7/10

Some records arrive with a quiet confidence, while others kick the door off its hinges.

The new album from Austin alternative rock trio Dining with Devils, 'Sounds From A Stone Garden', belongs firmly in the latter category. Loud, uncompromising, emotionally charged and packed with towering riffs, it feels like the sound of a band embracing everything that makes rock music such a powerful force in the first place. Across eleven tracks, Dining with Devils channel frustration, reflection, resilience and catharsis into a collection that rarely loosens its grip.

Opening with the tenacious title-track, the album wastes little time establishing its identity. There is a raw physicality running throughout these songs, driven by crushing guitar tones, thunderous rhythms and an urgency that feels impossible to fake. Yet beneath the weight and volume lies something more substantial. This is not simply an exercise in heaviness; it is a record built around genuine emotional investment.

And that balance reaches its peak on lead single 'Choke', one of the album’s undeniable highlights. Fuelled by pounding drums and a chorus that explodes with startling force, the track captures the feeling of carrying anger for far too long before finally letting it erupt. The release is exhilarating, where every riff feels sharpened by purpose, and every vocal line delivered with conviction.

There are certainly traces of the band’s influences scattered throughout the record. Fans of the great alternative rock and grunge acts will recognise familiar textures and moods, but 'Sounds From A Stone Garden' never feels trapped by nostalgia. Instead, Dining with Devils use those foundations to build something fresh, energetic and entirely their own.

By the time closing track 'S.P.M.' fades away, Dining with Devils have delivered a statement that feels both ambitious and fully realised. 'Sounds From A Stone Garden' is packed with memorable hooks, colossal riffs and emotional honesty, showcasing a band operating with confidence, purpose and a clear artistic vision.

For listeners craving alternative rock with genuine heart, weight and personality, this is a record well worth turning up to maximum volume.