Spanish Love Songs – Pendulum
Continuing their upward trajectory to becoming some of modern emo’s biggest stars, Spanish Love Songs‘ third single from their upcoming album No Joy is once again, a deeply introspective slide of synth laden rock music. Dylan Slocum, once again, conjures up imagery all too real to some, singing about hate preachers, sick fathers and the album’s titular concept of having no joy in life. Not focusing on one person in particular, the track circles around a number of people, showing that there’s a good chance you’re not alone in your sadness. On a musical level, it’s a slower number, with Dylan’s voice carrying the track alongside some simple yet powerful chords. With the album just over a month away, and the band set for a UK stint supporting fellow sad rockers Hot Mulligan, if you’ve not delved into Spanish Love Songs, then now is the time. – Chris Earl
TesseracT – War of Being
The last five years have been agony for most TesseracT fans, but the wait is now over. Standing at a monumental 11 minutes long, new track ‘War of Being’ is a turbocharged launch into a new chapter that takes the listener through rapid drums, soaring vocals and classic TesseracT prog arrangements. “I was sold a lie” screams front man Dan Tompkins, shortly before the band dives into a myriad of pummeling rhythms, odd-time signatures and the heaviest sections since their early days. Tesseract‘s whole back catalogue is not a linear experience, more a progression through a series of remarkable sounds and feelings. This newest offering shows how much they’ve built on their classic sound since last album Sonder. Don’t let the long run time put you off – at no point in this behemoth are you left anything but captivated. This song delivers everything that fans have been craving and is a masterclass in prog from one of the genre’s most beloved groups. – Jude Bennett
Svalbard – Faking It
The second single from Svalbard‘s upcoming fourth album (and first for Nuclear Blast) The Weight of the Mask, ‘Faking It’ is as its name suggests, all about the face we on to get through the day, or the world. An uncompromising account of living with depression, it does what Svalbard have always sought to do; helping those who identify with its lyrics to feel less alone. Blending elements of blackgaze, post-metal and post-hardcore, a stirring opening lead gives way to the dual vocal interplay between guitarists Liam Phelan and Serena Cherry, laying bare the exposed nerves and heart at the centre of the music. Backdropped by those soaring leads, the atmosphere is one of defiance and fighting back against the black dog of depression. As ever, the lyrics are as blunt as the music is hard-hitting and euphoric in equal measure; if this and previous single ‘Eternal Spirits’ are to go by, this could well be one of 2023’s most essential albums, musically and thematically. – Will Marshall
Copse – Old Belief
The UK’s post-metal and blackgaze scene is positively alight right now, with acts all across the four constituent countries brewing musical concoctions as punishing as they are atmospheric. However, Copse are one the acts burning most brightly with promise, and ‘Old Belief’ is a blinding testament to that. The first track to be taken from their upcoming EP Old Belief | New Despair – released August 11th via Church Road Records – ‘Old Belief’ is a towering and colossal take down of the bigotry that has become embedded in our nation’s long-poisoned sociopolitical foundation. Truly, it’s searing and beautiful in equal measure, and with Copse cohesively condensing the best qualities of post-black metal into five awe-inspiring minutes with this track, ‘Old Belief’ is crucial listening for even the most passive fans of acts such as Deafheaven, MØL and Celeste. – Dan Hillier
SiM – RED
Nu-metal’s recent yet not unwelcome renaissance continues to display new blending with other genres, and at the forefront of that, are SiM. Though not a new band, they’ve really came to more prominence in recent years with their ska/reggae/punk/hardcore take on the baggy jeans genre, and new single “RED” is all of those lovely influences in one tidy package. At first you might be thinking “It’s just Skindred isn’t it?” but the vocals are where things end in the similarity stakes. The band are more willing to take risks, and despite the absolutely massive sounding chorus, there’s a heavier edge to things, more outwardly reggae moments and some moments that seem primed to start a pit that’ll end with fists swinging rather than T-shirts. The band got a massive turnout on their recent UK shows and it seems like the west is ready to embrace SiM lovingly. – Chris Earl
