#leprous — Public Fediverse posts

Los Haaland de la música: 10 bandas y artistas noruegos de clase mundial | vía #NaciónRock

https://www.nacionrock.com/los-haaland-de-la-musica-10-bandas-y-artistas-noruegos-de-clase-mundial/

#aha #aurora #boypablo #circusmaximus #darkthrone #dimmuborgir #emperor #especiales #kvelertak #leprous #turbonegro #ulver #wardruna

TONS OF ROCK (2026) día 4: Black Label Society, Accept, Leprous, A perfect Circle ,Baphy, DDR | vía #SonidosOcultos

https://www.sonidosocultos.com/galeria/tons-of-rock-2026-dia-4-black-label-sociaty-accept-leprous-a-perfect-circle-baphy-ddr/

#aperfectcircle #accept #baphy #ddr #galería #leprous #tonsofrock2026día4blacklabelsociaty

ANKEA Festival 2026 – A Promising New Chapter for Finland’s Metal Scene

https://voiceofnoir.com/2026/06/11/ankea-festival-2026-a-promising-new-chapter-for-finlands-metal-scene/

ANKEA Festival 2026 – A Promising New Chapter for Finland’s Metal Scene

https://voiceofnoir.com/2026/06/11/ankea-festival-2026-a-promising-new-chapter-for-finlands-metal-scene/

ANKEA Festival 2026 – A Promising New Chapter for Finland’s Metal Scene

https://voiceofnoir.com/2026/06/11/ankea-festival-2026-a-promising-new-chapter-for-finlands-metal-scene/

ANKEA Festival 2026 – A Promising New Chapter for Finland’s Metal Scene

https://voiceofnoir.com/2026/06/11/ankea-festival-2026-a-promising-new-chapter-for-finlands-metal-scene/

ANKEA Festival 2026 – A Promising New Chapter for Finland’s Metal Scene

https://voiceofnoir.com/2026/06/11/ankea-festival-2026-a-promising-new-chapter-for-finlands-metal-scene/

I just went through the latest #eclipsed. Here's a list of things I've added to my #Bandcamp wishlist (not yet endorsements, just things that sound intriguing)

#PortNoir - The Dark We Keep
https://portnoir.bandcamp.com/album/the-dark-we-keep-24-bit-hd-audio
(ffo #Leprous)

#Godsticks - Void
https://godsticks.bandcamp.com/album/void-3

#AdventHorizon - Falling Together
https://adventhorizon.bandcamp.com/album/falling-together
(I know and like one of their albums)

#DevinTownsend - The Moth
https://devintownsend.bandcamp.com/album/the-moth-deluxe-edition-24-bit-hd-audio
(ffs a rare 9.5/10 rating 🤯)

For #bcf, I'm going to buy the album Floodgate by #ImminentSonicDestruction.
While I don't exactly like the sound of the singer's voice, some of the music that's happening feels intriguing. The music is in that general #ProgMetal area that I tend to enjoy. I can't really compare it to other bands for #ffo, but the page tags this release as:

#DevinTownsend #DreamTheater #Haken #Leprous #Opeth etc.

https://imminentsonicdestruction.bandcamp.com/album/floodgate

#BandcampFriday #Bandcamp

For #bcf, I'm going to buy the album Floodgate by #ImminentSonicDestruction.
While I don't exactly like the sound of the singer's voice, some of the music that's happening feels intriguing. The music is in that general #ProgMetal area that I tend to enjoy. I can't really compare it to other bands for #ffo, but the page tags this release as:

#DevinTownsend #DreamTheater #Haken #Leprous #Opeth etc.

https://imminentsonicdestruction.bandcamp.com/album/floodgate

#BandcampFriday #Bandcamp

For #bcf, I'm going to buy the album Floodgate by #ImminentSonicDestruction.
While I don't exactly like the sound of the singer's voice, some of the music that's happening feels intriguing. The music is in that general #ProgMetal area that I tend to enjoy. I can't really compare it to other bands for #ffo, but the page tags this release as:

#DevinTownsend #DreamTheater #Haken #Leprous #Opeth etc.

https://imminentsonicdestruction.bandcamp.com/album/floodgate

#BandcampFriday #Bandcamp

Leprous were fantastic on Wednesday
#Leprous #ihlo #progressive

Oh, ok so I didn't realize #drumeo was part of this bigger network of channels under #musora and some of these Murora covers are really fun and amazing.

#Leprous covers A-Ha's "Take on Me" is pretty darned good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2MR6j5Qhg

Oh, ok so I didn't realize #drumeo was part of this bigger network of channels under #musora and some of these Murora covers are really fun and amazing.

#Leprous covers A-Ha's "Take on Me" is pretty darned good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2MR6j5Qhg

Oh, ok so I didn't realize #drumeo was part of this bigger network of channels under #musora and some of these Murora covers are really fun and amazing.

#Leprous covers A-Ha's "Take on Me" is pretty darned good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2MR6j5Qhg

Oh, ok so I didn't realize #drumeo was part of this bigger network of channels under #musora and some of these Murora covers are really fun and amazing.

