Single Slam: Oceans of Slumber, Body Horror, Trash Boat, Fang Club, Million Moons, Lowlives, Chaos Doctrine, Smo, Shoun Shoun, Eonian, Scarlet Rebels, downcast, Gurt, Iress, newshapes, Vanitas, Alterjoy, and Gatecreeper!

Today’s single slam features Oceans of Slumber, Body Horror, Trash Boat, Fang Club, Million Moons, Lowlives, Chaos Doctrine, Smo, Shoun Shoun, Eonian, Scarlet Rebels, downcast, Gurt, Iress, newshapes, Vanitas, Alterjoy, and Gatecreeper. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Oceans of Slumber – Where Gods Fear to Speak

Oceans of Slumber defy any and all convention. For the past 15 years, the Houston band have come to redefine what it means to be Southern Gothic by mixing melodic death, doom and black metal with subtle electronic flourishes and the overpowering heat of their hometown. Now, after signing with Season of Mist, they have released ‘Where Gods Fear to Speak’, the first single off their upcoming fifth album.

Welcome back Oceans of Slumber! A band who always finds ways to impress and set us on the path to their new album with something unexpected. Unexpected because Oceans of Slumber head into much heavier locales here, especially from the perspective of the vocals. You don’t want this experience spoiled for you, you need to hear it yourself, because it is amazing. A band who always delivers, this first single has created a stupid amount of anticipation for the new album already. It’s dark, gloomy, heavy, and brilliant.

Body Horror – Goodboy

Having established themselves as one of the fiercest live acts in London, Body Horror (consisting of members from Wales, England and Sweden) have gradually moved further into the world of electronic music – the band wearing their techno and industrial influences on their sleeve. Their new single ‘Goodboy’ is out now via Permanent Creeps Records.

Love or hate the direction that Body Horror are going in, all will agree that they are still one hell of a unique sounding band. This track is weird, that is the simplest way to sum it up, and it’s certainly polarising. However, the heavy electronica vibes are quite addictive, and the desperation in the vocals really shines. It isn’t going to be for everyone, but if it is, chances are you’ll love it. Check it out here.

Trash Boat – Break You

St Albans quintet Trash Boat have released a brand new single, ‘Break You’, ahead of their upcoming special headline show at London’s Heaven next month, an event they’ve named ‘One Night In Heaven’, their only planned UK performance at present.

Explains frontman Tobi Duncan:

Break You is about the single most significant period of fear and anxiety I have ever had in my life, I’ve never felt anything like it before or since. Not a clue where it came from or how it happened, but I was reduced to a constant feeling of indiscriminate fear, not of anything in particular, just fear. It felt like it was the beginning of the rest of my life, like I was going to feel this way or worse forever. I couldn’t even get out of bed or leave the house, let alone tour, travel, socialise, work etc. And yet I made it through and learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of, so this song dives into my thoughts surrounding this period.

A fast-paced electro-infused offering from Trash Boat, showcasing their evolving sound, while having the familiar anthemic vibes that has made this band so beloved. It’s manic, and that means it’s going to be stupidly intense when played live. Chances are it’s going to sound so much better live too. Check it out here.

Fangclub – Out Of My Head

Hot off the heels of their returning single, ‘Attention’ which dropped in March, Irish alt rockers, Fangclub, have now followed this up with their brand new single, ‘Out Of My Head’.

On the new single , Fangclub’s vocalist Steven King comments:

Out Of My Head is a big fun ego-death song. The riff has a country bounce to it so we wanted to make it like a heavy Beck song. Two and a half minutes of a big riff, big drums and hooks. Self-deprecating entertainment.

Short, but very freaking sweet. Out of My Head is a riff-focused head-banger of an alternative anthem that, once again, shows the immense talents of Fangclub off. It’s such an easy track to enjoy, super-digestible, and cleverly written. What more do you need to know?

Million Moons – Voice of the Wild

UK-based post-rockers Million Moons have announced the release of their second full-length, ‘I May Be Some Time’. It will be released on May 29th, 2024, with ‘Voice of the Wild’, the record’s lead single out now.

If that instant hit of post-rock instrumentation at the start doesn’t fill you with joy, then what are we even doing here? From the moment this track kicks off, it is a delight, but as it goes on, Million Moons showcase a level of beauty, emotion and heavy rockiness that just makes this genre of music so special. As a taste of what is to come from the new album, it’s mightily filling, and most will be well and truly salivating at the prospect of its incoming release. Check it out here.

Lowlives – You Don’t Care

West coast based raucous rockers Lowlives have shared their new single and music video for ‘You Don’t Care’. The track is taken from their debut album, Freaking Out, due May 31st via their new label home Spinefarm Records and marks the end of the band’s three-part Hellvis video narrative.

