Perturbator – Mors Ultima Ratio
If you were looking for the next soundtrack for the autumn, look no further than Pertubator’s forthcoming album, Age of Aquarius. James Kent, the éminence grise behind Perturbator, said about this new single, ‘Mors Ultima Ratio’, and the album in general that it’s “more of war as an idea than a concrete event”. The title, which translates to “death is the final accounting,” is an infectious 5-minute-and-change track that blends all the best elements of dark wave, industrial, black metal, and EDM, making it perfect for any movie soundtrack where hackers are trying to save the day against Big Evil Corp™. It’s giving Nakatomi Plaza, weirdly enough, but it feels right and it sounds great. If you needed another reason to be excited for Age of Aquarius, this single might be it – Nessie Spencer
Origami Angel – Back To Life
Alt rock duo Origami Angel have been trailblazers of the fifth wave of US pop-punk and midwest emo scene since their formation in 2017, and they return to their spotlight with their second single of this year, ‘Back To Life’. Already having emo cred, earlier this year they teamed up with modern day emo icons The Wonder Years on a cover of ‘I Don’t Like Who I Was Back Then’ taken from the third Burst And Decay compilation. ‘Back to Life’ is a celebration of the genre, combining fuzzy guitars with sing-along choruses, and even some mathy goodness courtesy of singer and guitarist Ryland Heagy. The electronic elements are also a standout and are very reminiscent of 2000’s bands such as Motion City Soundtrack and Hellogoodbye, but Origami Angel are a great example of a band who wear their influences on their sleeve, but modernise the sound synonymous with an era that’s a product of its time. – Ez Luscombe
Kneecap – Sayōnara (Feat. Paul Hartnoll)
Guess who’s back in the news; after a summer spent enjoying a festival season most acts can only dream of and weathering a media maelstrom most would consider a living nightmare, Kneecap are back with new single ‘Sayōnara’. A standalone single written in collaboration with Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll, ‘Sayōnara’ is essentially what you would expect from Kneecap; a sidewinding and driving romp of excess driven via Irish Gaelic rap and a thumping beat that just captures the ceaseless drive of this act. Those who caught Kneecap on their festival run will no doubt be acquainted with this single, but for those hearing it for the first time, this a track that help one retain the revelry of summer as we enter the autumn months. – Dan Hillier
The Hyena Kill – Sly
The Hyena Kill have returned with a fury which can only be conjured by the devastation of loss. An aftermath fraught with hurdles has imbued their return with a venom. ‘Sly’ pendulum swings from blunt force trauma to the ethereal, from LLNN to Thrice and an endless well of grief which runs deep into the heart of new album Collapse, out November 14th on APF Records. Their sound has taken a menacing turn as the elegance and fragility still exists but its metallic nature rattles the earth like never before. Frontman Steven Dobb’s screams are laced with an anguish only understood by those in the throes of sorrow, drums are an unhinged thousand foot stampede and their only restraint are those fleeting moments of stillness where Dobb manages to compose his trembling voice and channel it into an angelic chorus of soaring beauty. ‘Sly’ is a fierce statement made. – Andy Calderbank
Scene Queen – Platform Shoes
It’s disco summer, or at least it was. Scene Queen (aka Hannah Collins) has shared the second and final instalment, ‘Platform Shoes’, a danceable number replete with metalcore chugs and far more singing than before. Simultaneously channeling bimbocore energy and the hip sway of The Home Team, it’s an oddly uplifting song that carries her signature tongue in cheek humour as well as a message about toxic masculinity. As Collins explains, “I noticed while dating, a lot of men think they want someone who is independent and opinionated. That charisma is something you’re initially attracted to, but as time goes on, a lot of men start to feel insecure that they’re not the “alpha” in the relationship. They’re about equality until it makes them question their masculinity. This song is about not letting men like this make you smaller. And I say all that in the most me way I could’ve, calling those men short.” – Will Marshall
Secret World – Everywhere Now