#Leprous covers A-Ha's "Take on Me" is pretty darned good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2MR6j5Qhg

Oh, ok so I didn't realize #drumeo was part of this bigger network of channels under #musora and some of these Murora covers are really fun and amazing.

#Leprous covers A-Ha's "Take on Me" is pretty darned good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2MR6j5Qhg

Astronoid – Stargod Review

By Samguineous Maximus

Astronoid and I have a history. Their 2016 debut Air was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle releases that blew the doors off my early metal fandom. A delirious cocktail of shoegaze shimmer, sugar-coated harmonies, and blast-beaten bliss, it felt like nothing else at the time, and it sent me tumbling down the blackgaze rabbit hole. Add in the fact that these guys hailed from my quiet corner of New England, and I was all in. I caught them live a handful of times back then, and each gig felt like watching a small band punching way above their weight. 2019’s Astronoid wasn’t a bad album, but its shift toward more conventional post-rock didn’t grab me in the same way, and it eventually fell out of rotation. Their next release, 2022’s Radiant Bloom, was a marked improvement, combining the atmosphere and immediacy of their debut with the songwriting lessons of its follow-up. Still, it didn’t quite recapture the euphoric heights of Air. Now, with a string of impressive live gigs under their belt, including an opening slot for Blink-182 of all people, and a streamlined lineup reduced to a trio, the band returns with their fourth full-length, Stargod. The big question: can Astronoid finally outdo Air, or are we doomed to orbit its glowing corpse forever?

The core sound of Stargod is unmistakably Astronoid, but this time the group leans further into pop-focused songwriting. Their trademark mix of prog, shoegaze, and post-rock remains intact with all the familiar hallmarks: gleeful blast beats, major-key harmonies, soaring choirboy vocals, and buoyant synths. However, they’re used in the service of sharper, chorus-driven compositions that rely on dynamics and layering to strengthen their saccharine, high-energy attack. Slower, ballad-like tracks such as “Stargod” and “Beneath the Lights” exemplify this approach, building evocative, vocal-centered songs on synth-forward grooves while guitar harmonies are added or stripped away for maximum impact around a memorable chorus. These are nicely balanced by more immediate up-tempo cuts which swirl around a hypnotizing central synth motif (“Explosive”) or follow a pop-punk tinged guitar charge (“Dream Protocol ’88”) which melds the band’s familiar sense of high-energy elation with this record’s improved sense of dynamics and hooks. Stargod is a thoroughly pleasant and varied record—balanced, uplifting, and easy to throw on to just bathe in Astronoid’s signature jubilance.

Part of Stargod’s shimmer comes from the newfound confidence radiating from Astronoid’s vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter, Brett Boland. His ethereal tenor has always been central to the band’s sound, but here it shines brighter than ever, carried by lush vocal harmonies that elevate every track. Beyond his usual roles, Boland also handles drums on this record and co-mixed the entire album with bassist and synth player Daniel Schwartz. The result is Astronoid’s best-sounding release yet. The synths, in particular, stand out—glowing with both playful innocence and heartfelt emotion—while every element, from the warm, nuanced drumming to the crunchy, reverberant guitar leads, feels immediate and expressive. Mid-tempo rockers like “Third Shot” and “Sabian” land especially hard, gliding between soaring choruses, restrained verses, and climactic solos. Altogether, Stargod feels like the complete, uncompromising realization of a band finally confident in pursuing their true sound.

My biggest critique of Stargod might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but my favorite tracks are the ones that most closely resemble the blast-heavy style of Air. The opening tracks, “Embark” and “Love Weapon,” bring back the high-energy, blast-driven sound of Astronoid’s debut, but with tighter songwriting and immaculate production. This style makes a return on the closing track, “Arrival,” which ends the album with a stunning climax. On repeated listens, I find myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by the middle section of Stargod as it relaxes its grip on the throttle. While those middle tracks are still beautiful and engaging in their own right, I do find myself longing ever so slightly for more blast beat goodness and it’s a bit disappointing that my favorite moments still come from the songs that echo the band’s earlier sound. That said, taken as a whole, Stargod is still a remarkable accomplishment.

With Stargod, I see Astronoid in a position similar to where Leprous found themselves with Malina. While I miss the sheer bombast of Astronoid’s earlier sound, I can’t help but admire the impeccable craftsmanship on display as the band continues to evolve. Stargod is packed with intelligently written, dynamic pop songs that capture the magic of what made Astronoid special in the first place, while confidently showcasing the sonic maturity they’ve developed over the years. Is Stargod a true sequel to Air? Not at all—but it doesn’t need to be. It stands as an impressive record that thrives on its own strengths.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: 3DOT Recordings
Websites: astronoidband.com | facebook.com/astronoidband
Releases Worldwide: November 7th, 2025

#2025 #35 #3DotRecordings #AlternativeMetal #AmerianMetal #Astronoid #Leprous #Nov25 #PopMetal #PostRock #PostMetal #ProgressiveMetal #Review #Reviews #Shoegaze #Stargod

