“Keeping the acoustic guitar for the intro riff (inspired by Lamb of God) catapults us into a realm which is intense, rainy and unsettling. We are introduced to the album’s protagonists ‘The Martyrs’ and welcomed with open arms, we are indoctrinated into the fold, warned against evil in the lake and thrust into the mosh pits as the synths and riffs hit hard,” says the band on the new track.

Running the gamut between the heaviest and poppiest of genres, Brighton duo Lake Malice’s new single ‘Scatterbrain’, released with illustrative music video, is as mind-melting as it sounds. Alice Guala and Blake Cornwall, who self-produced the track, have drawn influences from forward-thinking artists as diverse as Enter Shikari, Loathe, Charli XCX, Grimes and Bring Me The Horizon to explosive effect.

Blake says “’Scatterbrain’ is about feeling disillusioned and overwhelmed in modern day society. The repeating chant: “Spin, wash, repeat, mind, soul, body, neat” is a metaphor for struggling to keep up in a chronically online, superficial and capitalistic society, leaving little time to take care of yourself and make meaningful social connections.

“The line “I can’t trust my bank, I’ve no five year plan, but I’m so good at dreaming” is a commentary on the unrealistic expectations to achieve the same prospects and goals of older generations. Despite having constant access to each other’s lives through social media, we have never felt more disconnected from the world around us and anxious to leave our homes.

“The themes of desperation and frustration are reflected musically by glitchy, hyper-pop-inspired rhythms, in contrast with an anthemic rock chorus and anger-fuelled, modern metalcore guitar riffs.”

Formed in Minsk, Belarus, two previous album releases by alternative metal group Mission Jupiter have hinted at their potential to be one of the few acts from that territory to achieve lift-off worldwide. Having recruited powerhouse singer Kate Varsak prior to writing and recording their upcoming third album, Aftermath, the result is a set of dramatic, epic songs with thoroughly modern production values that should see them soar.

‘Self-Destruction’ has been released as the latest single to be teased from the record. The heaviest and punchiest song by Mission Jupiter to date, the band explain that the story behind it is deeply personal and refers to a battle with mental disorder. “When you’re feeling down, it feels like the parasite living inside you has won, and you’re stuck in mental and physical discomfort forever. The only way to survive is to take a pill to ease the pain. We hope this song will resonate with our listeners on a profound level.”

Canadian dark pop act The Birthday Massacre have released a new single entitled ‘Sleep Tonight’, the first to be issued from their upcoming album Pathways, which is set for release on April 11 via Metropolis Records.

“’Sleep Tonight’ is a song about being haunted by our own ghosts,” the band explain. “Memories and regrets follow us as we try to find comfort. Even the most familiar and safe places can feel sinister as we wrestle with these feelings that we often bury deep within ourselves.”

Bleeth, the Cuban-American trio from Miami, emerges once again with their crushing blend of stoner metal and sludge metal , unveiling their latest single, ‘Monarchs’. This track serves as the first glimpse into their upcoming album Marionette, a visceral exploration of control, fear, and resilience, set for release in April/May.

‘Monarchs’ takes inspiration from the awe-inspiring Sequoia trees , often called the “Kings of the Forest.” The track serves as both a tribute to nature’s power and a warning against human negligence. Vocalist Lauren Palma recalls the devastating 2021 Sequoia National Park fires , reflecting on the destruction of these ancient giants. The song draws parallels between the collapse of monarchies —brought down by arrogance and short-sightedness—and the ongoing environmental crises caused by greed and recklessness. Just as unchecked power leads to downfall, unchecked human activity threatens to consume the very world we inhabit.

With the recent fires in Los Angeles serving as yet another grim reminder, ‘Monarchs’ feels more urgent than ever. Bleeth invites listeners to immerse themselves in the track’s crushing weight and contemplate the fragility of both nature and civilization.

Canadian heavy rock force THE FIXER has unleashed the official music video for ‘Tongue’s Bleeding,’ taken from their debut full-length album Your Lie (Wormholedeath Records). Filmed during their massive 40-date ‘Love and Misfortune’ Tour across Canada, the video captures the band’s electrifying live energy and unfiltered intensity.

Last fall, DJERV released the song ‘Rebel Heart’ as part of the official soundtrack for Season Two of the critically acclaimed Netflix series Arcane. What happens when Norwegian hard rock collides with one of the world’s most iconic series? The answer is ‘Rebel Heart’ – a track that created magic in a pivotal and emotional scene in Arcane, topping global charts and captivating millions.