Celestial Sanctuary – The Lurid Glow of a Dead, Burning Body
One of the most satisfying aspects of death metal is that the invention in song titles can often tell you what a song will be like before you’ve heard it. Whatever you imagine ‘The Lurid Glow of a Dead, Burning Body;, the brand new track from Celestial Sanctuary sounds like, you’re right. A sinister, lumbering opening gives way to some classic death metal stomping and a smattering of disgusting lyrics. Tom Cronin makes his riffs sound like they came straight out of a Cannibal Corpse record, and the drumming is as chaotic as it is menacing. The Cambridge crew are gearing up for their second full length, Insatiable Thirst for Torment, and it’s clear the band have a big future. Combining a healthy respect and love for the genre’s fetid past with modern production and one foot in the hardcore scene, they’re a shining light in the new wave of death metal. Will their sophomore record put them on the same stage as tour-mates Undeath? If there’s any justice in the world, then definitely. – Chris Earl
KEN Mode – He Was A Good Man, He Was A Tax Payer
The latest single to be taken from KEN Mode’s upcoming record VOID – released September 22nd via Artoffact Records – ‘He Was A Good Man, He Was A Tax Payer’ is the same nihilistic KEN Mode we all know know and love, albeit with a slightly new sound. A classic tale of how we are all are nothing more than just expendable and disposable clogs in the stuttering machine that is capitalism, the single see’s the Canadian noise merchants tinker with a more post-punk orientated sound. However, Yard Act or the likes this is not. ‘He Was A Good Man, He Was A Taxpayer’ is another abrasive and holistic exercise in noise that’s only further fleshed with a mantric tempo that only highlights the sheer level of animosity that’s inherent to KEN Mode’s sound. “Perhaps [it’s] a little more post-punk than people are used to hearing us – but we had fun playing with synth and pushing the boundaries of the emotionality of this track”, states Jesse Matthewson on the track. “Is this noise goth? I don’t know. Does that sound stupid? Did I just invent a new genre? There are equal parts Bauhaus and Unsane on this, so maybe?” – Dan Hillier
Underdark – Unfinished Symphony (Massive Attack cover)
Yes, the thought of a black metal band taking on one of trip hop’s biggest names may sound naff for some, but before you cast judgement, this is Underdark we’re talking about. They’re the band that released one of the black metal’s best releases in 2021 with Our Bodies Burned Bright On Re-Entry and goodness me is this cover fantastic. Coinciding with the announcement of their signing to Church Road Records and the unveiling of their second record Managed Decline, Underdark’s rendition of the Massive Attack classic bares witness to the band’s brilliant skill in circumventing the stereotypical tropes of black metal and incorporating elements far flung from the gene’s long established blueprint. If this cover is anything to go by, Managed Decline is poised to Underdark’s tightest and most adventurous offering to date. – Dan Hillier
Blanket – I Fall Apart (Post Malone cover)
Another cover, that on paper alone, shouldn’t work. After all – if stereotypical perception is anything to go by – the Venn diagram of common ground shared between Post Malone and post rock are two unique circles separated by a country mile. However, Blanket’s cover of this Posty classic is fantastic and just shows how genre is a redundant construct. By fleshing out the emotion within early Post Malone track, Blanket’s cover of ‘I Fall Apart’ is a cinematic exercise in grandiose experimentation and creativity. Furthermore, with the band’s forthcoming Blue Eyes EP seeing the band take on the 28 Days Later soundtrack and Radiohead alongside Palm Reader, Blanket are truly one the greatest bands showcasing how post-rock still has new ideas to offer. – Dan Hillier
Cherym – Taking Up Sports
