Single Slam: Casey, Mister Misery, Comastatic, Cindy-Louise, Plagues, What Will Be, Torizon, Wounded Cross, Exit Eden, Learn to Lie, Kissing Candice, Hell Can Wait, Bellwether, Diamond Construct, and Ward XVI!

This week’s single slam features Casey, Mister Misery, Comastatic, Cindy-Louise, Plagues, What Will Be, Torizon, Wounded Cross, Exit Eden, Learn to Lie, Kissing Candice, Hell Can Wait, Bellwether, Diamond Construct, and Ward XVI. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Casey – How to Disappear

Welsh post-hardcore legends Casey have revealed the details of their third album, ‘How to Disappear’, to be released 12th January via Greyscale Records/Hassle Records. The quintet have also shared their new single, the title track, ‘How to Disappear’.

Casey comment:

How to Disappear seeks to unravel the enduring impact we leave on our loved ones after our time has come to an end. This record explores the enigmatic intersection of existence and grief across the course of 12 songs.

This album is our most ambitious project to date, and we hope you’ll accept our invitation to be a part of it.

Get celebrating everyone, Casey are back, and with a whole new album to come, this first track is the first taste of the melancholic post-hardcore goodness we can expect. A melodramatic and moody effort with all of that catchy Casey goodness, How to Disappear shows a band in a creative place again, featuring a lot of heartfelt passion and emotion. It’s Casey and this is what they do… very, very well.

Mister Misery – In Forever (Orchestral Version)

Modern horror metal band Mister Misery unveil their haunting yet empowering new single ‘In Forever (Orchestral Version)’. Immerse yourself in a world where darkness and resilience collide, echoing the tumultuous yet triumphant human spirit.

Poignant and melancholic, but with that recognisable Mister Misery gothic horror vibe, this is a very powerful track from a band we normally associate with pep and vigour. The orchestral melody is very pretty, if not extremely solemn, and the vocals are really allowed to shine here. It’s always nice to see this band expanding and showing different sides to themselves. Check it out here.

Comastatic – Fix It All

Zurich Switzerland based alternative rock duo, Comastatic have unveiled the official music video for their new single ‘Fix It All’.

Singer Mattia Di Paolo shares:

‘Fix It All’ is about regretting how things went down with someone you deeply cared about. Having the urge to rewrite your past and to change things but you know that you can’t really do anything about it. This drags you into a dark mental state where you ask yourself: “will I ever get better?” and if things will ever change.

With a lot of heart and soul to their music, Comastatic continue their rise in prominence with a track that has a lot of crossover appeal. The melodies, pop-heavy vocals, big chorus, and blend of energy and drama is likeable, even if the track doesn’t quite have a killer hook. There’s a ton of talent in this band though, and this is one hell of a smooth listen.

Cindy-Louise – Innocence

Known for her unique writing style and sound, Singer-Songwriter Cindy-Louise is back with a fiery new single and music video called ‘Innocence’, perfect for fans of Evanescence, Within Temptation & Lzzy Hale.

Cindy-Louise comments that:

For approximately two years now, I’ve been meticulously crafting this song. It’s imbued with profound pain and intense emotion, making it quite a challenge to determine the exact sound I wanted it to encapsulate. Initially, my desire was for the song to embody a smooth, dark pop genre. However, as I delved deeper into its creation, I found myself growing increasingly agitated. This ultimately led me to a revelation – this song, while tinged with sadness, also held a powerful undertone of empowerment.

An impressive artist, Cindy-Louise showcases her power with this powerful blast of pop-tinged rock. Hitting incredible high with her vocals, allowing the melody to spread far and wide, but also delivering an anthemic chorus that makes you want to stand up and shout along. Check it out here.

Plagues – Resurgence

Anonymous metal band ‘Plagues’ will release their latest single ‘Resurgence’ on October 31st, 2023. Born out of the chaos of 2020 in the UK, Plagues has blossomed into a captivating theatrical metal phenomenon amassing a devoted following for their mesmerizing compositions and captivating lore.

This dedicated legion named ‘Scholars of Light’ has cultivated a pulsing digital sanctuary called ‘We Are the Cleansing’ or ‘Sanctuarii’, where individuals unite in their shared admiration for the band’s compelling lore and audial artistry. Behind anonymous and veiled faces, Plagues unfurls a rich and alluring narrative centred on the enigmatic entity, Xy’lothra, heightening the allure and sparking a quest for understanding among their ardent fans.

Speaking on the meaning behind the track Xy’lothra states:

Resurgence tells the epic tale of Xy’lothra summoning the Scholars of Light to brace against a threat to all existence. The narrative underscores the essential theme of mustering strength from a place of perceived weakness. It echoes the universal struggle of overcoming overwhelming adversity to protect and provide for loved ones. The song stands as a powerful anthem, inspiring resilience and unwavering resolve in the face of daunting challenges.

