Heriot – Commander of Pain
It’s no secret that Heriot love themselves some death metal, and in celebration of their current first ever US tour (supporting the legends in Trivium, no less) they’ve unveiled their ode to 90s death metal in ‘Commander of Pain’. To call it bruising is an understatement – as ever, the guitar tone is heinous, HM-2 being (ab)used to great effect along with squealed harmonics and some of guitarist/vocalist Debbie Gough’s most guttural roars yet. Produced by Erik Bickerstaffe of Loathe and mixed/mastered by Randy LeBoeuf (Dying Wish, Orthodox, Boundaries to name but a few) it sounds as colossal and filthy as its influences, continuing to evidence Heriot seem to be able to master just about any heavy style they turn their hand to. – Will Marshall
Mallavora – Waste
Could Mallavora be the UK’s answer to Spiritbox? Well, it certainly sounds like this could be the case on the band’s latest explosive single ‘Waste’ which boasts anthemic contrasting vocals fluctuating between metalcore’s furious rage and pop’s suave sensibilities, wall-of-sound djenty riffs that could make an arena crowd jump in sync and the crisp, punchy modern metal production that fully brings the band’s vision to life within a tightly packed, intense three minutes designed to leave a lasting impression. ‘Waste’ will feature on Mallavora‘s debut album What If Better Never Comes?, to be released on 26th March next year via Church Road Records and if this is just a taster for what is yet to come, then the anticipation around this debut is fully warranted. – Avrian O’Brien
Future Static – There’s Nowhere Else To Go
It takes a lot to stand out as a metalcore band these days, especially from Australia where their ‘core legacy is up there with the best. Thankfully, Future Static have Amariah Cook in their arsenal and it’s her ridiculously powerful voice that helps the band stand out. Balancing soaring, glorious hooks with vicious screams alongside bassist/vocalist Kira Neil with a backdrop of technically minded metalcore, the Aussies made a firm impression with their 2023 debut album Liminality and look to continue their upward trajectory with their new single, ‘There’s Nowhere Else To Go’. With Amariah and Kira’s duelling vocals and the swirling guitars the highlight, it’s a clear sign that Future Static aren’t slowing down and are coming for the modern metalcore crown. – Chris Earl
The Scratch – Pull Like A Dog
After cementing themselves as one the best live bands on our continent following the release of their 2023 record Mind Yourself, Dublin’s The Scratch are flying from the leesh with new single ‘Pull Like A Dog’. Taken from their freshly announced record of the same name – released March 13th via Music For Nations – ‘Pull Like A Dog’ is a rowdy, ready and immediate rager of a single that brilliantly embodies The Scratch’s ability to channel classic Irish folk lilt through a sweat-coated metallic prism. It’s totally brilliant – the closest thing one can imagine to a mash up of Meshuggah and Irish folk whilst still being totally removed of anything resembling a gimmick. – Dan Hillier.
Atlas : Empire – Rêverie
Dropping six months after the band’s brilliant last single, ‘Rêverie’ see’s Glasgow’s Atlas : Empire wonderfully showing how prog rock isn’t just a genre reserved for stoic chinstrokers and the like. A sunny, bright and lush track that harkens thoughts of acts such as Arcane Roots, Closure In Moscow and Tiny Moving Parts in thanks to it’s technical composition and sunny disposition, ‘Rêverie’ is a wonderfully rich track that utilises the pain of heartbreak as a source of energy to work towards a more optimistic future. “‘Rêverie’ is a song about learning how to accept love again”, state the band on the track. “We’re all shaped by our experiences, both positively & negatively, and Rêverie explores the barriers we create following traumatic relationships, the process of overcoming those fears and ultimately allowing yourself to fall for someone again.” – Dan Hillier
Twat Union – Tiny Shorts
The latest single from provocative feminist theatre-punks Twat Union, ‘Tiny Shorts’ is two gouging thumbs right into the pupils of the male gaze. Releasing the following the release of their debut EP Don’t Look It In The Eye earlier this year, here, Twat Union wittily lambaste the demeaning and pathetic behaviour displayed by men due to the clothing choices of women. In true Twat Union fashion it’s a brilliantly fun track, one that carries the energy of fellow punks The Menstrual Cramps and Problem Patterns, but also a track that documents the important nature of the patriarchy and how sexual harassment and assault are rife in our society as a result of it. – Dan Hillier
Ómoia – Why Am I Like This?