Astronoid – Stargod Review

By Samguineous Maximus

Astronoid and I have a history. Their 2016 debut Air was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle releases that blew the doors off my early metal fandom. A delirious cocktail of shoegaze shimmer, sugar-coated harmonies, and blast-beaten bliss, it felt like nothing else at the time, and it sent me tumbling down the blackgaze rabbit hole. Add in the fact that these guys hailed from my quiet corner of New England, and I was all in. I caught them live a handful of times back then, and each gig felt like watching a small band punching way above their weight. 2019’s Astronoid wasn’t a bad album, but its shift toward more conventional post-rock didn’t grab me in the same way, and it eventually fell out of rotation. Their next release, 2022’s Radiant Bloom, was a marked improvement, combining the atmosphere and immediacy of their debut with the songwriting lessons of its follow-up. Still, it didn’t quite recapture the euphoric heights of Air. Now, with a string of impressive live gigs under their belt, including an opening slot for Blink-182 of all people, and a streamlined lineup reduced to a trio, the band returns with their fourth full-length, Stargod. The big question: can Astronoid finally outdo Air, or are we doomed to orbit its glowing corpse forever?

The core sound of Stargod is unmistakably Astronoid, but this time the group leans further into pop-focused songwriting. Their trademark mix of prog, shoegaze, and post-rock remains intact with all the familiar hallmarks: gleeful blast beats, major-key harmonies, soaring choirboy vocals, and buoyant synths. However, they’re used in the service of sharper, chorus-driven compositions that rely on dynamics and layering to strengthen their saccharine, high-energy attack. Slower, ballad-like tracks such as “Stargod” and “Beneath the Lights” exemplify this approach, building evocative, vocal-centered songs on synth-forward grooves while guitar harmonies are added or stripped away for maximum impact around a memorable chorus. These are nicely balanced by more immediate up-tempo cuts which swirl around a hypnotizing central synth motif (“Explosive”) or follow a pop-punk tinged guitar charge (“Dream Protocol ’88”) which melds the band’s familiar sense of high-energy elation with this record’s improved sense of dynamics and hooks. Stargod is a thoroughly pleasant and varied record—balanced, uplifting, and easy to throw on to just bathe in Astronoid’s signature jubilance.

Part of Stargod’s shimmer comes from the newfound confidence radiating from Astronoid’s vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter, Brett Boland. His ethereal tenor has always been central to the band’s sound, but here it shines brighter than ever, carried by lush vocal harmonies that elevate every track. Beyond his usual roles, Boland also handles drums on this record and co-mixed the entire album with bassist and synth player Daniel Schwartz. The result is Astronoid’s best-sounding release yet. The synths, in particular, stand out—glowing with both playful innocence and heartfelt emotion—while every element, from the warm, nuanced drumming to the crunchy, reverberant guitar leads, feels immediate and expressive. Mid-tempo rockers like “Third Shot” and “Sabian” land especially hard, gliding between soaring choruses, restrained verses, and climactic solos. Altogether, Stargod feels like the complete, uncompromising realization of a band finally confident in pursuing their true sound.

My biggest critique of Stargod might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but my favorite tracks are the ones that most closely resemble the blast-heavy style of Air. The opening tracks, “Embark” and “Love Weapon,” bring back the high-energy, blast-driven sound of Astronoid’s debut, but with tighter songwriting and immaculate production. This style makes a return on the closing track, “Arrival,” which ends the album with a stunning climax. On repeated listens, I find myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by the middle section of Stargod as it relaxes its grip on the throttle. While those middle tracks are still beautiful and engaging in their own right, I do find myself longing ever so slightly for more blast beat goodness and it’s a bit disappointing that my favorite moments still come from the songs that echo the band’s earlier sound. That said, taken as a whole, Stargod is still a remarkable accomplishment.

With Stargod, I see Astronoid in a position similar to where Leprous found themselves with Malina. While I miss the sheer bombast of Astronoid’s earlier sound, I can’t help but admire the impeccable craftsmanship on display as the band continues to evolve. Stargod is packed with intelligently written, dynamic pop songs that capture the magic of what made Astronoid special in the first place, while confidently showcasing the sonic maturity they’ve developed over the years. Is Stargod a true sequel to Air? Not at all—but it doesn’t need to be. It stands as an impressive record that thrives on its own strengths.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: 3DOT Recordings
Websites: astronoidband.com | facebook.com/astronoidband
Releases Worldwide: November 7th, 2025

#2025 #35 #3DotRecordings #AlternativeMetal #AmerianMetal #Astronoid #Leprous #Nov25 #PopMetal #PostRock #PostMetal #ProgressiveMetal #Review #Reviews #Shoegaze #Stargod