Dark and devilish, it’s no coincidence that this track comes out on Halloween as it has a sinister vibe. Yet, it’s built on a foundation of epic power and unrelenting melodic heaviness. When it gets heavy, it gets really bloody heavy, yet it retains its unique sense of dark mystery, Think a heavier Sleep Token, and you’re someway to understanding what Plagues offer. Upon release, check it out here.

What Will Be – Slow Down

What Will Be are an alternative rock band hailing from Manchester, UK. Known for their dynamic blend of introspective lyrics, powerful vocals, and captivating instrumentals taking cues from bands such as Incubus and Arcane Roots. They have been steadily carving their own unique niche in the alternative rock landscape and will release their new single ‘Slow Down’ on the 3rd of November 2023.

The band describes the song as:

A poignant song encapsulating the battle against illness, highlighting the isolation and missed opportunities for family and social connections. It portrays the heavy burden of illness preventing engagement with loved ones. However, as the music evolves and the song continues it shows a journey towards healing and resilience. The lyrics emphasize the crucial role of family and friends, who provide unwavering support and strength.

We hope that the song acts as a beacon for people who suffer from something similar and show that it doesn’t have to be restrictive.

With plenty of heightened drama, partially because of the lyrical content, but mainly because of the melodies, What Will Be showcase a tenderness with this track. Providing a level of wistfulness and nostalgia that hits the heart and soul hard. The vocals are excellent, the melody is heart-wrenching, and it has a catchy chorus. Upon release, check it out here.

Torizon – Martyr

Brisbane alt-rock trio Torizon share triumphant new single ‘Martyr’, launching live on the Gold Coast this weekend supporting Bridge Left To Burn on the Bitter Endings East Coast Tour.

Vocalist Mish Sharma explains:

The lyrics explore the victim grappling with the reality of the situation and deciding to leave; even though the trauma brain is persistent about staying because it feels ‘familiar’.

This is an awesome track, featuring some great groove and a delightful amount of moodiness. The powerhouse vocals, hearty instrumentation, and dramatic chorus makes for one hell of a memorable listen. It’s alternative rock with a bit more bite and a more extravagant stance, but it comes across extremely naturally. The cherry on top? That guitar solo. Wonderful stuff.

Wounded Cross – Monument of Bones

Rugby metallers, Wounded Cross, return with their environmentally charged single ‘Monument Of Bones’. The single is a statement of intent and is a new beginning, a new style, a new sound, and a fresh take on whatever genre you choose to call it.

‘Monument Of Bones’ focuses on climate change, it asks the question. What will be left of the earth if we continue down the path we are on? ‘Monument of Bones’ is the first single from a full length album that will be released in 2024 and it will be released on November 2nd, 2023.

Wounded Cross are back, and back with a mighty bang. This track is over seven minutes long, and Wounded Cross utilise every single second to express themselves in different ways. It is melodic, it is atmospheric, it is progressive, it is manic, and it is bloody great. The effort that has gone into making this track an absolute beast is startling, and it’s a mighty fine showcase of their creative talents. Upon release, check it out here.

Exit Eden – Run!

Symphonic metal supergroup Exit Eden , feat. Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis), Anna Brunner (League of Distortion) and Marina La Torraca (Phantom Elite), are back to mesmerise audiences with their second studio album. Illustrating strength and female empowerment, Femmes Fatales is set for release 12th January 2024 via Napalm Records.

The trio now present their new single ‘Run!’, featuring a guest appearance by vocalist Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish).

Exit Eden state:

We are back and very excited to re-introduce Exit Eden, starting with the single ‘Run!’ – our very first original song ever. It features the legendary Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), and we couldn’t be more honoured! This is only one of the many facets of our new album, Femmes Fatales, and we can’t wait to share all of them with you.

Three dynamic vocalists would be more than enough to make Exit Eden stand out, but this new single just so happens to also feature the voice of ex-Nightwish vocalist Marko Hietala. Giving the symphonic epic-ness an extra layer, working in fine tandem with the incredible voices of Clémentine Delauney, Anna Brunner and Marina La Torraca. It’s a very impressive vocal performance, but don’t let that overshadow the catchiness of the folksy music. It’s a solid piece of music. Check it out here.

Learn to Lie – Twisted Kind of Spell

Midlands-based, alternative rock band, Learn to Lie return with their latest single, Twisted Kind of Spell.

What a great band Learn to Lie are, and with this new track they continue to showcase their alternative talents with aplomb. This new effort is one of their more emotive sounding. Oozing with mournful and honest passion, the melodies work so well with the commanding vocals. It’s as infectious as it is powerful.

Kissing Candice – Skeletons

Kissing Candice commence their rebirth with the release of their new single ‘Skeletons’ featuring Heidi Shepherd from Butcher Babies. Every time the opportunity arises for the band to take their theatrical antics and on-stage chaos to the next level, they do not pass it up, and this track is no exception. The band seamlessly melds their early metalcore and nu-metal influences with the melodic mastery of current active rock to create a new iteration of Kissing Candice. Heidi Shepherd’s unrelentingly heavy feature acts as the cherry on top. The release coincides with the unveiling of their new masks and 2023 appearance at Louder Than Life Festival.

