Sometimes I am just astounded by how many incredible bands I haven’t discovered yet, so when a new one lands in my orbit, I’m genuinely delighted to know there’s still so much great music out there if you dig a little deeper.
My latest discovery is VIAL, an American trio based in Minneapolis who somehow met through a Tinder post in 2019, brought together by their shared love of ’90s punk, indie, and grunge. Online, they’re described as a punk/indie band, but listening to Hellhound, their fourth record, there’s very little indie in the mix — instead, VIAL could easily serve as a dictionary definition of punk.
There’s anger, sass, and unapologetic energy. ‘Creep Smoothie’ feels like a rallying cry against creepy men, with loud, brashy punk riffs and spitfire lyrics: “I’ll blend up your brains and make a creep smoothie, My silence is non-existent, No attitude that needs fixing, Not smiling to be pretty, You will regret the things that you did to me.” Every line lands like a punch, but it’s clever and cathartic too.
‘Undermine Me’ feels like a contemporary cousin to Bikini Kill’s Demirep, with a playful clap-along chorus wrapped in full-throttle guitar riffs and vocals dripping with sarcasm and righteous anger. You can practically feel the band grinning through the chaos, daring you to join them in calling out inequality and bullshit wherever it exists.
Then there’s ‘Scorpio Moon’, which has a riff that perfectly captures that dark, smoldering “Scorpio vibe.” The mix of sassy and shouty vocals pairs beautifully with the music, making it feel like the kind of song that motivates you, fires you up, and makes you feel like you could take on anything. ‘Blah’ leans more into rebellious cheekiness- sassy, fun, and a little wild. A reminder that punk isn’t just about rage, it’s also about mischief, confidence, and owning your voice.
Listening to the album as a whole is an empowering experience. Every track feels like motivation music, a mix of fury, playfulness, and unflinching honesty that makes you want to move, shout, and take up space in the world. It’s not just punk; it’s punk with purpose, a soundtrack for standing up, speaking out, and claiming your power.
A peek at their website shows that VIAL is fully committed to fighting for gender equality, abortion rights, and other causes, with a resources page pointing to ways listeners can support. That activism bleeds into the music, giving the record even more resonance.
Hellhound is an exhilarating mix of sass, anger, and empowerment. VIAL aren’t just making music — they’re creating anthems that make you feel fired up, inspired, and ready to take action, all while having fun doing it. If you haven’t encountered VIAL yet, now is the perfect time to dive in.
Hellhound is out now and you can buy it here
VIAL socials: Facebook/Instagram
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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