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

It All Comes Back AroundWinger

Winger – “It All Comes Back Around” – Official Music Video | @WingerTV

Winger’s new masterpiece, “It All Comes Back Around,” features melodic yet searing guitar riffs that leave a strong impression.

The original members have reunited, and the passionate, Nashville-crafted production truly shines—an exceptional work! Hopes are high for live performances on the upcoming tour.

You can’t take your eyes off a band that continues to leave an indelible mark on hard rock across eras.

Of course, the weight of the lyrics’ message and the meticulous arrangements are also key highlights.

This is the very essence of modern hard rock.

Back From The DeadHalestorm

Halestorm – Back From The Dead [Official Video]

A song by the American rock band Halestorm, whose name means “hail that falls heavily.” Written to provide a hard rock number that you can scream along to when you’re finally freed from the mental strain of the pandemic, it’s likely to move many listeners with its heavy rock sound and a powerful vocal that feels like a cry from the heart.

The vocals, which blend a uniquely feminine allure with a distinctly rock-like grittiness, command a presence that stands up to the full band ensemble.

It’s a hard rock track that, when you’re feeling down, gives you the strength to rise again.

Tell Me WhyRussell-Guns

Russell-Guns – Tell Me Why – Official Lyric Video

Russell/Guns is a new collaborative project by rock legends Jack Russell and Tracii Guns.

They released their debut album, Medusa, in January 2024, featuring tracks that blend a bluesy, powerful heaviness with a modern metallic sound.

One standout song explores the complexities and conflicts of human relationships.

Emotions caught between betrayal and truth, love and pain are expressed through shouting vocals and shredding guitars.

Centered on themes of trust and doubt, self-awareness and growth, the song invites deep empathy and introspection from listeners.

Consisting of 11 tracks, Medusa distills the musicality and artistic integrity Russell and Guns have built over their careers.

It’s a highly recommended album for anyone who wants to channel life’s joys and sorrows into music.

BurnoutThe Warning

The Warning – Burnout (Official Lyric Video)

Even just the intro—with its ultra-tight beat and razor-sharp, chugging riffs—is insanely cool! Released in May 2024 by The Warning, a trio of sisters from Mexico, this track sharply critiques self-destructive behavior and its consequences.

It lays bare empty promises, worthless words, and people trapped in self-sabotaging patterns, suggesting that their actions harm not only themselves but those around them.

Set to appear on their June release, the album “Keep Me Fed,” the song epitomizes the band’s evolution and versatility.

It delivers a powerful message warning listeners about the dangers of falling into self-destructive cycles and the isolation they bring.