Distinctive, unique, creative, clever, underrated, and passionate. All words I would happily associate with Godsticks, the Progressive Metallers who have been carving their own mark in the world of hard rock and Metal for 18 years. Seventh album VOiD is not going to change my view of them, for it is 44 minutes of music that works on every level.
Godsticks – VOiD
Release Date: 27 March 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
The bite of aggression in their distinctive guitar work remains, and if anything, has been levelled up a notch or two. Dark and uncompromising, it reflects the disillusionment with the division in the world, and as the band put it, the loss of nuance. So, to combat that, we retreat from the noise into our own personal void.
With their first lineup change for aeons in situ, Francis George is now on bass in place of former member Dan Nelson, and the lineup sounds energised and fresh.
Not that there was an issue with This Is What A Winner Looks Like, because I deemed that their best release back in 2023. But there is something more instant, more compelling about VOiD, as George locks in with drummer Tom Price and guitarist Gavin Bushell, with the lineup completed by guitarist and vocalist Darran Charles.
So, what do the band feel about the subject matter? “It feels like we’re in an age where there’s no compromise, no centre ground, and no one really wants to consider another person’s perspective. We’re left with just two viewpoints: left or right (which are also each side’s synonyms for either ‘right’ or ‘wrong’).
“Like many musicians, I’m arguably quite left-wing in my views, although I can’t help but feel that all the strides we’ve made as a society towards tolerance and inclusion have been undermined by efforts to shame anyone who may have used an incorrect word, whilst actually doing a very positive thing.
“In recent years, people have been too quick to strip words of context and, more importantly, intent, all in the name of winning an argument or admonishing someone to make themselves look more enlightened.”
Having emerged blinking into the light from a creative block that caused severe angst post-pandemic with This Is What A Winner Looks Like, Godsticks have spent 18 months crafting VOiD.
That it rolls along with incredible pace is to the band’s credit. M.I.A, Hold Back and Watch It Burn all pass in a blur. This is a Progressive band who do not need to play sprawling epics. Everything is condensed into short sharp bursts. Watch It Burn clocks in at just over three minutes, yet does everything it needs to get the message across with ample time.
Following those three opening tracks, Godsticks ease off the frenetic pace on Master Of A Plan, a slightly more measured and expansive track that still contains all the bite necessary. Charles vocals are on point, more direct and controlled, but still with the distinctive, instantly recognisable style that makes him one of the genre’s best frontmen. The track also features some of the album’s best guitar work.
Allow time to explore and immerse yourself in this album, and you will find rich rewards. The songs are sharp, such as Can’t Withstand, with multiple layers to absorb and appreciate.
The quality of this band has always been there. Now it is just pushed up another two levels at least. It is evident that the writing process has developed again, with Charles effusive about his colleagues’ contributions.
“I cannot overstate the enormously positive impact Tom and Gavin have had on the writing process over the last few albums,” he says. “Whilst the writing methods have rarely changed for me over the years, what has changed is that their contributions are indispensable and something I genuinely look forward to incorporating.
“I’ve lost count of the times on this album that they’ve provided or reinterpreted a part that has prevented the song from being binned because it wasn’t working. This is also the first time in 12 years that we’re working with a different bass player, too [Francis George], and that itself has offered a fresh perspective on arrangements and influenced the overall feel of the rhythm section. It’s a little different this time around.”
I can see that these songs will translate well into the live shows that the band have coming up. I am desperately working on how to get to one, with multiple clashes and commitments to juggle.
However, if I can, the opportunity to see and hear Talking Through Walls Part 1 and Part 2 would be epic, for even at the tail end of the album, often where the runt of the song litter is hidden, Godsticks refuse to bow down on quality with the double parter showing another side to the band.
The first part is more measured, precise and controlled, whilst the latter erupts into a barrage of crunching riffs and chilling lead work.
The finale, Hope Is Burning, is a reminder of the themes and lyrical content on VOiD. It is classic Godsticks, perfectly delivered with a combined feel that is both defiant yet delicate at the same time.
For me, VOiD will, with more plays, likely climb to the top of the band’s discography, possibly beating my favourite, 2020’s Inescapable.
I am going to spend more time with it for sure and continue to work out how to get to one of those Spring shows without causing too many ramifications. You should, too.
Godsticks release VOiD on 27 March 2026 via Kscope. Pre-orders are available from godsticks.lnk.to/VOiDFA. Their tour kicks off on 17 April at the Hope & Anchor in London. Tour ticket links are available from here. The band also play SOS Festival, Oldham on 4 July 2026.