Following on from their recent UK run of dates and releasing ahead of their second leg of dates coming this October, Derry’s Cherym are back with another offering of irresistible and effervescent guitar pop in the form of ‘Taking Up Sports’. A classic tale of falling helplessly in love with the sporty type who’s oblivious to your existence, the single is an encapsulation of what makes Cherym just so damn lovable. Filled with melodies, licks, charm and zingy adolescent energy, ‘Taking Up Sports’ is indie-punk in the most unfiltered and zesty form. The video also does the song fantastic justice too. Directed Thomas Mckeown at show at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, the video see’s the band facing off against the band’s local Derry FC football team in a way that just highlights the band’s unfiltered charm. If you’re yet to be quantitated with Cherym, ‘Taking Up Sports’ is the kick up the arse you need. – Dan Hillier
JOHN – The Common Cold
One part Johnny, one part John, both parts noise creators, JOHN tease their fourth album A Life Diagrammatic with new single ‘The Common Cold’. A mix of sampled noise and live instrumentation perfectly purveying their intended topic of ‘changes of technology since our childhood’. The mix of rawness from the vocals, pounding drums and soaring guitars from Johnny Healey, overlapping with the electronic fuzz like tinnitus ringing in your ears. This is JOHN at their most creative yet direct with their message musically and lyrically. John explains of the song’s message, “It’s a well beaten statement, but these networks have monopolised as a central focus point, where the individual is often indirectly coerced into feeling inadequate when operating within these systems. It’s no wonder mental health has become an ever-increasing battle – a common cold that doesn’t necessarily display its symptoms externally”. With a busy year ahead touring the UK and US let’s hope the duo have taken enough vitamin C to stave off any bugs and make an impact to many audiences on the road. – Adam Vallely
Hey Colossus – I Could Almost Care
After 20 years through many an iteration of line-up and a kaleidoscope of sounds the troupe of talented musicians in Hey Colossus have created another ‘solid gold ripper’ in their new single ‘I Could Almost Care’. Even with such a vast back catalogue of material they continue to push themselves but hang onto what quintessentially makes the Hey Colossus sound. A rhythmic gallop of drums and riffs drives the track, as other guitars intertwine and collide over and over creating a hypnotising spaghetti junction of sound. Vocalist Paul delves into more obscure topics such as ‘19th Century fertility rituals and dreadful past life remembrance’, and as out there as this sounds yet the charm of this track as with most of the Hey Colossus material is how the listener gets drawn into each piece. The small background details and shifts in tone which delight the ear time and time again. – Adam Vallely
Thy Art Is Murder – Keres
One of deathcore’s most consistently solid bands come out of the gate swinging with a ferocious second single from their upcoming release. A thunderous drum fill kicks the song off to a blistering start, before brutal chugs propel it forward further. Relentless blast beats, fast-picked riffs and the iconic howls of front man CJ MacMahon have the potential to make this a modern classic for the band. The song has such a violent energy to it – even more so than the Aussie legends usually bring – but still delivers something besides mindless brutality. An interesting guitar solo, creative structuring and the occasional squealing pinch harmonic all show in this 3 and a half minute rager. If this is just a taste of what’s to come on the album ahead, Thy Art fans are in for a treat. – Jude Bennett
The Guru Guru – Saint-Tropez
Belgian art rockers The Guru Guru are a hard one to pin down, regularly jumping between danceable indie punk, mathy poly-rhythms, desert rock inspired groves and unhinged noise, their latest single ‘Saint-Tropez’ manages to bring together all of these influences and more with brooding, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Frontman Tom The Bomb tackles themes of poverty and inequality from the perspective of a rich family coming to terms with having to sell their holiday home backed by a steady, stoner rock bassline and guitars that effortlessly move from subtle ambience to hard-hitting riffs. The Guru Guru’s upcoming third album Make (Less) Babies is out this October and is bound to be full of the theatrical, experimental, left-field rock that they’ve become known for. – Tom Bruce
Teenage Wrist – Dark Sky