How good has Lowlives output been recently? Yet, if you thought they had reached their pinnacle, you’re going to be very glad to be wrong. You Don’t Care is an incredibly strong track, wonderful infectious, while having a really heavy rock groove. You’re going to move, that much is guaranteed. Check it out here.

Chaos Doctrine – Heretic

Johannesburg-based industrialised thrash metal machine Chaos Doctrine’s third album, ‘Bellum’ is unleashed on April 26th. The final single, ‘Heretic’ is out now.

If you weren’t already frothing at the mouth for the release of the new album, Heretic will probably be the bite that tips you over the edge. Chaos Doctrine going ‘hell for leather’ in their intense thrash-focused way, delivering a frenzied head-banger that hits with a ton of heavy force.

Smo – Crooked Teeth

‘Crooked Teeth’ is the second single from Smo (Sammy Urwin of Employed To Serve). Much like the first single ‘Real People’, this new track blends elements of punk, metal and industrial which ultimately makes for a raw and energetic vibe.

As for the meaning behind ‘Crooked Teeth’ Smo had this to say about the song’s meaning:

‘Crooked Teeth’ is a song of empowerment to those who don’t feel fully comfortable in their own skin. In the age of “baddiecore” and the press shifting focus on to bands that have the “right look”, I wanted to remind people that alternative music is to be enjoyed by everyone and created by anyone. Wear your imperfections as a badge of honour!

Gawd damn! Real People was a banger, but Smo has raised the bar significantly with this kickass tune. One that genre bends to the extreme but doesn’t sound messy in the slightest. It has got real punk soul to it, some real metal bite too, and the chorus is killer. However, there are two specific moments that really elevate it. The first is the breakdown – that shit slays. The other is the hyperactive latter part of the track. Head-banging gold.

Shoun Shoun – We Woke the Monster

Following up on the 2022 release of their debut album ‘Monsters & Heroes’ experimental rock four-piece Shoun Shoun are set to release their new single, ‘We Woke the Monster’ on April 21st, 2024.

On first listen, you might find yourself a bit bemused by the Shoun Shoun sound, but intrigued. Something that transforms into deep love on multiple listens as you start to understand what the word ‘experimental’ means when it comes to a track like this. They’re an odd bunch, but an odd bunch that you can’t help enjoy being in the company of. Not only is this single so very addictive, it’s fun as all hell. Check it out here.

Eonian – The Emperor’s Hounds

‘The Emperor’s Hounds is the latest single from symphonic/death metal solo project Eonian. After their debut EP, ‘The Nomad,’ and the collaboration of Christopher Amott (ex-Arch Enemy) in a cover of ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’, it is the turn of Oliver Palotai (Kamelot) and Grant Truesdell (Unleash the Archers) to join forces with Eonian.

How about some symphonic grandeur in this week’s Single Slam? Eonian have us covered with an epic that gets better and better as it goes on. Which, considering it begins in brilliant fashion, should tell you a lot about its quality. It’s an outstanding explosion of symphonic lavishness and death metal grimness that utilises its guests to perfection. Both adding touches to the track to make it that little bit better. Check it out here.

Scarlet Rebels – Secret Drug

South Wales rockers Scarlet Rebels have released their new single ‘Secret Drug’, alongside a video, and announced their new album ‘Where the Colours Meet’ will be released on August 16th, 2024, via Earache Records.

Sometimes it can be so simple. Write a song that has hooks, and you will be alright. That’s pretty much what Scarlet Rebels have done here. Crafting an impressive rock anthem that is very accessible and hugely enjoyable. Even if you’re not instantly smitten with it, chances are, it will be stuck in your head for some time afterwards. Check it out here.

downcast – bittersweet

downcast are back! Bristol’s finest emo/alt-rock quartet have been hard at work in the studio crafting the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut album “i saw hell when i was with you”, and after months of hard work honing their craft, Liam, Ben, Jeff and Sam can reveal details of their first new music since their debut release.

downcast’s new single is called ‘bittersweet’, and it’s out now. A tribute to an old friend and themed around their hometown of Bristol, mixed around a theme of nostalgia.

Explains frontman Liam Edwards:

‘bittersweet’ was written to commemorate a close friend who we lost just under two years ago. It describes the conflicting feelings of fondness and grief that come with revisiting a place associated with someone who is no longer with us. The accompanying music video will make all ’90s kids feel nostalgic.

It feels great to be back, more confident than ever and ready to burst back onto the scene with our best material to date.

How familiar are you with Spanish Love Songs? If the answer is ‘very’, then you’re going to really get along with this new downcast track. That being said, even if you don’t have any familiarity with SLS, and just like nostalgic pop rock/punk tunes that has loads of heart and soul, then you’re going to enjoy this too. It will make you smile.

Gurt – Knife Fever

It’s been five long years since UK “party doom” riff merchants Gurt released their last crushing opus ‘Bongs of Praise’, now on June 7th, 2024, they are set to return with their new album, ‘Satan Etc’. The band have also shared first single ‘Knife Fever’ which might be the first doom metal song about having a vasectomy.

