SINGLE REVIEW: Those Once Loyal – Glass Hands

Based out of Nottingham, Those Once Loyal are a metalcore/hardcore outfit that arose in 2019. The five-piece released their debut EP ‘Relentless Cycle’ in 2023, and since then have been a relentless live force, including a performance alongside Cane Hill and The Gloom In The Corner. Their latest single, ‘Glass Hands‘, makes for an explosive start to the band’s 2025.

This is a relentless, pummelling, punishing listen that perfectly balances the polish and grandeur of metalcore with the pure, unapologetic aggression of hardcore. The rhythmic switch-ups make for a devilishly danceable groove. Dissonant riffs and frenzied guitar melodies lend the whole track a distinctly gothic feel.

The vocals are brutal and confrontational throughout, barking at the listener with unrelenting fury. Despite the aggression, Those Once Loyal provide plenty of little hooks to scream along to, leaning into the track’s cathartic nature; if there is someone deserving of a ‘fuck you’ in your life, Those Once Loyal have provided the soundtrack to that.

Those Once Loyal are promising 2025 to be a big year for the band, with more music ready to release. If ‘Glass Hands‘ is anything to go by, then that promise is certain to come true; this is a brilliantly electrifying listen that is indicative of a band with a clear vision and a clear understanding of their sound.

For Fans Of: Trivium, Hatebreed, Break Fifty, Ten56., Machine Head

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify