Raw intensity. Unrelenting power. Spiritual warfare through speakers. That's what UK's metalcore warriors ACRES have been crafting in prayer and purpose, and on May 2nd, they're about to unleash "The Host" - an album that transcends everything you thought you knew about worship-infused heavy music.
Remember their melodic post-hardcore beginnings that touched your soul back in 2019? Prepare for elevation. ACRES 2025 emerges transformed and refined by fire. Their new single "Bloodlust" isn't just knocking on the door of heavy music – it's breaking through with thunderous purpose and conviction that'll shake the foundations of your faith.
Let's get straight to the heart: working with The Plot In You's Landon Tewers behind the board, these Southampton disciples have created something that transforms typical metalcore into a spiritual battlecry. "Bloodlust" isn't just a song – it's a declaration of war against darkness. Synths that pierce like truth, riffs that hit like revelation, and Ben Lumber's vocals switching between reverent cleans and the kind of screams that make the enemy tremble.
Formed in 2011, ACRES has been a burning light in the UK scene. Ben Lumber (vocals), Alex Freeman (guitars), Jack Rogers (bass), and Konnor Bracher-Walsh (drums) have been methodically building their ministry, and now they're ready to ignite revival. Their evolution from post-hardcore beginnings to metalcore titans hasn't been just a musical transformation – it's been a spiritual awakening.
The new video for "Bloodlust" is a masterwork of symbolic depth. Sacred imagery woven through modern narrative, visuals that challenge the spirit, and a performance that feels like it was filmed between two worlds. This isn't your typical music video – it's a visual sermon with a soundtrack that'll pierce your soul.
"The Host represents a bold step in a new direction," says Lumber, eyes burning with conviction. "We've always pushed ourselves with every album, but this time... this time we've been led to something greater." Indeed. The collaboration with Tewers has birthed a sound that's like an encounter with divine power – massive, transformative, and leaving permanent marks on your spirit.
Their previous release was already celebrated as "a classic metalcore album filled with swinging hooks, fierce riffs, and vocals that transform into powerful declarations". But "The Host" isn't just raising the standard – it's establishing a new covenant in heavy music.
The timing couldn't be more perfect for ACRES to release this spiritual weapon. They're joining forces with The Plot In You and The Devil Wears Prada in separate spring runs, plus select dates with Beartooth. Translation: Your city's venue is about to become holy ground.
Looking at song titles like "Not So Different," "Staring At The Sun," and "Built To Bleed," it's clear these aren't just tracks – they're testimonies. If "Bloodlust" is any indication, this album is going to be a sonic revival that'll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about worship music.
As Lumber explains about "Bloodlust": "It's about the battle between flesh and spirit – The Host. It's about surrendering to something greater than yourself. You know the old life is comfortable, but you can't truly live without transformation." This album isn't just music – it's a catalyst for change, a light in darkness, a host that'll transform you from within.
May 2nd isn't just a release date – it's a rally cry. "The Host" is coming, and ACRES isn't asking for your permission to revolutionize everything you thought you knew about Christian heavy music. They're just giving you time to prepare your heart for the revival.
Get ready to let The Host in. Just don't expect to remain unchanged by the experience.