DRAIN - …IS YOUR FRIEND

Label: Epitaph

Release Date: November 7th 2025

Santa Cruz hardcore kings DRAIN are back with their third full length album, …IS YOUR FRIEND. This is a positive, feel-good record with no shortage of gnarly riffs, breakdowns, skank parts, sing-alongs, and solos. DRAIN is a band, that when you hear their music, you immediately know it’s them. Whether it’s the killer guitar tones, the infectious grooves, or Sammy’s undeniable vocals, you know you’ve stepped into their world from the first notes.

On …IS YOUR FRIEND, DRAIN let themselves diver deeper into all their influences, furthering and maturing their unique sound, without losing any of their identity. If anything this album is more DRAIN than DRAIN has ever been. And I really love that Cody (guitarist) just went for it, loading up on all the classic metal/thrash guitar on this record. DRAIN are another example of crossover being happy and healthy in 2025.

“Living in a Memory”, “Who’s Having Fun?” and “Until Next Time…” are my favorite tracks on the record. The first two leaning into the more melodic side of the band, clean vocal parts and all, which are sounding better than ever. Zakk Wylde would surely smile at all those pinches on “Who’s Having Fun?”. Both these tracks are super catchy and like the rest of the album, have tons of character. It’s seems I love it when DRAIN get a bit melodic with it. Album closer, “Until Next Time…” is the perfect end cap for this record. A friendly goodbye to the listener that offers advice and reassurance. Love your friends and cherish your time, leave the bullshit behind and stay up. It’s all about the PMA on this album and the send off is immaculate. 

In my opinion, …IS YOUR FRIEND is the bands best release to date. Go listen to this record if you haven’t already, and if you have, go listen to it again. This shit was made to satisfy your eardrums and put a smile on your face.

Score 9/10

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/drain831