Now the long-awaited music video, produced by Helmet, is finally here. Erlend Gjerde shares details about the filming process: “The video was shot in an equestrian hall in Trondheim. It was two long and insanely cold days, especially for Agnete, who was covered in wet clay for most of the shoot. Helmet arranged for heating tents and everything, but it was still cold AS F%#.”

The video’s setting is a dark and dusty landscape, which eventually erupts into intense flashes of red and green lights. The typography and architecture are inspired by Arcane, with multiple nods to the universe.

Vocalist Agnete Kjølsrud has also been inspired by creating music for the game, the series and not least the character Jinx. She says: “It’s wonderful to feel the presence of Jinx again! I feel like I’m holding her hand in ‘Rebel Heart’. A hidden part of me is totally uncompromising, and in this song I feel a kind of freedom, even though the sadness is imminent.”

Erlend continues: “We wanted to convey a lot of energy and intensity while reflecting ‘Arcane’ and the League of Legends universe that the song is tied to. It feels great to finally release a proper video, even though the single came out a little while ago. A single release doesn’t feel truly complete until the music video is out as well, so we’re excited to share it with the world!”

EMPLOYED TO SERVE have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Fallen Star’, is the title track UK metal band’s upcoming new album which is scheduled to be released in April this year, via Spinefarm Records.

Speaking about the new song, and its accompanying music video, vocalist Justine Jones shares, “’Fallen Star’ is about enduring the burn out of someone close to us. It can be devastating to look on helplessly as someone you care for continues to fly too close to the sun and not learn from it. Sometimes you need to just distance yourself and love them from afar. We felt it should be the title track as it thematically centers around the lyrics of the new record. Breaking bad habits and overcoming the challenges life throws our way. The music video for this song displays the space and isolation felt whilst writing the lyrics for this song. As the title track of the album we wanted to make the video look as expansive and ethereal as the song.”

FORLORN have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Keeper Of The Well’, is taken from the UK folk horror metal band’s upcoming debut album, Aether, which is scheduled to be released in March this year, via Church Road Records.

“Water is a vital part of human existence,” shares vocalist Megan Jenkins about the new single. “With the power to heal, renew and nourish, yet we curse ourselves and the creatures within by not respecting it. We must do more to honour and care for our sacred wells, rivers, lakes and oceans.”

DYING WISH have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘I Brought You My Soul (Your World Brought Me Despair)’, and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, Symptoms Of Survival, which was released back in October 2023, via SharpTone Records. The new single was produced by Will Putney.

Speaking about the new single, vocalist Emma Boster shares, “’I Brought You My Soul…’ is written about being one of many affected by the state of the world we are living in. Constantly witnessing the brutality and injustices has taken a toll on our collective mental health. [The lyric] ‘I am miserable yet I am sane’ references that being impacted by these tragedies happening in Gaza and on our own American soil in fact makes us normal. I fear that one day we will become numb to the events as they become more violent because we are so conditioned to living with it every day.

“This is the first step in the direction of our third LP and the goal from this album is to challenge ourselves to create something different from the first two releases. Throughout the last four years of those records we have dialed in our sound and ethos as a band. We hope that the artwork direction proves as an example that we’re innovating our style to become the most authentic version of DYING WISH.”

Deathless Legacy has released a video for ‘Sanctified’, the third single taken from the new concept album Damnatio Aeterna to be released on March 7 by Scarlet Records.

‘Sanctified’ is about trauma processing and the scars it leaves behind. A transformation of pain into strength, of wounds into perseverance. It speaks of faith shattered, silence endured, and the slow, sacred process of reclaiming oneself through the very marks left by suffering.

Directed by Frater Orion, the video for ‘Sanctified’ conjures a ritualistic portrayal of suffering embraced as a passage to something greater. Through eerie aesthetics and visceral storytelling, it unveils a journey where torment is no longer a weight to bear, but a path to inner awakening. [via Grimm Gent]

German’s Enemy Inside want you to get caught up in the web of metalcore and nu-rock sounds they’ve spun throughout their just-released album, Venom. Coincidentally, the band are preying upon each other like a bunch of headbanging arachnids in the new creature-featuring video for the record’s title track.

The body horror-esque video, which is being premiered through Revolver, was produced by Jonas Sommer and conceived by Enemy Inside vocalist Nastassja Giulia. As the song bounds through a series of compound djent sections and anthemic, Aughts-era nu-metal hooks, Giulia whispers, growls and croons of escaping the grasp of a false friend, and growing into a bold new person.