Astronoid – Stargod Review

By Samguineous Maximus

Astronoid and I have a history. Their 2016 debut Air was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle releases that blew the doors off my early metal fandom. A delirious cocktail of shoegaze shimmer, sugar-coated harmonies, and blast-beaten bliss, it felt like nothing else at the time, and it sent me tumbling down the blackgaze rabbit hole. Add in the fact that these guys hailed from my quiet corner of New England, and I was all in. I caught them live a handful of times back then, and each gig felt like watching a small band punching way above their weight. 2019’s Astronoid wasn’t a bad album, but its shift toward more conventional post-rock didn’t grab me in the same way, and it eventually fell out of rotation. Their next release, 2022’s Radiant Bloom, was a marked improvement, combining the atmosphere and immediacy of their debut with the songwriting lessons of its follow-up. Still, it didn’t quite recapture the euphoric heights of Air. Now, with a string of impressive live gigs under their belt, including an opening slot for Blink-182 of all people, and a streamlined lineup reduced to a trio, the band returns with their fourth full-length, Stargod. The big question: can Astronoid finally outdo Air, or are we doomed to orbit its glowing corpse forever?

The core sound of Stargod is unmistakably Astronoid, but this time the group leans further into pop-focused songwriting. Their trademark mix of prog, shoegaze, and post-rock remains intact with all the familiar hallmarks: gleeful blast beats, major-key harmonies, soaring choirboy vocals, and buoyant synths. However, they’re used in the service of sharper, chorus-driven compositions that rely on dynamics and layering to strengthen their saccharine, high-energy attack. Slower, ballad-like tracks such as “Stargod” and “Beneath the Lights” exemplify this approach, building evocative, vocal-centered songs on synth-forward grooves while guitar harmonies are added or stripped away for maximum impact around a memorable chorus. These are nicely balanced by more immediate up-tempo cuts which swirl around a hypnotizing central synth motif (“Explosive”) or follow a pop-punk tinged guitar charge (“Dream Protocol ’88”) which melds the band’s familiar sense of high-energy elation with this record’s improved sense of dynamics and hooks. Stargod is a thoroughly pleasant and varied record—balanced, uplifting, and easy to throw on to just bathe in Astronoid’s signature jubilance.

Part of Stargod’s shimmer comes from the newfound confidence radiating from Astronoid’s vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter, Brett Boland. His ethereal tenor has always been central to the band’s sound, but here it shines brighter than ever, carried by lush vocal harmonies that elevate every track. Beyond his usual roles, Boland also handles drums on this record and co-mixed the entire album with bassist and synth player Daniel Schwartz. The result is Astronoid’s best-sounding release yet. The synths, in particular, stand out—glowing with both playful innocence and heartfelt emotion—while every element, from the warm, nuanced drumming to the crunchy, reverberant guitar leads, feels immediate and expressive. Mid-tempo rockers like “Third Shot” and “Sabian” land especially hard, gliding between soaring choruses, restrained verses, and climactic solos. Altogether, Stargod feels like the complete, uncompromising realization of a band finally confident in pursuing their true sound.

My biggest critique of Stargod might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but my favorite tracks are the ones that most closely resemble the blast-heavy style of Air. The opening tracks, “Embark” and “Love Weapon,” bring back the high-energy, blast-driven sound of Astronoid’s debut, but with tighter songwriting and immaculate production. This style makes a return on the closing track, “Arrival,” which ends the album with a stunning climax. On repeated listens, I find myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by the middle section of Stargod as it relaxes its grip on the throttle. While those middle tracks are still beautiful and engaging in their own right, I do find myself longing ever so slightly for more blast beat goodness and it’s a bit disappointing that my favorite moments still come from the songs that echo the band’s earlier sound. That said, taken as a whole, Stargod is still a remarkable accomplishment.

With Stargod, I see Astronoid in a position similar to where Leprous found themselves with Malina. While I miss the sheer bombast of Astronoid’s earlier sound, I can’t help but admire the impeccable craftsmanship on display as the band continues to evolve. Stargod is packed with intelligently written, dynamic pop songs that capture the magic of what made Astronoid special in the first place, while confidently showcasing the sonic maturity they’ve developed over the years. Is Stargod a true sequel to Air? Not at all—but it doesn’t need to be. It stands as an impressive record that thrives on its own strengths.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: 3DOT Recordings
Websites: astronoidband.com | facebook.com/astronoidband
Releases Worldwide: November 7th, 2025

#2025 #35 #3DotRecordings #AlternativeMetal #AmerianMetal #Astronoid #Leprous #Nov25 #PopMetal #PostRock #PostMetal #ProgressiveMetal #Review #Reviews #Shoegaze #Stargod

Astronoid – Stargod Review

By Samguineous Maximus

Astronoid and I have a history. Their 2016 debut Air was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle releases that blew the doors off my early metal fandom. A delirious cocktail of shoegaze shimmer, sugar-coated harmonies, and blast-beaten bliss, it felt like nothing else at the time, and it sent me tumbling down the blackgaze rabbit hole. Add in the fact that these guys hailed from my quiet corner of New England, and I was all in. I caught them live a handful of times back then, and each gig felt like watching a small band punching way above their weight. 2019’s Astronoid wasn’t a bad album, but its shift toward more conventional post-rock didn’t grab me in the same way, and it eventually fell out of rotation. Their next release, 2022’s Radiant Bloom, was a marked improvement, combining the atmosphere and immediacy of their debut with the songwriting lessons of its follow-up. Still, it didn’t quite recapture the euphoric heights of Air. Now, with a string of impressive live gigs under their belt, including an opening slot for Blink-182 of all people, and a streamlined lineup reduced to a trio, the band returns with their fourth full-length, Stargod. The big question: can Astronoid finally outdo Air, or are we doomed to orbit its glowing corpse forever?

