[2025] The State of Western Hard Rock Today: A Roundup of Notable Tracks

Just PretendBAD OMENS

BAD OMENS – Just Pretend (Official Audio Stream)

Bad Omens is a U.

S.

band formed in 2015.

Their song “Just Pretend” showcases an impressive command of programmed sounds and a highly compelling sense of structure.

The mid-song break, in particular, is accented nicely by Noah Sebastian’s eerie vocal delivery.

By the way, if you like this style, be sure to check out the band Bring Me The Horizon as well—they have a similar sound and come highly recommended!

Little ShipsLionheart

Lionheart – Little Ships

Lionheart is a British hard rock band that was active in the 1980s and has continued working at its own pace since reuniting in 2016.

From their latest album, The Grace of a Dragonfly, released in February 2024, the track Little Ships has been issued.

The song centers on the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II, depicting the historic operation in which hundreds of small vessels rescued hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

It’s a striking piece featuring Lee Small’s emotive vocals and beautiful twin-guitar harmonies.

Its portrayal of the horrors of war, along with the unity and courage that overcome adversity, conveys an anti-war message.

It’s a standout song recommended not only for hard rock fans but also for those interested in history.

ApologiesThree Days Grace

Three Days Grace – Apologies (Official Video)

A moving ballad that evokes empathy for a self who feels unworthy of love.

Set to appear on Canadian rock band Three Days Grace’s album “Alienation,” slated for release in May 2025, this track marks the first song featuring the twin-vocal lineup of Adam Gontier—returning to the band after roughly 11 years—and current vocalist Matt Walst.

As weighty guitar riffs and taut harmonies resound, the lyrics—depicting the lonely mindset of rejecting the love of someone dear—cut straight to the heart.

Even amid despair, the emotional melody carries a hint of hope, sure to soothe anyone battling loneliness.

With an energetic sound reminiscent of early-2000s hard rock, this is a track that showcases the very essence of Three Days Grace.

Rock And Roll Party CowboyThe Darkness

The Darkness – Rock and Roll Party Cowboy (Official Visualiser)

The latest song from The Darkness—Britain’s proud standard-bearers of rock who embody the spirit of rock ’n’ roll—shines with a sunlike brilliance that defies their very name.

Serving as the lead single from their upcoming album “Dreams on Toast,” slated for release in March 2025, the track stands out with Justin Hawkins’s distinctive high-register vocals and powerful guitar riffs.

While you can sense influences from ZZ Top and Motörhead, the band crafts a world entirely their own.

The lyrics, portraying a freewheeling “rock ’n’ roll party cowboy,” showcase the band’s sharp sense of humor and are superbly executed.

We can’t wait to see it unveiled on their UK tour starting in March.

Shotgun BluesVolbeat

Volbeat – Shotgun Blues (Official Music Video)

Even just the intro—with its ultra-tight beat and crunchy, chugging riffs—is insanely cool! Volbeat, known in their home country of Denmark as a national heavy metal band and hugely popular across Europe, released “Shotgun Blues” as the lead track from their eighth album, Servant of the Mind, in 2021.

They’re beloved for blending classic rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, hard rock, and punk elements into heavy metal, and this time both the single and the album lean into a much heavier, weightier sound.

At the same time, frontman Michael Poulsen’s singing and melodies—powered by his wonderfully distinctive voice—are very accessible, making this a track that even hard rock fans who aren’t keen on metallic heaviness can enjoy without worry.

If you like the song, be sure to check out the album as well!

Just Like 73Def Leppard

Def Leppard – Just Like 73 (Official Lyric Video)

A track that fuses vintage allure with a modern edge, embodying the very essence of hard rock.

Infused with nostalgia for 1973, this song both reaffirms Def Leppard’s musical roots and strongly resonates with contemporary fans.

Its hefty riffs, signature call-and-response chants, and a distinctive guest guitar solo by Tom Morello blend seamlessly, resulting in a high-energy stadium rock anthem.

Released in June 2024, it’s the band’s first new song since their 2022 album, Diamond Star Halos.

Def Leppard is set to embark on a co-headlining tour with Journey in the summer of the same year, and this track is sure to feature in their live set.

Highly recommended for those who long for the glam rock spirit of the ’70s or want to feel the ongoing evolution of hard rock.

Stay With YouThe Hellacopters

THE HELLACOPTERS – Stay With You (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

The Hellacopters, inheriting the spirit of garage rock, have delivered their first new release in two years.

Unfolding in a minor key, this track symbolically portrays inner conflicts such as burdens and anguish.

Nicke Andersson’s vocals intertwine with the energetic guitar sound, making a powerful appeal to the listener’s heart.

Released on May 23, 2024, the track also came out on 7-inch vinyl, with a cover of The Cure’s “Fire in Cairo” on the B-side.

It’s a must-listen for those captivated by vintage rock sounds or anyone looking to transmute life’s struggles through music.