Forlorn – Hold Me
Midsommar metallers Forlorn released their latest single ‘Hold Me’ on Halloween (or Samhain, as the pagan outfit would have it). Addressing co-dependency and written as a letter from a parent to a child, it’s a heavy song in more ways than just its sonics. Voracious howls from vocalist Megan Elliot open the song, before the guitars lend their crushing weight; it’s not all bludgeoning though, with her adopting melodic vocals during the more subdued verses that lend an air of menace. There’s echoes of both Devil Sold His Soul in parts as well as Rolo Tomassi, while still being entirely their own bewitching animal. Elliot says of the song and release timing, “Samhain [is] the most important time for reflecting on life, looking at past behaviourisms and growing. In this song I am letting go of my old self, moving into a new space of clarity, strength and acceptance.” – Will Marshall
Treehouse – 444 / Library Book Stamps
Following on from appearances at PWER Fest and Fest Shalom, Treehouse are back with a double shot of skarmz angst with their new two-track single ‘444’ / ‘Library Book Stamps’. Whilst ‘444’ is a brilliant continuation of the violence and sorrow of their 2020 EP Nurture – albeit with additional welcome polish and hardcore facing direction – ‘Library Book Stamps’ is a more melodic and delicate affair. With its classic post-hardcore tendencies that shun the gimmicks typically found in the modern sound and it’s bonafide ear worm of a central refrain, the track see’s Treehouse once again proving their promise as one the south coast’s best authentic emo exports. Those with a penchant for acts such as Buds., I Hate Sex and Japanese pioneers Envy will find plenty to fawn over here, and whilst the concept of emo has become warped and frayed over the past several decades, it’s clear that with these two singles Treehouse are not only just keeping the old ways of the genre alive but bribing them into the new age with flair and passion. – Dan Hillier
Bob Vylan – The Delicate Nature (Feat. Laurie Vincent)
Six months after their ferocious sophomore album, Bob Vylan drop another biting track. A threatening metal riff opens this mid-tempo song, which features Laurie Vincent of UK duo Slaves. But, for all the punch of Bob Vylan’s music, the heart of their artistry is in their flow. Social injustice is their target, as always, but ‘The Delicate Nature’ adds a touching reflection on life’s fragility to their discography. Life’s daily decisions can change everything, but nothing seems to budge the evils of systemic injustice. The chorus of ‘The Delicate Nature’ is the phrase “things are changing” repeated twelve times. It’s a terribly effective chorus. Once again, the UK punks throw a gut punch to wake up the ignorant, the apathetic, and the jaded. – Josiah Aden
Spiritworld – Relic of Damnation
Alright, fess up. Who owns the bloody massive riff? Spiritworld, that’s who, they’re intent on bringing their brand of outlaw metal to the masses! Bringing forth one of the most headbangingly old school riffs in years ‘Relic of Damnation; is the third single from their brand new album Deathwestern, which is out the 25th of November. This track is just shy of two and a half minutes, and it does not mess about. Stomping drums, a guitar sound straight out of the 80’s and some lovely hardcore influenced vocals make for an addictive little number, with southern tinges throughout. A naughty little tease for one of the most anticipated albums from the end of 2022. – Chris Earl
Half Happy – Steal Me Away
Cardiff based band Half Happy have released their second single ‘Steal Me Away’, written by band members Zac and Rose before the band came into existence and the couple had started writing and recording in their living room. Written a whole two years ago with an accompanying video filmed a year ago it feels clear that this marks the early stages of the idea and musical direction that was later turned into a full band project. The release comes only a month after their debut single ‘Love Sweep’, which stylistically hits in the same way. ‘Steal Me Away’ is a stunning blend of twinkly guitar intonations, brilliantly placed drumming and beautiful dreamy vocals. ‘Steal Me Away’ is fantastically written with storytelling that works as the narrative the band aim to put across as well as being an easy song to create imagery and personal narrative to. The vocal delivery has an angelic and distant quality to its production and an impressive range that is sprinkled in effortlessly through the song. They’re fresh, they’re exciting and what comes next is sure to be something to look out for. – Jac Holloway
Suicide Silence – Capable Of Violence (N.F.W.)
