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Halestorm – Everest (Album Review)

Aug 10, 2025

General Information

Personnel:
Lzzy Hale – vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
Joe Hottinger – lead guitar, backing vocals
Josh Smith – bass, backing vocals
Arejay Hale – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Producer: Dave Cobb
Label: Atlantic Records
Release date: August 8th, 2025

Setting the Scene

Halestorm return with Everest, their sixth studio album, arriving two years after Back from the Dead. Known for their blend of hard rock power and melodic hooks, the band use this release to push further into heavier, darker, and more expansive territory.

First Impression

The album immediately felt heavier and more intense than Halestorm’s previous work. Its darker mood and larger-scale arrangements gave it a sense of urgency, while the shifts between aggressive passages and softer moments kept it engaging throughout.

Similar Sounds

If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.
Stone SourAlter BridgeShinedownIn This Moment

Visual Vibes

The album cover’s cool, contemplative atmosphere mirrors Everest’s darker and more introspective tone. The icy, mysterious landscape and the sense of a challenging climb reflect the album’s themes of struggle, perseverance, and emotional depth. Together, the visuals and music create a mood that is both stark and expansive.

Track on Repeat

“Darkness Always Wins” starts as a powerful ballad, gentle and emotional, then builds up to a heavy, intense finish with magnificent guitar work. Its big, catchy chorus invites you to sing along, making it feel like a shared experience of struggle and hope. It quickly became the track I found myself playing on repeat.

Stand Out Lyric

No one gets to see it
The way our souls are leaving in the night
We don’t have time
And I wish you would tell me
Before tomorrow fails me
And I can’t get it right
Let me make it right
Life goes on in memories
How will you remember me?

– “How Will You Remember Me?”

There’s a quiet intensity that stirs deep feelings of loss and reflection, culminating in the haunting question of how one will be remembered.

In-depth Notes

Musical Shape 🎸

Everest blends heavy metal power with classic rock roots in bigger, more adventurous songs. The guitars sound louder and more alive, with riffs that move from heavy grooves to sharp, punchy bursts. Many tracks have solos that not only show great skill but also bring real feeling to the music, fitting perfectly with the changes in energy throughout the album. The drums are strong and steady, pushing the songs forward but also giving space for the melodies to shine. Sometimes, the band adds surprising rhythms and shifts that make the music feel richer and more interesting, but it never loses the straightforward, powerful sound fans expect.

Vocal Performance 🎤

Lzzy Hale’s vocals on Everest are powerful and full of emotion, matching the album’s heavier and darker feel. She moves effortlessly between strong, commanding screams and softer, more tender moments, giving the songs a real sense of life and intensity. Her voice carries both the raw energy and the vulnerability needed to bring out the meaning behind the lyrics, making each track feel personal and alive.

Production Quality 🎧

The production on Everest feels natural and live, capturing the energy of the band without over-polishing. The instruments have space to breathe, letting the guitars roar and the drums hit with real power. Everything sounds clear and balanced, which helps the emotions in the music come through strong and honest.

Themes and Concepts 💭

Everest explores themes of struggle, perseverance, and emotional challenges, diving into the darker sides of life and love. The album feels like a journey through hardship and hope, with songs that reflect pain, strength, and the fight to keep going. This gives the record a deep, personal feel that connects on both an emotional and thoughtful level.

Final Verdict

Everest packs powerful performances, clear production, and heartfelt themes into a strong, dynamic rock experience.

Mood Meter

%

Intensity

%

Melancholy

%

Darkness

%

Joyfulness

%

Serenity

%

Energy

Perfect For…

 

Work out

Long hours driving

Partying

Emotional struggle

 

Will I play it again?

Like every Halestorm album ever made, this album will be played over and over again!

Get your copy

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About the Author

Being a feminist has been normalized as an irregularity through our patriarchal society, so I'd rather be called a "decent human" than a "feminist man". I breathe Metal and Rock and have a screwed-up sense of humour.

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