10 years ago, Halestorm released Into The Wild Life. For a third album, it was a departure from what fans were used to hearing from the band but it was a risk that paid off and it spawned multiple longtime fan favorites.
Fast forward to 2025 and they’re set to release Everest, another record of eclectic tracks that pushes the envelope but stays true to what the Halestorm fanbase loves from the band.
“Fallen Star,” “Shiver” and “Everest” are cinematic and theatrical classics that show the band exploring their artistry while “Like a Woman Can” feels like you’re in a smoky night club back in the day while Lzzy Hale serenades you as you sit in the audience.
“Rain Your Blood On Me” is where the record really picks up and kicks into high gear. It’s an arena anthem if there ever was one. From the opening tribal-style cadence to the stadium chanting breakdown to the rest of the song, this should be the band’s next hit from the record.
This leads into lead single “Darkness Always Wins,” which is another cinematic and dramatic one for the band while “Gather the Lambs” is almost guaranteed to be another massive hit for the band with captivating lyrics, the signature unified vocals and is catchy as hell.
“Watch Out!” has the badass Lzzy Hale attitude that we’ve all grown to love over the last 16 years while “Broken Doll” shows the vulnerable anger that we’ve all had at one time, talking about feeling used and thrown away by someone.
“I Gave You Everything” follows that same path while “How Will You Remember Me?” is a reminiscent walk down memory lane-style song that, much like “Here’s to Us,” from The Strange Case Of…, will make you smile during a song you can relate to easily.
In the end, this is a new Halestorm. Some songs take a darker approach than we’re used to- “Darkness Always Wins” definitely tells the story of fighting against the darkest side of yourself while “Gather The Lambs” feels like telling a story of the end of the world and feels apocalyptic. Even the album cover itself has a dark feel and vibe to it.
Though in the midst of the darkness, there are signs of beauty throughout the record as well.
Once again, Halestorm have reinvented themselves and have written a memorable record. This is a lyrically and thematically deep, complex record that the band took their time to perfect and make special and it shows on almost every song.
Rating: 8/10
-Reggie Edwards