Bones for the Crows

Worth being upfront about the asterisk: “Bones for the Crows” isn’t entirely new. The bones of it (no pun intended) go back to 2023, when a rougher version soundtracked Dungeon Hunter 6. What’s here is a revised, WrestleMania-polished pass — tightened lyrics, punched-up production — but it earns its spot in this batch because the revision actually lands.

Nickelback leans grungier and heavier than their radio-hit era, more low-end snarl than hook-chasing chorus, and it works as a genuine signal that whatever album follows isn’t chasing 2005 again. It won’t convert anyone who’s made up their mind about this band, but on its own terms it’s a legitimately heavier swing than Nickelback’s had in years. 6.9/10 — a revised song, honestly presented, that’s better than the asterisk suggests.

Hero image: Nickelback performing at TIFF, 2023, by torontorox, licensed under CC BY 3.0.