The core sound of Stargod is unmistakably Astronoid, but this time the group leans further into pop-focused songwriting. Their trademark mix of prog, shoegaze, and post-rock remains intact with all the familiar hallmarks: gleeful blast beats, major-key harmonies, soaring choirboy vocals, and buoyant synths. However, they’re used in the service of sharper, chorus-driven compositions that rely on dynamics and layering to strengthen their saccharine, high-energy attack. Slower, ballad-like tracks such as “Stargod” and “Beneath the Lights” exemplify this approach, building evocative, vocal-centered songs on synth-forward grooves while guitar harmonies are added or stripped away for maximum impact around a memorable chorus. These are nicely balanced by more immediate up-tempo cuts which swirl around a hypnotizing central synth motif (“Explosive”) or follow a pop-punk tinged guitar charge (“Dream Protocol ’88”) which melds the band’s familiar sense of high-energy elation with this record’s improved sense of dynamics and hooks. Stargod is a thoroughly pleasant and varied record—balanced, uplifting, and easy to throw on to just bathe in Astronoid’s signature jubilance.

Part of Stargod’s shimmer comes from the newfound confidence radiating from Astronoid’s vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter, Brett Boland. His ethereal tenor has always been central to the band’s sound, but here it shines brighter than ever, carried by lush vocal harmonies that elevate every track. Beyond his usual roles, Boland also handles drums on this record and co-mixed the entire album with bassist and synth player Daniel Schwartz. The result is Astronoid’s best-sounding release yet. The synths, in particular, stand out—glowing with both playful innocence and heartfelt emotion—while every element, from the warm, nuanced drumming to the crunchy, reverberant guitar leads, feels immediate and expressive. Mid-tempo rockers like “Third Shot” and “Sabian” land especially hard, gliding between soaring choruses, restrained verses, and climactic solos. Altogether, Stargod feels like the complete, uncompromising realization of a band finally confident in pursuing their true sound.

My biggest critique of Stargod might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but my favorite tracks are the ones that most closely resemble the blast-heavy style of Air. The opening tracks, “Embark” and “Love Weapon,” bring back the high-energy, blast-driven sound of Astronoid’s debut, but with tighter songwriting and immaculate production. This style makes a return on the closing track, “Arrival,” which ends the album with a stunning climax. On repeated listens, I find myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by the middle section of Stargod as it relaxes its grip on the throttle. While those middle tracks are still beautiful and engaging in their own right, I do find myself longing ever so slightly for more blast beat goodness and it’s a bit disappointing that my favorite moments still come from the songs that echo the band’s earlier sound. That said, taken as a whole, Stargod is still a remarkable accomplishment.

With Stargod, I see Astronoid in a position similar to where Leprous found themselves with Malina. While I miss the sheer bombast of Astronoid’s earlier sound, I can’t help but admire the impeccable craftsmanship on display as the band continues to evolve. Stargod is packed with intelligently written, dynamic pop songs that capture the magic of what made Astronoid special in the first place, while confidently showcasing the sonic maturity they’ve developed over the years. Is Stargod a true sequel to Air? Not at all—but it doesn’t need to be. It stands as an impressive record that thrives on its own strengths.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: 3DOT Recordings
Websites: astronoidband.com | facebook.com/astronoidband
Releases Worldwide: November 7th, 2025

#2025 #35 #3DotRecordings #AlternativeMetal #AmerianMetal #Astronoid #Leprous #Nov25 #PopMetal #PostRock #PostMetal #ProgressiveMetal #Review #Reviews #Shoegaze #Stargod

Astronoid – Stargod Review

By Samguineous Maximus

Astronoid and I have a history. Their 2016 debut Air was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle releases that blew the doors off my early metal fandom. A delirious cocktail of shoegaze shimmer, sugar-coated harmonies, and blast-beaten bliss, it felt like nothing else at the time, and it sent me tumbling down the blackgaze rabbit hole. Add in the fact that these guys hailed from my quiet corner of New England, and I was all in. I caught them live a handful of times back then, and each gig felt like watching a small band punching way above their weight. 2019’s Astronoid wasn’t a bad album, but its shift toward more conventional post-rock didn’t grab me in the same way, and it eventually fell out of rotation. Their next release, 2022’s Radiant Bloom, was a marked improvement, combining the atmosphere and immediacy of their debut with the songwriting lessons of its follow-up. Still, it didn’t quite recapture the euphoric heights of Air. Now, with a string of impressive live gigs under their belt, including an opening slot for Blink-182 of all people, and a streamlined lineup reduced to a trio, the band returns with their fourth full-length, Stargod. The big question: can Astronoid finally outdo Air, or are we doomed to orbit its glowing corpse forever?