Aussie hardcore is in riotous form with the likes of Speed, Volatile Ways and Terminal Sleep paving a violent way forwards. Outside of that, there’s just as much greatness to be found in more melodic pastures, like with Secret World (who also feature members of Speed). The melodic hardcore outfit are releasing a brand new EP later this month, and the second taste of it ‘Everywhere Now’ is an anthemic, hook-laden singalong that’ll be great to yell back in sweaty venues or festival fields. There’s shades of Militarie Gun shot through it, and an appreciation for simplicity without sacrificing quality. It’s bright, breezy summery hardcore and shaping up to be the perfect late-summer release. – Will Marshall
University – Bee
Crewe based rapscallions Univserity have long been the antithesis to the sentiment that math rock has become a safe, predictable and sanitised genre. ‘Bee’ only exaggerates such a standing. Cut from the band’s upcoming EP YES and releasing just months after June’s debut LP McCartney, It’ll Be Okay, ‘Bee’ is a scrappy, erupting and fantastically adolescent sounding slice of madness that carries the magical feeling that is making rowdy music with your mates without a care for convention or anything of the like. Fans of the likes of Cap’n Jazz and Algernon Cadwallader will find plenty to love here. – Dan Hillier
Primitive Man – Social Contract
“Planet Earth’s first and only death sludge band,” Primitive Man make quite the return with their new ten minute track ‘Social Contract’. With the first four minutes being dedicated to building up an uneasy sense of tension and anticipation driven by a steady clockwork-like beat before the band opens up a pit of sonic despair. There is quite a number of things at the moment to be pissed off and desperate about, perhaps more so than ever before, and Primitive Man’s signature spewing of tar black bile to the slow, inevitable and bone-crushing beat of their drum feels especially understandable given the current circumstances. The inescapable anguish they conjure with their nightmarish take on doom resonates that much more nowadays and clearly, this is only the tip of the obsidian iceberg that is their upcoming album Observance, out on the 31st of October via Relapse Records. Brace for impact. – Avrian O’Brien
The Dali Thundering Concept – Business As Usual
If you thought djent was an overdone, unoriginal thing of the past nowadays you would be forgiven but French progressive metalcore outfit The Dali Thundering Concept (now rebranded as just Dali) are here to prove you wrong on their latest single ‘Business As Usual’. Combining ominous electronics and tasty grooves (seriously, that bass tone), this new track is slightly more straightforward musically speaking than some of the surprising genre-blending Dali have previously presented, but its message is loud and clear. Dali have always stuck to their guns when it comes to being both creative with their music and concepts as well as actually standing for something with their art. In this case, continuing the band’s commitment to addressing ecological concerns, ‘Business As Usual’ points a finger at the “profit over sustainability” mentality and human arrogance in the face of impending ecological disasters beyond our control. While they may not enjoy the same level of broader appeal as some of their French counterparts in the genre due to their dedication to high conceptuality and left-field musical choices in a style that favours being formulaic, Dali continue to be one of the more original and underrated voices in modern metalcore. – Avrian O’Brien
Spaced – Cause and Effect
For those of you missing the sound and spit of early Turnstile in the wake of their day-glo modern releases, Spaced have got you covered. The New York crew have announced their new EP No Escape and ahead of it dropping on the 17th of October, the first taste is ‘Cause and Effect’. A sharp, punky track that invites two stepping, it’s guaranteed to make you smile and the guitar work inparticular is sharp and oddly reminiscent of a cheesy 80s glam band but it works. After a promising showing first time round, the Buffalo natives haven’t lost any momentum and if you’re wanting something to make you want to dust off your skateboard, this could be the track for you. – Chris Earl
Carsick – Violence
Since their 2021 formation in a sleepy pub in Salisbury, Carsick have taken the English south coast alternative, indie, and punk scene by storm and have played Burn It Down festival, supported indie icons Pet Needs, and ventured on their first solo European tour this April. With influences ranging from 1970s punk to the iconic wave of mid-2000s British indie rock, ‘Violence’ is another stone cold, politically-charged entry in their discography, frontman Joe Richardson vents his undeniable frustration of feeling stuck in a place where nothing much happens and the fast-paced energy of the track alongside the ferocious drumming, dance-punk inspired riffs, and the witty yet relevant lyricism makes ‘Violence’ another standout from Carsick’s already impressive discography. – Ez Luscombe
