Reading · Jacob’s Substack

Here you will find music that connected with me in 2025. I encourage you to take a deep dive into all of the artists below. You may find something you never knew you were looking for.

Photo by Jason Zucco

All Things Deathwish

Deathwish released music from artists Boneflower, Denisa, Glare, Greet Death, Mad Honey, and Modern Life Is War this year. Each artist brings something distinct to the label, representing both tradition and evolution within their respective subgenres. If you are not familiar with one of these releases, I encourage you to spend time with them. You may discover a new favorite.

Saddest Day 2025

The concept of hosting our own Converge curated event has existed for well over a decade. In partnership with The Bowery, we were finally able to make it a reality. Thank you to the visual artists, bands, and staff who came together to make it such a special day. Just as importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. Saddest Day 2026 is already in the works.

Miltown “Tales Of Never Letting Go”

If you are not from New England, it can be hard to comprehend how beloved and influential Only Living Witness was. Jonah Jenkins, as a vocalist and lyricist, left a lasting impression on so many of us. After Only Living Witness disbanded, Jonah partnered with Brian McTernan to form Miltown. After an EP release on Hydra Head, they were signed to Warner Bros. The band recorded an album, but it was shelved by the label for decades. Many of us had the demos, but always yearned for the full recording. Man Alive were finally able to release the lost album, and it is everything I ever hoped it would be. As a fan, I am grateful it finally saw the light of day.

Leeway “Adult Crash” (Reissue)

Leeway are true pioneers of crossover. They have been a favorite of mine since I picked up Born To Expire as a teenager. Their later albums were strong, but they hit differently than the early material. Some time ago, the remaining members decided to remix Adult Crash, and the result brings fresh energy to the record. I am finally getting to listening to it now. Sonically it remains familiar, but the inclusion of alternate guitar tracks/sounds, previously left out, adds new dimension to songs I thought I already knew inside and out. Rest in peace, Eddy.

Porridge Radio “The Machine Starts To Sing”

I am drawn to introspective and emotionally direct music, and Porridge Radio are a high watermark of that for me. This release is a four song EP that works as an epilogue to Clouds in the Sky…” It is substantive, intimate, and strangely uplifting. A powerful closing chapter.

Erang “Tome Zero”

Erang has quietly been sitting on the throne of dungeon synth for a long time. Tome Zero plays as a deeply introspective listen: sad, contemplative music with little decoration. The combination of instrumentation, visuals, and song titles feels like high art. It rewards solitude and attention.

Coroner “Dissonance Theory”

After years of rumors and anticipation, Coroner return in brilliant form. This album sounds like it has been carefully carved over time, with no wasted motion. The depth is hard to put into words. It is deliberate, razor sharp thrash played to modern standards. Welcome back.

Smote “Songs from the Free House” / “Clyppan”

A psychedelic, post everything listening experience that visual artist Thomas Hooper introduced me to. At times Smote are serene, at others crushingly heavy, these records are beautiful and immersive. I hear new things with every listen. The kind of music that feeds creativity and expands the imagination.

Atomic Rule “With Skull Crushing Force” / “The Golden Rose”

The next chapter of music from Andy Williams (ex ETID) and company. Atomic Rule play inventive, infectious heavy music, and you can tell these songs were built carefully over time. Incredible riffs, strong songwriting, and real musicianship. Highly recommended.

Hooded Menace “Lachrymose Monuments Of Obscuration”

Another brilliant, doom drenched release from Hooded Menace. I connected deeply with Tritonus Bell in 2021 and have been with them ever since. Who knew a cover of “Save a Prayer” by Duran Duran could become such a crushing doom anthem. Simply awesome.

Edge Of Sanity “Crimson” (Remaster)

Originally a single track work of death metal art, Crimson has been remastered to modern standards while preserving its spirit. It remains dynamic, substantive, and vicious. This time the piece is broken into eight movements, which gives the listener clearer landmarks within the journey. If you have never listened to Edge Of Sanity, now is the perfect time to experience something truly special.