The core sound of Stargod is unmistakably Astronoid, but this time the group leans further into pop-focused songwriting. Their trademark mix of prog, shoegaze, and post-rock remains intact with all the familiar hallmarks: gleeful blast beats, major-key harmonies, soaring choirboy vocals, and buoyant synths. However, they’re used in the service of sharper, chorus-driven compositions that rely on dynamics and layering to strengthen their saccharine, high-energy attack. Slower, ballad-like tracks such as “Stargod” and “Beneath the Lights” exemplify this approach, building evocative, vocal-centered songs on synth-forward grooves while guitar harmonies are added or stripped away for maximum impact around a memorable chorus. These are nicely balanced by more immediate up-tempo cuts which swirl around a hypnotizing central synth motif (“Explosive”) or follow a pop-punk tinged guitar charge (“Dream Protocol ’88”) which melds the band’s familiar sense of high-energy elation with this record’s improved sense of dynamics and hooks. Stargod is a thoroughly pleasant and varied record—balanced, uplifting, and easy to throw on to just bathe in Astronoid’s signature jubilance.

Part of Stargod’s shimmer comes from the newfound confidence radiating from Astronoid’s vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter, Brett Boland. His ethereal tenor has always been central to the band’s sound, but here it shines brighter than ever, carried by lush vocal harmonies that elevate every track. Beyond his usual roles, Boland also handles drums on this record and co-mixed the entire album with bassist and synth player Daniel Schwartz. The result is Astronoid’s best-sounding release yet. The synths, in particular, stand out—glowing with both playful innocence and heartfelt emotion—while every element, from the warm, nuanced drumming to the crunchy, reverberant guitar leads, feels immediate and expressive. Mid-tempo rockers like “Third Shot” and “Sabian” land especially hard, gliding between soaring choruses, restrained verses, and climactic solos. Altogether, Stargod feels like the complete, uncompromising realization of a band finally confident in pursuing their true sound.

My biggest critique of Stargod might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but my favorite tracks are the ones that most closely resemble the blast-heavy style of Air. The opening tracks, “Embark” and “Love Weapon,” bring back the high-energy, blast-driven sound of Astronoid’s debut, but with tighter songwriting and immaculate production. This style makes a return on the closing track, “Arrival,” which ends the album with a stunning climax. On repeated listens, I find myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by the middle section of Stargod as it relaxes its grip on the throttle. While those middle tracks are still beautiful and engaging in their own right, I do find myself longing ever so slightly for more blast beat goodness and it’s a bit disappointing that my favorite moments still come from the songs that echo the band’s earlier sound. That said, taken as a whole, Stargod is still a remarkable accomplishment.

With Stargod, I see Astronoid in a position similar to where Leprous found themselves with Malina. While I miss the sheer bombast of Astronoid’s earlier sound, I can’t help but admire the impeccable craftsmanship on display as the band continues to evolve. Stargod is packed with intelligently written, dynamic pop songs that capture the magic of what made Astronoid special in the first place, while confidently showcasing the sonic maturity they’ve developed over the years. Is Stargod a true sequel to Air? Not at all—but it doesn’t need to be. It stands as an impressive record that thrives on its own strengths.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: 3DOT Recordings
Websites: astronoidband.com | facebook.com/astronoidband
Releases Worldwide: November 7th, 2025

#2025 #35 #3DotRecordings #AlternativeMetal #AmerianMetal #Astronoid #Leprous #Nov25 #PopMetal #PostRock #PostMetal #ProgressiveMetal #Review #Reviews #Shoegaze #Stargod

Early impression, #RoyalSorrow sound like a mix of #Leprous and #VOLA.

I should hurry with #RoyalSorrow, they're supporting #Leprous, who I am undecided about seeing in November.

New #eclipsed was in the mail today. Here's new stuff I want to check out:

- #Smalltape: https://smalltape.bandcamp.com/album/tangram
- #TheBlackCatsEye: https://theblackcatseye.bandcamp.com/album/decrypting-dreams-of-weird-animals-and-strange-objects
- #RoyalSorrow: https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/innerdeeps-24-bit-hd-audio
- #LunaticSoul (not on bandcamp)
- #Leprous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC2j0v975XE

The #FlamingRow has a rating of 7.5/10, so far I'm liking that one. Unsurprisingly, it feels #Ayreon'ish.

New #eclipsed was in the mail today. Here's new stuff I want to check out:

- #Smalltape: https://smalltape.bandcamp.com/album/tangram
- #TheBlackCatsEye: https://theblackcatseye.bandcamp.com/album/decrypting-dreams-of-weird-animals-and-strange-objects
- #RoyalSorrow: https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/innerdeeps-24-bit-hd-audio
- #LunaticSoul (not on bandcamp)
- #Leprous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC2j0v975XE

The #FlamingRow has a rating of 7.5/10, so far I'm liking that one. Unsurprisingly, it feels #Ayreon'ish.

