Tag: rock

This is my 30th anniversary tribute to albums that released during the year of 1996 (and/or presumed to have released during this particular year). It was a monumental year in underground, indie music and one that was ignited by artists sharing a similar Christian Faith (not all the below listed albums are "Christian" releases but they are some of my favorites from that year). While the rest of the world was consuming their Michael W Smith, or Newsboys***, Audio Adrenaline, DC Talk***, Amy Grant, Rebecca St. James, Jars of Clay, becoming panheads, or even that guy who wrote the Butterfly Kisses song, we on the indie circuit side of things were rejoicing with a newfound optimism. Our passions ran deep and our association with Christianity was nearly unshakeable. This year, that decade, was a fire starter, a year of immense joy and unforeseen challenges. Without diving too deep into the undercurrent of what was and what may have been, let's just take a look back on some of my favorites. These are some of the songs blasted from the comfort of the old Teal green Camaro in 1996 (or that Blue Chevy truck). (***These artists haven't aged the greatest, sorry, not sorry).

Indie Vision Music to release Vol. 5 in the "Fighting From The Ground Up" series on October 23rd 2026. This digital compilation will be available through all digital networks as well as on Bandcamp. Featuring a varied cast of talent and characters sure to bring a smile to any face with plenty of finger points to the stage, solo room moshing, and unforgettable bed stage diving. Expect new and recent music from Brave Days, Protect Your Heart, Light The Way, Pipe Bomb, Too Bad Eugene, Splitcast, Chase Tremaine, Gametime, Sower, Nobody's Uncle, Dire, Feeble Attempt, bloke., Sam's The Hero, Humble Kings, The Caballerials, Cold Streets, XIII Minutes, and so many more plus a special unreleased Slow Coming Day song. Will you join with us? Let's make this the biggest FREE IVM Compilation release ever! Send a song link, YouTube link, etc to: compilation @ indievisionmusic.com All our band friends, if you are reading this and you have a new song to contribute, send us an email!

This unique father and son duo known collectively as "Willis & Son", just released their debut self titled album back at the end of May. The project features Glenn Wiley Willis of October Bird of Death, 2Minute Minor, xRedlinex, and The Blamed alongside his father Mike Willis. Other family members and friends contributed to the recording and recording/production was handled by the very talented Captive Portal Studio. The album is a very low key, laid back collection of songs that serves up a sunny disposition and hopeful yearning. It's like the perfect soundtrack for summer and those nightly campfires set up upon a sandy, beachside locale. There is plenty to enjoy in these simple yet profound songs. Stories about love, hope, understanding, and seeking answers in the dark with a certain youthful exuberance not broken by the daily cynicism that takes hold of our little music scene at times. The joining of two generations through the road weary eyes of two like minded travelers seeking truth in a world gone dark. If you find yourself alone on a Friday night pondering life's many mysteries, looking for a little cheer to brighten your day, then kick on the debut record of Willis & Son and just smile. Download and listen: https://willisandson.bandcamp.com/

Sam's The Hero have just dropped their incredible brand new song titled "In The Absence of Applause" through Small Step Records and it's available through all digital networks. This song is filled with big choruses, loads of those classic pop-punk harmonies the scene has become world renowned for, and some of the most uplifting lyrics I've heard recently. It's really exciting to find a band like Sam's The Hero still carrying the flag of Christian pop punk, proudly presenting honest, hopeful, and outstanding songs in the midst of such profound darkness in our world. These guys are the perfect combination of classic sounds found in groups like Fenix Tx, Home Grown, Blink-182, Autopilot Off, Yellowcard, Olivia The Band, Sick of Change and the lyrical output of individuals and groups like Reese Roper (Five Iron Frenzy/Brave Saint Saturn), Josh Kemble (Dogwood), Ghoti Hook, Hangnail, Slick Shoes, Watashi Wa, early Plankeye etc. Just a plain great summer jam with a deep heart tugging anthem of nostalgia and grace. Highly recommended and a solid 5 out of 5 from Brandon Jones/IVM.

Extol have just announced the vinyl rerelease of thekr classic 2000 era full length record, "Synergy". The releases features the original artwork as well as new exclusive artwork created just for the vinyl release. Fully remastered and includes a bonus track - "Dilemma Inconceivable". You can preorder now with shipping to begin this fall. Full details below this post on our website.

