Album review overview: The Last Dinner Party, Paradise Lost and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Deafheaven – Lonely People with Power
On “Lonely People with Power”, Deafheaven blends heavy guitars with melodic atmosphere. The album returns to a heavier sound and slowly builds dynamic structures, with themes of isolation and resilience echoing through both instrumentation and lyrics. The layered arrangements and contrasts between intensity and melody make the album immersive and nuanced. For fans of blackgaze, this work offers both power and depth, and the compositions promise a fully engaging listening experience. (Anton Dupont) (9/10) (Roadrunner Records)
Kali Uchis – Sincerely
Kali Uchis’ “Sincerely” mixes neo‑soul, R&B and dream pop across tracks such as singles “Sunshine & Rain…”, “ILYSMIH” and “All I Can Say”. Her vocals range from vulnerable to confident, supported by a mix of electronic and organic instruments. The album feels cohesive and explores different atmospheres and moods. Critics praise the emotional nuance and cohesion, making it a compelling listening experience. (William Brown) (8/10) (Capitol)
The Behaviour – Pedestals
This mini album is the work of one person, multi-instrumentalist and producer Marshall Kilpatric. Originally a drummer, he has played in various bands, including The Esoteric and Kylesa. He has also co-written albums and filled in as a drummer, replacing Brann Dailor (now in Mastodon) in Today Is The Day and Josh Freese in Black Light Burns, the band of Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland. “Pedestals” includes previously released singles as well as new material. The lyrics explore themes of things that are unattainable versus those within reach. The album title “Pedestals” also refers to the danger of putting something or someone on a pedestal. There is enough depth in this mini album to be musically interesting while encouraging listeners to reflect. The standout track is the Police cover “Invisible Sun”, beautifully reimagined in a shoegaze style. This mini album serves as an effective teaser for the full new album planned for 2026. (Ad Keepers) (7/10) (Rexius Records)
The Last Dinner Party – From The Pyre
The Last Dinner Party’s “From The Pyre” offers a theatrical and narrative rock experience, with singles such as “This Is the Killer Speaking”, “The Scythe” and “Second Best”. The album combines musical dynamics with dramatic storytelling, giving each track its own character while keeping the whole thematically connected. Production and arrangements provide emotional impact and clear structure, making the album accessible and memorable for listeners who enjoy conceptual rock. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Island)
Paradise Lost – Ascension
Paradise Lost delivers with “Ascension” an album that combines gothic metal and death‑doom with new layers of atmosphere and melody. Singles such as “Silence Like The Grave” show a balance between heavy passages and melodic elements. The production highlights atmospheric details effectively, and the warm, introspective vocals support the lyrics about loss and reflection. The album maintains the core of Paradise Lost without becoming repetitive and feels coherent from start to finish. (Anton Dupont) (8/10) (Nuclear Blast)
