Words by: Scotty D
Out February 13, 2026
Via Run For Cover Records/Civilians
Let me start off by saying since I’ve been writing for HEAVY I’ve had the the pleasure of listening to more bands than I usually would, becoming a fan of bands I never would of otherwise, and this is the case in point here. If I could use an Australian Cricket term; every now and again, one will slip through to the keeper.
Meaning the band I’m about to review, Angel Du$t, is right down my alley and I have no idea how I haven’t heard of these guys before, but hey, better late than never and I’m glad that I have now.
And with that being said, with this alternative punk rock outfit out of Baltimore Maryland USA led by frontman Justice Tripp, have been around since 2013 and have released 5 albums AD 2014, Rock The Fuck On Forever 2016, Pretty Buff 2019, YAK A Collection of Truck Songs 2021, Brand New Soul 2023 and now Cold 2 The Touch dropping on February 13. They are ready to give their existing fans what they have been waiting for, and looking to make a whole tribe of new ones with this cracking new release.
With Angel Du$t you can’t specifically bundle them in one box, or categorise them in to just one genre and I understand this with having ‘musical Tourette’s‘ myself – one day I’ll listen to Metallica yet the very next day I’m listening to The Beatles, Sublime, Stone Temple Pilots, Violent Femmes and so on. I think you’re picking up what I’m putting down… that’s what I love about Angel Du$t, they are punk, alternative, indie, and bohemian all rolled into RnFnR (rock and fucking roll). The songs on Cold 2 the Touch all have a very different feel and flavour but all blend together like as Forrest Gump puts it, ‘Peas ‘n Carrots!‘
The first track off the album PAIN IS A MUST is a high energy melodic punk rock banger with slashes of hardcore edges that blend together, setting the scene for what is to come.
Followed by title track Cold 2 the Touch which is a quick to the point hardcore punk track reminiscent to Pennywise Straight Ahead era, reminding me of my early mosh pit days doing some circle work with mates – to which my joints are now screaming at me just thinking about it. Track three, I’m The Outside, is a fusion of alternative meets psychedelic rock, with hints of Stone Temple Pilots meets Blue Oyster Cult, this album is building nicely and I’m loving what these guys are about.
Tripp’s vocal style gives me Weiland vibes crossed with Jim Fletcher from Pennywise but is truly original, genuine and you can tell Tripp is just giving it heaps and doing his own thing! Backed by his band Steve Marino and Jim Carroll on guitars, Zachariah Ghostribe on bass & Nick Lewis driving the engine on percussion, Angel Du$t are seasoned and primed with a massive sound.
Jesus Head flips the script completely taking you on a 3 minute journey with a ‘trippy cruisy‘ bohemian feel that you pleasantly weren’t expecting. Tracks Zero and Downfall give the Angel Du$t faithful a chance to let their hair down with their trademark rock style with Jim Carroll’s guitar work on Zero and guest vocals by Wes Eisold from American Nightmare coming to the forefront. Guest vocals by Patrick Cozens from Restraining Order on Downfall adding some extra punch.
The next track Du$t is really grabbing my attention. This track is something else, a song like a coin -meaning it has two sides and starts off with a Stone Temple Pilots Pretty Penny feel crossed with a California Dreamin’ vibe. Such a fucking sweet start to a song with Tripp’s hauntingly beautiful lyrics setting the scene as all hell breaks loose but they’ve kept the original vibe with such great hooks and awesome choices that make you want to hit repeat when finished.
Next up are the tracks Nothing I Can’t Kill and Man on Fire with the latter featuring UK punk legend Frank Carter, lending his trademark voice leaving this album littered with star studded firepower.
The final tracks The Knife and The Beat are blistering tracks with a Deftones feel that punch you in the face with heavy riffs, big beats and tasty grooves with guttural grit by Taylor Young from Deadbody/ Twitching Tongues adding that extra pepper closing out this juggernaut of an album that is Angel Du$t‘s Cold 2 The Touch.
I must mention the recording and mix on this album by Brian McTernan stands out and is just as much a part of this album as are the tracks on it and what a perfect union of band and producer. Overall this album is a winner and for all you gamers out there – this selection of tracks is perfect partnered up with a good thrash on Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 or creating chaos in the GTA world, which I can attest to.
