Fresh Friday Vol. 1 - 01/09/2026

The day after Christmas, St. Joseph-based horror metal band Tragic Fate released their EP “The Grave.” The title track features Caleb Chronic. “The Grave” is hard-hitting, throwing the listener straight into the action. I chose to feature this track in particular because not only is it the title track, it highlights the groove, powerful screams, and dark lyrics that Tragic Fate is known for.

The Sounds of Many, a KC-based rock-n-roll band, released “Little Aphrodite” on the last day of 2025. The follow-up to their EP released back in August - “Ishtar Wears High Heels” - continues in the vein of blending 1960s psychedelic and 1990s/early 2000s rock. Lukas Hugunin’s vocals are fierce and driving, full of energy over an already energetic instrumental. It is a short song at less than three minutes, but it is also the perfect length; no room for BS, just grooviness.

On January 1, Sentimental Creatures released a lyric video for their song “Could’ve Stayed.” Sentimental Creatures is a band who I have been following since their days as a duo; it has been an impressive and fun journey watching these musicians grow! The track itself is indie pop-rock catchiness; it was stuck in my head the first time I heard it. The video itself has footage from the band’s live shows throughout the last year, guitar shops, jamming, and even a wedding. 

Mooncaller describes themselves on their Facebook page as “Hard Rock/Metal band balancing moments of vulnerability and aggression with introspective lyrics about the things that scare us the most.” The band released a single “Lobotomized” on January 3. The guitar soars; the guitar solo cutting through like a sawblade through a skull. The vocals caught my attention as they alternate between harsh screams and clean, emotive lyrics. This song simply kicks ass!

Two days ago on January 7, 3LADE, the Ragerman from St. Joe, released his first single of the year “A Labels Bestie” featuring STORYTELLER417. 3LADE’s strengths are exhibited through his lyrics and delivery; sometimes humorous, sometimes savage, always catchy, 3LADE knows how to write. STORYTELLER 417’s feature on the track shows off his flow as a rapper; the Springfield poet concludes the track thanking his Day 1 Fans.