Kris Barras Band: Monsters We Made
With the release of their sixth studio album, Monsters We Made, on the horizon, Kris Barras Band are set to return with a record that fully embodies the musical identity, energy and passion they have cultivated throughout their journey as a band. Due for release on 14 August 2026, the album promises to deliver everything fans are expecting from the band, while pushing their sound even further. At the heart of it all is former MMA fighter-turned-frontman Kris Barras, whose undeniable passion and intensity serve as a powerful reflection of what Monsters We Made has in store – a defining release for both the band and their fans.
Starting with the title track, ‘Monsters We Made’, the album immediately packs a punch, introducing itself in style with gripping instrumentals, tempo changes that make the song even more intricate, and killer vocals from Kris Barras that serve as a constant reminder of the talent he possesses. The song draws attention to the idea of being your own worst enemy, a message that is portrayed throughout the album in various ways.
Directly after, we have the latest single, ‘Beautiful Lie’, a song carrying deep meaning about the importance of truth and the misleading nature of lies. With even bigger riffs and solos, something Barras has emphasised he wants to achieve, the track showcases the band’s ability to combine powerful songwriting with hard-hitting instrumentation. There are also a few similarities to the American rock band Shinedown, making ‘Beautiful Lie’ an especially interesting addition to the album.
As the fourth track on the album, ‘Unspoken’ speaks to fans on a whole other level. It is a heartbreaking yet cathartic track, with even more depth present within the lyrics, describing unspoken words and the desperation to hide who you truly are. As one of the slower and more sensitive songs on the album, ‘Unspoken’ is a personal favourite, offering a moment of vulnerability amid the heavier tracks.
Then, we've got ‘Alive’, another killer track that captures the band’s diversity once again. With a prominent bassline that draws similarities to the band's song from 2019 ‘Ignite (Light Me Up)’, there is truly little to dislike about ‘Alive’. It is a strong track to mark the halfway point of such an epic album and demonstrates just how well the band can shift between different styles without losing their identity.
With a track reminiscent of melodic power metal to draw in even more fans, there is the masterpiece that is ‘Otherside’. The song captures the feeling of being saved from the ‘dark side’, as well as the reliance on a partner or someone close to you to help pull you away from the darker side of yourself. It is another example of the album's recurring themes of inner conflict and overcoming the struggles that can exist within us.
Finishing the album off with a bang, there is ‘Levitate’, a track focused on rising above and ‘staring into the eyes of the enemy’. Combining powerful instrumentation with equally strong lyrics, there truly isn't a better song to close out what is one of the strongest hard rock albums currently on the horizon. In particular, the bridge is intricately crafted, with a mix of gripping riffs and basslines that tie the whole song together and create a fitting finale.
Overall, Monsters We Made is shaping up to be one of the standout hard rock albums of 2026. Its cohesion and consistent message make it one of the strongest entries in Kris Barras Band’s discography, offering plenty for both longtime fans and newcomers to appreciate. With the band heading out on their UK tour in October, there is plenty to look forward to, and Monsters We Made is already a record well worth your time.