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Carbonstone Returns With New Single/Video “Not Like This”
It has been a little more than a year since we last heard from Carbonstone, but the alt-metal veterans from Maryland are back with a brand new song entitled “Not Like This.” The song is set to be released on August 8th with the accompanying video dropping on the 7th.
“Not Like This” is a standout track in Carbonstone’s repertoire, holding a darker edge than others in their career (which is saying something). Musically, it stays true to the heavier-is-better theme that has defined their last few singles, with crunchy guitars and a driving rhythm section layered under frontman Corey James’ haunting vocal talents. With well-timed placements of rage-laced screams, the song evokes rage, pain, and frustration before offering up a note of resolve. Yet perhaps the harshest ingredient in “Not Like This” is its subject matter.
“In a nutshell, it’s a song about losing yourself,” says James. “It’s about the chaos of manipulation, self-doubt, and the war that takes place inside your own mind…standing on the edge of despair, confronting the person you’ve become, and fighting to reclaim your identity.”
“Not Like This” acknowledges both the outer and inner influences that have shaped the narrator, forcing an internal battle that makes the person in the mirror one that (s)he doesn’t recognize. “Use me up like I’m nothing ’til you’re satisfied,” the opening line challenges. “Abuse me, tell me I’m ugly, a waste of your time…”
The song speaks to the hopelessness often felt during moments of self-reflection, digging deep to sort through others’ cruel words and actions that you’ve taken to heart, but also to admit that you are willingly clinging to your own negative thoughts and opinions. “Slowly, I’ll bleed out from these wounds I’m holding inside/Am I worthless? A shadow of myself/I’m dead and alive…”
The most difficult part of the process? Looking at oneself with unfiltered honesty and deciding to let it all go and move forward. “Not Like This” grants the listener that transition from despondency to determination.
“Is this how everything ends, standing on the edge, lost inside of my head?” the narrator wonders before answering, “Not like this again. No, not like this.”
Carbonstone has always been a band that doesn’t shy away from grim realities. They don’t peek behind the curtain so much as throw it wide, allowing the light in and showing the less ideal aspects of being human. “Not Like This” is another prime example of this, of bringing up what is often swept under the rug. The beauty of it all is that James offers us the other side as well, telling us that yes, darkness exists, but we can fight – and most importantly, we can win.
“Not Like This” hits streaming services tonight at midnight! And be sure to tune in for the premiere of the music video at 8 p.m. EST.
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Answering a WordPress Prompt [7/28/26]
What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?
There are a LOT of lyrics that have stuck with me over the years, but I’ll start with the most obvious.
“Now is not forever.”
This is a line from the Alter Bridge track “I Know It Hurts,” from their 2010 release AB III. That song got me through a very tough time, and that particular lyric stood out so much that it became my first tattoo.
“…your destiny is not defined by what you failed to see.”
Another Alter Bridge lyric, this one from “My Champion” (The Last Hero, 2016). This is another reminder that I think everyone could occasionally use.
“If you believe in nothing else, just keep believing in yourself.”
I swear, this is the last Alter Bridge lyric! But to be fair, Myles Kennedy is a hell of a songwriter. Anyway, this is taken from “All Ends Well” (Fortress, 2013). The full segment continues with “There will be times of trouble/It’s gonna hurt like hell/This much I know: all ends well/It all ends well.”
And last but not least – also last because I have to stop at four or we’ll be here all day. Music is such a huge part of my life that I could discuss this for hours.
“Rock and roll’s not suicide, it’s life support.”
Skold: “Here Comes the Thunder” (Anomie, 2011)
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Released: March 11, 2026
Originally performed by British new wave pop band Visage.
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Yeah, that “Beat It.” A band with roots deeply embedded in country and Southern rock, Delta Circle gives us a rather faithful take on this Michael Jackson song…with just a hint of Georgia twang!
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Rockers Reddex released their rendition of this 3 Doors Down classic back in February.
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