Album Review

Review: Blackwood – Gone Wrong (EP)

todayAugust 3, 2026 62

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Blackwood

Gone Wrong (EP)

Label: Self-released

Released: August 18, 2026

Genre: Hard Rock

Runtime: N/A

JSR OPENING RIFF

Blackwood has taken us everywhere — from lullabies and runaway trains to witches, vampires, and the hard-hitting story of “The Best I Never Had.” Fall 2025 brought two new faces into the lineup. Now the question is: does their latest EP, Gone Wrong, keep Blackwood’s winning streak alive… or does the title say it all?

BACKGROUND

We first crossed paths with Chris and David of Blackwood at ROCKNPOD 2023 in Nashville, TN. They immediately made an impression — introducing themselves well before our scheduled interview and letting us know how excited they were to connect with Jham Session Radio and share their music with our listeners.

SOUND & STYLE

Gone Wrong continues the band’s tradition of delivering powerful vocals, crushing riffs, and chest-pounding drums. The addition of Alonso and DaPrano proves to be a seamless fit alongside veterans O’Brien and Dicks. Rather than feeling like a lineup change, the new foursome operates as a finely tuned machine, blending the weight and precision of Metallica, the dark bluesy heaviness of Black Sabbath, and the modern hard rock edge of Shinedown.

The result is a sound that feels both familiar and revitalized — guitars that hit with precision, a rhythm section that drives with relentless energy, and vocals that soar above the chaos with the confidence that defines Blackwood’s sound. Together, they deliver a breakneck hard rock ride that showcases a band firing on all cylinders. In fact, every track on this EP makes a strong case for earning a spot as our next Jham Of The Week.

STANDOUT JHAMS

  • Gone Wrong
  • Before You Die
  • Lust

Picking standout tracks from this EP is no easy task — every song brings something worth cranking up. Whether you’re hitting play for the first time or pressing repeat, Blackwood delivers three tracks that deserve a place in your rotation.

PRODUCTION NOTES

The production on Gone Wrong is clean and well-balanced, allowing every instrument to find its place in the mix. The guitars hit with clarity, the drums have impact, and nothing feels crowded or muddled. O’Brien’s vocals sit confidently at the front of the mix without overpowering the instrumentation, allowing the full weight of the band’s performance to come through.

The use of left-right guitar panning during “Lust” adds another dimension to the listening experience, pulling the listener deeper into the story and creating a more immersive atmosphere. Overall, the production captures Blackwood’s power while preserving the dynamics that make their sound so engaging.

JSR LINER NOTES

Fans of hard-hitting rock and metal will find that Blackwood’s Gone Wrong is done right. This three-track powerhouse EP takes listeners on a thrilling ride through relationships gone wrong, the darkest of secrets, and the haunting side of happiness. With crushing riffs, powerful vocals, and a lineup firing on all cylinders, Blackwood has created a must-hear release that stands among the best new music available today.

SHOWS & SOCIALS

Blackwood has performed at numerous ROCKNPOD events, as well as recent performances at the Angel City Rally (Unadilla, GA) and Michigan Riverfest (Omer, MI). Visit the links below for more on Blackwood and where you can see them live.

Track list

  1. Gone Wrong
  2. Before You Die
  3. Lust

BAND MEMBERS

Chris O’Brien — Vocals, guitar
Luke Alonso — Guitar
Derek DaPrano — Bass
David Dicks — Drums

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Produced, Engineered, and Mixed by David Dicks at Red Feather Recording in Murfreesboro, TN.

Mastering by Brad Blackwood (Alter Bridge, Lamb of God, and many more)

AVAILABILITY

Available for pre-order beginning August 4, 2026, Gone Wrong is set for digital release August 18, 2026.

Gone Wrong cover

Written by: Top Jimmy

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