heavy-metal-darkness: Babylon A.D. | When The World Stops

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Babylon A.D. | When The World Stops | Kivel Records

Release Date: September 1, 2025 (CD)/October 2025 (Digital)
Format: CD/Digital
Country: USA

Formed in the late ’80s in the San Francisco Bay Area, Babylon A.D. quickly made a name for themselves with a hard-hitting sound and memorable hooks. Originally known as The Persuaders, the band caught the attention of Arista Records’ Clive Davis, leading to their self-titled debut in 1990. That release gave the world songs like “Bang Go The Bells,” “Hammer Swings Down,” and “The Kid Goes Wild,” which landed on the “RoboCop 2” soundtrack. Their sophomore album, “Nothing Sacred” (1992), kept them on MTV and the touring circuit, earning a loyal following. After a string of live and studio releases through the 2000s and 2010s, Babylon A.D. proved their staying power with “Revelation Highway” (2017) and “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” (2024).

Fast forward to today, and the band is back again with new blood in bassist Craig Pepe and drummer Dylan Soto, carrying forward the spirit of their classic lineup. With over three decades in the game, Babylon A.D. continues to deliver the kind of melodic hard rock that has kept fans around the world hooked since day one.

“When The World Stops” arrives with the kind of energy you would expect from Babylon A.D. — a hard rock album that doesn’t pull any punches and delivers the band’s signature blend of heavy riffs, catchy choruses, and a touch of cinematic storytelling. From the title track’s urgent, apocalyptic imagery to the groove-driven punch of “Come On Let’s Roll” and the dramatic edge of “Love Is Cruel,” the album finds the band leaning into their melodic instincts and their rock ‘n’ roll grit.

Frontman Derek Davis still commands attention, his voice carrying power and emotion. The twin guitar work of Ron Freschi and John Mathews delivers a strong mix of hooks and heaviness, while the rhythm section of Pepe and Soto adds a fresh pulse to the band’s established sound. Tracks like “Toxic Baby” and “I Don’t Believe In You” keep the energy high, while “The Damage Is Done” and “Sadness Madness” add more depth and atmosphere, showing the band’s knack for balancing drive with dynamics. Special mention goes to “Love Is Cruel,” where guest Julie Pacheco’s piano gives the song an emotional lift.

Produced by Davis himself, the album has a straightforward, powerful sound that feels true to the Babylon A.D. identity. The production leans toward the rawer side of hard rock, letting the songs breathe with a live-like punch. Overall, “When The World Stops” is a confident return that delivers what long-time fans will want to hear while still sounding fresh enough to appeal to a new audience. It’s an album that proves Babylon A.D. isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Score: 7.0