New #eclipsed was in the mail today. Here's new stuff I want to check out:

- #Smalltape: https://smalltape.bandcamp.com/album/tangram
- #TheBlackCatsEye: https://theblackcatseye.bandcamp.com/album/decrypting-dreams-of-weird-animals-and-strange-objects
- #RoyalSorrow: https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/innerdeeps-24-bit-hd-audio
- #LunaticSoul (not on bandcamp)
- #Leprous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC2j0v975XE

The #FlamingRow has a rating of 7.5/10, so far I'm liking that one. Unsurprisingly, it feels #Ayreon'ish.

New #eclipsed was in the mail today. Here's new stuff I want to check out:

- #Smalltape: https://smalltape.bandcamp.com/album/tangram
- #TheBlackCatsEye: https://theblackcatseye.bandcamp.com/album/decrypting-dreams-of-weird-animals-and-strange-objects
- #RoyalSorrow: https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/innerdeeps-24-bit-hd-audio
- #LunaticSoul (not on bandcamp)
- #Leprous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC2j0v975XE

The #FlamingRow has a rating of 7.5/10, so far I'm liking that one. Unsurprisingly, it feels #Ayreon'ish.

LEPROUS announce “An Evening Of Atonement” live release 🔥

📰 Check the #WhiteroomReviews news item: https://www.whiteroomreviews.nl/nieuws/leprous-kondigt-live-release-an-evening-of-atonement-aan
✍️ By me
🎥 By: #Leprous
.
.
.
#prog #progrock #progmetal #progressivemetal #insideoutmusic #oktoberpromotion #sethpicturesmusic

Alcatraz Festival… wow. Four days gone in a heartbeat. 🤯🤘
Kick, Eus & Ralf: legends 🫶
Top 10 from days 3 & 4 coming right up:

Day 3:
1) #Psycroptic
2) #Suffocation
3) #RiversofNihil
4) #Leprous
5) #Vola
6) #BetweentheBuriedandMe
7) #Baest
8) #TheBlackDahliaMurder
9) #Evergrey
10) #Myrath

Day 4:
1) #Borknagar
2) #FearFactory
3) #Gaera
4) #CultofLuna
5) #Emperor
6) #DimmuBorgir
7) #MachineHead
8) #Tsjuder
9) #Prong
10) #KerryKing

Full photo report & concert review online soon!

I'm finding myself returning to music by #Kalandra a lot over the last few days. Metal-folk-adjacent, and were a superb support act for #Leprous when I last saw them.

Kalandra also had a great set at ArcTanGent last year, and they're due again this year (though sadly on Wednesday - I think they should be higher on the bill!)

Anyway - if Monday is getting to you, give their latest album "A Frame Of Mind" a try.

I'm finding myself returning to music by #Kalandra a lot over the last few days. Metal-folk-adjacent, and were a superb support act for #Leprous when I last saw them.

Kalandra also had a great set at ArcTanGent last year, and they're due again this year (though sadly on Wednesday - I think they should be higher on the bill!)

Anyway - if Monday is getting to you, give their latest album "A Frame Of Mind" a try.

As December Falls
26.10.2025 Berlin / FRANNZ Club

DeeCracks
05.04.2025 Berlin / Wild At Heart

Erik Cohen
05.09.2025 Berlin / Cassiopeia

Leprous
18.11.2025 Berlin / Kesselhaus

The Devils
03.04.2025 Berlin / Wild At Heart

#AsDecemberFalls #Berlin #Cassiopeia #DeeCracks #ErikCohen #FRANNZClub #Kesselhaus #Leprous #TheDevils #WildAtHeart #SteelFeed

Los progresivos de #Leprous subieron a un coro de niños chilenos anoche en un nueva versión del #CLPROG 😍

🐦🔗 https://farside.link/x.com/Nacion_Rock/status/1901384558295027865#m
RT: https://twitter.com/Nacion_Rock/status/1901384558295027865#m

#TesseracT, #Leprous, #GreenLung and #Sungazer among others announced for this year's #ArcTanGent. Tempting 😬

#TesseracT, #Leprous, #GreenLung and #Sungazer among others announced for this year's #ArcTanGent. Tempting 😬

#TesseracT, #Leprous, #GreenLung and #Sungazer among others announced for this year's #ArcTanGent. Tempting 😬

#TesseracT, #Leprous, #GreenLung and #Sungazer among others announced for this year's #ArcTanGent. Tempting 😬

#TesseracT, #Leprous, #GreenLung and #Sungazer among others announced for this year's #ArcTanGent. Tempting 😬

🚗💥 ¡Arrancamos el viaje todoterreno en #4x4 con lo mejor de la cosecha 2024! 🎶

Escuchamos a #Leprous, #Aisles, #CharlyGarcía y #DavidGilmour.

🗓 Lunes 10 y 22 Hrs en http://Rockaxis.FM 🎙 Conduce @PabloCerda1

#Rockaxis #RockaxisFM #Música

🐦🔗 https://farside.link/x.com/rockaxisoficial/status/1840738218653757706#m

New #kalandra album!

