Aussie rock legends DZ DEATHRAYS are alive and thriving ahead of the release of new album EASING OUT OF CONTROL dropping on January 16.
When they're not tearing up the stage around the world, or taking over the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 remaster soundtrack, they're delivering high octane shows and continuing their domination as they power through the Australian alternative scene.
Before the band hit the road on their Aussie tour in January & February (tickets here), we've grabbed them for a look back at the year that was, the music they frothed along the way and their words of wisdom heading into 2026 with the next #WoSYearInReview...
TOP RELEASES OF 2025
5. BASS DRUM OF DEATH - SIX
4. DIE SPITZ - SOMETHING TO CONSUME
3. PABST - THIS IS NORMAL NOW
2. TNSW - GODSPEED
1. VIAGRA BOYS - VIAGR ABOYS
Honourable mentions to THE VASCO ERA - I DON’T MIND and LAMBRINI GIRLS - WHO LET THE DOGS OUT
TOP 5 SONGS OF 2025
5. DIE SPITZ - 'THROW YOURSELF ON THE SWORD'
4. PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS - 'MANNYS READY TO ROLL'
3. PORTUGAL, THE MAN - 'ANGOON'
2. VIAGRA BOYS - 'MAN MADE OF MEAT'
1. ECCA VANDAL - 'CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE'
WHICH AUSTRALIAN BAND' CAN'T YOU GET ENOUGH OF?
PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
BEST GIG YOU PLAYED THIS YEAR AND WHY?
FREAK VALLEY FESTIVAL IN GERMANY. The festival sells out every year before the lineup is even announced. The vibes at the festival are awesome, everyone is just there to hang out and have a good time. The owner of the festival introduces all the bands before they go on and it was just such a great time. They have one main stage and one smaller side stage and the site isn’t too big so it’s just full of people chilling out when bands aren’t playing.
It just goes to show if you take the time to put on a festival and make sure that punters are going to have a good time that they will go regardless of the lineup, which means they are able to have more freedom when booking the bands. They don't have the stress of selling out so they can book more underground and diverse bands. It’s awesome!
TELL US ABOUT A CAREER HIGHLIGHT YOU HAD IN 2025
We played a festival in Czechia called Rock For People which was such an awesome experience. Every time we go to Czechia we have an awesome time. The people of that country really know how to let loose and they’re just so nice (shout outs Tomas).
We got to see bands like Linkin Park, Fontaines DC & Refused. The vibe was chill and the weather was perfect. We were lucky enough to play a smaller stage with no clashes so had a full tent for our set which was awesome.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF NEW MUSIC?
There’s so much good music out there at the moment. It’s good to see so many bands out there blowing up. (especially all the Aussie ones!)
Artists like Ecca Vandal who we toured with a while ago now have been out there dropping hits and touring with bands like Limp Bizkit and Deftones. It’s so awesome to see! Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are smashing it overseas & of course we can’t forget Amyl and the Sniffers & the OGs King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.
It does seem to be getting harder for bands to get your music & tour dates seen these days though, as there is just so much stuff on social media. That’s probably the real challenge for us. We have started doing some old school street postering around the cities here in Australia though so we’ll see how that goes.
We don't have a manager, don’t have a record label and don't have a promoter. We don’t have anywhere near the amount of money as some bands/companies have to throw at promoting shows and album campaigns so it’s been pretty tricky this time round promoting this album & tour.
The best thing people can do is to support your local and independent bands by going to shows. Bonus points if you are able to get your tickets in advance!
ANY SNEAK PEEKS OF INBOUND PLANS NEXT YEAR?
We have a few festivals in Europe in July and might pop over to the UK while we are over that way. There are plans to get back to Canada & USA later in the year too.
BEST ADVICE GOING INTO 2026?
REMEMBER, IT’S FOR FUN!
.webp)
