Palace Of Dread'
Shout out a new band you discovered!
I caught Fallweather playing the opening support slot for LANDMVRKS just a few months ago, and they blew me away. This up-and-coming act has an immense amount of potential, and I look forward to closely keeping an eye on their progression in the years to come.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
Festival season is beginning early this year. Catch me at Aftershock in California in just a few months with boss man Browny. Bring it on!!
Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002
Writer/Pit Fiend/Hardcore Enthusiast
1. Turnstile - NEVER ENOUGH
2. La Dispute - ‘Environmental Catastrophe Film’
3. Grayscale - The Hart
4. Indigo Blaze - ‘D1’
5. The Callous Daoboys - I Don’t Want To See You In Heaven
6. Body Prison - Everything You Never Wanted To See
7. iocaste - ‘1095’
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
It has truly been a Turnstile winter for me with almost getting a daily rotation since its release in early June. However, I can sneakily say that ‘Dull’ has accumulated a few more streams along the way, and this trend is set to continue. This album was a long time coming for me, and I can safely say I am not disappointed. Check back with my end of year review to see if it’s a Turnstile summer as well!
Shout out a new band you discovered!
I am so feverishly anticipating the rise (and takeover) of iocaste upon Sydney’s already prolific metal scene. Honing in on capturing attention through a live setting first, the Western-Sydney band has well established themselves as one of the most invigorated and refreshing acts to indulge in, joining some big names along the way already. With only one song published on streaming services, a birdie tells me this catalog is going to grow exponentially by the end of the year. Gritty and primal, there is a hellish explosion of creativity that is already becoming an element of their stylistic signature sound. Not to mention, this band is full of the nicest people you have ever met, with a particular focus on supporting creatives alongside them. How could you not be rooting for them?
When iocaste tears up your next local show, don’t say I did not warn you.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
I am eagerly anticipating the lineup announcement for Good Things Festival 2025, that hopefully bears some delicious and juicy fruits to us salivating fans! It’s always my favourite time of the year, and I hope it’s another great experience, much like the last year.
There are still some massive acts I am waiting for that I anticipated to have already toured in the first half… I am looking at you Knocked Loose! But in saying that, there are still some monumental local gigs coming up that I simply cannot wait for (SPEED @ The Factory, Northlane @ Penrith Panters) that also give me a chance to connect with some of my more local scenes!
As always, I am overly ecstatic about all the opportunities to write, interview and create. The year is young, and my arms are open to anything thrown my way! (This is a plug, bands come my way)!
Will Oakeshott @teenwolfwill
Writer/Screamer/Willidiot
1. Stray From The Path - Clockwork
2. Underoath – The Place After This One
3. LANDMVRKS – The Darkest Place I Have Ever Been
4. Wardruna - Birna
5. Spiritworld - Heldorado
6. PUP – Who Will Look After The Dogs?
7. House Of Protection – Outrun You All EP
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Totally Unicorn – ‘Hard Feelings’
Shout out a new band you discovered!
Boneflower from Madrid, Spain. A band who remarkably fuse Blackgaze and post-hardcore, but with so much more exploration including mathcore, post-rock and punk.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
Seeing Stray From The Path one final time will be heartbreaking but a memorable show undoubtedly; above mentioned album from Boneflower is undeniably an anticipated release. Seeing what happens with Karnivool, Loathe and Parkway Drive after releasing new music. More Totally Unicorn ASAP, the new Botch live album, hopefully more new Poison The Well music. Better Lovers where is this Australian tour? SOWULO’s new LP! I guess Good Things lineup, but more-so to see what sideshows Adelaide gets. SwordfishTrombone is unleashing something monstrous soon and with it, hopefully a lot more activity.
Grace Cameron @disgracefultaste
Fresh Meat Writer/Reviewer
1. Messa - The Spin
2. Whitechapel - Hymns in Dissonance
3. Scowl - We Are All Angels
4. Dying Wish – ‘I Brought You My Soul (Your World Brought Me Despair)’
5. Heartworms - Glutton For Punishment
6. Thornhill - BODIES
7. Melting - You Exist Because We Allow It
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Loathe - ‘Gifted Every Strength’
Shout out a new band you discovered!
SIGNALS
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
Hot Mulligan's new album The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still
Gareth Williams @notgareth
Senior Writer/Ranga
1. Helloween – ‘This Is Tokyo’
2. Parkway Drive - 'Sacred'
3. Alien Weaponry – Te Ra
4. Jazz Sabbath – The 1968 Tapes
5. Bloodywood - Nu Delhi
6. Lacuna Coil - Sleepless Empire
7. Wednesday 13 - Mid Death Crisis
Alien Weaponry (feat. Randy Blythe) ‘Taniwha’
Shout out a new band you discovered!
Big Noter counts as a new band right? Briggs has always said what he thinks and doesn’t give s f#^k who disagrees with him. Now the Aussie hip hop icon is doing it with a dose of heavy. Respect!
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
The new Helloween album, this will be the second studio release since Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske re-joined the band and uniting the pumpkins. The new old guys have confirmed that in the Power Metal realm more is more and this Helloween fan can’t get enough.