Ómoia have released their brand new song ‘Why Am I Like This?’, a rallying anthem making a stand with victims of abuse, the lyrical content tackling this directly with incendiary defiance. Raw scathing screams dominate the verses laced with pain and bravery whilst each word hits like a sledgehammer. ‘Why Am I Like This?’ addresses the impact of abusive relationships and the questions it raises in a victim’s own mind juxtaposed with visceral realisations and realities of being in an abusive relationship, fighting with this reality. It’s poignant yet powerful. Musically, the vocal playoff in the second verse provides a sense of increased aggression whilst group vocals and sporadic backing vocals enhance the song. Emotive, powerful and oozing in vulnerability and strength, it’s a huge statement for Ómoia entering a new era. – Jac Holloway
As Everything Unfolds – What You Wanted (Feat. Bury Tomorrow)
Though there’s still no sign of LP3, it’s clear As Everything Unfolds are building towards it, latest single ‘What You Wanted’ continuing to expand their sonic boundaries as they explore some of their heaviest material to date. Where their previous single ‘Point of View’ embraced pop rock with riffs a la Vukovi, this has far more in tune with metalcore and flecks of nu metal in the riffs full of bends. It’s also got a feature from Brit metalcore stalwarts Bury Tomorrow, a band AEU recently toured with and have been fans of for a very long time; Dani Winter-Bates’ voice adds a rough, gravelly roar that complements Charlie Rolfe’s own fierce vocals. Even as one of their heaviest moments, they don’t forget to write a banger chorus that’ll stick in your head for weeks. When LP3 does arrive, it’s sure to be a winner. – Will Marshall
Mothica – Evergreen Misery
Though it’s only been a year or so since Mothica‘s last album Kissing Death, a lot has happened to the rising alt-pop artist. After cancelling a US tour, she entered rehab, and played one of her comeback shows at none other than Download Festival along with returning to headlining shows. ‘Evergreen Misery’ is the first taste of her new music, and she’s termed it “Rockica” as she’s embracing heavier, guitar-driven sonic palettes. While fans will be used to her rock and metalcore influences, this is the most overt they’ve ever been and based on her own comments, her upcoming releases (it’s been said there’ll be an EP followed by an album containing the EP’s songs) will lean into this world even more as she continues to tackle as personal topics as ever. – Will Marshall
Black Coast – Overflow
The sublime and intense new single, ‘Overflow’ from Black Coast is a return to form for this melodic nu metalcore band. Exploring themes of exhaustion and loneliness, this single brings the listener along on a journey so personal, it feels like reading a diary. Yet, there is a relatability in the theme and the very human need to mentally escape when overwhelmed. This band have stayed within the sound they are comfortable in and one that seems to be popular amongst alternative artists. Shoegaze and numetal tinged, this single will not disappoint fans. – Cece Lawless
No Violet – Leave It
The final single to be taken from the No Violet’s upcoming self-titled record – released November 28th via Totality – ‘Leave It’ is a raw barrage of post-grunge that stands as a brilliant counterpoint to how sanitised and safe alternative music has become. Recorded live straight to two inch tape and carrying the very essence of Steve Albini, PJ Harvey and Unsane, ‘Leave It’ is the sound of friends creating strange and authentic noise rock just for the fun of it. It’s spontaneous, impulsive and mercurial, the true sound of unfiltered, untainted chemistry. – Dan Hillier
Urne – The Spirit, Alive
Ahead of what will surely be one of the first must listen to releases of 2026, British metallers Urne have treat us to another track from their upcoming album Setting Fire To The Sky, out 30 January on Spinefarm Records. ‘The Spirit, Alive’ is an absolute stormer of a track that features bellowed, powerful vocals and riffs to rival Gojira in parts. The hooks and melodies are also up there with anything the band have done so far and despite the track being a relatively condensed affair, in typical Urne style you’re taken on an emotional journey, but in a switch of focus from their usual heavy subject matter, it’s of hope, of the human spirit and, well, keeping the spirit alive. Mark your calendars, because when Setting Fire To The Sky drops, it’s likely going to be the first major album of the new year. – Chris Earl