RISING INSANE

RISING INSANE are kicking off their next chapter with a banger. The band's latest record, "DEATHRACE", shifts into their heavier instincts while still leaving room for their melodic side, which has helped them build such a wide audience.

Three bands that come to mind when listening to "DEATHRACE" are ARCHITECTS, WHILE SHE SLEEPS and FIT FOR A KING. For ARCHITECTS, it's for those crushing riffs balanced with melodic hooks. For WHILE SHE SLEEPS, they have that energetic, live-ready metalcore sound and aggressive vocal delivery. For FIT FOR A KING, it's that modern heaviness, breakdowns and accessible songwriting.

The record's biggest strength is its sense of momentum. RISING INSANE aren't interested in playing it safe. "DEATHRACE" pushes harder, with rawer energy and heavier riffs giving the album a sense of urgency from beginning to end. One of the standout moments is "GOOD ENOUGH", featuring CASKETS. The track passed one million streams right at release, because it's so very good. There's a strong melodic pull underneath the heaviness, giving the song just enough accessibility without taking away from what makes RISING INSANE work in the first place.

"ERROR" featuring Steven Jones of BLEED FROM WITHIN takes things in a darker direction. It's one of the album's more mature moments, and Jones's involvement makes for a fitting collaboration. He also co-produced the record, adding another connection to the heavier side of the band's sound.

There are other guest appearances worth listening to more than once. ACCVSED and David Schneider of THE BUTCHER SISTERS both contribute to the album, giving "DEATHRACE" some additional personality. The multiple collaborations don't take away from the band's cohesive sound throughout the album.

The band also knows how to make a song hit beyond the metal audience. Their viral cover of THE WEEKND's "BLINDING LIGHTS" became a worldwide sensation, showing that RISING INSANE can reach listeners well outside their usual scene. That wider appeal is still part of what makes the band different.

What really comes through on "DEATHRACE" is a band that sounds ready to evolve. They aren't staying stagnant, and "DEATHRACE" feels built for a crowd. It's loud, aggressive and unique. Most importantly, it sounds like a band that's still pushing itself instead of simply repeating what worked before. For RISING INSANE, that's a great place to be for the moment.