Has it really been five years since Gurt graced our ears with new music? Though the bigger question is if 2024 is ready for new Gurt. They’re back and sounding as intense as ever, this new track featuring all manner of filthy riffing, tectonic drums, and scathing vocals. All in their uniquely ‘catchy’ way. This is a meaty beast that will make you feel ‘gurty’ all over. Check it out here.

Iress – Falling

The stalwart Los Angeles-based dream metal band, Iress, has just released the first single ‘Falling’ from their upcoming album Sleep Now, In Reverse. The album will be released on 26th July 2024 via Church Road Records (ROW) and Dune Altar (USA).

How the bloody hell do you describe Iress to someone who has never heard a single note of theirs but is taken in by the ‘dream metal’ moniker? Think of it like pop-doom, with heavy and despondent atmosphere. With that, you’re kind of on the right path, but throw in a lot of emotion, and the picture will become clearer, hopefully. Falling is all of this, and so much more. Oozing melancholic vibes, the instruments and vocals combine to create something so ‘dreamlike’, and before you know it, you’ve sunk into Iress fully.

newshapes – feel it (feat. Scott Kennedy of Bleed From Within)

Scottish pop-fuelled post-hardcore outfit newshapes look at life after love with their new single ‘feel it’. The new single sees newshapes team up with Scott Kennedy of Scottish compatriots Bleed From Within.

Speaking about ‘feel it’ newshapes vocalist Ian Mann comments:

After finishing our debut EP I felt like there were still a few things that I hadn’t quite managed to release from within myself, and continued writing to try and find words that would bring this creative chapter of the band to a close. ‘feel it’ is both a literal and spiritual successor to the emotions and thoughts explored during ‘i hope this finds you’, looking at a life beyond love after an EP that kind of tended to indulge feelings of heartbreak.

Bleed From Within vocalist Scott Kennedy speaks about featuring on the track:

I’m really stoked to be a part of the new single from my hometown boys newshapes. I’m a huge fan of this style of music and it’s rare I get asked to guest on stuff of this genre, it was a no brainer for me.

It’s awfully good to hear Scott Kennedy getting involved with something out of his wheelhouse, and his contribution to this track’s quality shouldn’t be understated. That being said, it’s newshapes who have done the work here, giving us a catchy post-hardcore tune with hits of adrenaline-inducing heaviness. It’s a very likeable piece that shows imagination and talent from all. Check it out here.

Alterjoy – World So Loud

Dark-pop solo powerhouse Alterjoy has shared the new single ‘World So Loud’, tackling themes of hypocrisy, societal decay, and the consequences of human actions.

The artist behind Alterjoy, Ben Heidrich shares:

‘World So Loud’ encapsulates a sense of dissonance, noise, and confusion, reflecting the challenges and contradictions faced by individuals in society. It also implies the pervasive influence of external pressures and societal expectations that contribute to the struggle talked about in the lyrics.

The start of this track is baffling. On the one hand, you’ve got this exciting meaty industrial chug, but on the other, you’ve got these unlikable effect-laden vocals. The contrast is both off-putting and exciting, and many may be left feeling a bit unsure. However, as this track goes on, Alterjoy continues to get weirder and weirder, but do a much better job of balancing savage sounding heaviness and dark melody. All of this results in something quite polarising, but defiantly unique. Check it out here.

Vanitas – Lies

Cinematic djent and progressive metal band, Vanitas continue their rise with their latest single, ‘Lies’. A feminine rage anthem that explores the idea of weaponised incompetence, while acting as a rallying cry for women everywhere to express their anger at the patriarchy.

Any week where we get a Vanitas single to enjoy, is a good week. The band aren’t just very prolific, they’re also incredibly consistent when it comes to quality. Does that change with Lies? Of course it bloody doesn’t, and once again, they offer up something exciting and extremely listenable.

Few bands can combine the sound of cinema with heavy progressive metal, have a vocalist with such immense range, and deliver lyrical intensity like Vanitas does. This is yet another high point of their musical career to date.

Gatecreeper – Masterpiece of Chaos

Gatecreeper’s pivotal new album Dark Superstition is due out on May 17th via Nuclear Blast – their label debut. The latest single, ‘Masterpiece of Chaos’ is out now.

Vocalist Chase Mason says:

Masterpiece of Chaos is a nightmarish vision of a broken mirror with an ominous creature that lives within the fragmented web of glass. It sonically contrasts and compliments the more melodic approach we took to some of the other songs.

Gatecreeper keep their familiar death metal style simple here but do infuse it with a sense of horror and darkness that makes for a much more uncomfortable listen. It’s brutally heavy, but with a strong sense of sinisterness that seems to be key to the overall makeup of the new album. Excited to hear the full thing? You should be!