The progressive-metal-math-sludge band UNTEACHERS who escape all conventional descriptions and standard genre labeling (except for my own labeling I slapped on for the purpose of this article and to give a hint of what you'll find upon listening). This band goes hard but not in the traditional metal approach with shrieking screaming and guttural bellowing bordering on the barf inducing, stomach churning variety. This is a no holds barred, face ripping, thick low end and beefy bass attack which adds this layered approach that brings together balance and fullness in sound. The vocals are on the higher end similar as to a Rush or Coheed and Cambria but not so much so that it becomes a distraction or a mimicked copy cat. This is super legit and the song is absolutely stunning from start to finish. It's like Rush, Coheed, and Failure joined together to form this somewhat rag tag assortment of superheroes maybe more akin to antiheroes? Anyway, they are joined together and birthed a creation (in a lab people) in kindred spirits with Deftones, Hum, Finch, Saosin, Roadside Monument, and the mighty Hands to form the most complete experimental sounding band of all time and who surely won't be riding the coattails of anyone else like all the star players of today (you know who you are cough Milli Vanilli cough cough). Ok in all seriousness, you need to listen to UNTEACHERS and you need you press play on their song "Households of a Cosmic War" today because Brandon gives his two thumbs up and 5 star approval (out of 5), the highest rating reserved only for the best of the best, the numero uno, champions of absolute music perfection. So drop your plans for the day, swipe off what you're doing, put the hot latte on the table and pull up your favorite digital network then push your finger hard on that play button and blast it out of whatever speakers God blessed you with to let the world feel the pure power of UNTEACHERS. The band will release their brand new album titled "Under Bright Sadness" on October 16th 2026 via Rottweiler Records. I personally extend my own Indie Vision Music mark of approval upon this song and hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do. *All expressed opinions and wording within this article are the explicit opinions of Brandon Jones alone and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of anyone else. This was written without A.i. and all grammatical errors are Brandon's proud mistakes of his own making. To hell with the devil! To each his own. Party on Wayne. Put your knee in the dirt and bow to the God that holds your blood red destiny in the palm of his awesome hands..it's..your..choice! That is all. Carry on with the countdown.

Zahna has released a new single (along with lyric video), “Break Or Breakthrough”. The song is the title track for the upcoming September 4th release on XOVR Records and is as heavy as it is catchy. Check out the lyric video below and see for yourself!… Continued →

Skillet have dropped a new single, “Scream”, along with an accompanying music video. It’s been hailed by some to be the signal of the start of a heavier era for the band, but what do you think? Check out the video for the new track below.… Continued →

While it might feel like it was just the other night we celebrated stopping into 2026, the fact of the matter is that we’re now halfway through the year. So let’s take a look back at some of the albums that dropped during the first half of the year. I’m going to TRY to refrain from offering opinions at this point and just give descriptions. Which ones do you see making your “Best Of 2026” list at the end of the year? Which albums aren’t listed here that I may have overlooked?… Continued →

Poor Old Lu are launching a special campaign to help fund the re-release of their classic 1996 album, "A Picture of The 8th Wonder" On Vinyl (and CD). The album is being completely remixed and remastered and the campaign goes live right here on July 8th (click the link). Or visit 8thwonder.campaignerator.com It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since not only this album but also a wide range of what many would deem as "classics". 30 years ago I had just graduated high school and was booking small concerts in church basements and concert halls and now I'm staring at middle aged me at 48 and smirking at how I once viewed other 40 year olds in the music industry as out of touch. Funny how times change and the years pass us by. Let's all raise a glass to these long forgotten (but aptly remembered) classics and toast to our younger selves or for you kiddos discovering our ancient past toast to youthful exuberance and undying passions. Cheers! *We need Plankeye, Value Pac, Driver Eight, EDL, Six Feet Deep, Unashamed, Overcome, Bloodshed, more Focused, Black Eyed Sceva/Model Engine, Bloomsday, Insyderz, more OC Supertones, Squad 5-0, Hangnail, among many others etc. vinyl now!

Dire have announced a new full length set to release on September 25th. The metal band already has 2 previous (and impressive!) full lengths under their belts and have also released a new single, “Almost Home” back in March (see below). You can pre-order the new album and grab other available merch HERE.… Continued →

A new band on the rise by the name of Natural State just dropped their killer new single titled "Losing It" featuring Disciple and it's so dang catchy that I find myself streaming it over and over again. It's a great song and if you've never heard the band before, a perfect introduction. Check out the music video and song, below ​👇🏻

KingdomCore Presents the No Hope In Hell Tour featuring Heal The Hurt, Magdalene Rose, and Unbroken Reign. ​The tour spans 15 dates and is being put on by KingdomCore which will be the brand's very first tour they are putting together as "KingdomCore Presents". Read more below.

Light The Way return with a new song today titled "Steez Machines" and it's everything you love about this band and so much more! Go listen on your favorite digital network and check out the music video right here on our website, below! It has real heart, tongue in cheek humor, anthemic choruses, and the hope this band has been conveying since day 1. It's the perfect tasty morsel of pop punk fun built for the summer of 26'. Instead of growing cynical with age these guys get brighter, more passionate, and as bold as ever proving that age is more than just a number. So hop on that skateboard, ditch the time stamp, and ride off into the sunset because pop-punk and Light The Way will never die!! Light The Way 2026.

Pop punk powerhouse, Brave Days, have returned with a brand new 6 song EP titled ​"Crisis" and it's out now! Check out the title track below and be sure to these guys a solid listen.

