POP EVIL – WHAT REMAINS
Label: MNRK Heavy
Release Date: March 21st, 2025
Pop Evil is back with their eighth studio album, WHAT REMAINS. It speaks for itself, displaying how they’ve come full circle in the Hard Rock & Metal genre. An immediate familiarity & evolution from each album that’s grown into that classic Pop Evil sound. I’ve been listening to this album for 3 weeks now & each time I start it over I find something new that I didn’t hear before. Heavy-hitting guitars & bass. The drums on point, crisp & bassy. Mechanical, robotic, grungy sound. Vocally this showcases the range that Leigh has from screams to clean vocals. When you have a vocalist & songwriter that is as versatile as Leigh is, the sky is literally the limit. His tone is second to none & I feel every word he’s singing in every song, hits you square in the chest. Musically, this album is the kill shot. It has “Album of the Year” feels.
Opening with “The Bullet That Missed”. Anthem for the “Don’t tread on me” crowds. Nu Metal staple sounds like siren horns & robotic vocals bring an industrial sound. Lyrically, the words flow so well with the rhythm of the song, fuel charged with plenty of attitude. Love those blast beats!! They came out of the gates swinging.
“Deathwalk” – Static vocals resonate behind intimidating riffs & heart-pounding drums. Deeply personal lyrics that build you up as you have no other choice but to keep going. When one is forced in a corner, they are not responsible for what happens to the other person who put them in that corner. If you’re friends or dating someone who makes your health worse, no relationship is worth that. Take care of each other, not make life harder for others.
“What Remains” – Slaps you in the face with a haunting melodic chorus. I like the hip-hop feature & playing of words before it goes into the chorus. The breakdown at 2:22 MORE PLEASE!!!! Come back with a knife sending shivers down your spine. This is a Banger!!
“Wishful Thinking” – Another future chart-topper. Distorted low-tuned guitars & bass that have climbs that take your breath away. Whispery underwater vocals to clean screaming. Leigh’s vocals pull you in close. “Dig Your Own Grave”, growl into an incredible breakdown. IYKYK “Get low if you feel it” guitars almost touching the ground, low.
“Side Effects” – This hit showcases Leigh’s range & versatility as a vocalist. 15-second blast beats, rolls & crispy, quick-hitting fills, yes, please! True veteran musicianship at its highest level. I love the grungy & chunky guitars. Overall, I can tell they left no stone unturned crafting these songs from start to finish. Lyrics that steal your heart, familiarizing real-life scenarios. You may experience De ja vu several times throughout. Filthy breakdown at 2:31. My favorite single on the album. Love, love, love, it!!
“Enough is Enough” – That bass line at 1:58!!! I feel like a kid in a candy store when I hear this song. Emotionally charged high’s & low’s, screams & growls!
“Zero to None”, “Knife For The Butcher” & Overkill incorporates Nu Metal, Heavy Metal & Melodic Metal. I love this album from start to finish. It covers every layer nook & cranny that I look for in a complete album.
This is Pop Evil’s heaviest album to date. Snagging L.A. based Producer/Songwriter Drew Fulk, (Knocked Loose, Disturbed, Motionless in White) with 15 number 1’s to top the Rock category Billboard Charts. Pop Evil has delivered a well-rounded album that will be played repeatedly through many speakers throughout the world. So, call up your local radio stations & request some Pop Evil!! Well done, Gents, Well Done!!