It’s a well trodden cliché to say that a band sounds like “X and Y put into a blender” but sometimes it’s so obvious that it needs to be said. Teenage Wrist are Menzingers and Weezer in a blender and the result is, as ever, glorious. Anthemic, lighters in the air guitar work, soulful lyrics combined with earworms so addictive they should be illegal, the band have a winning formula. By all metrics, they should be much bigger too, and third album Still Love might just be the record to elevate them up a few levels. “Dark Sky” features a voice that might be familiar to a few Gen Xers out there, as Doug ‘S.A’ Martinez” from 311 pops up and adds his 90s alt rock tones to the track and it works a treat. This may just be one of the albums of the summer. – Chris Earl
Dying Fetus – Feast of Ashes
The wait is finally over, Dying Fetus have confirmed that they do have a new album on the way, and it’s called Make Them Beg For Death. Of course, that announcement came with a brand new track, titled ‘Feast of Ashes’ and you know what? It sounds like Dying Fetus. That is definitely not a bad thing though, as by now we all know what we’re getting from the band. Wild guitar work, unrelenting drums and terrifying cookie monster screams all tied together with an unsettling mix that leaves you right on edge. There’s also a thrash-esque guitar solo in here that brings to mind Slayer at their peak. The band have also decided to make everyone in the UK jealous by announcing a US tour with fellow brutal nihilists The Acacia Strain, so fingers, toes and eyes crossed that they decide to bring that over here. This is music for serial killers to do their gym workouts to, and you just know that fans of the band wouldn’t have it any other way. – Chris Earl
Beach Riot – Tell Me I’m Wrong
Reinventing themselves with a darker, more personal sound Brighton fuzz-pop trio Beach Riot are back with their new single ‘Tell Me I’m Wrong’, a stomping, guitar-driven banger that hides it’s introspective lyrics behind a veil of catchy indie rock. Beach Riot have honed their sound to an exact science, fuzzed-drenched riffs plus harmonised vocals plus massive punchy drums, it’s far from a unique recipe but they make it their own. Compared to their previous single ‘Tramlines’, ‘Tell Me I’m Wrong’ leans towards the poppier side of their sound with a danceable, sing-along chorus but still finds time for crunchy, hard-hitting riffs. As great as Beach Riot’s 2021 debut was, this refined, reinvigorated version of the band is becoming one to keep an eye on. – Tom Bruce
The Hives – Rigor Mortis Radio
Garage rock legends The Hives are back with a vengeance after a decade away, and on their new single ‘Rigor Mortis Radio’ the Swedish five piece swagger confidently back into the spotlight like they were never gone. Driven by a chunky bassline and bouncy, booming drums this track sounds absolutely huge, frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist’s effortlessly cool vocals backed by fuzzed out guitar riffs and anthemic gang vocals which are bound to make ‘Rigor Mortis Radio’ a fan favourite at the band’s legendary live shows. The Hives‘ return is leading up to their much anticipated sixth album The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons, their first since 2012’s Lex Hives, just based on the singles they’ve released so far it’ll be their best yet. – Tom Bruce
The Ghost Inside – Earn It
The band with one of the greatest comeback stories in modern music, The Ghost Inside are back with their first new music since 2020’s triumphant self-titled album. ‘Earn It’ sees the band reaching for more melodic territories while still possessing their classic chunky hardcore riffs and deeply personal lyrics. The chorus is probably one of the biggest they’ve ever created, and Johnathan Vigil demonstrates an as yet unseen vocal range that adds some soaring cleans to his repertoire. About the song, Vigil has said “Sometimes people think because of the social status or circumstances they’re born into, they’re entitled to greatness. Nothing worthwhile is ever gonna be handed to you. You gotta earn it.” If this is the direction the band are going on their future releases, then big things definitely await. Lets just hope they don’t stray too far from the passion and grit that made them so beloved in the first place. Given how massive the breakdown sounds though, it doesn’t seem like there’s too much to worry about. – Chris Earl
Gunship – Monster In Paradise (Feat. Milkie Way, Dave Lombardo, Tyler Bates and Timmy Cappello)
