Album Review: THE HARA – The Fallout (Mascot Records)

Out on January 23rd, 2026, via Mascot Records, ‘The Fallout’ is the new album from the Manchester alt-rock band, The HARA.

The HARA’s ability to fit neatly within the alternative rock scene, while having a wider sound base that draws from varied genres, has always made them special. Yet, there’s an argument that they’ve been missing a little something that could help transform them into giants of the scene. Something that nobody really knew they were missing until now. That something is authenticity.

Now that’s not to say everything that came before this album lacked that or felt like THE HARA wasn’t being true to themselves. That’s far from the case, but it is notable that when focusing on a rawer, more open and honest sound, with personal and relatable lyrics, it does feel like they’ve reached a whole new level here. I genuinely believe this is going to be the album that helps this band blow up even more, and all because it has the potential to connect with a broader audience.

I can get behind that.

The growth in THE HARA is clear from the start too as the melodies of Trophy transition nicely into heavier, more intense moments and the vocals have ‘pain’ that makes the lyrical content potent. The chorus is going to be one hell of a sing along live, whereas Easier to Die is the body-shaker and head-banger that will get the sweat flying. Interestingly, swap these two around, and the opening of the record is just as impactful. Something that proves to consistent throughout, which isn’t a complaint about the flow, but a positive about how anthemic the record is as a whole.

Monsters & Demons, Twist the Arrows, Stay, The System… the first half of the record showcases that explicitly, but it also showcases the richness in their sound that comes from variety. THE HARA are experimenting with heavier elements, adding a bit more intensity here and there, which is something that truly fits the rawer tone of the record.

The highlight of this heavier way of thinking? Undoubtably Psycho Killer which has a delightfully dark and chaotic vein running through it. Contrast that to Kings, a dramatic sounding, lyrically open, and chorus-driven effort that has a bit more buoyancy. Then throw in Bury Me with it deep melodies, heartfelt vocals, and raucous final minute that gets a bit ‘nu-metally’.

This is why you can’t talk about this record without acknowledging its variety, nor the strength in The Hara’s creative direction.

If you could choose anyone for THE HARA to collaborate with, chances are they wouldn’t be as perfectly matched as Bethany from the excellent As December Falls is. Together they make dazzling and refreshing music where the vocals complement each other, and the instrumentation keeps things peppy. It’s one of the album’s most infectious tracks, and while it might not be as creative as Intergalactic Sabotage, a wacked-out groovy effort, it’s still very enjoyable. Then, to cap off what is sure to be a hugely successful album for the band, it’s Enemy with THE HARA crafting a hyperactive experience that fits and jerks with eccentric energy.

The best thing they’ve done to date? Absolutely, and all because they’ve found that missing ingredient.

THE HARA – The Fallout Track Listing:

1. Trophy
2. Easier to Die
3. Monsters & Demons
4. Twist the Arrows
5. Stay
6. The System
7. Psycho Killer
8. Kings
9. Bury Me
10. Violence (feat. As December Fails)
11. Intergalactic Sabotage
12. Enemy

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