H_ngm_n – Ghosts
DIY Brighton emo and math rock duo H_ngm_n have been cutting their teeth in the counterculture of UK indie for the past ten years. Set to release debut LP Paper Street in mid October ahead of their tour supporting US midwest emo giants Free Throw and Prince Daddy & The Hyena on their UK dates, latest single ‘Ghosts’ is another emotional, yet catchy banger that you would come to except from the band through the effective combination of lyrics discussing the need to find a purpose in life the fuzzy and twinkly guitars, and frontman Chris’s tight vocal harmonies. – Ez Luscombe
Non Canon – The Curse Of Fatal Death
The first single to be taken from upcoming LP Certain Stories – released November 28th via Last Night From Glasgow – ‘The Curse of Fatal Death’ is a beautiful, tender and caressing slice of metropolitan indie-folk in the key of wretched existentialist dread. Releasing at a time that will one day be characterised by sociopolitical unrest and normalised mass anxiety, this single sees Barry Dolan using his Non Canon project to capture the need for escapism that we all desperately need right now. It’s a beautiful track, one musically pacifying but one that’s a product of the fear and misery that has become intertwined with modern living. – Dan Hillier
Amy Lee x Poppy x Courtney LaPlante – End of Me
Hailed as one of the most important collaborations in metalcore culture this year, Poppy, Amy Lee of Evanescence and Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox, near broke the internet on the 26th of August when the first image of the trio appeared online, sparking major speculation surrounding a possible shared musical project and thankfully it didn’t disappoint. ‘End of Me’ is a tag-team feminist powder keg demonstrating the true depth of power we can possess when standing shoulder to shoulder. With Amy Lee’s ethereal yet haunting vocal power, Poppy’s beauty and the beast dynamism and Courtney LaPlante’s devastatingly guttural versatility, this latest passion project is as addictive as it is masterful and with calls from fans to expand their collaboration into an EP, we can’t help but join in the vocal ranks for more from these truly exceptional artists. – Bennie Osborne
Cassels – These Are The Men
London alt-punk duo Cassels gave us whiplash this week by announcing that their next two shows will be their last “for the foreseeable”. Accompanying this bold declaration, they released a new song that was initially slated for their latest album, Tracked in Mud, but didn’t make the final cut. Thankfully, Human Worth and the Beck brothers made sure we got to hear this track, one way or another. ‘These Are The Men’ is now available on Bandcamp, where you can pay what you want for it, and all proceeds will be going to The Holmbush Centre, a community food hub based in Walthamstow. This song feels electrifying, enthralling and unsettling at the same time, which gives more depth and intensity to their sound. The riffs are heavy, the screams are intense, the drums are uncompromising and if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then you should definitely support them while you still can. – Nessie Spencer
The Algorithm – Graceful Degradation
No one else does what French mastermind Rémi Gallego, aka The Algorithm, does. In over fifteen years of his career, each release from the project has been a singularly unique listening experience unlike anything else out there and new single ‘Graceful Degradation’ continues that tradition. One moment you’re in a techno rave, the next you’re getting pummeled with chunky riffs and next thing you know you’re running for your life in a high-intensity chase to the heart-pumping beat of what can only described as “cyberpunk”. Dark trance, techno, breakbeat, djent, synthwave, darkwave, you name it. All of which becomes interwoven in an elaborate digital web for us to navigate across, never quite knowing where the next thread will lead to. But given the intricate quality of the songwriting and production along with the attention to detail, it is certain to be a memorable journey that ebbs, flows and procedurally generates itself as we go for our listening pleasure. The journey continues on November 21st with the self-release of The Algorithm‘s new album Recursive Infinity. – Avrian O’Brien
Sanguisugabogg – Repulsive Demise
