Single Slam: Future Palace, Extinction A.D., Wicked Envy, Fate’s Hollow, Massive Wagons, Calva Louise, Werewolves, Bad Neighbour, Allt, Oceans of Slumber, Between Owls, Deadscape, Summoning the Lich, Alterjoy, Powerwolf, Iress, Casket Robbery, Vanitas, The Salt Pale Collective, …has no tongues, Defences, Bones UK, Kurokuma, Unto Others, Graphic Nature, and Zeal & Ardor!

Today’s single slam features Future Palace, Extinction A.D., Wicked Envy, Fate’s Hollow, Massive Wagons, Calva Louise, Werewolves, Bad Neighbour, Allt, Oceans of Slumber, Between Owls, Deadscape, Summoning the Lich, Alterjoy, Powerwolf, Iress, Casket Robbery, Vanitas, The Salt Pale Collective, …has no tongues, Defences, Bones UK, Kurokuma, Unto Others, Graphic Nature, and Zeal & Ardor. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Future Palace – Dreamstate

German post-hardcore trio Future Palace have released a video for their new single ‘Dreamstate’. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album ‘Distortion’, due for release on 6th September via Arising Empire.

Future Palace’s march forward continues with massive aplomb as they deliver the second single from their upcoming new album and set the senses aflame with a synth-infused, melody-laced, powerful and infectious banger. This is an evolved Future Palace who are finding their place in the alternative, rock, and metal scene. The future has never looked brighter for them, and this is up there as one of the best tracks they’ve ever released.

Extinction A.D. – Impervious (Unrepentant) (feat. Matthew Kiichi Heafy of Trivium)

Extinction A.D., the relentless purveyors of ferocious hardcore tinged thrash metal, have announced that they will unleash their fourth studio album titled ‘To The Detested,’ on August 16th via Unique Leader Records. Alongside the announcement comes the debut of their latest single and accompanying music video, ‘Impervious (Unrepentant)’, featuring guest vocals by Matthew Kiichi Heafy of Trivium.

Speaking on the announcement, the band shares:

‘Impervious’ is another exercise for us in stretching ourselves. Embracing some different tempos, instrumentation and inclusion of guest vocals with Matt Heafy. Working with Matt for the track as well as the video was very gratifying and lot of fun. He’s been a big supporter of the band since the jump so it was rad to get together for some music after all this time.

Time moves on but things sometimes seem to sink further and further into a festering pit in this world. Humans are steadily losing their humanity in the current state of things, so finding a way to survive without becoming a monster yourself is becoming increasingly difficult.

A track to get the head truly banging hard, Extinction A.D. are back with a meaty, heavy, and hellacious metal offering. The riffs are very thick, the drumming is emphatic, and the vocals are spiteful sounding. Matthew Kiichi Heafy guests and as expected, he delivers his parts with incredible intensity. Check it out here.

Wicked Envy – Final Descent

Sydney rebellious rockers Wicked Envy have released their formidable new single called ‘Final Descent’.

Explains vocalist Desiree Hancock:

‘Final Descent ‘explores the intense fear of flying and dying in a plane crash. 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 somber feel, as if these voices are from the dead.

The thumping guitars in the main riff/ chorus and pounding drums brings out the 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 off 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?

Heavy, groovy, anthemic, and alt-twisted, this is one hell of a punchy effort. The heft coming from the guitars and drums, with melody coming from the vocals. It swings hard, is surprisingly short and tight, has a strong chorus, and is just overall quite memorable. Great stuff.

Fate’s Hollow – Child of Fortune

‘Child Of Fortune’ is the new, and second overall, single from Manchester based prog/alt-rock outfit, Fate’s Hollow. It will be released on June 25th, 2024, and follows on from their highly successful debut release, ‘The End Of Summer’, earlier this year. Both singles are taken from the highly anticipated forthcoming concept album, ‘The Heir Apparition Part I – Broken Crowns’, that has been completely crowdfunded and is set for release later this year.

Says Reece (vocals/guitars) of Fate’s Hollow:

Child Of Fortune was actually one of the first four or so songs we wrote as a band, so it’s been cooking for quite a while. It was a welcome change to the quite melancholy stuff we’d already written, and definitely turned out to be one of our more fun songs. It’s an interesting song narratively because it’s our first-time meeting Elo, our main character, and we don’t exactly portray him in the best light. We want people to sort of dislike Elo to begin with, and then see him grow as a person as we put him through these story beats throughout Part I and eventually Part II. He will go through a lot, let’s put it that way.