As that’s all going on, we see various members of Enemy Inside banging through the track in a dank room, though they eventually get tangled up in an overwhelming amount of cobwebs. Then, as if she just found another vial of spider serum hanging around Gremlins 2’s Clamp Center, Giulia starts prowling around the joint as a menacing, multi-legged monster.

“The title track is about toxic people—those who manipulate, mistreat, and drag you down,” the vocalist explained in a statement. “It’s about breaking free, reclaiming your power, and shifting from prey to predator. Every encounter leaves a mark, but instead of letting their ‘venom’ weaken you, it fuels your strength.” [via Revolver]

Huge Hot Milk news! The band have announced their second album Corporation P.O.P, and dropped a brand-new single entitled ’90 Seconds To Midnight’.

The band will be releasing the follow-up to their breakout debut A CALL TO THE VOID on June 27 via Music For Nations, with Jim Shaw describing the record as “a flurry of thoughts, feelings, ramblings from the afters and questions about where we’re at right now in England, the further western world and emotionally.

Get your first taste of all of that with ’90 Seconds To Midnight’, with an accompanying video starring none other than Frank Skinner.

“The Doomsday Clock is nearing midnight and this frantic song sets the mood for the oncoming nuclear winter,” explains Han. “We wanted to punch you proper in the face with this, this balls-to-the-wall little riffy boy comes bounding at you relentlessly.

“Lyrically we took inspiration from 17th century philosopher Rousseau and the poet John Betjemen with his poem Slough. Rousseau set out that humanity would never be free as we create our own shackles. In this case, we’ve created our own demise. Whereas Betjemen’s poem takes this notion of demise and laughs at it, inviting the nukes in ‘come friendly bombs’… Let’s set the gaff on fire and start again.” [via Kerrang!]

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About the music video, Scardust say: “A cinematic video brings this concept to the screen with an unexpected twist. Filmmaker Lahav Levi depicts the story of Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, as he faces the bittersweet realization that he must vanish for his invention to thrive. Bitcoin enthusiasts may spot some of Satoshi’s famous last communications before his disappearance, and some authentic collectables. Others can simply enjoy an epic, high-energy short film about a heartbreaking decision.”

The band commented on the song: “This is one of the heaviest and most technically complex tracks – arguably one of the most ambitious we’ve ever written. It features the powerful Hellscore choir, directed by Noa Gruman, and an exquisite Turkish strings orchestra, led by Mumin Sesler. Together, the choir and orchestra amplify the song’s dramatic and theatrical essence.” adding that “The song speaks about the painful act of asking a loved one to let you go, for their own sake. Through emotional death metaphors, it captures the sorrow of parting while encouraging them to move on and build a life without you.”

Brazil’s symphonic metal maestros Revengin have unleashed their latest single and music video, ‘Wish You the Same but Worse’, an unflinching anthem of liberation, retribution, and emotional reckoning.

This blistering track bears the raw emotions that simmer beneath the surface when faced with betrayal and injustice. A fearless cry against the repression of pain, ‘Wish You the Same but Worse’ offers an empowering message: confront the hurt, embrace the rage, and find catharsis in the reckoning.

The accompanying video mirrors this emotional storm, plunging viewers into an intense mental duel between reason and emotion. Dark, brooding visuals of black and red reflect the suffocating weight of anguish, while flashes of light and jets of cold fire capture the explosive release of long-repressed feelings. It’s visceral. It’s cathartic. It’s Revengin.

Modern deathcore force FACE YOURSELF are kicking off 2025 with a seismic statement. The band has released their ferocious new single ‘Sideration’, accompanied by a visually arresting official music video and announced their signing to Sumerian Records, a move that signals the next chapter in their rapid ascent.

‘Sideration’ captures the essence of inner turmoil and the search for escape in a universe that feels both vast and isolating. A relentless dive into the psyche, the song bridges the gap between sheer brutality and lyrical vulnerability. Lyrically, ‘Sideration’ confronts themes of despair, isolation, and the desire for release. The accompanying music video is a visual feast, blending dark imagery with visceral performance, perfectly capturing the emotional gravity of the track.