Says Kissing Candice:

All things must grow, or risk dying. It is with this in mind that Kissing Candice moves on to their next evolutionary phase with ‘skeletons’ signifying the strong foundation we will build upon.

The future for Kissing Candice is looking and sounding particularly bright based off this new track. A track that sees Kissing Candice embrace the spooky season with a garish and anthemic song/video. One that just so happens to feature the impressive vocal talents of Butcher Babies’ Heidi Shepherd. This is a track that could light up a rock club dance floor. Check it out here.

Hell Can Wait – Drowning in You

Brighton based band, Hell Can Wait is a force to be reckoned with in the world of melodic hardcore. Formed in 2021, this impassioned group of musicians from diverse backgrounds converged to create a sound that is both emotionally charged and sonically explosive. With a relentless commitment to their craft, Hell Can Wait has emerged as a leading voice in the contemporary melodic hardcore scene. They will release their final single of 2023, ‘Drowning in You’, on November 3rd, 2023.

Hell Can Wait are spitting absolute venom here, delivering a manic and explosive blast of metallic hardcore. Yet, unlike many of their contemporaries, they have deeper and more melodic layers that give this a fresh feel. It’s still unashamedly intense, but it cuts through in an alternative-tinged way. Upon release, check it out here.

Bellwether – Bloodline

Sydney based pop punk band Bellwether have shared their new single ‘Bloodline’. Featuring guest vocals from ‘Mikey Arthur’ of Sharp Tone Records concept metal band ‘The Gloom In The Corner, ‘Bloodline’ explores a darker and heavier side to Bellwether.

Says Heath Joukhadar (Guitarist):

‘Bloodline’ is our first attempt at writing a “heavy” song, and is inspired by the characters Zuko and Ozai from the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” TV series. The song explores the strained father-son relationship between the two fictional characters, with Mikey Arthur from The Gloom In The Corner stepping in to portray the role of Ozai.

Mikey Arthur vocalist of ‘The Gloom In The Corner’ talks about his special guest feature on the track:

It was an absolute pleasure to jump on this track for Bellwether! Their style reminds me a lot of the bands I grew up listening to with a modern and fresh polish. I’m thankful they asked me to sprinkle some Gloomy flavour into this banger!

Not bad for a first attempt at writing something heavy. Bellwether certainly give it their all here and deliver a blast of hyperactive electronica and groove. It’s still got all of their pop-punky vibes, especially when it comes to the anthemic chorus, but there’s definitely more bite here. Great stuff.

Diamond Construct – JYNX

Enigmatic Sydney-based modern metal monsters, Diamond Construct, become the first Australian band to join US-based record label Pale Chord’s roster and equip the news with their frenzied new single ‘JYNX’, streaming everywhere now via Greyscale Records & Pale Chord.

A feral and chaotic explosion of metal, Diamond Construct’s blend of electronica and heaviness has a sharper and more jagged feel. It’s definitely ‘all over the place’ but that doesn’t stop it being a monstrous head-banger. It’s the kind of music that would cause absolute carnage in the pit. Check it out here.

Ward XVI – Saying it Now (Skindred Cover)

Pausing briefly from recording their 3rd album, theatrical metal band Ward XVI have teamed up with V from Yorkshire-based rap metal beatdown groovers Pulverise to release a cover of Skindred’s song ‘Saying it Now’. The video will be premiered on Ward XVI’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Monday 30th October, and be available on other streaming services on the Tuesday 31st October.

Says vocalist Psychoberrie:

As I’m sure any of Ward XVI will tell you I’m not a fan of performing covers, but this song has great meaning, it has shaped my life as I know it.

As Benji introduced this song some years ago he said never to wait to tell someone you love them and at that moment I made my way through the crowd to Doktor Von Stottenstein and told him I loved him, and that what was the beginning of a wonderful relationship, marriage and family. I initially decided I wanted to cover it vocally but I struggled to find a backing track so I set to work putting down a piano piece. After I’d finished I thought this definitely needs guitar and drums so even though it was initially meant to be a surprise for the Doktor, but I couldn’t have anyone else play guitar on this song.

V is a good friend of ours who we’ve shared the stage with many times and we also have a shared love of Skindred. Anytime I go to comment on their posts online you can guarantee to see a comment from V. I’m a huge fan of Skindred, to the point where we gave our son ‘Benji’ as a middle name but I’d say she still has the edge when it comes to fangirling , so there was nobody else I was going to ask.

The idea of Ward XVI covering Skindred’s ‘Saying it Now’ is quite intriguing but it’s also the perfect track for them to tackle. Seeing as it’s one of the more, if not the most, mellow and epic Skindred songs ever. Elements that Ward XVI can handle in their sleep. Yet, as expected, Ward XVI give it their own twist, using keys to make the melody a lot more despondent, but also giving the guitar tone so much more ‘oomph’. Then there’s V on drums, who knocks it out of the park, and that’s before we mention the wonderful vocals of Psychoberrie. She sounds stunning here and you can tell the lyrical content means a lot. Upon release, check it out here.