[2025] The State of Western Hard Rock Today: A Roundup of Notable Tracks
Hard rock, which took influence from 1960s psychedelic rock and blues rock and became established from the 1970s onward, is centered on louder, more aggressive guitars.
There isn’t a clear-cut standard that distinguishes it from heavy metal, but even in the 2020s there are bands—both veterans and newcomers—playing what you could call “hard rock” that’s distinct from so-called heavy metal.
In this article, we’ll introduce the latest popular tracks and recommended songs by bands that play hard rock in a broad sense—from the genre’s legendary figures to younger acts who show the influence of vintage hard rock.
It’s also a great way to get a handle on the state of hard rock “right now” in the 2020s!
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[2025] The State of Western Hard Rock Now: Highlighted Tracks (41–50)
What Are We Fighting ForW.E.T
This is a gem of a track with folk-inspired elements from W.
E.
T.
, the Swedish supergroup representing the melodic hard rock scene, taken from their album Apex.
The two lead singers deliver powerful performances that convey a profound message questioning conflict and strife.
Although it appears on a March 2025 album, its modern sound set to a slower tempo marks new ground for the band, diverging from typical hard rock.
It’s a work that fully showcases the musical maturity they’ve built since their 2009 debut, further enriched by the participation of Talisman drummer Jamie Borger.
Highly recommended not only for fans of classic melodic rock but also for those interested in songs with a strong folk flavor.
Solar FireSmith/Kotzen
A track by the project Smith/Kotzen, featuring Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen, known as a member of The Winery Dogs.
Included on their first album, SMITH/KOTZEN, it’s a modern hard rock number that clearly draws on their shared roots in classic rock.
The emotional vocals and catchy guitar riffs have a cool appeal that should resonate even with listeners not well-versed in hard rock.
It’s a heart-pounding collaboration across oceans, destined to become a new standard in hard rock.
Coming HomeSons Of Apollo
In 2017, Sons of Apollo was formed by extraordinarily skilled members with solid careers in popular bands like Mr.
Big and Dream Theater.
Their sound is classic hard rock, yet fiercely powerful with technical performances woven throughout.
Whether you play an instrument or not, this is guaranteed to get your blood pumping just by listening.
DominateThree Days Grace
The shocking news that original vocalist Adam Gontier is returning after 11 years and forming a twin-vocal lineup with current singer Matt Walst truly took fans by surprise.
This new track, released ahead of the Canadian rock band Three Days Grace’s August 2025 album Alienation, feels like a declaration of intent.
The collision of heavy riffs and the two emotional voices paints a picture of a protagonist who turns inner turmoil into strength and stands up to the world.
When you’re determined to achieve something, this song will serve as an anthem that powerfully pushes you forward.
BRAINDEAD (feat. Toby Morse)Papa Roach
It’s a Papa Roach track that delivers a fierce wake-up call—“snap out of it before it’s too late!”—to shake us out of apathetic days.
Even 25 years after the release of their classic album Infest, they haven’t lost a step; this time they feature Toby Morse from the punk band H2O.
Born from a friendship of over 20 years, the collaboration is a true powerhouse where hardcore’s raw urgency collides with rap metal’s groove.
Doesn’t it remind us, who so easily slip into autopilot, of that pure passion that says, “You only live once”? If you want to break out of your rut and inject some energy, this song is sure to ignite the fire within.
Bad ThingsI Prevail
I Prevail is a five-piece rock band from the United States.
Their song “Bad Things” beautifully contrasts heavy instrumentals with melodic vocals.
In particular, vocalist Brian Burkheiser’s clear, soaring high notes are a highlight of the track! Also, be sure to pay attention to the shouts and rap parts layered underneath.
The distorted synthesizer break in the second half is super cool too—definitely worth checking out!
Acid RainVolbeat
Hailing from Denmark, Volbeat is an internationally renowned band known for skillfully weaving diverse elements like hard rock, heavy metal, and rockabilly into their sound.
The track they released in June 2025 appears as the third song on their ninth studio album, God of Angels Trust.
This piece stands out for its groove-laden heavy riffs, honed over years, and its subtly melancholic melodies, all suffused with a spiritual atmosphere.
It showcases a new side of Volbeat—a must-hear not only for rock fans but for anyone who appreciates compelling music.