Speaking on their new release the band shares: “‘Sideration’ is both a gateway and a foreshadowing of what’s to come. This track encapsulates everything FACE YOURSELF stands for—Yasmine screaming her heart out, blast beats, aggressive guitars, and a breakdown that’s as crushing as it is cathartic. Thematically, the song explores the dreamlike state your mind creates to shield you from violent events, and the fight to wake up and reclaim control. It’s about being half awake through this dream, trying to find your way out reflected in the lyrics at the beginning “trying to catch the light”, and at the end of the song “I now see the light.”

“To bring this vision to life, we curated a dream team: Joey Sturgis scientifically crafting the heaviest sounds, Max Moore editing our visuals, and now, we have Sumerian Records amplifying everything and ensuring its successful release. Together, we’ve created something that reflects our evolution—two years of DIY grit, 3 self-produced EP’s, 10 DIY music videos, a lot of reflection and funny reddit posts – turned into something even more powerful. We are so excited to share this next chapter with you all. ‘Sideration’ is just the beginning.”

Harajuku-core trailblazers HANABIE. have released their new single ‘Tasty Survivor’. This song is their first anime tie-in song which is the opening theme song to anime Momentary Lily that started this January.

When asked about the inspiration behind the song, vocalist Yukina shared: “This is our very first tie-in with an anime, and we wrote this track specifically for it! The song reflects the world and characters of Momentary Lily while also capturing the essence of our band life. From the intense “eat or be eaten” vibe of live band battles to the exhilarating build-up toward the chorus, it mirrors the way we warm up for a live show and the anticipation of listeners heading to the venue. We hope this song becomes a source of energy for everyone living their lives to the fullest all over the world.!”

Vocalist and guitarist Matsuri commented: “For our first-ever anime tie-in, we focused on blending the world of Momentary Lily with HANABIE.’s unique style. The result is a track that’s bold and straight-forward,yet carries a touch of fragility. The intensity of the intro, in particular, was inspired by the anime’s battle scenes, so we’d love it if you pay close attention to every detail. There were so many connections between HANABIE. and the characters of Momentary Lily, and we poured all those emotions into the lyrics. We hope you enjoy every aspect of the song, from the lyrics to the music, down to the smallest nuances!”

Bassist Hettsu also shared: “This is HANABIE.’s long-awaited anime tie-in song! We expressed the story of the girls in the anime in true HANABIE. style—it’s pop, fast-paced, and features an incredibly catchy chorus that perfectly matches the battle scenes. We think it’s going to be addictively fun! The bass line is also super catchy and intense, so make sure to pay attention to that as well.We hope you’ll enjoy the song together with the anime! ♪”

Lastly, drummer Chika stated: “This is our first-ever anime tie-in, and we had the honour of creating the opening theme for Momentary Lily. While keeping the anime in mind, we also made sure to stay true to HANABIE.’s signature style. One of the key highlights in the drums is right before the first chorus—a section where the kick drum is hit eight times in a row. It’s a small but powerful detail, inspired by the dynamic and intense battle scenes, as if representing a flurry of attacks. Just like the anime, this track is full of highs and lows, and we hope it gets your heart racing with excitement as you listen!”

British folk-horror metallers Forlorn have announced that their debut album will land on March 28 via Church Road.

It finds the London-based quintet paying respects to the elements of nature, mixing metallic sounds with a vibe straight from Midsommar.

Fittingly, they’ve revealed that the new track they’ve released to mark the announcement, ‘Funeral Pyre’, deals with fire, and was inspired in part by classic Christopher Lee movie The Wicker Man.

“’Funeral Pyre’ explores the element of fire and in this sense as a powerful divination tool. We took inspiration from the 1973 film The Wickerman and the concept of human sacrifice, in order for things to grow. We invite people to join us as we shed our naysayers and become stronger together.” [via Kerrang!]

This Friday, Ukrainian metal squadron Jinjer will release their fifth album, Duél. Having already hinted at what’s to come on previous teasers ‘Someone’s Daughter’, ‘Rogue’ and ‘Green Serpent’, they’ve now tossed out the title-track and accompanying cool, retro-animated video. [via Kerrang!]

French metal band NOVELISTS boldly stand their ground as one of the metal scene’s most vibrant and diverse bands with their new single ‘All For Nothing,’ which coincides with the announcement of their upcoming album CODA. The album is set to release on May 9 through the new record label, ACKOR Music, created by members of LANDMVRKS and NOVELISTS.

