Massachusetts melodic hardcore pioneers A Wilhelm Scream have officially released their sixth studio album ‘Cheap Heat’ via Creator-Destructor Records. This ten track collection serves as a powerful hybrid of the technicality found on ‘Career Suicide’ and the aggressive atmosphere of ‘Ruiner’. Recorded at the band’s own Anchor End Studio and produced by guitarist Trevor Reilly, the record introduces newest member Ben Murray on second guitar. Vocalist Nuno Pereira describes the work as a celebration of firepower, stating, “This record, and the process of recording it, are both a testament to and a celebration of the firepower and dedication our band has for our music.” The lead single “Midnight Ghost” arrived alongside a video directed by Mike Rivkees to showcase the band’s signature high energy performance.
The thematic direction of ‘Cheap Heat’ leans into a gritty, storyteller approach influenced by the concept of the wrestling heel. Trevor Reilly notes that the lyrical content focuses on a darker side of the human experience, explaining, “We gave out all our flowers and gratitude that we got left in this world on our last two records, and it’s time to turn heel for the good of the game.” This album delivers a relentless sonic assault that reinforces their reputation as the premier underdogs of the punk world. The musicianship is incredibly sharp and highlights a level of precision that only comes from twenty-five years of dedicated collaboration. Following the release, the band is embarking on a massive tour circuit covering the United States West Coast, Australia, and Japan through March.
‘Cheap Heat’ Track Listing:
Somebody’s Gonna Die
The Scumbag Grift
Midnight Ghost
I Got Tunnel Vision
Let It Ride
Fell Off
Run.
Visitor: Unimpressed
Unsolving the Mystery
Poison II
Tour Dates:
02/19/2026 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge
02/20/2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar
02/21/2026 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
02/24/2026 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
02/25/2026 – Vancouver, BC – Wise Hall
02/26/2026 – Portland, OR – Dantes
02/27/2026 – San Francisco, CA – Neck Of The Woods
02/28/2026 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
03/01/2026 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah
03/06/2026 – Hobart, TAS – Republic Bar
03/07/2026 – Adelaide, SA – Ed Castle
03/08/2026 – Melbourne, VIC – Stay Gold
03/11/2026 – Newcastle, NSW – Hamilton Station Hotel
03/13/2026 – Brisbane, QLD – Crowbar
03/14/2026 – Sydney, NSW – Crowbar
03/15/2026 – Wollongong, NSW – La La La’s
03/18/2026 – Tokyo, JP – Shinjuku Catshole
03/19/2026 – Nagoya, JP – Tsurumai Daytrip
03/20/2026 – Osaka, JP – Yogibo Holy Mountain
03/21/2026 – Yamanashi, JP – Kofu Conviction