Creative powerhouse and genre-collision experimenteer BEX is back with a new single ‘Fight’. ‘Fight’ is a rallying cry in the wake of a relationship breakdown with BEX’ signature scuzzed-up, grumbling basslines propelling a proper punchy chant. The combative track arrives as she looks towards a number of festival performances this summer, as well as a newly-announced headline date at London’s Omeara on 1st November. As BEX says, “’Fight’ is not a love song, it’s the opposite. It’s an acceptance of embarrassment. Loving someone to then have it thrown in your face is embarrassing, when you try your hardest, never fight, and you’re getting along so well, it can be so confusing to find out they were never loyal. Fight is about how blind sighted I was, for so long and the way the whole situation made me feel in the end. Truth is, you never know another person, and trust should never come easy, that’s what I have learnt – you have to let people EARN your trust. Don’t just give it away.”

Heriot have announced their debut album, Devoured by the Mouth of Hell, due September 27 via Century Media. It was recorded with Will Putney (of END, Fit For An Autopsy, Better Lovers) and Josh Middleton (Sylosis, ex-Architects), and it features recent single ‘Siege Lord’ as well as the just-released ‘Foul Void,’ which opens the album. Like the last single, it offers up a futuristic blend of metalcore, death metal, industrial, and more, and the band says it “delves into the inner struggle of an individual facing uncertainties about their faith.” [via Brooklyn Vegan]

Poppy has released an absolutely banging new single, ‘New Way Out’. The musician has followed up last year’s 4/5-rated Zig album – plus mind-blowing 2024 collabs with Bad Omens and Knocked Loose – with a brilliant new tune that leans towards the heavier end of what she’s done across her genre-defying career so far. Bonus: it also features the production work of Jordan Fish, who, since departing Bring Me The Horizon in December, has been busy in the studio with everyone from Architects to Spiritbox – and now Poppy! [via Kerrang!]

EPICA singer Simone Simons has released the official music video for her second solo single, ‘In Love We Rust’. The track is taken from her debut solo album, Vermillion, which will be made available on August 23 via Nuclear Blast Records. Simone, who has been a pioneering force within the world of metal for over two decades as part of EPICA, worked on Vermillion with her musical partner and longtime collaborator Arjen Lucassen (AYREON). Arjen is no stranger to Simone’s soaring operatic voice, one that can stir even a gargoyle’s stone heart to tears. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. Vermillion emerges as a gargantuan goose-bump generator, a universally touching, stellar tour de force. Simone and Arjen state about ‘In Love We Rust’: “The video was filmed in just one take to keep it as pure and raw as possible. We opted to keep it in black and white so as not to distract from the song or the performance. ‘In Love We Rust’ is quite different from our first single ‘Aeterna’, which shows how diverse this album is. This is one of our favorite songs. We hope you love this as much as we do.” [via Blabbermouth]

European quintet ANKOR have signed to UNFD, and released their first single for the independent heavy label. The band – fronted by Bristol vocalist Jessie Williams, and completed by guitarists David Romeu and Fito Martinez, and bassist Julio López, all from Spain, and drummer Eleni Nota from Athens – have joined forces with UNFD to help propel their next era, having already been building up a dedicated fanbase for the past 20 years. And that’s helped further with the release of new single and video ‘Embers’, which Jessie explains is “a song that mixes EDM with classical ANKOR melodies. A song about dealing with loss and grief. We recorded the music video in a beautiful church in London, and we believe it sends the exact message of the track. “’Embers’ is a journey through the mind of someone living an alternate reality,” she continues, going into detail about the accompanying music video. “Dreaming of what could have been… but the truth is much darker, that’s why we represented it with both dresses. It’s a ceremony of what could have been a wedding and ends up being a funeral, in which she dances alone, knowing none of it will ever happen. It can hit as a negative song, but in her sadness there is hope, as she’ll always be connected to her loss.” [via Kerrang!]

