Europe’s horror punk band The Other returns with “Alienated”, and will be released
right on Halloween 2025 via Massacre Records.
Known for their mix of gothic theatrics and punk aggression, the German band
has been carrying the horror torch since the early 2000s, keeping alive the
traditions of Misfits-inspired punk but with
a distinctly European touch. After the success of “Haunted” in 2020,
“Alienated” sees the band reconnecting with their faster, darker roots, while
still delivering catchy, macabre sing-alongs.
Produced by
Tim Schulte and mixed by Arne Neurand, the album has a raw and powerful
energy that perfectly suits the horror punk aesthetic. The guitars are sharp,
the bass has grit, and the drums keep everything rolling at a relentless pace. Rod Usher’s vocals remain theatrical and
commanding, somewhere between punk sneer and gothic storytelling, and that
gives the album its personality.
The return
of founding bassist Andy Only gives the low
end more bite, and the dual guitars of J. Ends and
Van Tom balance riff-driven punk with
atmospheric touches. Jag Boone’s drumming is
tight and propulsive, keeping everything moving with urgency. There’s a clear
sense that this lineup has chemistry, and that shines through in the execution
of the songs.
“Alienated”
thrives on its traditions, while adding just enough freshness to sound alive in
2025. It’s fun, fast, and sinister, an album meant to be blasted in dark clubs
or Halloween parties. The mix of camp and menace has always been The Other’s trademark, and here it comes across as
stronger than it has in years.
With
“Alienated”, The Other delivers an album energetic,
catchy, and perfectly timed for the season. It’s not flawless but it’s horror punk done right, theatrical, dark, fancy and funny.
Fans of the band will be more than satisfied, and new listeners (Volbeat or The 69 Eyes e.g.) looking for a
gateway into European horror punk couldn’t pick a better place to start.
Score: 8.4
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