Album review: AFTERLIFE – The Pain That Shapes Us

Mascot Records [Release date 06.11.26]

This album is a lyrical letter of a pain and suffering that nobody should have to experience. Battling with inner demons and substances that surround us. The downward spirals we have and not seeing a way out. It also shows how depression can kick in and make us feel like we are the monster and can’t see a way out.

It raw, it’s heavy.

Which is why the musical accompaniment fits in with the lyrical content so seamlessly. Having heavy raw vocals combined with a battering drum line, drop tuned guitar and bass, for me is a match made in heaven.

It gives a sense of the chaotic mind which is what is heavily implied. It’s clever, and it’s concise. Which shows the skill level of songwriting and overall storytelling in song.

An album for me isn’t just about hearing the music. Catchy choruses and riffs that stay in your head for days and thinking, oh that’s good I can dance and mosh to this.

It’s about a band who isn’t afraid to express themselves in a manner that’s so prevalent in today’s society. Many people are suffering or have suffered with many of the topics that were vocalised. It feels like a beacon of hope. It’s having a sense of feeling and a sense of knowing and understanding and knowing you’re not alone.

Many of these songs made me stop and think. I was thinking back to my darkest days, and how far I have come. It made me happy, sad and reflective.

The musical talent is amongst some of the best in my opinion. The fact they hit the studio with producer Zakk Cervini [Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Poppy] speaks volumes as they are some of my go to bands to listen to as well as heavily recognised and I could hear the tinge of influence was there as well as some nuances. Yet Afterlife are their own musical entity entirely.

Overall, This album for me is a 10/10 and I’m really looking forward to seeing Afterlife’s career continue to flourish. *****

Review by Lucy Parr

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.

This is the first show broadcast on 27 September. Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 27 September 2026.

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Power Plays w/c 26 October 2026

BLACK RIVER DELTA Shame On You (Despotz Records)
DAYTONA Listen To The Silence (Escape Music)
SUCKERTRAP Sacred Lies (indie)
WOOD BURNT RED Count My Blessings (indie)
BLACKLIST UNION Heavy Is The Crown (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 26 October 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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