Album Review: Black Satellite – Aftermath (Self Released)

NYC’s Black Satellite are carving a distinct path through the rock and metal world. Fronted by the fierce Larissa Vale, their new album ‘Aftermath’ will be released on September 5th, 2025.

You can really tell that the years of playing live, and with so many varied bands and artists, have helped refine Black Satellite’s sound and given them a stronger focus on their anthemic qualities, while not losing the sultry, haunting, and industrial edge that gives their alternative music such a ‘vibe’.

What is that vibe? That is up the individual, but for me, it’s the sound of confidence. Black Satellite approach everything they do here with a swagger, while displaying impressive strength and relatable vulnerability. There is a lot of heart and soul wrapped up in the dynamism of the record and across fifteen (yes, you read that right) tracks, they deliver high powered heaviness with groove, industrial intensity, temperamental melody, and more, driven by the incomparable vocals of Larissa Vale. Not only commanding attention but controlling the mood throughout.

Putting it simply, it’s a very cool album.

It’s also accessible, drawing from different eras and varying up styles, so that there’s a little something for everyone. Highs and lows, ebbs and flows, and a willingness to experiment with heaviness gives us instant addictive bangers like Broken (big bass sounds), the dramatic Disengaged (strong vocal power), the vitriolic Don’t Remind Me (weighty chorus), and the industrial anthem that is Downfall. Kick ass stuff.

I listened to this over and over again and was amazed by how many tracks stuck. In an album this big, it would be no surprise to find several unremarkable efforts, but that’s not really the case at all here. Sure, there are a couple that aren’t quite as strong as others, but even those tracks have… something.

It’s that freaking vibe. Although the unique vocal style of Larissa Vale can’t be ignored.

A bit rockier, Here It Ends is one of the album’s catchiest efforts and a sure-fire crowd pleaser, and alongside that, Far Away really nails the alternative metal feel, especially with the chorus. Great songs even if, personally, I prefer the Black Satellite bite that comes from the shout-along that is Kill for You, the instrumental punch of Decay, and the energy that Doom or Die brings. This is my jam, and some of Black Satellite’s best, in my opinion.

I don’t think I’ll be alone in really liking this album and really loving a lot of the tracks, though. Not when it comes with such brash, sneering, and potent music that just about everybody will find addictive. Bigger, bolder, better. This is how you make a new album.

Black Satellite – Aftermath Track Listing:

1. Broken
2. Disengaged
3. Don’t Remind Me
4. Downfall
5. Here It Ends
6. Bleed for Me
7. Far Away
8. Kill for You
9. Decay
10. Void
11. Doom or Die
12. Imperfectly You
13. Hurt
14. Aftermath
15. Dead Eye

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