If you where to tell someone three years ago that one day Dave Lombardo of Slayer fame would once collaborate with Wargasm’s Milkie Way, Tina Turner’s saxophonist Timmy Capello and John Wick film composer Tyler Bates on a synthwave belter, they would probably assume the world was ending. And whilst the threat of apocalypse may or may not be looming large, ‘Monster In Paradise’ is the perfect soundtrack to escape it once it inevitably arrives. The latest track from the synthwave pioneers Gunship – formed of Alex Gingell and Dan Haigh and Alex Westaway of Fightstar fame – ‘Monster In Paradise’ is a slice of neon-lit dystopian synthwave absolutely perfect for all your outrun fantasies that see’s all respective contributors apply their talents without friction nor contrast. Frankly, the track is a collaborative achievement in visionary creativity, and if you ever wanted to hear the drummer of Slayer ripping the cans against a saxophone solo in the middle of something that sound’s akin to the Blade Runner soundtrack, then look no further. – Dan Hillier
Oldsoul – Lavender Cane
Massachusetts, US duo Oldsoul announced their third album Education On Earth along with its powerful leading single in ‘Lavender Cane’. Opening the track with a dreamy guitar led soundscape and vocalist Jess Hall leading the emotive charge with beautiful vocal lines. Gradually building section by section in volume and ferocity, cut with a superb guitar solo. The pressure and emotion hits almost breaking point before dissipating. This is a beautiful preview of what is to come from the pop-come-post-hardcore outfit this year. – Adam Vallely
Mutoid Man – Demons
The first words that come to mind when describing Mutoid Man are usually riffs, grooves and a jolly good time. ‘Demons’ is no stranger to any of this. Brodsky seemingly testing his vocals out before kicking into the main lyrics and full rock n roll yells. Ben Koller at full Koller with the pace of a cheetah and powerful chops of a silverback gorilla. New bassist Jeff Matz (also of High on Fire) also underpins the track with some deliciously tasty bass lines. What else can you say about the trio? Three insanely talented and legendary musicians making the most excellent metal music with a huge grin on their faces as they do it, quite honestly making a mockery out of the rest of us who can barely tune our Stratocasters. – Adam Vallely
End Us – Take Care
Southern Ontario’s progressive and chaotic metalcore act End Us are back with another killer new single in the form of “Take Care”. It’s the third single of the band’s career and is set to wreak absolute havoc in the Ontario metalcore/hardcore scenes respectively. Taking what seems like inspiration from the likes of VCTMS and Structures, blending that perfectly with the stylings of Veil of Maya and Periphery, the Toronto 3 piece have clearly honed in a sound that’s not quite sought after as often as genres like hardcore and beatdown. End Us are proving very quickly that they aren’t messing around here and it’s urged to keep eyes peeled on these guys as there will definitely be more where this came from. – Nathaniel Maure
Eyes Front x Upraised – Cost of Dying
Bringing everyone the CAN/UK crossover nobody technically asked for is Edmonton, Alberta’s very own Eyes Front. Teaming up with the ever talented Upraised (Wolverhampton, UK), the Canadian five piece have brought forth the second single, ‘Cost Of Dying’, off of what is to be the band’s newest EP. Recorded by Edmonton’s own Nelson Collin-Lee of All Else Fails before being sent to the talented Maxime Lacroix of Montreal’s Blind Witness over at House Of Gain Studios, it’s abundantly clear a ton of thought and effort has been put into this new single. With an absolutely stacked team behind them, Eyes Front are clearly ready to take over hardcore in both Canada and the UK and we are here for it. – Nathaniel Maure
Dear Evangeline – Saint Complex
Canada’s own Flower City of Brampton, Ontario is not short on great and new bands in recent times. Heck, Alexisonfire is from Brampton if that sets a precedent for music coming out of the city. With that being said, Brampton newcomers Dear Evangeline, have brought forth some of the city’s more unique music with their first and brand new release, “Saint Complex”. Full of what seems to be inspiration from hardcore, grunge, and a tinge of the new wave of American heavy metal and nu metal, 17 year old vocalist Kiki powers through borderline chaotic instrumentals with a vocal presentation almost somewhere between Flyleaf and Deftones in a way, setting the tone for the band perfectly. Production, as raw as it is, hits the eardrums in an almost satisfying way and gives off a dark and dreary approach to their sound. Dear Evangeline is all over the genre map with this one and we are here for it and more. – Nathaniel Maure
