Album Review: ten56. – IO (Out of Line)

‘IO’ is the sophomore album from French/British bruisers ten56., out September 5th, 2025, via Out of Line.

Doesn’t it feel like ten56. have been around for much longer than they actually have? That’s the impact they’ve had since they first arrived five years ago and delivered their gargantuan debut album, ‘Downer’. Now, having learned so much over the past few years, least of all how to bring their intense sound to the stage, they’re back with something that is darker, heavier, and more savage. Yes, you read that right, this is a much harsher effort, and if that’s not a reason to get excited, I don’t know what the hell we’re even doing then.

It’s a potent start, chaotic and raw, but with staggering deathcore infectiousness. Vocalist Aaron Matts sounds like a man possessed, and the horror-infused effects create a unique aural environment. Get used to that though, the whole of IO just has a darker tone, and that continues to be front and centre with the lethal ferocity of Pig and the nu-infused Snapped Neck (clean singing!). A pair of sickeningly heavy tracks that set the bar high.

It is all about laying waste to the senses though and no further proof of that is needed then with I Know Where You Sleep. Less than two minutes of frenzied and savage chaos delivered with passion. The kind of track that hurts, and one that has even more impact when it follows the ‘tongue in cheek’ LIFEISACHORE.MOV.

Heads will be banged so hard that necks will ache, chests will be thumped until they are left bruised, and live, there’s liable to be some bloody noses and black eyes, all because ten56. deliver the kind of immersive intensity that appeals to everyone who just needs to let off some steam. Hitting high after high with manic slabs of body shaking intensity like Good Morning, Earwig, and ICU. Before PTY FCK’s slower tempo adds layers of filth, making everything feel so much more dangerous. Calling this, and the album as a whole, creative heaviness is a bit of an understatement.

They needed to deliver this kind of record though. Expectations have been sky high, and the pressure was on, but god damn, you’d never know it. Right to the end, ten56. sound so comfortable in their skins and are brave enough to experiment with the modern demands of the ‘core’ scene. Friends, Banshee, and the title track. I promise you that you’ll be hooked right up to the last second. This is ten56.’s moment to shine, and even though it comes coated in darkness, it is bright and brilliant.

ten56. – IO Track Listing:

1. Doormat
2. Pig
3. Snapped Neck
4. LIFEISACHORE.MOV
5. I Know Where You Sleep
6. Good Morning
7. Earwig
8. ICU
9. PTY FCK
10. Friends
11. Banshee
12. IO

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