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By: Breanna Workman 1) Code:Words Back in 2023 Los Angeles based musicians John Dillon and Garrett Lowery joined forces with a goal to “breathe new life into the rock genre" Fueled by their determination, in 2024 the group’s introductory release “Wash the Blood” debuted to the world and has since accumulated over half a million views, just shy of the single's 2 year anniversary. In the months following the release of “Wash the Blood” the pair dropped their second single, “The Best I Feel is Numb,” which has since surpassed a quarter million streams on Spotify. In January 2026, “Luminance” premiered on Octane’s Test Drive and quickly rose to the top as the bands #1 single reaching over 160,000 streams on Spotify just one month after its release contributing to the explosive success of this up and coming act. At 70k monthly listeners, just 3 years after their debut, their consistent success and growth will prove fruitful in the years to come. 2) LEVELS Budding from Little Rock, Arkansas, LEVELS emerged in 2016 combining electronic elements with modern metal on their debut single “Slip” marking the beginning of a new chapter into their musical journey. In the years that followed, the band consistently released one to two singles annually, establishing their sound and solidifying their presence in the metal scene. In 2023, the band signed with Sharptone Records — a defining moment of what was to come. Just 4 months later, in 2024 the band's first EP under the label titled PULSE marked a major milestone, surpassing over one million streams across its tracks, expanding the troupe's reach and setting the stage for their future success. To close out 2025, the band released a groundbreaking single that premiered on Sirius XM Octane Test Drive titled ‘Black Dove’ which has since become the band's fastest growing single to date. With over 163,000 streams on Spotify in just two months after its initial release, marks new heights for the up-and-coming group. In addition to their end of year successes, LEVELS announced they are set to take the stage at Rock Fest 2026 while also preparing to release a brand-new full-length album on April 10 — two giant steps forward and a move that promises to elevate their sound and presence even further. 3) Blindlove Amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, a group of Salt Lake City locals came together to form Blindlove. Their debut release of I Wanna Be Okay captured listeners' attention, and soared into the National Top 40 Alternative Charts immediately launching the band’s career forward. Riding the success of the band's initial debut, in 2022 Blindlove released their second single titled “Anthem for Broken People” which has amassed over 550,000 streams on Spotify since its release. Since then, the band has consistently outperformed previous releases breaking momentous milestones early in their young musical careers. In addition to the many eventful previous years, 2026 has by far been the most rewarding as their newest entirely self produced, self mixed, and self mastered album Broken Heart Syndrome has already taken 4 of their 10 top song spots on Spotify just a month after its release. Most notably, “Armageddon” , previously released as a single a year prior to its EP, has claimed the number one spot for the band’s most trending release. As Blindlove continues to shatter expectations and dominate the charts, their journey stands as a testament to creativity, dedication, and the power of music to connect with listeners worldwide 4) Stray View Initially releasing their first single in 2023, the past 3 years have shaped the band’s trajectory in landmarking ways. These milestones included signing with rock label Hopeless Records just one year after their debut and the release Wasteland off their EP titled Displace/Erase the same year becoming one of their “Most Popular” according to Spotify with nearly 400,000 streams. In the upcoming months, the band is set to share the stage with label mates Melrose Avenue and Autumn Kings spanning across the U.S. this spring. The band’s rapid growth and success reflects their rising influence in the rock scene and hints at even greater achievements on the horizon in the years to come for the budding musicians. 5) Above, Below Ten years ago, Above, Below was formed with a clear vision: to craft a sound that was unmistakably their own. Over the years, the Australia-based ensemble steadily released a series of singles that grew and familiarized fans with a sound that became distinctively Above, Below. February 2026 I Guess it Was Nowhere was released and was an overnight groundbreaking success. It captured widespread attention and marked an explosive new chapter in their career. Just one week after its release, I Guess It Was Nowhere reached No. 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia, solidifying the band’s rapid growth. Tracks from the project have since dominated nine out of the ten “Most Popular” songs on Spotify marking 2026 a career defining year for the group and one of the best years to come. 
