Bill Mandara returns with his fifth studio album, It’s Always Something, a release that arrives with urgency, weight, and unmistakable human force. From the opening moments, the album erupts with raw sonic energy, driven by snarling guitars, muscular rhythms, and a vocal presence that is dark, commanding, and unfiltered. There is a feral spirit running through the record that recalls the grit of early punk, the metallic edge of Motörhead, the mystery of Led Zeppelin and the confrontational power of Rage Against the Machine, New Model Army or Queens of the Stone Age, yet it never feels derivative. This is Mandara operating entirely on his own terms.
While the album hits hard, it is far from simplistic. Beneath the rebellious punk streak lies carefully constructed songwriting that fuses rock, punk, and metal into something both volatile and deliberate. The guitar work is prolific and expressive, featuring solos that cut sharply through the mix, while the arrangements show a clear sense of intent and evolution. Alongside the heavier moments, Mandara allows space for slower, emotionally grounded tracks that reveal a more introspective side, adding depth and contrast to the overall experience.
It’s Always Something was written and recorded over an extended period beginning in the winter of 2024, using a process that emphasized patience and self-reflection. Mandara adopted a method of writing, recording, mixing, and then living with each song for weeks at a time before revisiting it. Some tracks emerged fully formed, while others were completely dismantled and rebuilt, resulting in songs that feel lived-in and fully realized. The album stands as the product of thirteen such cycles, each carrying its own story of revision and refinement.
The record also features notable contributions from close collaborators. Mandara’s son Joey delivers vocal performances on “The Thoughts That You Betray” and “Pain Does What It’s Told,” bringing a tone that perfectly suits those tracks. Chris Magno adds searing guitar solos on “We Have Reached the End” and “The Next One in Line,” while Israel Bien elevates “Pushing That Which One Resists” with powerful vocals and melodic insight. The album opens with a characterful introduction by Mandara’s son Christopher, setting the tone with a touch of offbeat personality.
Beyond the music, the project reflects the reality of Mandara’s life as an architect by day and a musician by necessity. Creating music at home is his outlet, a way to stay grounded and sane, and that authenticity resonates throughout the album. With It’s Always Something, Bill Mandara delivers a heavy, emotionally charged statement that feels perfectly timed for the next wave of rock, positioning the record as a compelling entry point into what could define the emerging rock landscape of 2026.