Titled Silhouettes, the sophomore album from the Newcastle-based heavy progressive band Giant Walker follows 2022’s All In Good Time and is scheduled to be released in September this year via Church Road Records. The album will feature the previously released single ‘Make Me’, as well as the newly released ‘Halcion’. Speaking about the creative process behind the new track, guitarist Jamie Southern comments, “The initial idea for the song emerged from a drum groove, although it evolved through several different iterations before culminating into its final form. Sonically, it’s quite dark and angular, and so, when it came to crafting the lyrics, the aim was to encapsulate that feeling of uneasiness that came from the music and weave it into a story. It just so happened that amidst writing the song, I ended up watching a documentary about a serial killer, which felt very fitting to the music, and so, this ultimately shaped the lyrical direction Halcion took.” [via Distorted Sound]

Sydney rebellious rockers Wicked Envy have premiered their formidable new single called ‘Final Descent’. The dominating new track commands attention, taking you on a gut-wrenching final journey through flight. “’Final Descent’ is about the fear of flying and dying in a plane crash,” explains vocalist Desiree Hancock. “I decided to write this song, cause It’s a very relatable topic, as many of my family and friends struggle with this fear of Aerophobia, especially when travelling overseas. The eerie whispering voices and haunting vocals are evident throughout the song to create a sombre feel, as if these voices are from the dead.”The thumping guitars in the main riff/ chorus and pounding drums bring out the emotional, gut-wrenching feelings like turbulence on a flight we have all been taken on. You never know when your number is up. This song is based on the movie Final Destination! As I’m a massive fan of the movie and horror films in general, I thought it would be thrilling to write about a plane crash and the audience left with one question. Will this be the end?“ [via Heavy Mag]

Hard rock band Beautiful Skeletons unveils their new music video, ‘Only Zuul.’ The track, featured on their recently released EP Temperance (Wormholedeath Records), is accompanied by a visually unsettling video experience. Produced by the one and only Hotkarlproductions Karl Whinnery and Amanda McGahey, this video will grip you with its eerie atmosphere and special effects.

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Following the announcement of her long-awaited debut album THIS IS DOOM TRAP (out on September 26 via Silent Cult), Mimi Barks, has unveiled her brand-new single ‘BANSHEE’, furthermore demonstrating to fans another insight into what they can expect from the upcoming album. ‘BANSHEE’, sees the doom trap pioneer produce her most honest work to date as she allows listeners to delve further into her dark world. Sonically, it showcases a whole new side to Mimi Barks as the track resonates it’s vulnerable nature.

Reunited Canadian metal outfit Kittie have dropped the new song ‘We Are Shadows,’ their second single since returning from hiatus. The rhythms and staccato riffs are airtight and unrelenting, and frontwoman Morgan Lander takes a more melodic route vocally on this track, calling back to Kittie’s nu-metal heyday. “‘We Are Shadows’ is about the uncertainty of a future that we can no longer control,” Lander explained in a press release. “We have come to a critical place in life and in our world, and much like an eclipse overtaking the sun, we are losing the light.” She continued: “The image of shadows slowly fading in the evening darkness, and the analogy of ‘us’ as shadows in the night really illustrates the possibility of slowly fading into oblivion. It is not a song of hope however, it’s a song of coming to terms with the damage we do and acceptance of our fate. We’ve let darkness take hold, and so we are resolved to fade in the night with it.” [via Consequence]

Entheos is back with a new single ‘An End To Everything’ just over one year after their 2023 album Time Will Take Us All. The single comes alongside a music video directed by Malcolm Pugh, and riffs that will twist your brain in new and interesting ways. “‘An End To Everything’ is lyrically about surrendering yourself or giving in to a sense of darkness and despair that you feel is beyond your own control,” said Entheos vocalist Chaney Crabb. “Musically, the first riff of the song came organically, and the rest of the song wrote itself after. We wanted the song to provoke a feeling of melancholy, with lyrics to match. It became a perfect combination of many of the styles of metal and rock that we aim to blend in our music.” [via Metal Injection]

Within Temptation proudly present their newest single ‘A Fool’s Parade’, featuring Ukrainian producer and vocalist Alex Yarmak. All royalties from the new single will be donated to Music Saves UA for the duration of the war. ‘A Fool’s Parade’ showcases the band’s commitment to raising awareness of Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russia’s invasion. The song itself serves as a condemnation of Russia’s deceitful actions and sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Ukraine. Within Temptation remains steadfast in their support for Ukraine, with involvement in initiatives such as the Ukraine Aid OPS foundation, advocating for more much-needed solidarity. [via Metal Planet]

