Burner – Blood River
Death metal/hardcore rising stars Burner are back with a second single off the upcoming No One Is Coming To Save Us. There are no collabs this time around, but then when you’re delivering grooves as mammoth as Burner do here, you don’t really need them. They deliver a good deal more nuance to the songwriting here than was displayed in the straight-up bludgeon of their first album, but that’s not to say they’re allowing even a modicum of respite. There are shades of Machine Head‘s The More Things Change here (albeit with the heft turned up), and if you’re going to model your sophomore effort on an album, there’s definitely worse candidates. – Paul Stephenson
No Cure – Slowly Turning Blue
Few bands in the world right now are working as hard as No Cure. The seemingly ever-touring metallic hardcore crew are also putting out some of the hardest music this decade and that streak continues with the clobbering new single, ‘Slowly Turning Blue’. A mid-tempo, lumbering beast of a song, the snare sounds akin to a metal baseball bat to the skull and vocalist Blaythe Steur sounds his eyeball-to-eyeball intimidating best. This is yet another piece of music to add to the list of songs from No Cure that make you want to commit violent acts on those around you and it builds anticipation further for the upcoming debut album. – Chris Earl
Every Hell – Bane of the Bear
Every Hell have not-so-quietly been establishing themselves as one of UK heavy music’s most exciting faces, a smattering of singles and debut EP Vertebrate and now, the announcement of their upcoming EP out 26 June with new single ‘Bane of the Bear’. Leaning more into post hardcore and some mathier complexities – without being afraid of a big, stomping riff – ‘Bane of the Bear’ is a ferocious tour de force as it pummels through three and a half minutes. Vocalist and saxophonist Will Gardner explains, “the song is about the depths of human depravity, I was particularly disturbed and moved by the heroism of Gisèle Pelicot. Her story just really shocked me and made me want to write about her courage to bring her evil husband and the men of the village to justice.” The People’s Republic of Hell is out 26 June, and it’s shaping up to be another banner year for Every Hell. – Will Marshall
Arab Strap – Fighting For You
The sultry voiced Scots once again have their finger on the pulse of this downtrodden and weary society. Not ones afraid to deal with issues head on, the second track from their upcoming Half Told Tales album is perhaps more appropriate than ever. ‘Fighting For You’ takes direct aim at the seemingly never ending stream of bad actors and fakeriots who only seem to want to cause dissent and unrest with no regard for the consequences. It’s acerbic, yet underpinned by a catchy disco-esque beat that makes you nod along while you grimace at how accurate he is throughout. This deep into their career and Arab Strap still hold a stunning ability to make you want to stare out of the window sombrely and have a boogie in equal measure in a way that has to be admired. – Chris Earl
Quicksand – Cool Guy
Single number four from the upcoming fifth album from post-hardcore’s reigning architects, and like the songs before it, this showcases that Walter and the gang aren’t showing any signs of slowing down in their old age. Choppy, meaty riffs that sound absolutely colossal lead into yet another of Walter’s trademark soaring choruses. At some point, you have to ask yourself, where the hell does he keep finding them? Necromancy? Monkey’s paw? Whatever it is, it seems the well is far from dry. – Paul Stephenson
Get The Shot – Feed Me To the Pigs
One of the most balls to the wall metalcore today, Canadians Get The Shot have dropped one of their most emotionally intense, visceral tracks to date in ‘Feed Me To the Pigs’. Lyrically the track delves into issues of self hatred and lingering regret while sonically it’s an absolute rager. From massive stomps to deadly chugs all while Mathieu Dhani bellows like a beast possessed. This track, the second with Mathieu as singer is hopefully the first on the way to the first new album in about four years, which will see the band kick off a new era of bug eyed, neck vein bursting Canadian metallic hardcore. – Chris Earl
Holding Absence – Lucid Love
The latest single from upcoming fourth album Modern Life Is Lonely, ‘Lucid Love’ is Holding Absence‘s biggest foray into pop yet. Specifically, it’s heavily influenced by hyperpop particularly in its electronic drum and synth textures that underpin the song. As ever, Lucas Woodland is a vocal powerhouse that drives the song forward, its bridge a particularly hook-laden moment. Describing its themes, he explains the song is about “a long-distance relationship where the two of you can only meet in your dreams. I really leaned into that imagery, treating the dreamland almost as a portal between you. This song takes a newer, more candid and modern approach to lyrics than I’m used to, while still aiming for something timeless and relatable.” With a video heavily influenced by anime aesthetics, tying into the album’s imagery and new mascot, it’s another way Holding Absence tie together visuals and music to create something interesting that’ll no doubt keep fans excited for the album. – Will Marshall
Phantom Lane – Bodybag Couture
Phantom Lane are back with their second single ‘Bodybag Couture’. The metalcore outfit follow up their debut single ‘Pleasure In Poison’ with a song that breathes urgency and boasts erratic sharp changes in tempo that sound as through they were pulled straight out of 2004. It’s yet another song that oozes stirring and evocative imagery both through its lyrics and visuals. Aesthetic influence ranges from gothic romance to supernatural horror, whilst musically the band sound akin to the likes of Underoath, Saosin and early Motionless In White. The result of this concoction of sound and influence feels as though the band have struck the exact cord they wanted, with a song that feels cinematic, atmospheric and visceral. It’s pretty hard to believe this is only the Phantom Lane’s second single too. Accomplished and unafraid to be fearless in creativity, Phantom Lane have again proved they mean business. – Jac Holloway
Crawlers – Afraid To Die
Two years on from their debut album, Crawlers return with ‘Afraid to Die’, a bruising reintroduction built to shake off the dust and wake listeners up rather than gently easing them back in. Driven by hopeful guitars and a pounding rhythm section, the track carries a sense of reflection that never loosens its grip. Holly Minto’s vocal is the centrepiece, balancing vulnerability with the conviction that turns every line into a confrontation. There is a darker, more immediate edge here, but the band’s ear for an overwhelming chorus remains intact. ‘Afraid to Die’ captures the panic of feeling trapped inside your own head, then turns it into something defiant. It is a welcome return, and an exciting first glimpse of what comes next. – Vee Richardson
Daedric – Sand Tiger (acoustic)
The next acoustic reimagining taken from their upcoming EP, ‘Sand Tiger’ was up against a challenge, with the original’s homage to nu metal difficult to translate to an acoustic setting. Still, Daedric have kept much of its energy with a bold vocal that switches out the aggression and replaces it with desperation. Removing the original’s industrial leanings has also opened up a wealth of more organic textures with the acoustic guitar and allows the emotional core of the song to shine. With Kristyn Hope’s vocal range placed front and centre, it’s certainly an interesting take as the EP reshapes the songs into interesting, intimate new forms. – Will Marshall