What I love about year's end is the number of album, EP, and single releases from our favorite bands and artists. This year is no exception. October and November brought many solid releases (most from independent bands). Be sure to give the indie bands a listen and consider buying something to support them, since they don't have labels to help them out. There's a lot of great music, so let's get into it.
idle threat - blurred visions
The only rock band signed to a major label–Tooth and Nail Records–with a recent release (their first full-length album, blurred visions) is idle threat. This trio brings some of the best post-hardcore and ambient rock around. They remind me of legendary rock bands Anberlin and Emery. With a great fusion of genres, any fan of rock could find something to love and to relate to, in their songs.
Dire - Volume II
Dire is a heavy metal band that you need to listen to. They boast a great collection of modern metal songs that I thoroughly enjoy. If you like metal bands like Demon Hunter or Killswitch Engage, you'll love Dire. Not only is Volume II's music top-notch, but their songwriting is also superb: biblically influenced. The album is a little longer than usual (14 songs), but it has great variety, from heavy metal, thrash, and metalcore. Check them out.
Windvent - "Reveal"
Windvent is a rock band from Mexico, and they can rock with the best of them. Their 2018 album, Relief, was a highlight of the year for me. They released two singles from the album, "Thankful" and "Krisis." Now, the band is back with new music. "Reveal" is hard-hitting and is at its core a call out for God to reveal Himself and His workings in our lives–something we can all relate to. Watch out for their next full release; it will be fantastic.
