Summary of Western music releases [April 2025]

LilacKatatonia

KATATONIA – Lilac (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Sweden’s pride, the melancholic metal band KATATONIA, unveiled a powerful new song in April 2025.

It’s their first track under a new lineup following the departure of founding member Anders Nyström, with new guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland joining the fold.

The piece masterfully intertwines Jonas Renkse’s crystalline vocals, a hypnotic groove, hefty riffs, and progressive elements.

Serving as a lead single for the album “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State,” slated for release in June of the same year, it not only carries a wistful melodic sensibility but also hints at a fresh musical direction.

This track comes recommended not only for metal listeners but also for any music fans drawn to pensive melodies and a satisfying rhythmic flow.

Going, Going, GoneKnox

Knox – Going, Going, Gone (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Knox from Ohio, USA, is set to release his long-awaited debut album in April 2025.

While influenced by Ed Sheeran and James Arthur, he delivers his own interpretation of a pop-punk flavor inspired by Fall Out Boy and Green Day.

The record opens with a powerful bassline and handclaps, unfolding smoothly alongside unpredictable guitar riffs.

It’s a work packed with his appeal as he candidly sings about personal experiences and emotions.

A U.

S.

tour is also scheduled to kick off in Washington, D.

C.

on April 12, making this an album that fully showcases Knox’s rapidly growing musical presence.

Free Mr. BanksLUCKI

LUCKI – Free Mr. Banks (Official Video)

Lucky Camel Jr.

, based in Chicago, USA, is a trap music artist who performs under the rap name LUCKI.

Known for his introspective style that explores themes of mental health and relationships, he has steadily grown his fanbase since his 2013 debut.

Released in April 2025, this track layers his emotive flow over a mellow soundscape woven from synthesizer melodies and heavyweight kick drums.

Dropped ahead of the album DR*GS R BAD, the song is produced by Marco Lenz and Brent Rambo.

Centered on themes of freedom and release, it’s a track that suits nighttime drives or moments spent alone.

Silver LiningLaufey

Laufey – Silver Lining (Official Music Video)

A beautiful masterpiece where a wistful singing voice intersects with the refined melodies of jazz-pop.

This song by Icelandic artist Laufey portrays the moment of love as if opening the door to one’s heart, marking a new step for her after winning a Grammy for her album ‘Bewitched.

’ Her true strength lies in weaving a contemporary pop sensibility into a foundation of classical and jazz training.

With a background of a Chinese mother who is a violinist, she has been strongly influenced by Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, and her uniquely sophisticated musicality shines throughout this work.

Can’t Be Crete BoyLil Yachty & Veeze

Lil Yachty & Veeze – CAN’T BE CRETE BOY (Official Music Video)

The long-awaited collaboration by Lil Yachty and Veeze—two artists who represent the American hip-hop scene—shows a musical breadth that goes beyond mumble rap.

Lil Yachty, who ventured into psychedelic rock on his album “Let’s Start Here,” and Veeze, a leading figure of Detroit’s new generation, create a unique shared world through their chemistry, achieving an impressive cohesion.

Structured in two parts—from soulful sampling to uptempo beats—the track fully brings out the strengths of both artists.

Following their summer 2024 collaboration “Sorry Not Sorry,” this new release was also performed on Tyler, the Creator’s European tour, captivating audiences.

A strongly recommended track for anyone looking to explore a new frontier in contemporary hip-hop.

BØNESCRAPERMachine Head

MACHINE HEAD – BØNESCRAPER (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

In April 2025, American heavy metal band Machine Head released a track that fuses ferociously heavy guitar riffs with melodic elements.

The song unleashes the band’s signature aggressive sound while portraying universal themes of inner darkness and lost love.

It serves as the lead single from their 11th studio album, UNATØNED, hinting at the album’s overall direction.

A limited-edition run of 1,000 vinyl records is scheduled for release on June 17.

Machine Head has firmly established their place in the metal scene, including a notable moment when they were nominated for a Grammy for their 2007 album The Blackening.

Combining musical depth with a strong message, this track is recommended not only for heavy metal fans but also for listeners who enjoy a more melodic sound.

BRAND NEW SQ8OKI

OKI – BRAND NEW SQ8

Known for his style that fuses modern urban sound with luxury rap, Okie hails from Poland.

This track, released as a single in April 2025 from the album “I MISS YOU ON TOUR, Vol.

1,” was produced with Buddi47.

It delicately yet incisively portrays the fragility of human relationships that flicker beneath a lavish lifestyle.

With a striking intro featuring bambi and a dramatically unfolding beat, it lays bare emotions swaying between success and dependence.

It’s perfect not only for heavy rotation during drives, but also for late-night introspection in your room.