When asked about the single, Novelists say, “‘All For Nothing’ is the second single from our upcoming album CODA. The song showcases a different style and emotional range compared to our first single releases, ‘Coda’ and ‘K.O.’ This shift was a deliberate choice to avoid sticking to a formula, with each single telling a unique story. With the release of this new track, we also announce that their fifth studio album, CODA, will be released on May 16th, 2025, via ACKOR Music.” [via Grimm Gent]

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CROWLEY is an occult rock band from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Comprised of vocalist Lidya Balaban, guitarists Eliza Lee and Ruth Cranston, bassist Kim Fellows, and drummer Sav Montore. Formed in 2022, the band reinvigorates the sounds of retro pagan rock. ‘Silver Star’ is the fifth release from CROWLEY and marks the clearest establishment of the bands sound yet – like Black Sabbath with feminine power, it’s a dark occult fantasy the listener is invited to join. On ‘Silver Star’, singer Lidya Balaban says: “Written from the perspective of a cult leader, the song is an invitation to an initiation ceremony. It’s about being coerced into participating in a ritual and taking a leap of faith. This was definitely an interesting one for me lyrically, the song title is taken from one rumoured translation of Aleister Crowley’s organisation A∴A∴ (Argenteum Astrum). The lyrics themselves are somewhat alchemical in nature, with subtle messages of leaving your old ways behind and being able to transmute into your higher self. In its own twisted way it’s a song of growth and change. But mostly just about getting roped into ritual sacrifice.”

UK Folk Horror outfit Forlorn have announced they’ve signed to Church Road Records and mark their arrival at the new label home by unveiling their Stephen King inspired single, ‘Spirit’. Much like their previous ‘Earth’ inspired offering, Creatress, Forlorn’s first single on their new label, Church Road Records, is based on the fifth element of the same name. “Feeling a connection between a bass synth in the instrumental of the song and the literal transformation one being makes into another, I took inspiration from the Stephen King novel ‘The Outsider’ and the concept of shape-shifting,” explains vocalist Megan Jenkins. “There is so much that we cannot see and don’t connect to when we are caught up in the haze of our daily lives. There are forces, energies and beings that are all around us that we are blind to, and many people are OK with that. I connect so deeply to this idea of shape-shifting or “becoming other” through a desire to explore the unseen and travel beyond the confines of this human skin.”

Izzy Reign is back with her next bold release, ‘Your Entertainer,’ from her upcoming debut album set to release in early 2025 from FiXT. Known for her raw and powerful sound, Izzy merges metalcore and alternative pop in ‘Your Entertainer.’ This single, showcasing fierce guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and thunderous drums, creates an intense sonic landscape over provocative lyrics. With dynamic instrumentation, gritty guitars, synth-driven melodies, and hard-hitting bass and drums this track carries her signature sound while adding a darker, introspective edge. ‘Your Entertainer’ strikes at the heart of celebrity culture and the mental toll of creating from a place of vulnerability. ‘Your Entertainer’ is a concept track born from deep self-reflection. Izzy delves into the personal struggles that come with being a performer. “While I was writing this album, I thought about exactly what it was that I was doing, So I wrote ‘Your Entertainer’ as a concept about selling your emotions and experiences for entertainment and fame,” explains Izzy Reign. “I hope that this song reaches people to help them see that celebrity culture is a wild toxic concept and we need to remember that they are indeed still human. A lot of people create music from their pain or experiences, exposing their inner most difficulties just for your entertainment and it is a mentally wearing, but can also be rewarding, experience.”

Vallorch is back with their latest single and video, ‘Circle Of The Moon’. This liberating anthem invites listeners to reconnect with nature and embrace the joy of living. Inspired by Cimbrian myths, the song captures the essence of the ancient dances to the Moon God Maano, celebrating freedom and authenticity. The track offers a glimpse into Vallorch’s upcoming album, The Circle, set to release in March 2025, which explores the theme of the night in all its facets—from reflection and tranquility to celebration and connection. The album combines Vallorch’s signature folk metal sound with symphonic and power metal influences, blending vibrant melodies, heavy riffs, and a touch of melancholy.

Melodic hard rockers The Big Deal are pleased to announce the release of their upcoming new studio album Electrified, set for release on January 17th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. To mark the occasion, they share the new single and accompanying video ‘Like A Fire’, out now. Guitarist Srdjan Brankovic expresses his enthusiasm for the release: “We are very happy that we have come to the moment to announce our second album Electrified, together with Frontiers Records. We had the honour to collaborate for the first time with great artists such as Anders Wikstrom (TREAT) and Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), who helped us compose some songs. If you like melodic metal/rock, melodic vocals, plenty of keyboard and guitar melodic solos, two great female vocalists intertwining in harmony, we think you’ll love the album too. Check out the first single ‘Like A Fire’, which is about a rock band performing on stage.”

