James Hickie

4 days ago | kerrang.com | James Hickie |Anthony Tran

June 2, 2025Words:James HickiePhotos:Anthony TranFor a band as simpatico as House Of Protection, its two members are displaying markedly different energies this morning. It’s 9am in Los Angeles and Aric Improta is sitting in his car, bright-eyed and bushy-ponytailed, reflecting upon the duo celebrating their first year as a creative force – having both quit Jason Aalon Butler’s FEVER 333 in October 2022 – as well as the release of their second EP, Outrun You All.

1 week ago | kerrang.com | James Hickie |Paul Harries

When it came time to discuss Ghost’s fourth album, Prequelle, and its relationship to Meliora, Tobias Forge described it as “the hangover” to its predecessor. While Meliora had been a godless album, although one set in what he described as a “Utopian, Star Trek future”, Prequelle would deal with God visiting his wrath upon mankind in a despicable form.

1 week ago | kerrang.com | James Hickie

If you've been hankering for a dose of melancholic post-hardcore with old school black metal production, then prepare to hit the motherload. Svarta Havet’s second album, Månen ska lysa din väg, which translates as ‘The moon will light your way’ is intensity manifest. From its performances, recorded to approximate the raw, caustic power of the Finns’ live show, to its anti-fascist, anti-capitalist, anti-colonialist political drive, it’s a record writhing with passion.

2 weeks ago | kerrang.com | James Hickie |Jamie Waters

May 22, 2025Words:James HickiePhotos:Jamie WatersBen Lumber is fatigued. Sitting in the back of a van, occasionally vaping for a bit of pep, he reflects upon a whirlwind 18 months in which his band Acres’ collective feet haven’t touched the ground. “It’s a lot to take in,” the singer ponders. “But I’m happy with what we’ve achieved.” It’s little wonder the tiredness is setting in.

3 weeks ago | kerrang.com | James Hickie

Unlike its predecessor, which was written separately and remotely, Flickering Resonance is less fragmented in its execution. So while reference points occasionally bubble to the surface, they’re as seamless components rather than diverting nods, the fruits of four men’s melding magnificence, as opposed to their creative push and pull. Either way, this is an energising work.