Stage of Reality’s new album, Digital God, really feels like a bold step for them. It’s heavier, more dynamic, and brings in some interesting electronic elements that add a fresh layer to their sound. If you’ve been a fan of their previous stuff, this is definitely going to catch your attention.
Right off the bat, the guitars come in thick and aggressive, driving the songs with solid, headbang-worthy riffs. There’s a lot of punch here - whether it's the tight rhythms or the crunch in the guitar tone, you can tell the band is in their element when they’re leaning into that heavy, riff-driven style. It reminds me of the kind of energy you’d get from bands like Disturbed or Five Finger Death Punch - just raw power, but with a strong sense of melody behind it.
What’s new this time around is the a lot more use of electronic sounds. The band has woven in synths and electronic layers, which give some tracks a darker, almost industrial vibe. But it’s not over the top or gimmicky - it fits right into the music and gives the album a more modern, cinematic feel. I found that these electronic touches added a lot of atmosphere, almost like they’re pushing their sound into more experimental territory without losing the heaviness that defines them.
Vocally, the album strikes a nice balance. The vocals are still strong, with big, memorable hooks, but they also lean into some rougher, more aggressive parts when the music calls for it. There’s a good mix of clean singing and grittier moments that really hit hard during the heavier sections. The choruses stick with you, but they don’t lose that edge, which is important when you’re working with this kind of heavy material.
Now, if I had to point out a downside, I’d say the electronics sometimes get a little too much attention in certain songs. It’s cool that they’re experimenting, but in a few spots, I found myself wishing the guitars and drums had a bit more space to breathe. That raw energy the band does so well can feel slightly overshadowed at times. Plus, with 13 tracks, the album runs a little long - there are moments where it feels like it could’ve been trimmed down a bit for more impact.
That said, Digital God is still a strong album and a cool evolution for Stage of Reality. They’re not afraid to take risks, and you can hear that in how they’ve blended their signature heavy sound with these newer electronic influences. It’s not a total departure from their roots, but it’s definitely pushing them into new territory. Fans of their earlier work will find plenty to love here, and anyone into modern hard rock or metal with a futuristic edge will probably dig this too.
https://www.instagram.com/stageofrealityband/
Thanks to Grand Sounds PR.
Listen to the album here: STAGE OF REALITY - Digital God | Sliptrick Records (bandcamp.com)