Sky Caught Fire – Drowning
Ontario post-hardcore act Sky Caught Fire has been working hard to bring listeners a new album that is not only heavy hitting but also will have fans bopping to the many melodic parts they seem to fit into their sound. The band’s newest track, “Drowning”, is exactly this and more, giving new and old listeners the perfect example as to what is expected come the release of their newest record. It’s full of djent inspired metalcore that sounds like it has been taken straight from a Forevermore record, while the melody sounds like it was inspired by bands like The Amity Affliction. Sky Caught Fire are hitting all the right nails right on their heads with this new single. There is nothing done on the track that is overtly new, but this Ontario five piece manages to take these metalcore/post-hardcore tropes and seems to make them feel fresh and exciting. – Nathaniel Maure
Project: Vengeance – Vessel
Put six deathcore vocalists in a room and what do you get? Not a load of notes app apologies as it turns out, but a supergroup! Project: Vengeance is made up of superstar squealers Will Ramos, Taylor Barber, Dickie Allen, Tyler Shelton, Darius Tehrani and Nik Nocturnal (Who also provided the instrumentation) and wouldn’t you know it, it sounds like a deathcore song, albeit bloody massive and disgusting at times. Titled “Vessel”, you can barely understand a word, but in terms of a face clenching stinkface banger, it’s pretty decent. Each vocalist gets a chance to stand out (Though you’ll probably only be able to differentiate them if you’re really into your deathcore) and its a fun track and a fun idea. Hopefully on future tracks the band gets to experiment a little and while you can’t see it ever touring, it makes for a good time of a studio project. – Chris Earl
UnityTX – Roc Shit
Probably the band blending hardcore and hip hop to the highest quality, UnityTX have been teasing a new record for a while now. Well, we now know that Ferality will be out this September and new single ‘Roc Shit’ is an absolute rabble rouser. A real head mover, the band sound absolutely phenomenal, with each part of the track coming off as vital, powerful and massive. Shaolin G swerves between effortless rhymes and hardcore barks, backed up by some grooves that most nu-metal bands would be jealous of. The group are producing some of the most in your face, aggressive hardcore around today, purely made possible by the love and worship of the hip hop/rap that Shaolin G takes to the next level. While the two genres have always been close, by doing it in such a way that both types of music feel equally important will help UnityTX become a key band in the scene over the next few years. You could easily see them smashing up Coachella, just like Knocked Loose and Scowl before them. – Chris Earl
Joey Valence & Brae – Kill Bill
Releasing a single whilst in the middle of a European festival tour proves to be a smart move as Pennsylvania’s finest 90s throwback rap duo give their ever growing fan base something new to lose their minds to with a track that is as bold and boisterous as the luminous artwork that accompanies it. Opening with the song’s ludicrously catchy refrain, ‘Kill Bill’ continues to build the duo’s personal brand of hip hop which feels massively refreshing in 2023. For such a young pairing, Joey Valence & Brae sound like they’ve been pumping by out massive anthems like this for decades and this has everything you’ve come to expect from them; samples galore, impressive vocal trade offs and unbelievable, undeniably huge hooks that are just custom made to be belted back at the stage in the live setting. – Jordan Alridge
Witness Chamber – Of the World
Boise, Idaho hardcore crew Witness Chamber have announced a second EP following signing to Daze Records, and to nobody’s surprise, new single ‘Of the World’ is under three minutes of knuckle dragging fury. Featuring some piercing, shrieking guest screams from Max Hall (Ego Death), ‘Of the World’ is a brutal beast, with swaggering guitars, fight riffs a-plenty and some at times it sounds like a punkier Dying Fetus. With the full EP coming out on the 18th of August, there isn’t long to wait but if you’re wanting a grim, the world is screwed (The lyrics take inspiration from The End of Evangelion, the anime classic to give you some idea) brand of hardcore that’ll get you moving, you could definitely do a lot worse than Witness Chamber. – Chris Earl