Description
Emerging from the renowned UK Drum & Bass scene, HLZ, the moniker of Emilio Dimitri, presents his latest album All My Life through the iconic Metalheadz label. Released on 14 May 2026, this LP stands as a significant addition to both HLZ’s discography and the broader jungle and drum & bass landscape. Known for his deep connections with pivotal figures such as Goldie and for his longstanding presence within the Metalheadz roster, Dimitri has crafted a 16-track journey that seamlessly blends the textures of drum & bass with the raw energy of jungle. The album, refined through live performances at Goldie’s XOYO residency, reveals a rich interplay of dubby, dreamy atmospheres and dynamic percussion that imbue it with both momentum and depth.
Signed to Metalheadz, a label synonymous with the evolution of UK electronic music since its inception in 1994, All My Life is rooted in a legacy that embraces innovation and underground culture. Metalheadz’s influence, founded by influential figures such as Kemistry, Storm, and Goldie, provides an enduring platform for artists pushing the boundaries of drum & bass. Within this context, HLZ positions himself alongside contemporaries and predecessors who have helped shape the sound, offering tracks that reference the meticulous production values found in the works of LTJ Bukem and the ethereal yet gritty textures reminiscent of Photek’s atmospheric breaks. Such connections situate the album within a lineage that appreciates complexity and sonic experimentation without losing the drive at drum & bass’s core.
One of the standout moments on the record, The Genie, features the celebrated vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, whose distinctive voice adds soulful intensity and jazz-inflected phrasing to HLZ’s sophisticated soundscapes. This collaboration exemplifies the album’s blending of genres, merging jazz sensibilities with electronic patterns in a manner that may appeal to fans of artists such as Ill Skillz or Nu:Tone, who similarly navigate the intersections of jazz, soulful vocals, and fast-paced breakbeats. Alongside Cleveland Watkiss, Bipolar’s vocal presence on It’s Going Wrong contributes further narrative layers, enriching the album’s emotional palette. Through these partnerships, HLZ extends the reach of drum & bass into realms that embrace jazz and soul influences, enhancing the genre’s musical breadth.
The album’s tracklist is evenly balanced with intricate rhythmic compositions and atmospheric interludes, showcasing HLZ’s attention to detail and his ability to create immersive experiences for listeners. Songs like Matter Of Time, Origins, and Bad Boy Sound exhibit a deft command over jungle’s traditional breakbeat vigor, while tracks such as Solitary and Blue Codes explore more introspective and dub-infused territories. The sonic variety within the album both honors the roots of the genre and pushes it forward, presenting a modern interpretation that resonates with the evolving tastes of electronic music enthusiasts. The LP format underscores the tactile experience of the music, appealing especially to collectors and DJ-centric audiences who value vinyl releases within the independent electronic music sphere.
HLZ’s All My Life marks a compelling chapter in the continuing evolution of UK electronic music, linking past influences with contemporary innovation. Listeners immersed in the UK drum & bass tradition, or those who appreciate the atmospheric depth found in recordings by artists like Peshay or Digital, will find this album a substantial contribution to the genre’s expanding discourse. Particularly notable is the way HLZ balances the energetic pulse of jungle rhythms with a nuanced layering of textures and vocals, creating an album that is both dancefloor-ready and suited for focused listening. This Metalheadz release, pressed on vinyl for aficionados, confirms HLZ’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity and progression of the scene.