BLACKBRIAR have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Floriography,’ is the brand new single from the Dutch symphonic metal band and marks their first new music since their latest studio album, A Dark Euphony, which was released in September last year, via Nuclear Blast Records. Speaking about the new single, vocalist Zora Cock shares, “’Floriography’ marks the start of our upcoming third studio album. It’s a song full of mystery, dark academia meets Sherlock Holmes. The song’s protagonist deciphers hidden messages from a secret lover through the Victorian language of flowers, cryptic poetry, lyrical acronyms, and marks carved in trees. She may have even left some for you.” [via Distorted Sound]

XANDRIA have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘200 Years’, is taken from the German symphonic metal band’s brand new album, Universal Tales, which was released on Friday, via Napalm Records. Speaking about the song and its accompanying new music video, the band shares, “we hope you enjoy our new song and video! It’s inspired by our deep love for Scotland and its rich history. The many stories of this land have sunk deep into our collective consciousness, becoming the roots of the fantasy worlds we all share – worlds filled with epic tales, like those of Middle-earth and beyond. Stories of people fighting for freedom, love, and the survival of their culture. This one’s for you. Slàinte mhath!” [via Distorted Sound]

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Sci-Fi alt-metallers SICK N’ BEAUTIFUL are excited to announce the release of their new single and video, ‘DEATH POLICE’, out now via Frontiers Music. ‘DEATH POLICE’ is one of their heaviest track to date, accordingly to bass player Big Daddy Ray. “The idea behind the song was to imagine an afterlife where there is no heaven or hell, just another dystopian plane of existence – he says. “Where an authoritarian entity rules over the souls of the departed.” “The video is even crazier than our typical fare,” emphasizes singer Herma. “We wanted to create something that was glamorous yet horrifying at the same time. This one is definitely going to be a banger to play live!”

Rising alt/rock powerhouse LYELL has teamed up with Detroit rockers Eva Under Fire and rapper Hyro The Hero for new single ‘Lighthouse’, available to stream now via VERSION III. Instead of a pretty, sweet lullaby luring you in, the track, produced by Kevin Hissink (grandson) and Zach Jones (MOTHICA, Nova Twins), is rock’s version of a Siren Song. “Eva Under Fire has always been someone I’ve looked up to as a woman in rock and we finally connected when she happened to come into one of my TikTok Lives. We chatted about doing a song together and I thought this was the perfect one. Between her and Hyro the Hero’s genre-bending energy, it took the song to another dimension” shares LYELL on the track and her collaborators.

If you needed some riff-related whiplash today, you should give Red Handed Denial‘s new single ‘Parasite’ a spin. Sure it’s a lot of parts in one song, but damn if Red Handed Denial doesn’t make it flow smooth as hell the whole time. “It’s about a person you can’t get rid of who feeds off your energy,” said Red Handed Denial vocalist Lauren Babic. “Truthfully, these are my feelings about social media. If I could, I’d throw my phone into the ocean, because it truly sucks the life out of me. My connections to friends and family have suffered because of social media. ‘Parasite’ embodies my anger of wanting to watch it die.” Red Handed Denial will release their new record A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia on May 24. [via Metal Injection]

The first single from the new line-up of Finnish-Ecuadorean melodic heavy metal band BLACK SUN is here. ‘Slay the Queen’ is a track that combines all the elements of BLACK SUN‘s sound featuring crunchy guitars, catchy hooks, and impressive vocals from the matchless talents of vocalist, Netta Laurenne. Laurenne is backed by founding members Nicolas Estrada (drums), Christopher Grünberg (guitar), and Santiago Salem (bass) as well as the band’s producer-turned-friend, Thunderstone guitarist Nino Laurenne whose production credits include Amorphis, Lost Society, The Rasmus. As a result, Ecuador and Finland are now bonded and represented by a band that is one of a kind. BLACK SUN is writing a new chapter, a rebirth as a band. About the track, Netta shares: “’Slay the Queen‘ is a story about time ruling over people’s lives and the wish to stop its reign. In our society, we are forced to obey this chosen, structured perception of time that doesn’t allow us the freedom so often needed to live a life truest to ourselves.” [via SLR Magazine]