Xeneris, the Italian powerhouse of symphonic power metal, is set to ignite the global metal scene with their debut album, Eternal Rising. slated for release on June 14. Prepare to be hypnotized by their first single and video, ‘Eternal Rising’, a mesmerizing tale of resurrection and resilience, narrated through the myth of the phoenix’s rebirth. This song embodies the determination to move forward in life challenges, echoing the phoenix’s immortal cycle of death and rebirth. A video for the song can be found below. Mastermind Federico Paolini states: “‘Eternal Rising’ tells a story of resurrection and resilience narrated through the myth of the phoenix’s rebirth: every 500 years, the phoenix dies and rises from its ashes, thus ensuring immortality through this purifying ritual. For us, it’s a concept very representative of our musical journey that is reborn and continues, representing also the will to continue our path with renewed passion.” [via Brave Words]

Giant Walker have released a new music video. The new music video, for the track ‘Make Me’, is the brand new single from the Newcastle-based heavy progressive band and marks their first new music since their last album, All In Good Time, which was released back in May 2022. The new song was produced by Chris Coulter (Arcane Roots, Jamie Lenman) and gives the first glimpse into their as-of-yet unannounced second album, which is anticipated to be released later this year via Church Road Records. Speaking about the new song, vocalist Steff Fish says, “the song is about witnessing someone that you care about making terrible decisions and the reality of your own helplessness knowing that nothing you say will influence their judgement as they can’t or won’t acknowledge that their own actions are perpetuating the problem. So, it becomes an endless cycle of delusion and bitterness.” [via Ghost Cult Mag]

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Hungary’s promising melodic metal formation Esperfall have released their debut album Origins In Darkness. The album presents the initial phase of the human soul’s journey as it forces itself to face its inner demons. As with every dark phase in our lives, this state is the starting point of a deep, spiritual journey and self-discovery. Every song is an echo of a major emotional issue vocalized with self-criticism, doubt and fear, fueled with anger and disbelief, oftentimes directed towards our society. These are the battles we have to face in our everyday lives. This song, ‘Tempest In Paradise’ sounds more positive compared to the other tracks on the album, although it describes a rather hopeless situation. This is the moment in the protagonist’s life when everything collapses, there is nothing left to hold on to and she has lost what has been the most important to her so far. Nevertheless, the hope and the will to fight at all costs remain to create everything on her own. Until now everything has been an illusion. Compared to the previously released music video (‘Retreat Into Dreamland’) this song highlights another side of the band. The pace remains the same, however this song is much more on the melodic side and Nonee presents only clean vocals this time as opposed to the harsh vocals that can be found in the previous single. It’s a real power metal song from start to finish, so hopefully — but not only — oldschool Avantasia, Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius fans will like this one. [via Metal Goddesses]

FlowerLeaf are back and they are ready to start their Dreamerie journey. As a forerunner, they just released a brand new single along with a music video called ‘The Storm’. ‘The Storm’ is the first single from the Dreamerie – Chapter I: Time. It’s a song about self-confidence, fighting for what you want and fulfilling your destiny. “It was an amazing experience recording The Storm because it gave FlowerLeaf a new dimension and it gives us lots of possibilities for what we can create in the future,” singer Vivs Takahashi says. [via Metal Goddesses]

Seven Kingdoms have released the first single, ‘Universal Terrestrial’, from their upcoming full-length album Zenith. The music video for ‘Universal Terrestrial’ was filmed during the crowdfunding campaign, which raised over $50,000 on Kickstarter. Zenith will see a June 17 release via Distortion Music Group. 7K guitarist Camden Cruz says: “We are very excited to release the first song from Zenith! We are packing this one up, and two more new songs with us for the Beast in Black tour that starts this week! We will actually be shooting the music video for ‘Chasing the Mirage’ while we are on tour! We had a great time filming this song a few months ago with our main man, Jimmy Garcia. We hope you love it!” [via Metal Goddesses]

