By Maxazine South Africa 
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are too many to listen to, let alone review. This ensures that too many albums are left behind, and that’s a shame. That is why we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors today, with brief reviews.
Photo (c) Jorge Fakhouri Filho
Aetherna – Evatho
Aetherna is an Italian band and shows many similarities to its slightly better-known compatriots, Lacuna Coil. Both bands feature a female lead singer and play a mix of power and heavy metal, in which they occasionally incorporate progressive and alternative elements. They both use growls and heavy vocals, which further strengthen the contrast with the singers’ melodic voices. Themes explored include the difference between light and darkness, the inner struggle we all face when questioning who we are and who we may become, and the search for balance in a world full of conflict and distorted truths. The track ‘Nemesis’ is the heart of the album and has therefore been placed in the middle of the record as the fifth of the nine songs. A video has also been recorded for this track. Final track ‘Sounds From Nowhere – 2025’ is a newly recorded version that does not differ much from the original found on the debut album “Darkness Land”, released by Aetherna in 2019. “Evatho” is a solid female-fronted metal album. Unfortunately, we have all heard it before; hence, one point deducted for its lack of adventurousness. (Ad Keepers) (7/10) (Volcano Records & Promotion)
Thomas Raggi – Masquerade
‘Masquerade’ is the first solo project by Måneskin guitarist Thomas Raggi. The album features eight tracks and is produced by Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who also appears as a guest guitarist on some songs. Other contributors include Beck, Nic Cester, Alex Kapranos, Maxim, Hama Okamoto, Sergio Pizzorno, Chad Smith, Matt Sorum, Luke Spiller, and Upsahl. ‘Masquerade’ is a decent rock album, but given the calibre of musicians involved, expectations might be higher. Even the rock-styled Dead Or Alive cover ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’ is underwhelming. The joy of playing, however, is palpable. Fans of Måneskin, Rage Against the Machine, and Red Hot Chili Peppers can confidently purchase this album. Other rock listeners are advised to listen before buying. (Ad Keepers) (7/10) (Sony Music)
Wojtek Mazolewski – Solo
Who says the double bass cannot be a solo instrument? Admittedly, it takes a certain drive to create a solo record centred on the double bass, but Polish musician Wojtek Mazolewski leaps after years of ensemble and band work. The result is ‘Solo’. Expect no album where Mazolewski simply dominates his instrument. He lets it whisper in minimalist arrangements, subtle yet always melodic amid harp, flute, and electronic sounds. The album feels cinematic and occasionally alienating, as in ‘My Works Of Art’, a musical poem best described as ambient. ‘Solo’ is compelling: from the opening ‘Monada’, where an electrically distorted double bass roars, to ‘OK.NO’. Throughout, one wonders how Mazolewski extracts such sounds from the bass. The answer: by discarding convention. Mazolewski is a jazz bassist, evident in the groove under ‘Dark Ecology’, yet also a storyteller and sound artist. ‘Solo’ is not easy listening, but ambient and minimalist jazz enthusiasts will find it rewarding. (Jeroen Mulder) (7/10) (WMQ Records)
ROSÉ – rosie
The Blackpink singer reveals a vulnerable side on her solo debut that was less visible within the group. On ‘rosie’, personal stories of fame, relationships, and loneliness intertwine with polished production ranging from alt-pop to piano ballads. The single ‘APT.’ featuring Bruno Mars already attracted attention, but tracks like ‘number one girl’ and ‘toxic till the end’ highlight how ROSÉ blends her K-pop background with Western influences. The title track refers to a nickname used by friends and family, underlining the intimacy of the project. Production can feel somewhat generic at times, and a true breakthrough is absent, yet as a personal statement, ‘rosie’ succeeds. The singer dares to show emotion without falling into clichés, resulting in an accessible pop album offering more than superficial hits. Those seeking intricate songwriting may look elsewhere, but ROSÉ convincingly demonstrates her solo potential. (William Brown) (7/10) (Atlantic Records)
Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature
After over a decade as Chvrches’ frontwoman, Lauren Mayberry ventures into solo territory with an album offering more freedom than ever. ‘Vicious Creature’ combines eighties synth-pop with noughties R&B and alternative rock, creating an eclectic but not always coherent collection of songs. Opener ‘something in the air’ sets the tone with sharp lyrics on male bravado, while ‘crocodile tears’ explores the darker side of relationships. Mayberry leaves behind Chvrches’ tight electronic frames for a more personal sound, with tracks like ‘oh, mother’ and ‘are you awake’ providing space for emotional vulnerability. Not all experiments succeed, and the album sometimes feels like a workshop of ideas rather than a cohesive statement. Still, Mayberry finds her voice between nostalgia and innovation, with the tension between cynicism and sincerity producing some of the best moments. (Anton Dupont) (8/10) (Island Records)
Jan Vranken