Lionheart — Valley of Death II
Album Review
The Long-Awaited Return
Today marks the day California hardcore heavyweights LIONHEART have officially returned with Valley of Death II, a release that feels less like a comeback and more like a declaration of intent. As the long-awaited sequel to their 2019 fan favorite, the album finds the band sharper, heavier, and more focused than ever — arriving alongside a potent new single featuring Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX.
No Reinvention, Only Escalation
Valley of Death II doesn’t attempt to rewrite LIONHEART’s formula. Instead, it pushes it further. The album is darker, more aggressive, and more confrontational than its predecessor, with every track reinforcing the band’s commitment to pure, uncompromising hardcore. The production is dense and punishing, giving each breakdown and gang chant the weight it deserves.
Crushing Grooves and Merciless Riffs
From the opening moments, LIONHEART set an unforgiving pace. “Bulletproof” hits hard right out of the gate, while “Ice Cold” starts off with the iconic WWE wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin’s glass shatter intro to follow with tight, groove-driven riffing and massive vocal hooks. The title track, “Valley of Death II,” stands as a defining moment: slow, menacing, and oppressive, embodying the album’s brutal atmosphere.
A Standout Collaboration with Matt Honeycutt
One of the album’s most explosive moments arrives on “Chewing Through the Leash,” which features Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX. The collaboration feels natural and unforced, bringing together two of modern hardcore’s most recognizable voices. Honeycutt’s raw, venomous delivery adds an extra layer of hostility to the track, elevating it into one of the record’s most talked-about highlights and reinforcing the album’s sense of total aggression. Spoiler, more iconic dog “ARF ARF” mayhem that we all love to see from bands!
Final Verdict
Valley of Death II is Lionheart operating at full force. Anchored by crushing songwriting, relentless energy, and a standout collaboration with Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX, the album proves that Lionheart aren’t here to survive; they’re here to dominate. For anyone craving modern hardcore at its most focused and aggressive, this release is mandatory listening. 2026 is definitely starting with a MASSIVE bang!
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