Local Review: Warm Veins — Warm Veins

Warm Veins
Warm Veins
Self-Released
Street: 11.05.2025
Warm Veins = Norma Jean + Deafheaven

Blending elements of both post-hardcore metal and shoegaze, Warm Veins tears into the local Salt Lake City music scene with their debut album, Warm Veins. Vocalist, guitarist and bassist Josh Recker creates a type of melancholy ambiance with “Cold Highways,” as our introduction to this melodic eight-track album. 

With the power of Recker’s vocalization and guitar playing, he is able to exhibit the feeling of being alone on a cold stretch of road in the middle of nowhere, which is absolutely transcendent.  “Cold Highways” features a spacy, atmospheric, harmonious riff that blends with Sean Kelso’s concise drumming, making you feel their intention behind every beat and every strum.

“Contrast” encapsulates the feeling of nostalgia with ethereal riffs and somber but pugnacious vocals. Recker doesn’t hold back on emotions, making one feel the depravity of a need for release. 

On the contrary, “Resin” is full of ferocity, with the pick up of drum kicks and speedy guitar riffs. The song lacks no depth of sentiments but carries the recurring theme of melancholy. Warm Veins has a power of impressive mood swings, one moment feeling homesick and reminiscing while in another moment feeling sudden rage and bitterness.

“box cutter” continues this merciless sound, as you are immediately pressed with harsh and heavy noise. It’s almost electrifying and amps you up in absolute irate. Recker’s mood shifts with more guttural vocals alongside more dissonant riffs. 

With roots from local band Suffocater, Warm Veins carries on some of its legacy but dives into more of a shoegaze as they discover their sound. This album is the perfect encapsulation of feeling nostalgia and the wrath of despair in a world that is known to others but not thyself. Follow them on Instagram @warmveins.slc to get notified on any upcoming shows. —Litzi Estrada

Read more music reviews from Litzi Estrada:
Local Review: Macana — Life of Pain
Top Five Albums of 2025 to Immerse Yourself in Winter Darkness

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