We are seeing a rise in bands taking a stand against and calling out the outdated standards (and snakes) within the music industry. First came Redhook with their infectious jam ‘SAY‘, then Belle Haven had a crack with ‘Grimace‘ and just last week ex-Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell fired shots with his solo single ‘ANTI-DROID‘; Now it’s Vilify’s time to shine as they set their sights on users who over-promise and under-deliver in this thumping new offering. “Split Tongue’ is about those slithery, slippery little snakes that are only out for themselves,” explains the band. “The tracks draws from the disdain we have all felt from believing in and taking chances on people in the industry only to have it returned to us like a kick in the teeth. The music industry is already hard enough and once you sprinkle in some rats it becomes a full blown blood bath.” As Amy Mcintosh spits venom into the mic, you can’t help but feel the anger seeping through the speakers. An ominous two-step beat invokes utter chaos as guitarist Deni Hourihan and bassist Lizi Mcintosh go toe-to-toe while drummer Kieran Jackson keeps the fills flowing until that tasty breakdown takes us to climax. [via Wall Of Sound AU]

Progressive metalcore outfit Reliqa have announced the details of their new album, Secrets Of The Future, which is set to be released on May 31 via Nuclear Blast Records for all territories outside of Australia, where it will be released via Greyscale Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have revealed the video for their brand new single ‘Killstar (The Cold World)’. Vocalist Monique Pym comments: “We’re so pleased with the feedback we received for Terminal, especially because it fuelled our excitement in knowing that Killstar was coming next. It really flips the switch – we’ve gone from an airy, introspective debut track to this spiteful, sharp-tongued groove that has some more worldly and politically driven themes behind it. We think these two sides of us are the perfect taste test for Secrets of the Future, not because the whole album sounds like this, but because it shows we’re not afraid to take risks. Can’t wait for you to hear it in May!” [via Ghost Cult Mag]

Almost 20 long years since the release of their latest studio album Heathen Machine, UK heavy metal act BALANCE OF POWER returns with a new band line-up and brand new studio offering. Fresh From The Abyss will be released on April 19 via Massacre Records. Founding members Tony Ritchie (bass) and Lionel Hicks (drums) are joined the band’s new lead vocalist Hazel Jade as well as guitarists Chris Young and Adam Wardle, who have since taken over the reins from guitarists Chris Masimore and Stoney Wagner, with whom the band worked on and recorded the upcoming album Fresh From The Abyss. Following previously-released album tracks such as ‘Never Be Here Again’ and ‘Abyss’, BALANCE OF POWER present their new single ‘One More Time Around The Sun’. Tony comments: “The song is about wanting to spend another year and then another and another with the person you love. I don’t usually write about specific people, but this song was inspired by my love for my wife Diki and never wanting it to end. Hazel changed the melody of the line “Take me one more time around the sun” which added such a great hook to the chorus. Lionel was responsible for the double time sections which lifted the song onto another level for the solos.” [via Grimm Gent]

Melbourne-based heavy outfit The Last Martyr have unleashed their glitchy alt-metal track ‘Antidote’. The message is simple: When the world makes you sick, love is the Antidote, even if you don’t want to admit it. The track was written on a writing retreat last year where the group and their producer Chris Lalic (Windwaker) locked themselves in a house for a week to focus purely on composing the band’s next chapter. “We wanted to see what would come out of a week of purely focusing on music and the band without any other distractions,” the band said. “We rented an AirBnb in the Mornington Peninsula and all had writing stations set up around the house. I think that really allowed all of us to feel safe and present enough to dig into our creativity more than ever before. I’ve always struggled to open up and let love in but amongst the world’s chaos of the last few years, I’ve realised that love is really the only anchor we have, and something we all deserve. I wrote the line, “You are the antidote” first and the rest of the track was written around it.” [via Heavy Mag]

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NJ hardcore band Gel formed in 2018, picked up a lot of steam post-lockdown with their 2021 EP Violent Closure, and kept that momentum going with their 2022 split with Cold Brats. Now they’ve finally announced their debut album, Only Constant, due March 31 via Convulse Records. The album was recorded by drummer Zach Miller along with Trish Quigley, and it offers up 10 songs in 16 minutes. Vocalist Sami Kaiser says, “A lot of this record is about trying to live more of a happy and healthy life. I’ve been in recovery for alcoholism for the past couple years and really taking it seriously. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to address negative feelings, and the album is about trying to let go of those self-destructive tendencies and embrace change.” The first single is ‘Attainable,’ which clocks in at under two minutes and interjects the band’s fast-paced hardcore punk with a danceable post-punk beat and some psychedelic-leaning guitar work. It challenges the boundaries and traditions of hardcore without toning down the band’s attack, and it comes with a cool black-and-white performance video directed and edited by Ian Shelton and Will Acuna. [via Brooklyn Vegan]

