Year Of The Knife, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Lake Malice and More: New Noizze – The 18 Must-Listen Tracks of the Week

Featuring everything from classic emo heroes to modern black metal icons, here's the best tracks of this week.

Year Of The Knife – Wish / Last Laugh

Delaware metallic hardcore quartet Year Of The Knife have are making the most incredible comeback; after a horrific van crash while on tour in June this year, the quartet are still very much recovering but determined to release the music they’d been working on together before the accident. Taken from upcoming album No Love Lost, which features former bassist Madi Watkins’ first full-length as their new vocalist, it’s a triumphant, electrifying return in two parts. ‘Wish’ features Sanguisugabogg‘s Devin Swank in a brutalising 85 seconds that flirts with death metal far more than before without losing their trademark hardcore fury, while ‘Last Laugh’ brings in Full Of Hell‘s Dylan Walker for an unhinged aural assault that clocks in at a hectic 47 seconds of animalistic screeches and ends on a the kind of gurgling “blegh” that sounds like the band retching up something foul – which isn’t inaccurate. A phenomenal return, and one hell of a teaser for their new record. – Will Marshall

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – Man of the Hour

A new era of Frank and The Rattlesnakes has dawned. The first track to be taken from the band’s newly announced record Dark Rainbow, released January 26th via Death Cult International / AWAL, ‘Main Of The Hour’ isn’t as much an abandonment of the band’s sound as it is a natural evolution. Forgoing the pompous punk rock agro in favour of pensive southern gothic modernism, ‘Man Of The Hour’ see’s Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes reflecting and their career, sound and standing in the scene’s hierarchy as a whole to reflect on stardom and the long dated notion of ‘rockstars’. It’s an inspired and driven act, one well aware of it’s existence in the industry, and whilst some fans may decry Frank Carter’s move into more pacifying sounds, ‘Man Of The Hour’ truly showcases this band’s natural evolution and idealogical growth. – Dan Hiller

Lake Malice – Mitsuko

The alt metallers have announced their first release, debut EP Post-Genesis for October 27 and along it, released their brand new single ‘Mitsuko’. It takes the hyperpop and electronic influences and fuses breakbeat verses into savage howls of rage. The duo describe it as “the pissed off love child of Linkin Park and Pendulum” and that’s very much audible, the nu metal riff work and skittering drums soundtracking a dark, viciously cathartic anthem. Vocalist Alice Guala and guitarist/producer Blake Cornwall say of the song’s themes, Mitsuko is a deeply personal and intense torrent of ‘full-on rage’, dealing with the complexities of family values, and raw emotions of a fragmented childhood. The title takes inspiration from the original ‘Battle Royale’ manga, where the character Mitsuko shares a similar struggle of family heartbreak and abandonment.” – Will Marshall

Briqueville – Akte XVII

Oddball post metal / rockers Briqueville are about to release their fourth album IIII and they seem to be showing no signs of slowing down their headlong hurtling towards musical oblivion. The latest single ‘Akte XVII’ is a hellscape of eclectic synth driven instrumental music, replete with fuzzed out guitar and bass work, and a pacing that never quite reaches full speed, but nevertheless drags you along for the ride into the eldritch. There’s even occult chanting for a section of the song. Couple this with the latest track from Surgeon for a truly evil listen. – Rob Bown

Dying Wish – Path To Your Grave

Portland metalcore quintet Dying Wish have unveiled the fourth and final single from their upcoming second album Symptoms of Survival, ‘Path To Your Grave’. Those with keen ears will notice a recurring vocal motif that ties it to the title track from their debut Fragments of a Bitter Memory, which is very much the case. Musically it draws on their furious metalcore assault early on but its chorus is triumphant, more than a little reminiscent of Killswitch Engage. Lyrically, though it ends on the same “I would bury you if I could” as Fragments, vocalist Emma Boster explains of the song that though it deals with trauma they deal with, that “I have grown to a new level of acceptance with my trauma and this song is about that acceptance. The anger and the hurt is still there, but now, it just stings a little less. It has a much more triumphant expression.” – Will Marshall

Snayx – Better Days

After releasing their debut EP Weaponised Youth Pt. 1 and storming events such as Download, 2000 Trees, The Great Escape, Teddy Rocks and pretty much every other festival under the cold English sun, one would be forgiven in thinking Snayx would take some well deserved time off this coming Winter. However, anyone assuming this truly aren’t familiar with the South West punk trio’s ethos to non stop movement. Releasing just prior to their extensive tour this month is the title track of the band’s forthcoming second EP, Better Days. Another combative and concussive blast of righteous modern punk, ‘Better Days’ once again reinforces this brilliant band’s ability to amplify the energy of the original punk sound whilst forgoing the stale conventions associated with the sound. With the EP dropping February 4th and with the band most likely visiting a venue near you this month, we fully endorse catching the band this October to witness this track how it was intended to be experienced; loudly, and right in your face. – Dan Hillier