Attention, death metal enthusiasts: Ohio’s Sanguisugabogg have revealed yet another single in the form of ‘Repulsive Demise’, their third track off their upcoming album, Hideous Aftermath which is set to be released on October 10th via Century Media. If you check out the video, you might notice it has a familiar vibe reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails’ SM-adjacent anthem ‘Closer’. Instead of ethereal figures floating, you get vocalist Devin Swank engaging in a staring contest with some creepy-crawlies while the rest of the merry orchestra delivers a headbanging performance in a striking sepia backdrop. Musically, this track is an undeniable down-tempo banger that channels the essence of Ministry and Godflesh. It’s a gruesome, infectious tune that will undoubtedly satisfy any death metal fan. – Nessie Spencer
Dream Drop – Anfinset
Defiantly kicking off the second half of their double blackcastle EP eras, by happily dragging us into a spiral of existential dread and nihilistic intent; the Gothenburg alt metal outfit Dream Drop, hold nothing back with the cinematic and at times anthemic descent into emotional and mental exhaustion with their latest single ‘Anfinset’. Emulating a more melodic take of Refused’s 1998 single ‘New Noise’ from their iconic third album The Shape of Punk To Come, this latest offering delivers an intense haunting degradation, which is only made more impactful when taking into consideration the title’s cultural significance. With the title inspired by frontman Joar’s own surname, it creates unmissable ties to the extensive generational trauma experienced by indigenous Sámi people across Northern Europe. In knowing the history of discrimination the community faced, it’s clear to see that ‘Anfinset’ can act as the cathartic unburdening of inherited psychological suffering. Not only is it a damning example of the damage left in the wake of settler colonial history very few in Western society are even vaguely aware of, it is also a sonic gut punch of epic proportions which is a definite must-listen. – Bennie Osborne
Orbit Culture – Nerve
The last few years have seen Orbit Culture‘s profile grow considerably. From opening two tours for the legendary Trivium to a hellacious slot at Download festival, the Scandanavians are on a roll. As we head into the final days before the release of upcoming album Death Above Life, we’re treated to ‘Nerve’, the fourth and final single. As tight a blast of modern melodic death metal in the vein of Amon Amarth and Dark Tranquillity as you’ll hear, it’s a blast of crushing, headbanging riffs designed to test your neck strength and make you want to grow the biggest beard physically possible, but there’s parts designed to make you bellow along and raise your drinks into the air. All that time spent with Matt Heafy and co has helped the band form into one of the most dependable, fun metal acts of the last decade and come October, Death Above Life looks to be the next chapter of this exciting journey. – Chris Earl
President – Destroy Me
Unveiling their latest pillar of founding success, with an thunderous declaration for undisputed yet complete annihilation; the masked metal provocateurs President, stoke the fires of mounting intrigue for the upcoming release of their debut EP – King of Terrors, with their latest stirring single ‘Destroy Me’. Blending the likes of emo rap and 00s post hardcore sensibilities, this latest heavy leaning offering is a deep reflection of inescapable desperation in the midst of a deteriorating relationship. Having already been hailed a fan favourite through experiencing it as part of their introduction at Download as well as their inaugural headline show (or rally, in their parlance) back in July at The Garage, President have nowhere to go but up since news broke of their first headline tour (campaign trail) tour selling out almost instantaneously. For those unlucky enough to have missed the chance to join their fellow citizens to witness President‘s array of musical stump speeches next year, ‘Destroy Me’ is a perfect stand-in for your audible obsession. – Bennie Osborne
Alter Bridge – Silent Divide
Over twenty years into their career, Alter Bridge continue to be one of the most consistent top level rock bands in the world. Never failing to produce arena-ready jams, brand new single ‘Silent Divide’ is another notch on their bedpost. As usual, the stars of the show are Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti, with soaring vocals and driving riffs the order of the day, alongside a hefty stomping rhythm. They’re never going to shock you or reinvent the wheel at this stage of their career, but ahead of their 8th studio album due out in early 2026, they’re showing fans that there’s still gas in the tank and they’re prepared to put their foot down hard on the accelerator. – Chris Earl