Germany’s symphonic metal icons XANDRIA are back with their eagerly-awaited album, The Wonders Still Awaiting out now via Napalm Records. Right from the start, album opener ‘Two Worlds’ takes you on a journey through epic, fantastical soundscapes, as well as imposing arrangements. Lyrically, the band expresses their personal feelings towards the future of humanity, wondering if humanity is on its way towards a dystopian world (especially with the constant environmental destruction) or if it is moving towards a fantastical utopian world? Ambre Vourvahis embraces her magnificent vocal diversity and uses its power to merge the contrasting worlds together in the new breathtaking music video. XANDRIA about the new single ‘Two Worlds’: “We have – perhaps still – the choice between two worlds. A dystopian one if we continue on this way into reversing the progress of civilization and destroying the environment which we are living in. Or a utopian one where we can see the wonders that might be awaiting for mankind’s future. But the bridge between those worlds gets frailer with every second. Musically, this epic and bombastic 7 minute song takes you on a journey through the polarity of the two worlds, showing you the surprises, treasures, and diversity the new album The Wonders Still Awaiting will have in store. This song is almost a little movie on its own with the combination of metal mixed with huge film score orchestration, a 40-piece choir of the Bulgarian National Radio Children´s Choir.” [via Outburn]

Frozen Crown has released the third single taken from the new album Call Of The North, set to be released on March 10 through Scarlet Records. Check out ‘Black Heart’ below.

D.C.-area group VOSH are fronted by former Blacksage singer Josephine Olivia, and their lineup is rounded out by current/former members of Coke Bust, Repulsion and more. This isn’t the members’ first rodeo, and you can hear their experience on the pulsating, steamy, insanely catchy ‘Pray,’ the lead single from their upcoming debut LP, Vessel (out March 3 via Trash Casual), alongside its captivating music video. Musically, ‘Pray’ recalls the classic post-punk sound of bands like Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus, but with an extra kick in the driving guitars and thumping drums that brings to mind bands like Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. Common reference points, but VOSH know exactly how to make these sonic combinations sound fresh again. “‘Pray’ is a song about undying devotion to a lover,” the band tells. “We wanted to write something heavy, catchy, and driving. Something to dance or fuck to. This was one of the first songs we wrote together and it encapsulates the heart of VOSH: distorted guitars, a cool mix of electronic and live drums, heavy synths, and vocals that are equally commanding and haunting. This is for the warehouse, the club, the stadium.” [via Revolver]

UK Pagan Metal outfit Forlorn have today shared their brand-new single ‘The Weight Of It All’ which is out now via Silent Cult. Forlorn blend folk horror and paganism to carve out their own brand of ‘Midsommar Metal’. The juxtaposition of ethereal vocals and haunting soundscapes with chaotic drums and crushing low-level guitars, paired with Megan’s brutal screams, bring together Forlorn’s unique sound and visual identity. Produced by George Lever (Loathe, Sleep Token, Monuments) ‘The Weight Of It All’ ebbs and flows between sweeping cinematic passages and unrelentingly heavy moments of chaos. Accompanying the new single is a stunning Winter Solstice-inspired music video that shows the conflict between two characters within the same human-vessel; the fragile, ageing Maiden in the white dress and the old, wise and fearsome Crone, in the black crown with her wild eyes. We see the season demonstrated in frozen landscapes, sacred smoke, the wearing of ritual masks and the pounding of the bodhrán. “’The Weight Of It All’ is lyrically centred upon the notion of living a double life; switching between two paradoxical personas that coexist within one fragile lifeform. Instrumentally this song immediately reminded me of a score from a Christopher Nolan film. I felt a strong connection to the iconic vigilante and their opposing personalities. The double-life concept resonates strongly for me, where my day-to-day life is so far removed from who I really am. On a daily basis I wear a metaphorical (and physical) mask, never really allowing anyone to get beneath the surface, until I’m back within the realms of comfort,” says Megan Elliott, vocalist.

Check out our playlist featuring more women in heavy music below!

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