Sleemo – Head Full of Lead

New(ish) kids on the block Sleemo release their second preview of November’s debut album Call to the Void with ‘Head Full of Lead’. When we say new, they have been kicking about a couple years now but finally coming into their own live and on record. This entrée to their latest offering is full of ruffage and riffage. Bass heavy with a bowl full of doomy soup, it’s very apt for the themes of being ‘weighed down and how heavy everything feels’ causing a lack of productivity, as the trio explains. Balanced with vocalist Billy George’s superb delivery they are rapidly honing the intricacies of their sound which is making for an exciting proposition for their near future. – Adam Vallely

Dead Slow – Fraud

Sabbath City acid punks Dead Slow are anything but slow with new single ‘Fraud’. Cannonballing into faces with a snare roll from the off and riffs the size of a large comet crashing into your living room, they demand your attention. Vocalist Adam Dempster is reminiscent of Max Cavalera with his gruff and brutal delivery as he addresses the topic of the ’27 Club’ and how maybe idolising your musical heroes and their lifestyle choices is not the smartest idea. After bolstering their line-up for their new material and future shows, Dead Slow are a 5-a-side wrecking ball machine ready to tear the world a new one heading into 2024. – Adam Vallely

Taking Back Sunday – Amphetamine Smiles

The emo legends are returning with their first album in seven years, and like many fellow Warped-Tour-era bands, are taking the nostalgic route on one of their singles. An acoustic guitar opens their third single, ‘Amphetamine Smiles’, as it looks back over the last few years. They even toss in a reference to The White Stripes’ “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine”. ‘Amphetamine Smiles’ is a model for any band putting together a retrospective track. It is thoughtful, catchy, and concise. Taking Back Sunday have nothing to prove, but they demonstrate why they are one of the biggest bands on the emo circuit. – Josiah Aden

Hold My Own – In My Way

Having just played Ontario’s 2^nd annual Hold Your Ground Fest, popular Daze hardcore outfit Hold My Own have decided they aren’t done just yet. Dropping their newest single and title track to their newest LP In My Way, Hold My Own clearly mean business. “In My Way” is everything fans have come to love from the group and more. This track is straight to the point with its Death Before Dishonor and Bulldoze inspired sound any hardcore fan is sure to love. From the music to the vocals and lyrics, this track is the perfect choice for the title track. Daze simply doesn’t know how to miss with their library of fantastic hardcore bands; here’s to hoping the rest of the LP lives up to these standards. – Nathaniel Maure

Bonnacons Of Doom – Signs

Despite being regularly associated with the doom scene – most likely due to their namesake – Liverpool’s Bonnacons Of Doom share very little with their doomer peers audibly wise. In terms of atmospherics however? They sit up there with some of the scene’s best, and ‘Signs’ presents this as gospel. Driven by shifting empyrean synths, ‘Signs’ shares the mantric, hypnotic and possessive qualities of the doom soundscape despite being a more light and buoyant affair altogether. For those wishing for a new doom experience in technicolour instead of monochrome, this is a must listen. – Dan Hillier

Gaerea – Dormant

A black-dressed figure in a hood emblazoned with the insignia from Gaerea’s 2022 outing Mirage is seen lying on a black table. The cathartic black metal band’s newly released bonus track, ‘Dormant’, begins to play. Upon the striking of the first riff, a cascade of water hits the hooded figure. For the eight minutes of the song’s duration, the person in black is voluntarily tortured by waterboarding. ‘Dormant’ is the perfect soundtrack. The song fits in well with the rest of Mirage, and thanks to its many memorable riffs, anguished vocals, and rhythm switch-ups, provides the viewer with the compelling force to watch the scene unfold. As ‘Dormant’ swells to its apex, the waterfall ceases and the rope loosens. The protagonist, relieved, stops flailing, but his body continues to spasm. As the song dies away, the silver-crested black mask turns to the camera and drops off the platform. Says the band, “[the] visceral experience offers a harrowing glimpse into the protagonist’s fight for life… and challeng[es] viewers to confront their own mortality.” As the protagonist writhes, the mortal struggle between death and art has seldom been so palpable, or memento mori so stark. – Josiah Aden