Heriot “Commander of Pain” (Single)

Heriot are newer band that has been grinding for a few years. Sometimes a band’s progression can be captured in one defining song. Released at the tail end of the year, “Commander of Pain” is that song for Heriot: an infectious ripper that shows the band firing on all cylinders. If you love modern metallic hardcore, this may become a new favorite.

Blackbraid “III”

Sometimes a release arrives that injects life into a genre at the exact moment it needs it. For me, III has reinvigorated black metal. Blackbraid’s perspective feels vital, with an indigenous lens woven into the form in a powerful and moving way. Listen from beginning to end, then do it again. This one stays with you.

Deadguy “Near Death Travel Services”

It is a joy to have Deadguy 3.0 in the world today. Rooted in the 90s hardcore scene, Deadguy veered into the incoming traffic of the early noise rock universe and created a head on collision that still feels unmatched. They were dangerous, smart, and singular, and still are. It is great to have them back.

Blood For Blood “You’re Gonna Have to Kill Me” (Single)

A legendary band in Blood For Blood returns with one of the greatest hardcore vocalists to ever do it. I am excited to hear what they unleash creatively in 2026.

Romantic Dividends “GIALLO”

The universe works in strange ways. I was initially pulled in by the cover, and the album itself is a beautiful listen: timeless, smooth, and sultry. After digging deeper, I realized I knew Romantic Dividends member Allen Bickle, as we toured together years ago. It was meaningful to hear new music from him. Sadly, he passed away this year. My condolences to his friends, family, and bandmates.

Waxed “Big Blind” (Single)

Converge played with Waxed while touring in 2025. Nate and I watched from side stage, completely locked in. They fuse no frills hard rock and hardcore into something rare in modern aggressive music. There is something magical about their southern swagger. If you are looking for newer bands to connect with, this is a great place to start.

Candlemass “Black Star”

A longtime favorite of mine returns with an EP featuring two new songs and covers of Sabbath and Pentagram. Through decades of lineup changes, I respect that Candlemass continue to create music more than forty years into their career. The spirit is still there.

The Haunted “Songs Of Last Resort”

Another powerful album from The Haunted. I have deep admiration for the world of Swedish metal they come from. The album includes the emotional standout “To Bleed Out,” which hit me hard. I am grateful we still have a version of this band after all these years.

Scorpion Milk “Slime of The Times”

Mat McNerney returns with Scorpion Milk, a band that feels like a spiritual continuation of the world he helped shape with Beastmilk. It carries the same darkly infectious qualities that made that band so special. If you are not familiar, jump in here, then explore the rest of his expansive catalog (Beastmilk, Grave Pleasures, Hexvessel, and more).

Gruesome “Silent Echoes”

The third effort from self described Death tribute band Gruesome. Their approach to honoring what Chuck Schuldiner created is sincere, detailed, and deeply knowledgeable. It does not replace Human for me, but they certainly deserve to stand alongside the tradition it celebrates.

Kathryn Joseph “WE WERE MADE PREY”

Released on Mogwai’s Rock Action label, this is a darkly emotional listen. The vocals carry the weight, moving through ambient and sparse electronic instrumentation. There is a heaviness here that is difficult to describe from Kathryn Joseph. Recommended if you are searching for something you have not found yet.

Home Front “Watch It Die”

An infectious record from Home Front that leans into 80s synth driven rock influences while still feeling urgent and alive. If you love bands like Stiff Little Fingers or The Damned, this modern take on a classic approach may be exactly what you have been missing.

Kae Tempest “Self Titled”

A true visionary. Watching Kae Tempest’s personal and artistic evolution over the years has been incredible. As a poet and lyricist, few address personal and social realities with the bravery and power that Kae brings to everything.

Out soon: Converge “Love Is Not Enough” on Epitaph & Deathwish

Music & Merch
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deathwishinc.com
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2025: The Music That Connected With Me

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