Close
Personnel:
Lisa-Marie Watz – vocals
Chris Bunnell – guitars
Julian Schuetze – bass
Ben Juelg – drums, producer
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Record Label: Reaper Entertainment
April Art are back on their quest to write their names in the metal history books, and this time they are doing it with RED. The alternative metal band return with another full-length record, following up on their previous releases while pushing further into the sound they have built for themselves, with modern heaviness, massive hooks, and unapologetic energy.
RED is an immediately exciting listen that leaves you wanting more. On their previous releases, April Art sounded like a band still working on perfecting their identity. Here, they sound like they have finally reached that point, completely comfortable with the foundation they have built while still finding new ways to expand it. The momentum keeps the album moving from start to finish, but some of the hooks are so damn effective that certain tracks will have you going back to them before you even finish the record.
If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.
The cover art features a dark black-and-white collage of the trio posing for police mugshots over a chaotic background of torn text and scribbles. The whole thing fits the record perfectly, immediately preparing the listener for the darker and more aggressive energy of the tracks inside.
The first thing that stands out about RED is how much the guitars and hooks carry the album. April Art keep things heavy and direct, but they do not stick to the same pace or intensity from one song to another. “Bulletproof” gets things started with an aggressive punch, while “Hungry for Life” and “Panic Stations” give the album some breathing room with softer verses before the heavier choruses kick back in. The changes in pace work just as well, from the slower, uplifting “Unbreakable” to the faster, almost punk-inspired energy of “Good Guy.” There are also softer intros and melodic keyboard parts, especially on “Blink of an Eye,” adding another side to the album without taking away from its heavier sound. This mix of heaviness, melody, and changes in pace keeps RED from feeling repetitive.
Lisa-Marie Watz does a great job of matching her singing to the different moods of RED. She can go from heavy, aggressive vocals to softer melodies without losing what makes her voice stand out. “Hungry for Life” is a great example, starting quietly before building into a huge chorus and then pulling back again. On “Fall Into Pieces,” she takes a lower, more restrained approach during the verses, which fits the song’s melancholic melody really well. Whether she is singing over a quiet intro or leading a fast, energetic track, Lisa-Marie knows how to make her voice fit the song.
RED moves between struggle and self-confidence. “Fall Into Pieces” explores finding strength after falling apart, while “Big Bubble Bullshit” takes a more confrontational approach. With the uplifting “Unbreakable” and the confident attitude of “Karma Is A Bitch,” April Art cover both the hard times and the determination to rise above them.
April Art have built their own take on alternative metal, and with RED, they continue to build on it while taking their sound further. This album shows they’re on the right track.
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
 |  |  |  |
Workout music – has enough energy for several rounds
Gaming – can be a soundtrack for any action game
Working – listen to while working to focus your energy
Driving –unless there’s a traffic jam
0 Comments