Following their latest, chart-breaking album Heat Wave, Sweden’s heavy rock band Thundermother has unleashed a brand new song taken of their upcoming album Black And Gold. ‘Watch Out’ showcases the band’s adrenaline-fuelled, high voltage sound of powerful, filthy yet catchy rock ‘n’ roll they are known and loved for: Creating infectious party rock songs with an irresistible feelgood appeal! Guitarist Filippa Nässil reveals: ”We are stoked to present you our first single ‘Watch Out’ from our upcoming album Black And Gold; The song is about us in our careers right now about rising up, being powerful woman working as a team and taking charge. We are so proud and we hope our music will inspire many people. Don’t let anybody mess with your dreams.” [via Metal Goddesses]

Giant Walker release their fifth and final single, ‘Katoomba’ ahead of their debut album All In Good Time which will be released May 13. ‘Katoomba’ opens with a menacing guitar riff that undulates with an intricate, yet powerful drum groove. The energetic track is complemented by a hooky and captivating chorus that leaves you reaching to crank up the volume. Guitarist Jamie explains, “‘Katoomba’ was actually the first song that we wrote for the album and, whilst we try and bring a different vibe to all of our songs, we feel that ’Katoomba’ really summarises the sound of Giant Walker. Lyrically, it captures the essence of how we felt at the time – trying to stay sane in the first lockdown. Funnily enough, the song was actually named after a trip to the Blue Mountains, Katoomba in Australia, as that’s where I purchased the fuzz pedal which inspired the initial riff.” [via Metal Goddesses]

Hardcore x thrash crossover band Cage Fight have dropped the new single ‘Killer.’ Bassist Jon Reid explains, “‘Killer’ is a release of anger and fury directed at anyone that has caused wrong and is a rallying cry to those that feel pure visceral rage and need a soundtrack to that pure emotion. The song’s intensity is based in a simple remit, if you have wronged… you better start running…” [via Metal Goddesses]

Spanish death metallers Bloodhunter just released a new single plus videoclip for the new song of their upcoming album. ‘The Forsaken Idol’ is the second single from‚ Knowledge Was The Price. The track features guest vocals of Rosalia Sairem, one of the singers of swedish symphonic/death metal band Therion. Diva Satanica, front woman of Bloodhunter, states on her Instagram: “Very proud of all the songs of this upcoming album of Bloodhunter, but this one is a very special one for me!“ Knowledge Was The Price will be released on May 27 via Maldito Records. [via Metal Goddesses]

Darkness Surrounding is a five-piece metal band from Wuppertal, Germany, that was founded in 2017. Their musical style is best described as Melodic Metal, influenced by Death, Core and Old School. Fast riffs, epic melodic parts and groovy breakdowns create a powerful and versatile sound. The voices of growler Tim and guitarist/clean-singer Kessi complement those attributes very well. The ban had this to say about their new song ‘Nocturnal Forest Air’: “We recorded this song as a part of our album in the legendary Maarweg Studios, Cologne, Germany. ‘Nocturnal Forest Air’ – a tragic and stirring waltz that tells the story of a young woman who had to deal with being constantly stressed and pressurized her whole life by a person in her close environment. As she grows up, she finally realizes that this person is the reason for her agony and plans to take revenge. With the lyrics being quite dark, we decided the song had to be a waltz because it would portray and frame the story in the most fitting way. The song is supposed to feel like a journey through all the emotions the protagonist goes through, really making it an experience to listen to the song. Through the music video we gave the whole story a new twist, that does not necessarily come across when just hearing the song, so watching the video is definitely worth it!” [via Metal Goddesses]

Los Angeles based alternative metal band, Motive Black has released their new single ‘Lift Me Up’. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend), the track focuses on the talents of newcomer Elana Justin, and features special guest Carla Harvey, of the internationally acclaimed metal band Butcher Babies, on vocals. The single features Justin performing together with Butcher Babies’ Carla Harvey. Elana Justin explains: “the song is about realizing that you can’t find validation through other people. It’s easy to fall into the trap of avoidance, and trying to distract yourself from the growth you require by looking for love in all the wrong places. Facing inward can be truly difficult, but through that journey you find empowerment.” Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) concurs stating “I love collaborating with strong women on projects so when I was asked to add my vocals to ‘Lift Me Up,’ I happily obliged. The result…an infectious tune, and a new found friendship!” [via Metal Goddesses]

