Today is the Day, the experimental noise metal project led by Steve Austin, has released its latest album, 'Never Give In.' The album, which launched on October 3, 2025, follows their 2020 release, 'No Good to Anyone,' and marks a return for Austin after facing significant personal and professional challenges. 'Never Give In' explores themes of resilience and defiance, reflecting Austin's journey through adversity.
Key Takeaways
- Today is the Day released 'Never Give In' on October 3, 2025.
- The album follows 2020's 'No Good to Anyone.'
- Steve Austin, the band's founder, overcame personal difficulties to create this work.
- The album features diverse musical elements, including horns and Americana influences.
- Austin also re-opened his label, SuperNova Records, and reacquired his music catalog.
Steve Austin's Journey to 'Never Give In'
The creation of 'Never Give In' comes after a period of intense difficulty for Steve Austin. His previous album, 'No Good to Anyone,' released in early 2020. This coincided with global shutdowns, which impacted the band's touring plans. Austin experienced a significant personal downturn during this time.
Despite these setbacks, Austin worked to rebuild his career and personal life. He re-established SuperNova Records, his independent label. Additionally, he successfully bought back the rights to his entire music catalog. These actions represent a direct response to the challenges he faced.
Album Details
- Title: Never Give In
- Artist: Today is the Day
- Release Date: October 3, 2025
- Label: SuperNova Records
- Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Musical Direction and Sound Exploration
'Never Give In' continues Today is the Day's tradition of blending aggressive noise metal with diverse musical elements. The album showcases Austin's willingness to experiment with different sounds and moods. It maintains the band's characteristic intensity and raw honesty.
The opening track, "Divide and Conquer," features an industrialized grindcore sound. This track evokes the band's earlier work. However, Austin uses a crooning vocal style for most of the song, with backing screams providing additional texture. This blend of old and new elements is a consistent theme on the album.
Unexpected Musical Choices
The album includes several surprising musical choices. "Secret Police" combines punk-infused riffage with a horn section. This unusual combination adds a distinct flavor to the track. Critics have noted its unexpected yet effective integration.
The closing track, "The Cleansing," demonstrates a different side of Austin's musical influences. This song incorporates Americana elements, reminiscent of Neil Young. It tells a story of lost love, showcasing Austin's ability to explore varied lyrical themes within his unique sound.
"Whether it’s the two-plus-hour double album Sadness Will Prevail or the all-out assault of In the Eyes of God or Temple of the Morning Star, Austin’s unflinching vision and honesty isn’t for everyone, as it’s told using what he feels is best for his message, not what others expect from him."
Themes of Resilience and Honesty
The title 'Never Give In' directly reflects Austin's personal philosophy and recent experiences. The album serves as a testament to his perseverance through difficulties such as loss, homelessness, and car accidents. This sincerity has always been a core aspect of Today is the Day's music.
Austin's artistic approach prioritizes honest expression over listener expectations. This has led to a body of work that is often challenging but always authentic. The band's output, including albums like 'Sadness Will Prevail' and 'In the Eyes of God,' highlights this uncompromising vision.
Band Background
Today is the Day is an American noise metal band formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1992. Led by guitarist and vocalist Steve Austin, the band is known for its experimental and aggressive sound. Their music often incorporates elements of grindcore, industrial, and avant-garde metal. Austin is the sole constant member, guiding the band's artistic direction over three decades.
Album's Varied Reception and Impact
While 'Never Give In' showcases Austin's continued artistic bravery, some tracks have received mixed feedback. "I Got Nothin'" has been described as meandering in its early sections. It gains momentum only towards its final third, where Austin introduces changes in structure.
Similarly, "Pain and Frustration" features strong drumming by Colin Frecknall but can become stagnant as it progresses. These observations suggest that the album's most impactful moments often occur when Austin ventures beyond his established comfort zones, embracing more daring musical arrangements.
- "Divide and Conquer": Industrial grindcore with crooning vocals.
- "Secret Police": Punk riffs with an unexpected horn section.
- "The Cleansing": Americana-influenced closer.
- "I Got Nothin'": Develops in its final third.
- "Pain and Frustration": Features notable drumming.
The album's overall message is one of endurance. It highlights the importance of sharing personal experiences, both positive and negative. Steve Austin's ability to create new music despite significant personal trials is seen as a notable achievement in the music industry. His work continues to resonate with listeners who value uncompromising artistic integrity.
For fans of Today is the Day, 'Never Give In' offers a familiar yet evolving sound. For new listeners, the album provides an entry point into Austin's unique musical world. The band's commitment to artistic honesty remains a defining characteristic.