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By: Breanna Workman For the world of rock and metal, the expression "2025 is going to be my year" rang especially true. The year brought us explosive comebacks, breakout releases, and cross country tours for faces familiar and fresh. As we approach the end of a defining year for the heavy metal and rock scene, there were a few songs that specifically defined it for me. 1. “Dionysus” - PRESIDENTS PRESIDENTS hard launched their arrival at Download Fest in Leicestershire, England just three months prior to the release of their first ever EP titled King of Terror. The group's anonymity instantly made headlines of the band’s true identities further fueling their explosive rise to fame. Speculations surrounded “The President" to be Charlie Simpson of Fightstar, though rumors are yet to be confirmed. The song showcases uniquely haunting vocals and their ability to create an artistic flow from rhythmic synth beats to heavy breakdowns that drive each hitting chorus. The EP speaks for itself and gives us a taste of what's to come from the band's growing artistic identity and what they are yet to bring to the table in 2026. 2. “Dying to Love” - Bad Omens Ever since the release of the breakthrough album The Death of Peace of Mind in 2022, the rise of Bad Omens has been undeniable. The success of the album earned them their first single to reach certified Platinum status by The RIAA. Their rise to chart domination continues with the release of not one but three stand out singles this year including a new favorite of mine, "Dying to Love". From the first note, the use of soft synths blend with somber guitar riffs to create a moody soundscape. We are then met with rhythmic drumming that brings the song to life and is carried throughout the track’s emotionally charged entirety. Noah Sebastian’s ability to evoke emotion through lyrical genius and distinctive melodic range that carries throughout til the very end. 3. “Blackhole” - Architects Third on their 2025 album The Sky, The Earth, & All Between, “Blackhole” is nothing short of the energy you would expect from Architects. From the start, the song unleashes supercharged vocals, heavy guitar hooks, and intense percussion. As the track progresses, the chorus showcases Sam Carter’s range with a clean, melodic tone that advances into an aggressive guttural that warms up the second verse. Throughout the remainder of the song, the intensity of both vocals and riffs persist. Each bone-rattling breakdown fit to blow out your speakers is merely the cherry on top, sealing the deal on this addition as one of my new favorite songs of 2025 and of all time. 4. “Bad Luck” - We Came as Romans We Came As Romans 2025 record ALL IS BEAUTIFUL… BECAUSE WE’RE ALL DOOMED is not only huge for the world of metal but also for the band themselves, as the album marks their first release since Darkbloom three years ago. The emotional weight both lyrically and vocally hit just as hard as the riffage in true WCAR fashion. The instrumental presence throughout remains subtle yet rhythmic while the drums remain consistently prominent, giving the track a distinct identity within its genre. Once the breakdown arrives the heavier riffage shifts the mood to a melodic, almost euphoric, moment of instrumental and reverberating vocals. The song then surges back to life with a heavier reprise of their emotionally charged chorus, that is the finale to a metal masterpiece. 5. “For I Am Death” - The Pretty Reckless A voice that needs no introduction, Taylor Momsen, undoubtedly ranks amongst the greats in the world of Rock. Since their debut, The Pretty Reckless has reached Platinum status by the RIAA with their song “Heaven Knows”, the second single off their second album Going To Hell. Over a decade later, the resurgence of The Pretty Reckless began as their second release of 2025, "For I Am Death", gained major popularity. The pace throughout the song remains consistent and supercharged carrying the same familiar guitar riff throughout. After each verse the slowing of drums and rhythmic guitar ease into a build up for a chorus that hits just as hard as the first. It’s no surprise the single eventually attained the title of the band's eighth number one hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay just a few short months after its release and secured its spot amongst my favorites of the year. In short, 2025 has been an unforgettable year for music. Each release this year marked a momentous milestone that helped shape an ever evolving genre. From can’t miss releases, to first time debuts, it's safe to say the world of rock and metal shows no signs of slowing down. If this list of ovation worthy achievements is any indication of what's in store for next year, then 2026: We are ready for you.  Toyota Oakdale Theater Wallingford, CT oakdale.com The Toyota Oakdale Theatre is an absolute must for live music fans, it’s got that perfect mix of intimate and epic. The main theater puts you right in the action with 4,500 seats that feel up-close no matter where you are and the massive 22,000-square-foot Dome? It’s like stepping into a wall of sound and lights. The energy is off the charts, the sound system is thunderous, and every show feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you're not screaming the lyrics with the crowd by the end, were you even there?  Toad’s Place New Haven, CT https://www.toadsplace.com Toad’s Place is straight-up legendary and if you’re a live music junkie, it’s holy ground. With a tight 1,000-person capacity, you’re right there,,,sweat, sound, lights, and all. The stage is so close it feels like the band’s playing just for you. The energy? Absolutely electric. And when you realize icons like The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and Slayer have torn it up in that exact room, it hits different. Every show feels like you’re part of music history. Miss a night at Toad’s, and you’re missing magic.  Off The Rails Worcester, MA https://offtherailsworcester.com Off The Rails is an absolute gem for live music! The energy here is off the charts, with that perfect mix of gritty charm and high-octane rock vibes. With a 500-person capacity, it’s packed but still feels intimate. The massive 20' x 30' stage gives bands all the room they need to unleash their power, and the rustic, southern themed decor adds a unique, badass atmosphere. Whether you're front and center or grooving with the crowd, every show feels like a high-energy, up-close experience. On warm, sunny days, they roll up the garage-style doors, opening up to the patio for even more of that electric vibe. If you haven’t been yet, you’re seriously missing out on one of Worcester’s top spots for live music.  Wally’s Hampton, NH https://wallysnh.com Wally’s is an absolute blast! With a 750-person capacity, it strikes the perfect balance, big enough to buzz with energy but still intimate enough to make you feel like you're right in the thick of it. There are no bad spots, just pure, raw energy. The gritty, no-frills vibe makes every show feel authentic and real. If you're looking for a place where the vibe is always on fire and the shows are unforgettable, Wally’s is where it’s at.  Mohegan Sun Arena & The Wolf Den Uncasville, CT https://mohegansun.com Mohegan Sun Arena and The Wolf Den are two absolute powerhouses for live music in Connecticut! The Mohegan Sun Arena is massive, with a mind-blowing sound system, lights that’ll leave you speechless, and enough energy to electrify a stadium. Whether you’re catching a major headliner or a once-in-a-lifetime performance, every show feels like an unforgettable spectacle. And then there’s The Wolf Den—a more intimate, yet equally incredible experience. This hidden gem gives you up-close access to talent in a cozy, high-energy space. The vibe is always on point, and with the perfect mix of great sound and personal connection, it feels like a secret VIP experience. Whether you're rocking out in the Arena or vibing at The Wolf Den, both venues bring the heat, making them must-see spots for live music lovers.  |
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March 2026
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