“Battlefield” by Loudness Wars

Battlefield

In a post-grunge landscape that’s often crowded with nostalgia acts and tribute tones, Loudness Wars charges forward with something vital and urgent. Their debut single “Battlefield,” released on April 14, 2025, hits like a clenched fist to the chest: raw, immediate, and steeped in the spirit of ’90s alt-rock without being confined by it. Frontman Jerome, Sri Lankan-born and UK-raised, leads the charge with a voice that’s equal parts grit and grief, channelling the angst of Cobain and the theatrical tension of Brian Molko. Joined by bassist Rich and drummer Ian, the trio strikes a balance between emotional depth and sheer sonic assault.

“Battlefield” wastes no time setting the tone: an opening riff that shudders with distorted menace, drums that sound like they’re stomping out of a garage in flames, and vocals that crackle with lived-in pain. The influence of Nirvana and Soundgarden is palpable, but there’s a clarity in the song’s structure and production that elevates it beyond homage. Jerome’s choice to record the drums in the band’s rehearsal space while tracking the rest at home gives the single a textured authenticity and feels close, like you’re in the room, sharing sweat and static.

Lyrically, the track embraces the metaphor of emotional struggle as literal warfare, with lines that cut deep without pretension. “We bleed just to feel alive,” Jerome snarls, and it’s not hard to believe him. What makes “Battlefield” stand out is its refusal to sanitise its fury, and this isn’t a radio-friendly rock song diluted for mass appeal. It’s a full-body exorcism, the sound of a band stewing in frustration and fear and finally letting it all detonate.

Beyond the audio, Loudness Wars has invested in a visual companion, a music video crafted with the same DIY grit as their sound. The band hints at visual storytelling that mirrors the track’s intensity, promising a layered experience for fans. That attention to sound and sight speaks to a group that understands the power of atmosphere, of mood. They’re making music and creating a world where their audience can sit in the noise and feel seen.

As anticipation builds for their upcoming Ealing gig in West London this May, “Battlefield” establishes Loudness Wars as more than a promising new act but a band with teeth. After two years of relentless rehearsals and songwriting, they arrive not with a whisper but a scream. And if this first salvo is any indication, the war they’ve named themselves after is only just beginning and worth fighting for.

For more information, follow Loudness Wars on SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Instagram.