The Damnnation attack with their debut album, spewing forth a versatile sound which mixes several strands of Extreme Metal and brings life to Old School Thrash. Way of Perdition will be released on May 6 via Soulseller Records. To promote the new work, the band releases the second single, entitled ‘The Greed’, which is accompanied by a music video with behind the scenes footage. [via Metal Goddesses]

Formed in 2018 in Sofia, Bulgaria, Gwendydd have now inked a worldwide record deal with Drakkar Entertainment for the release of their upcoming, sophomore studio album entitled Censored. Driven by a modern production, complemented by the mastering fingerprint of Max Morton (Jinjer, Ignea), the band‘s vibrant blend of wrecking guitar riffs and adrenalizing drums builds up to an extreme-metal avalanche. The perfect carrier for that brute death metal voice, which cuts deep into the flesh of modern society – not only with words but with a message. Censored is slated for a release on May 6 via Drakkar Entertainment. But give ear, as Gwendydd also shared a new song taken of their upcoming album. Watch the video for ‘Rape’ below. [via Metal Goddesses]

Aversed is now streaming their new single ‘Every Hill A Tomb,’ whose purpose is twofold – to remind you that Aversed does kick ass and that you need more of them in your life, and to introduce new vocalist Sarah Hartman. Sonically, ‘Every Hill A Tomb’ does a great job mixing the trippier elements of death metal with a heaping spoonful of progressive metal. “We are excited to unveil our first single with our new vocalist, Sarah Hartman,” said Aversed in a statement. “The artistic chemistry has been incredible and we hope you welcome her into this new era of our band and our songwriting. We wrote ‘Every Hill a Tomb’ to not only showcase our new direction with Sarah at the helm, but to process the grief we have all experienced these past few years. We explore a depersonalization into death and the afterlife, with the music and lyrics portraying the simultaneous grandeur and anxiety of infinite time. We are now in full-on songwriting mode and we hope you stay with us as we continue to reveal our new chapter with the world.” [via Metal Injection]

Texas-based industrial metal group Daedric releases their anticipated third single ‘Dawnbreaker’ with an alluring official music video overlaid with a vocal performance that dashes between brutal and ethereal, industrial guitars, pulsing electronics, and heavy rhythm. ‘Dawnbreaker’ pushes the boundaries into even heavier territory for the band and is another triumphant chapter in the Daedric saga. “During production, we basically said “how heavy could we go if we really just went for it,” says Daedric. “And compared to other Daedric songs, the production elements actually came together pretty easy. We also like it very much.” [via Outburn]

Lydia’s Castle drops their newest single ‘Search For You’. The hard-hitting track was penned as a form of therapy for vocalist Tonya LeeAnne, who hopes to share her feelings of deep, personal loss with listeners. “’Search For You’ is about one of the greatest losses of my life, and I wanted to channel that pain into something creative that can be shared with others and help myself, the band and so many others know they are not alone” says Tonya LeeAnne. “The great thing about music and good lyrics is that the listener can make the song their own, and become attached to it in their own way, which is exactly how I got into music to begin with.”

US rock giants Icon For Hire return with new gritty single ‘Ready For Combat’, alongside a high-powered music video. ‘Ready For Combat’ is the first cut from their upcoming new album released in partnership with Kartel Music Group. Describing the song as “a punch in the face”, lead singer Ariel Bloom says: “I’m demanding a fight, insisting that my demons come out to meet me. It actually feels amazing to acknowledge this angrier side of me. As women we often don’t have the space and freedom to do that, so it feels good to create some space with this song”. “It’s pure aggression from the start!”, adds Shawn, “it doesn’t have a lot of the bells and whistles we usually incorporate in our song”. This heaviness is perfectly depicted by the gripping video accompanying the single, which features Ariel in all her fierceness.

Belle Morte is a musical project from Belarus, Minsk, playing dark symphonic metal with gothic/progressive flavor and melancholic vibe. ‘My Little Demon’ is a track taken from the band’s critically acclaimed album Crime of Passion, out now via Wormholedeath worldwide. Watch the video below.

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Emerge, the new album by Chaos Magic. Fronted by the mesmerizing Chilean vocalist Caterina Nix, Emerge is another stunning album of symphonic yet modern metal. Out on June 17, the title track is available as a single and video now.

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