Jason Dunn, former frontman for Hawk Nelson) is back with a long awaited solo release, “Formerly Known As…” and it is well worth the wait! Fans of pop-punk will not want to miss out on this one. When comparing this release to his previous work with Hawk Nelson, Jason Dunn has managed to retain the aspects of his sound that made Hawk Nelson as catchy and enjoyable as it was, but has also thrown in some newness here that makes this release familiar (but not too familiar) and exciting.… Continued →

Zahna has released a new single, “The Archer” which will feature on her upcoming release “Break Or Breakthrough”, out on XOVR Records 9/4/26. Between this and her last single, “Defiler (ft. Brian “Head” Welch)”, the upcoming release is really looking like one to anticipate! Pre-orders can be found HERE and be sure to check out the lyric video for “The Archer” below!… Continued →

Drown the Planet has released a new song, “Beaten and Bruised” featuring Michael Felker of Convictions. This song strikes me as the heaviest DTP song to date and is extremely well done. Check out the lyric video below and let us know what YOU think.… Continued →

We don’t often cover artists that are in the CCM mainstream, but this definitely warranted mention. It’s been years since Brandon has been pulling for a metal release from Jeremy Camp and up til now the closest thing I know of is a track called “Take My Life” off his debut release, “Stay”. That one, like this, is really more hard rock than metal. If you’re hesitant or skeptical, that’s understandable, most of his material tends to be fairly tame. But give this a listen, and see what you think.… Continued →

Somewhere around a year and a half ago, Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowery came to a place of faith in Christ. Since then, he’s been vocal about his newfound faith, encouraging others and sharing the hope we have in Jesus. When the band’s new album, “One”, was in the writing/recording stages, Clint had made mention that several of the songs on it would be faith-based and that is certainly evident. With the release of the album this past Friday, Clint shared the post below. Be sure to give a listen to the new Sevendust album (it’s insanely good) and keep the band in prayer.… Continued →

Drown the Planet is the band/project of Jason Wayne. While I’m unfamiliar with any other musical ventures of his, Drown the Planet is really something. There’s a fair mixture of genres I really enjoy to be found across his material on Spotify, from metalcore, to hard rock, to even some emo-ish stuff in there. The band/project just dropped a new track titled “Liar // Traitor” yesterday, which you can check out below, it’s pretty great! Be sure also to check out all the other material of his as well as the socials HERE.… Continued →

Before the start of this year, its been quite some time since we’ve heard from Hyland. About 12 years, to be more precise. The band doesn’t call this a comeback, but unfinished business. With new singles, “Younger Years”, “Tell It”, and “Dodged Your Bullet” (out today!), it’ll be great to hear what lies ahead and we’re really psyched to see them back! Hyland… Continued →

Punk ain’t dead and Peter118 are determined to make sure you know it. The Stoke-on-Trent punks dropped 2 new singles in the past few weeks titled “Die For You” and “Rise In Me”. While both tracks continue to build on the band’s well-known punk rock sound, “Die For You” has done especially well, earning the top spot on Amazon Music’s Best Sellers in rock as well as Amazon Music UK’s Hot New Releases and 4th on Amazon Music Best Sellers. Check out the video below!  … Continued →

Ok so Small Step Record’s band COLD STREETS just released their brand new song “Over and Over” and it’s one of the best new tracks of 2026! It is so dang catchy, full of soaring melodies and anthemic choruses. It’s just one of those songs you’ll be singing to yourself over and over again (sorry had to do it). Pure 🔥 For context, this is a pop punkish/skate punk inspired track perfect for this incoming spring and summer days and fans of Millencolin, Rise Against, The Starting Line, Over It, MxPx, A Loss for Words, you know, like all the classics, will absolutely fall in love with this band.… Continued →

In September of last year, PARIAH, the solo project from Quinn McGraw, began releasing singles building up to the release of the EP “Swansong” this past week. The release features songs in the vein of rock, hard rock, metal, and nu metal and makes for a great listen leaving you looking forward to more. There’s also a guest spot from Heal The Hurt’s Trevor Tyson on the EP. Be sure to check it out at your digital service of choice and let us know what you think.… Continued →

Dogwood, in conjunction with People Of Punk Rock Records, will be releasing their 2003 album “Seismic” on vinyl for the first time this March. The release is currently limited to 150 copies in orange crush and 150 copies in gold. Pre-orders are now up HERE.… Continued →

Just 2 weeks from today will be the 20th anniversary of Mutemath’s self-titled debut album. So, this past week when the band’s profile pic was updated (with no caption), speculation abounded. No announcement has been made at this time, but it sure seems like they have something up their sleeve to celebrate it. What do you think it is? … Continued →

With 2025 behind us, we turn our attention forward to some of what 2026 will hold. The news below isn’t based on rumors or wishful thinking, but on posts or statements from the artists or bands themselves. As much as may appear in this post, it’s likely there are upcoming releases, tours, etc, that have been missed, and in that case, post them below in the comments, so we can see what else we have to look forward to in the upcoming year. What are you looking forward to most??… Continued →

The Letter Black have announced the release of not one, but two new full length albums with a total of 20+ songs. The albums, titled “Paper” and “Ink” will feature two different sounds according to the band. No specific release date has been given at this time, but it’s said to be coming soon. If you’re not already on their socials, hit em up to stay up to date (we’ll help keep you posted as well 😉) https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JwEWEUjQN/… Continued →

The Y2K Reloaded Tour has dropped their first round of tour dates, and it’s looking like a good one! If you’re in any of these areas, don’t miss out, these shows are sure to be great!! … Continued →