Gloria Brancatisano @gloriabrancat
Writer/Interviewer/Heavy Metal Woo-Girl!
1. Turnstile – NEVER ENOUGH
2. Architects – The Sky, The Earth & All Between
3. Grayscale – The Hart
4. Underoath – The Place After This One
5. Stray From The Path – Clockworked
6. Slowly Slowly – Forgiving Spree
7. Lambrini Girls – Who Let The Dogs Out
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Turnstile – ‘DULL’ & ‘SEEIN’ STARS’ (I can’t split ‘em!)
Shout out a new band you discovered!
This one is kind of cheating, but I really want to shout these guys out so I’m going to do it anyway. This isn’t a new discovery, but it is definitely a RE-discovery. I was a HUGE fan of Melbourne band Belle Haven back in 2017 but I somehow managed to fall out of the fan club. Anyway, it’s fair to say their new single 'it’s not that deep' has been getting an absolute rinse and now I’m hanging for MORE!
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
I said the same thing last year but it is for Good Things to finally drop their lineup. I have already set up my dream lineup and have been digging through all the rumours – GIVE IT TO ME!
Simon Valentine @simonvalentineau
Writer/Gamer/J-Rock Appreciator
1. Hanabie. - Spicy Queen
2. King Parrot – 'Fuck You And The Horse You Rode In On'
3. Electric Callboy - 'Elevator Operator'
4. BabyMetal – 'From Me To U feat. Poppy'
5. Wednesday 13 – Mid Death Crisis
6. Scandal – 'Terra Boy'
7. Pulp – 'Spike Island'
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
It’s actually a whole album – it's been a while since I’ve listened to Wednesday 13, but I recently picked up his new one and I’m loving it, it’s a return to a more hard rock/shock rock sound that put him on the map with the Murderdolls. Hope he comes down here again soon.
Shout out a new band you discovered!
Been diving into some more underground pop-punk/melodic skate punk and have discovered Rabies, a band from the Czech Republic who have recently put out High On Sugar.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
I finally got tired of waiting for Band-Maid to make their way down to Australia...so I going to them! Heading to Japan in October to catch them in Osaka and might see if I can squeeze in one or two other bands as well, along with some music and anime shopping.
Tyler Lubke @huntsman421
Writer/Photog/Stage Invader
1. Whitechapel - Hymns In Dissonance
2. Cursed - Paleface Swiss
3. Lorna Shore - 'Oblivion'
4. Melting - You Exist Because We Allow It
5. Body Prison - Everything You Never Wanted To See
6. Signs of the Swarm - 'Clouded Retinas (feat. Will Ramos)'
7. Within Destruction - Animetal
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
'ALL_IS_RUST' from Mélancolia, has me hyped as hell for their next album!
Shout out a new band you discovered!
After their vocal acrobatics on 'Tavern', Netherwalker have certainly left an impression as one of the new acts I've dived into this year.
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
The end of the year is looking stacked with deathcore releases, such as Lorna Shore, Mélancolia, and Signs of the Swarm. We can't forget Justice For The Damned releasing a new record, Bloom maybe releasing their currently in progress second full-length album, and Nicolas Cage Fighter's next album. I'm hopeful for an album announcement from Spite now what their drummer is officially part of the band and they've been tracking. Listeners truly are spoilt for choice, across any genre.
Andrew Kapper @andrew_kapper
Writer/Gear Reviewer/Shredder
1. Deafheaven - Lonely People With Power
2. Molotov Solution - Void EP
3. Vildhjarta - + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar +
4. Crown Magnetar - Punishment EP
5. Amenra - With Fang and Claw/De Toorn EP
6. Whitechapel - Hymns in Disonance
7. Bodybox - 3
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
Aversions Crown - ‘A Voice from the Outer Dark’
Shout out a new band you discovered!
Beyond Extinction, Final Resting Place and Balmora
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
All the new music and gear! Aversions Crown’s comeback EP, new releases from Abigail Williams, Signs of the Swarm and heaps more…
Cody-James Henderson @cody_j_henderson
Fresh Meat Writer/Interviewer/Punk
1. Ghost - Skeleta
2. Whitechapel - Hymns in Dissonance
3. Stray From The Path - Clockworked
4. Jinjer - Duel
5. Malevolence - Where Only The Truth is Spoken
6. Paleface Swiss - Cursed
7. Sleep Token - Even In Arcadia
Fav song on repeat at the moment?
The new Muse track 'Unravelling' has been tickling my ears since release! It's hard to believe a band that has been doing this for almost 3 decades is still trying to reinvent themselves! It has to be admired!
Shout out a new band you discovered!
Shoutout to Flow Kobra from Wollongong! Roll It Over popped on my Instagram feed one day and it HOOKED me! Their latest EP combines some solid Metalcore elements that will also make you dance? It's wild!
Most looking forward to the second half of 2025?
FESTIVAL PREDICTION SEASON BABY! I'm a snoop for sniffing out who will be on Good Things and even Knotfest 26! That, combined with Metallica, Stray From The Path and so many others touring!? What a finale we're in for in 2025!
