Another twelve months have passed. Even though it's our job to make predictions and call things before they happen, it seems improbable that we could've made any sense out of the events of this year. Perhaps we're better off keeping one eye on the past and telling you what already happened? Yeah, let's stick to that.
Luckily for you, we're still pretty good at assessing music in all its forms, and we've assembled this Year In Review: learn about the best singles of 2025, the greatest live shows you (probably) missed, the best of our gig photography and interviews, punk rock books to read, and songs with newly-discovered deeper meanings.
5 Best Bands in Kentucky
Kentucky continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to heavy and independent music. While Louisville’s hardcore scene often dominates the conversation, the state’s best bands in 2025 reflect a broader range of sounds and approaches. All of the acts are rooted in conviction, work ethic, and a refusal to play it safe. These five bands best represent Kentucky right now.
1
White Reaper
White Reaper showcase another side of Kentucky’s musical identity. Built on garage rock, power pop, and punk foundations, their songs favor massive hooks without losing grit. Their continued success reinforces the idea that Louisville exports more than hardcore and does so without abandoning its DIY backbone.
2
Gates to Hell
Gates to Hell represent the violent, metallic edge of Louisville hardcore. Their music is confrontational and punishing, designed for sweaty rooms rather than polished playlists. In a year when heavy music often leaned safe, Gates to Hell stood out by sounding genuinely dangerous.
3
Inclination
Inclination continue to carry Kentucky’s straight edge lineage with discipline and focus. Their approach is direct and uncompromising, avoiding nostalgia while staying rooted in hardcore tradition. Every release and performance reinforces their commitment to clarity and intent.
4
xWeaponx
xWeaponx push Kentucky hardcore into its most aggressive territory. Short, explosive bursts of metallic hardcore define their sound, built for maximum impact and zero excess. In 2025, they remain a vital part of Louisville’s ongoing hardcore momentum.
5
Knocked Loose
Knocked Loose operate on a global scale, but their sound remains unmistakably tied to Kentucky. Even as their reach continues to expand, they’ve held onto the hostility, emotional weight, and urgency that defined them early on. In 2025, they remain a benchmark for what modern hardcore can achieve without sacrificing intensity.
