29/07/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | JULY 29, 2025

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Elijah Woods announces new album to drop on Oct 14

FORMED from the ashes of At the Gates when that band originally split up, The Haunted has managed to carve a pretty stellar career for itself. Songs of Last Resort is the Swedish masters 10th studio effort and the first since Strength in Numbers (2017). It is a welcome return by a band that includes many pioneers of the famed Swedish melodic death metal sound. On vocals is Marco Aro who first fronted the band from 1999 till 2003. He has been on mic duties since 2013 and is in particular feral form on this latest outing. Sharp, raspy growls that are legible is a fine art to master and Aro pulls it off perfectly. The current line-up of The Haunted includes Patrick Jensen (rhythm guitar), Jonas Brorler (bass), Ola Englund (lead guitar) and Adrian Erlandsson (drums). Together they masterfully distill all that is great about melodic death metal with a fine collection of songs. The dozen tunes clock in at just over 40 minutes means this album is tight and does not overstay its welcome. Packed to the brim with quality headbangers such as the lead single Warhead , which takes listeners on aural journey designed for maximum cranium damage. Second single In Fire tour across Asia, hitting 12 cities – including a sold-out show in Hong Kong, performances at Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka and Tokyo, and a marquee appearance at The Sounds Project in Jakarta. Fans across the region can expect a high-energy set featuring his hits alongside fresh tracks from his upcoming album. The tour will light up major cities including Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei and more. Last year, Woods’s rising prominence in Asia reached new heights with his sold-out Asia tour in May 2024. While in Asia, he also opened for Niall Horan in Jakarta and took the stage at the Seoul Jazz Festival alongside artistes such as Lauv, Jeremy Zucker and JP Saxe. Reflecting his surging popularity in Asia, his top global streaming markets include Indonesia (second), Philippines (third), Taiwan (fifth), India (sixth), Malaysia (eighth), Thailand (ninth) and Singapore (11th). Woods has carved out a unique space in the pop landscape as a singer-songwriter and producer. Renowned for his catchy melodies, vivid storytelling and signature production, he has established himself as one of pop music’s most compelling solo acts, as well as a sought-after collaborator. Woods creates music that radiates ALBUM REVIEW Ű BY R.BALA

H OT on the heels of a landmark year, breakout pop artiste and multi-platinum producer Elijah Woods is showing no signs of slowing down. Recently, he unveiled his latest single Ghost on the Radio , a shimmering pop anthem that arrives alongside the announcement of his debut album Can We Talk? . Layered with upbeat, infectious production and Wood’s signature melodic sensibility, Ghost on the Radio is more than just a catchy track – it is a poignant reflection on the lingering echoes of a past love. Beneath its glossy surface and earworm hooks lies a bittersweet narrative about memory’s grip and the emotions we struggle to let go of. The song captures the feeling of hearing a familiar voice or moment broadcast back to you haunting yet comforting, distant yet close – like a ghost carried through the static. The forthcoming record Can We Talk? marks a major milestone for Woods. After releasing five EPs and a string of viral singles over the past o Release preceded by sampler single Ghost on the Radio

Woods’s latest single Ghost on the Radio is available for streaming. raw emotion, pulling listeners into a captivating whirlwind of heartache, hope, and everything in between. With over one billion streams to his name, multiple platinum and gold records and four Juno Award nominations, Woods’s ascent as an independent artiste has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past three years, Woods has released five EPs, including Elijah Would! , Hey There Elijah and Silver Lining (all in 2024) amassing over one billion streams across his discography. Recently named one of the top 500 artistes in the world, Woods’s work ethic and artistic vision continue to set him apart as one of pop’s most exciting stars. Most recently, he was featured on the cover of Esquire Singapore, a testament to his rapidly growing global reach.

Could You Love Me? single cover art.

encapsulates intimacy, vulnerability and emotional depth that define his songwriting, while leaning confidently into the clever, infectious pop sound that has fuelled his rise. The release also coincides with the launch of his second headline the

five years, he has carved out a distinct path as an independent artiste – amassing over one billion global streams, building a loyal fanbase of more than five million followers, and touring the world entirely on his own terms. This debut album

Chilli Beans provides music for anime series Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube

The Haunted returns with first album in eight years

Asahi’s 24-station national network. Nube was a household name across Southeast Asia in the 90s – and its comeback is one fans will not want to miss. Himawari (which means sunflower) is a nostalgic and emotional slow-burn inspired by the anime’s school setting – with vivid imagery of twilight hallways, fading bells and quiet strength. Written,

HOT on the heels of its latest EP The Outside Wind released last Friday, genre-fluid trio Chilli Beans keeps the fire burning with its new digital single Himawari . The track has been chosen as the ending theme for the reboot of Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube , a beloved supernatural anime that made its return to screens earlier this month, airing weekly on TV

composed and arranged by the band, it balances the weight of protection and vulnerability, echoing the story’s bond between teacher and student. “We pictured the feeling of walking home at sunset. The strength of the teacher is in the sound, and the lyrics express the student’s quiet trust. It is a new sound for us, and we are proud to contribute to Nube’s iconic world,” said the band. With Himawari , Chilli Beans offer a track that is tender, timeless and built to linger long after the final bell rings. Chili Beans is a three-piece band comprising Moto (Vo), Maika (Ba & Vo) and Lily (Gt & Vo). Formed in 2019, the trio is rooted primarily in pop music. Each member possesses strong vocal ability and takes part in songwriting, composing, arranging and even the creative direction. With a gender-neutral vibe and distinctive sound, the band has drawn major attention. Its digital EP released in August 2021 featured the track Lemonade , which reached first on Spotify Japan’s Viral Top 50 (Daily) and third on the Weekly chart. The band’s popularity continues to rise across a wide age range, especially through social media.

The Haunted is widely considered one of the heavyweights of the Swedish death metal scene. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @THEHAUNTED Reborn continues with the rampage as the band seethes its way through riffs galore, slicing everything in its path with its ferocious aural assault. This particular subgenre is very difficult to master as the band need to strike that balance between brutality and melody, which is no easy feat. But having been in the game since the late 90s, The Haunted is a veteran band that have all of its expertise on full display here. A enjoyable romp that certainly merit one’s attention as metal does not get much better than this. Songs of Last Resort is released via the Century media label and is available to stream on all major platforms. Vinyl copies have been spotted at Varmt Stahl Helvete Records, retailing at RM145.

Known for its outstanding songwriting sense, rich harmonies and powerful, unifying live performances, the band is actively growing its presence.