Ok, punk rockers! Albany, NY’s Halo Bite just dropped a bomb with their latest EP, "Winner's Circle," and it's...well, it’s explosive.
This has been an incredible year for hardcore. Not only that, but it’s been a hell of a year for femme-fronted hardcore. We’ve been able to experience amazing albums by bands like Gouge Away, Spaced, Dry Socket, NØ MAN, and many more. And to be clear, not one of these has been “good for a girl,” these are absolute bangers period. From start to finish all of these albums breathe fire and sweat gasoline…they radiate the stuff of life- frustration, anxiety, joy, regret, and loss. Halo Bite are definitely touching on those concepts, building on these concepts, and with “Winner’s Circle,” released today, they’ve shared an EP that is a ferocious blend of hardcore, metal, and punk that demands your attention and refuses to let go…while elevating all of those concepts with its existence.
Mixed by the deft hands of Zach Weeks at God City Studio and mastered by the keen ear of Magnus Lindberg in Stockholm, "Winner's Circle" showcases Halo Bite in a whirlwind of sonic evolution. From the reverb-drenched screams of "New Soil" to the gut-punching rhythms of "Plastic Idol," each track is a masterclass in intensity and passion.
The opening track, "New Soil," sets the tone with J Kaiser's visceral vocals that cut through a thick layer of guitar noise, commanding attention with a desperate plea for grounding amidst chaos. This isn't just music; it's an emotional exorcism, with lyrics that challenge, provoke, and resonate deeply. Kaiser's ability to shift from screaming to singing captures a rawness that is both haunting and utterly captivating.
"Plastic Idol" is another standout, where pulsating verses and intricate bridges collide with a slam-dance-ready chorus. The track’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of struggle and defiance, stitched together with a rawness that only Halo Bite can deliver. It’s here that the band’s punk ethos shines, blending aggression with introspection in a dance of distorted guitars and rhythmic fury.
But what truly sets "Winner's Circle" apart is its authenticity. Halo Bite's sound might be steeped in the traditions of punk and hardcore, but there's an undeniable freshness to their approach. They navigate the fine line between homage and innovation, making each track a nod to the past while fiercely driving forward.
So there it is. We’re in what feels like a renaissance in the hardcore genre where, what was previously a boy’s club, quite often an angry white boys club, is open. It’s yours, it’s yours, it’s yours, and you know what, it’s all of ours. And that’s the best thing that could possibly happen because we get to reap the benefits of the struggles we’re all facing, finding out they’re more similar than we’ve thought. This is a fuse that we’ve all been able to light together and the explosion is real. Let it blow up in your ears.