My Octopus Mind – Sabretooth Monkey

As suave as it is all a bit silly, the latest single from Bristol pysch rockers My Octopus Mind is a brilliant and wonderful encapsulation of this wonderful band’s unique brand of idiosyncrasy. Bounded by a swaggering bass line that hits like a shovel and totally nonsensical lyrics delivered with a strut, ‘Sabertooth Monkey’ is a brilliant and truly surreal presentation of musical art that bares witness to My Octopus Mind’s lack of boundaries. “This is a serious song and it needs to be taken seriously”, state the band. “The demystification of art by explaining the art will now be explained by the art. We think you the listener should befriend a llama, buy a motorbike and take to the open road, drink diesel for breakfast, and headbutt a seagull. I’m a Sabretooth Monkay baby now get your hands off my stash. Also the bass line is fire and the guitar solo is some classic atonal chaos through the Cherry Box fuzz by Lollygagger. shout out to that wizard.” – Dan Hillier

Mouth For War – Saturate Me

Heavy hardcore unit Mouth For War has been dropping nothing but bangers since the release of God, Help Us All back in 2019. Now fast forward to the end of 2023 where the band have since released a full EP and debut full length record, developing a massive fan base in the process. Today, Mouth For War sit among hardcore’s more popular artists with their new single ‘Saturate Me’ being the perfect example as to why this is. The second single off the group’s sophomore release Bleed Yourself, this also marks the second single released through their new partnership with MNRK Heavy. Absolutely crushing on all fronts, it has a bit of everything fans have come to love from the group since their inception. If the rest of the record is like this single, it’ll be another extremely impressive release for hardcore in an already banner year. – Nathaniel Maure

Surgeon – Trauma Dump

If you’re looking for your fix of bloody evil music this week, look no further than the new Surgeon track, ‘Trauma Dump’. It’s a lively deathcore romp through the lowest of low end, with positively demonic vocals aching for release. The brainchild of Jake Wolf from Reflection, this is even more unhinged if that’s even possible. The vocals also take on an Emmure esque quality at times, definitely right at home nestled into this five minute blitzkrieg. The track is further heightened by the introduction of electronic elements building suspense in the background. If you need background music for a demonic ritual, get at it. – Rob Bown

Desolate – Karoshi (feat Rotnest)

Corning, NY’s own Desolate has teamed up with Rotnest to bring metal fans their exciting new track ‘Karoshi’. Blending beatdown with chaotic metalcore, the group deliver a 3.5 minute assault that doesn’t seem to let up for even a second. Desolate are known for their use of Japanese manga/anime inspiration in their work which doesn’t change with this new single. Ending the last minute on a calm note, the chaos ends and listeners are greeted with a calming lo-fi jam one might here in a slice of life anime soundtrack. Desolate have gained quite the cult following over the years and ‘Karoshi’ is the perfect example as to why that is. – Nathaniel Maure

Leech – Man Suit

Windsor, Ontario’s Leech are back again, this time bringing fans their new track ‘Man Suit’. Leaning a bit more into the deathcore part of their beatdown style, Leech didn’t come to mess around with this one. Full of heavy breakdowns, some blood curdling vocal work, and some top notch production to top it off – ‘Man Suit’ sets the bar fairly high for good deathcore coming out of Ontario. If the group continues in this direction, Leech could very well be sitting among bands like Angelmaker, Bodysnatcher, and Spite in terms of great and heavy music. – Nathaniel Maure

Body Void – Human Greenhouse

Purveyors of black hole heavy, abandon-all-hope doom, Body Void are back with their new song, guaranteed to slowly bludgeon you senseless. ‘Human Greenhouse’ is part of the band’s October release, Atrocity Machine. More of the blackened, downbeat, socially aware nihilism that the group do so well, the track itself addresses some dark, relevant themes. “Human Greenhouse is about the inescapable overgrowth of digital capitalism via social media and the internet “, per vocalist and multi instrumentalist Willow Ryan. Sonically, it’s incredibly abrasive and at times, wince-inducingly heavy. The beat thumps ominously on like a body being dragged down some stairs, accompanied by anguish wrought screams and a fuzzy wall of insidious guitars. A more prevalent element to their sound is some electronic parts, brought to the fore by Portrayal Of Guilt producer Ben Greenberg, and they help with the claustrophobic nature of the band’s sound. Not an easy listen by any means, but for those who persevere and can handle the aural terror, it’s a track that matches the subject matter with its sound perfectly. – Chris Earl

All these tracks and more can be found on our essential playlist. Follow it here.