Issue 66 takes another look at what’s happening across the alternative music scene right now. In this issue, we dive into the theatrical world of Ghost and the immersive atmosphere the band continues to build through their music and live performances. We also sit down with Lucas Horne to talk about his creative process, songwriting, and the experiences that shape his work.

Elsewhere in the issue, we highlight recent releases from artists like Ruel and The Wombats, along with a look at three album drops arriving this month from Kim Gordon, Lamb of God, and Harry Styles. We also spotlight a few emerging artists worth keeping an eye on as they continue to gain momentum across the indie and alternative scenes.

Issue 66 offers another snapshot of the artists, releases, and live music moments shaping the current landscape. Dive into the full issue to explore the stories behind the music and the voices driving the scene forward.

The January issue of MNSTRM captures a moment where live music still feels urgent, physical, and worth paying attention to. Across reviews, essays, and long-form coverage, Issue 65 focuses on artists who show up with intention, whether they’re headlining sold-out rooms, grinding through club tours, or challenging the systems that shape how music survives in 2026.

This issue leans heavily into the live experience. A deep dive into the 20 year old Metallica beef to Cameron Whitcomb’s deeply grounded performance at Newport Music Hall, these pieces center on sincerity over spectacle. Coverage of The Band CAMINO, All Time Low with Mayday Parade, Memphis May Fire, Shakey Graves, In Color, and Night Cap highlights the range of spaces where connection still happens, from packed arenas to rooms that feel one step away from a basement show.

Alongside the live reporting, January includes a reflective album review revisiting Down’s NOLA thirty years later, framing the record not as nostalgia but as a lasting statement of creative independence. The issue is anchored by a long-form editorial examining Metallica vs. Napster, not as a cultural punchline, but as an early warning about ownership, labor, and what artists would eventually lose in the streaming era.

Taken together, Issue 65 documents a scene that’s still evolving under pressure. It’s about bands finding momentum without losing themselves, artists insisting their work has value beyond exposure, and audiences showing up when something feels real.

Honest coverage, lived perspective, and music that still demands your attention.