The second you put on ‘Capable Of Violence (N.F.W.)’, the brand new song from Suicide Silence, you’ll do a double take. That production, that raw heaviness – it sounds like it could be a song from The Black Crown. This is the best the band have sounded in about eight years, with squealing guitars and barrelling drums taking you back to their glory days. Eddie Hermida is his usual articulate yet brutal self, yet with more of a hardcore inflection. There’s a solo reminiscent of Slayer and the ending breakdown shows that these old hands are still a force to be reckoned with in deathcore. Hopefully the sign of a long promised yet never delivered return to the form of You Can’t Stop Me. – Chris Earl
ĠENN – Rohmeresse
‘Rohmeresse’, a nod to French new wave director Éric Rohmer is a track of the mundanity of life which in turn creating crippling anxiety and the ‘want to sleep in all day’ as the band sing in unison over the mesmerising, sometimes dream like backing track. The production fuller than ever for the Brighton based quartet. The guitars and bass have a warmth that add to the haunting sound emanating from the track. Slowly building to a crescendo with added saxophone, an explosion of emotion and this is an exciting teaser for their next steps as a band. The first of which is a huge support slot on Pussy Riot’s tour and a couple of headline shows before year end. – Adam Vallely
Sleemo – Dog
Another exciting U.K. underground noise-adjacent band you say? Not a surprise for sure with the wealth of talent kicking about up and down the country currently in the heavy music realms. Norwich trio Sleemo have peered their heads out of the Norfolk trenches, lucky enough to support the likes of Jamie Lenman and have been now signed to Beth Shalom Records. ‘Dog’ is a showcase of what is on offer with a huge, deep and bassy riff that reverberates through the loins of this track. Head swingingly heavy and chaotic drums that splatter over the choruses this is a taster of what is to come. To pin point this band in one genre off the bat is unfair as it crosses noise-punk to doom laden riffs with Walter Schreifels-esque vocals on top. Let’s hope for more of the same soon. – Adam Vallely
Temps – No No
The debut track ‘No No’ from the collective Temps, masterminded by comedian James Acaster, effortlessly fuses alt-rock, R&B, experimental hip-hop and chaotic jazz rhythms in an expectedly weird way, sounding somewhere between Thundercat and Radiohead. The 40 person group draws from the artists Acaster interviewed while writing his 2019 book ‘Perfect Sound Whatever’, sending fragments of tracks back and forth with a focus on sonic exploration. ‘No No’ brings a spectacularly funky bassline, haunting Western guitar and thick synth textures to provide a backdrop for ethereal vocals and tight rap verses featuring performances from Quelle Chris, Xenia Rubinos, NNAMDÏ and Shamir. From this initial track Temps shows a ton of potential and proves that by colliding these eclectic musicians together they can create something totally new and fascinating. – Tom Bruce
Hundred Reasons – Glorious Sunset
It is 20 years since their phenomenal debut Ideas Above Our Station, an album which set Hundred Reasons on a path to semi-success and an everlasting fanbase. However, after album four released in 2007 the band spluttered to a halt, only returning every few years for some nostalgic live shows. The announcement of new music from Hundred Reasons may come as a surprise for many, rather looking back they are ready to move forward. ‘Glorious Sunset’ the title track off their incoming album is punchy and has a big performance from Colin Doran. His distinctive vocals more important than ever delivering emotional lyrics about the death of a loved one. With another return the stage alongside the new record next year let’s hope the Aldershot legends have recreated some of their former magic in the new material. – Adam Vallely
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Mr Medicine
Mr Medicine’s two minutes-ish snappy teaser will further tickle anticipation for Newcastle’s Pigsx7’s forthcoming fourth album Land of Sleeper, scheduled for release next February on Rocket Recordings. The Loop recalling lysergic riff paves the way for everything we want and need from these now regular 6 Music play listed heavy hitters. Driven by a rollicking thumping beat, its filled with acutely applied Hawkwind stylised whooshes and the now customary Matt Baty’s town crier vocal delivery. ‘Mr Medicine’ is a fat free, guitar solo-less romp exhibiting a finely crafted melody subtly underneath its breathless call. The effect is to leave you wanting more and is sure to be a guaranteed live favourite. – Andy Little
August Burns Red – Ancestry (Feat. Jesse Leach)
The kings of consistently hard hitting, fun as hell metalcore, August Burns Red make a stunning return with ‘Ancestry’. The first track off their upcoming 10th studio album Death Below, it also comes with a fantastic Jesse Leach feature – what more can you ask for? Just shy of five minutes in length, it doesn’t do anything remotely new, nor does it want to. The lyrics are heartfelt and poignant (Jake and Jesse are a perfect duo), the guitars sound lush and the chorus is one of their best to date. It’s a shame that the quality of the song is getting lost in the whirlwind of takes about the album cover and it’s origin, because this is a satisfying, meaty track that teases another great record from the Pennsylvania stalwarts. – Chris Earl
Matt Heafy – Life Is A Highway
Matt Heafy is the internet’s Heavy Metal Dad. Seriously. He’s a loveable, wise, knowledgeable guy who seems to exist purely to make others smile, whether that’s on Twitch, with Trivium or through the various songs he releases (From covers to songs for Elder Scrolls Online) as a solo artist. His latest venture is ‘Life Is A Highway’ from the Cars (yes, that’s right, the Pixar movie) soundtrack, made famous by Tom Cochrane. It’s naturally done in more of a metal style with some guitar flourishes and some harsh vocals in the background, and he nails it. This may not be for everyone – the drum machine may put a few people off – but it doesn’t stop the cover raising a smile the whole way through. – Chris Earl
The Nightmares – From Above
Noir Pop Rock band The Nightmares are back and are launching in to a new era with quite the start. The band have released their brand new song ‘From Above’ and have shared the news that they have signed to Venn Records (UK / Europe) & Equal Vision Records (USA / ROW), with their debut album to be released in the near future. The band’s gothic rock fuzz collides with swirling synths and a rousing chorus that makes for quite the anthem. With beautiful lead guitar cleans, emotional depth and inflections throughout the song there is so much to take away. The song also has clever vocal delivery through melody, harmonies and use distant dual vocals in the verse which fit the aesthetic and feel of the song. If ‘From Above’ is anything to go by it would be worth getting pumped for what The Nightmares have in store. – Jac Holloway
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – Parasite
Punk rockers Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have released their new single ‘Parasite’. The song is fresh off the back of the band’s recent collaboration ‘The Drugs’ with Jamie T. The group are showing no signs of slowing down having only released their previous album Sticky last year. ‘Parasite’ is said to observe the toxicities of modern dating and is chock full of melody and punk energy which they’ve honed and become known for as their staple and iconic sound. ‘Parasite’ is as much a snarling whirlwind as it is an out and out bustling rock banger. Lyrically the song is raw, reflective and versatile and is presented with clever wordplay, brilliant emphasis and a combination of vocal techniques. It’s dripping with all the qualities that have become associate with Frank Carter and his many amazing quirks and qualities. If all that wasn’t enough, the band have announced a three-night residency at The Underworld in London on 6-8th December 2022 which is a chance to catch the band returning to one of the venues they cut their teeth in. One thing is certain, ‘Parasite’ is going to turn The Underworld upside down. – Jac Holloway