First heard Kalandra in 2023 when they were supporting #leprous. Pleasantly surprised, and then caught them again earlier this year at #ArcTanGent.

Dark Scandinavian folk metal-adjacent with the odd uplifting major chord for your hearing holes. Lovely.

https://album.link/t/369951487

#NowPlaying #NewMusic

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#Loudwire
10 Metal Singers Who'd Fit Perfectly in Other Bands
Just imagine the possibilities!

https://loudwire.com/metal-singers-fit-perfectly-other-bands/

#AxlRose #BlackSabbath #BruceDickinson #CammieGilbert #ChrisCornell #DevinTownsend #DreamTheater #Ghost #JamesHetfield #JimGrey #Kamelot #KingDiamond #Leprous #MrBungle #Pantera #Queensryche #RavenVanDorst #RussellAllen #SerjTankian #Tool

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
BLACKBRAID, DEFEATED SANITY, SLOWER & More Among Metal Injection's Top Tracks Of The Week

https://metalinjection.net/playlist/top-tracks-of-the-week-playlist/blackbraid-defeated-sanity-slower-more-among-metal-injections-top-tracks-of-the-week

#Blackbraid #DefeatedSanity #Slower #MetalInjection #GregKennelty #I #Leprous #Schammasch #Jade #RippedToShreds #Frost #Carnosus #ImmortalBird #MeltedBodies #BlueHeron #DeMannenBroeders

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
BLACKBRAID, DEFEATED SANITY, SLOWER & More Among Metal Injection's Top Tracks Of The Week

https://metalinjection.net/playlist/top-tracks-of-the-week-playlist/blackbraid-defeated-sanity-slower-more-among-metal-injections-top-tracks-of-the-week

#Blackbraid #DefeatedSanity #Slower #MetalInjection #GregKennelty #I #Leprous #Schammasch #Jade #RippedToShreds #Frost #Carnosus #ImmortalBird #MeltedBodies #BlueHeron #DeMannenBroeders

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
BLACKBRAID, DEFEATED SANITY, SLOWER & More Among Metal Injection's Top Tracks Of The Week

https://metalinjection.net/playlist/top-tracks-of-the-week-playlist/blackbraid-defeated-sanity-slower-more-among-metal-injections-top-tracks-of-the-week

#Blackbraid #DefeatedSanity #Slower #MetalInjection #GregKennelty #I #Leprous #Schammasch #Jade #RippedToShreds #Frost #Carnosus #ImmortalBird #MeltedBodies #BlueHeron #DeMannenBroeders

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
BLACKBRAID, DEFEATED SANITY, SLOWER & More Among Metal Injection's Top Tracks Of The Week

https://metalinjection.net/playlist/top-tracks-of-the-week-playlist/blackbraid-defeated-sanity-slower-more-among-metal-injections-top-tracks-of-the-week

#Blackbraid #DefeatedSanity #Slower #MetalInjection #GregKennelty #I #Leprous #Schammasch #Jade #RippedToShreds #Frost #Carnosus #ImmortalBird #MeltedBodies #BlueHeron #DeMannenBroeders

#TheMetalDogArticleList
#MetalInjection
BLACKBRAID, DEFEATED SANITY, SLOWER & More Among Metal Injection's Top Tracks Of The Week

https://metalinjection.net/playlist/top-tracks-of-the-week-playlist/blackbraid-defeated-sanity-slower-more-among-metal-injections-top-tracks-of-the-week

#Blackbraid #DefeatedSanity #Slower #MetalInjection #GregKennelty #I #Leprous #Schammasch #Jade #RippedToShreds #Frost #Carnosus #ImmortalBird #MeltedBodies #BlueHeron #DeMannenBroeders

Een nieuwe maand betekent ook weer een boel nieuwe muziek. In augustus brengen o.a. Anberlin, Zeal & Ardor, Leprous en Yours Truly albums uit. Check hier ons hele overzicht en laat ons weten naar welk album jij het meeste uitkijkt! https://buff.ly/3v6gFe2

#Anberlin #ZealAndArdor #Leprous #YoursTruly #Rock #Metal #Poppunk

Een nieuwe maand betekent ook weer een boel nieuwe muziek. In augustus brengen o.a. Anberlin, Zeal & Ardor, Leprous en Yours Truly albums uit. Check hier ons hele overzicht en laat ons weten naar welk album jij het meeste uitkijkt! https://buff.ly/3v6gFe2

#Anberlin #ZealAndArdor #Leprous #YoursTruly #Rock #Metal #Poppunk

Een nieuwe maand betekent ook weer een boel nieuwe muziek. In augustus brengen o.a. Anberlin, Zeal & Ardor, Leprous en Yours Truly albums uit. Check hier ons hele overzicht en laat ons weten naar welk album jij het meeste uitkijkt! https://buff.ly/3v6gFe2

#Anberlin #ZealAndArdor #Leprous #YoursTruly #Rock #Metal #Poppunk