After a very strong showing with their debut single, Fate’s Hollow have our attention now, and expectations are a little higher. Thankfully, they’re a talented group and know exactly how to thrill as this new single is one hell of an alternative anthem. Yet, they’re not afraid to experiment instrumentally here and there, and this is something that comes through strongly. Especially in the latter half when the guitars really get to shine. Upon release, check it out here.

Massive Wagons – Missing On TV

Lancaster’s rock ruffians Massive Wagons have announced their seventh studio album ‘Earth To Grace’, accompanied by the new single and video ‘Missing On TV’. All fired up, the eternally hard-working band use Missing On TV to call out government’s endless exploitation of the common man.

Frontman Barry “Baz” Mills states:

The song’s about the government, all sides just milking the rest of us to fund their lifestyle. They have zero shame, zero accountability, and zero remorse about stamping all over the common man. We are washed away out to sea, missing on TV. It’s an age-old message, but more relevant now than in a long, long time.

It’s one thing to release something with relevancy, but it’s another to make that track accessible to all. Massive Wagons are no strangers to doing both, and nail the combination once again with this new rocking single. Infectious groove, foot-tapping riffs, lovable vocals, and a banging chorus. What more could you ever want? Check it out here.

Calva Louise – La Corriente

Following on from their electrifying performance at Download Festival and their US tour with Vukovi, Calva Louise have revealed their brand-new single ‘La Corriente’, out now on Mascot Records.

The band will also be taking on a headline tour of the UK, starting on 4 July at the Bodega, Nottingham and calling through Leeds (The Key Club), Glasgow (King Tuts), Manchester (Deaf Institute), Birmingham (Asylum 2) and finishing at Omeara, London on 11 July. They will also be playing 2000Trees (UK), Dynamo Metal Festival (The Netherlands), Burn It Down Festival (UK) and Vainstream Rock Festival (Germany).

Keep a very close eye on Calva Louise, they’re rising at a rapid speed, and part of a new-breed of metallers that utilise electronics and melody to enhance their heavy sound. All while being acutely anthemic and danceable. Which sums up this lovable piece of music. A track you can move and head bang too in equal measure. Check it out here.

Werewolves – Spittle-Flecked Rant

Werewolves present their classiest and most accomplished music video to date for ‘Spittle-Flecked Rant’, filmed by auteur Rob Brens at the unfortunate Anubis Studios who regret ever allowing the band onto their premises.

The band states:

This video is the culmination of years of our artistic vision and is rife with subtle metaphors and hidden meanings. We reference the works of Polanski, the philosophies of Aristotle, the cultural patois of Norman Lindsay…indeed, we stand on the shoulders of our intellectual forefathers. To watch this filmclip is to be enlightened. Gaze upon the shining future of entertainment, the light upon the hill.

The lyrics were partially written during a debaucherous Swiss ski trip with crusty grinders who threatened to hold Sam down and tattoo his face. ‘Spittle-Flecked Rant’ is taken from forthcoming album, Die For Us, which is set for release on July 19th.

Do you really need to be told that this is f**king fast, f**king brutal, and f**king cruel? If you know your Werewolves, you wouldn’t expect anything but. It’s them doing what they do best, delivering manic mutilation in their inimitable death metal way. It’s f**king sickening, even more so when you consider what is going on in the video too. Never forget, Werewolves don’t take themselves too seriously, and neither should you. Even if they consistently deliver the finest of furious sounds.

Bad Neighbour – Heart Pumps Blood

Brisbane alternative indie rock outfit Bad Neighbour have announced their debut album ‘Millions’ will be released Friday September 20. The band have shared the new single ‘Heart Pumps Blood’ as a taste of more to come!

One part lively catchiness, one part dramatically melodic, Bad Neighbour’s new single has nostalgic pop rock and indie rock vibes running through it. Even though it does have a ‘retro’ feel and a certain amount of familiarity about it, it’s exceptionally enjoyable. A smile-inducing track with a banging chorus. Check it out here.

Deadscape – Until Our Dying Days

The Bulgarian melodic death metal outfit Deadscape have released a brand new single. The track, entitled ‘Until Our Dying Days’, will be part of the band’s second full-length album ‘State Of Decline’, set to be released on August 23rd, 2024, via Miracle Of Bravery Records.

Melodeath to its core, without much in the way of formula changes, but who cares about that! This is a banger with a stunning balance of heavy speed, growling vocals, soaring riffs, gigantic melodies, and strong clean singing. It’s not going to change the world, but it is making it a better place by existing. Check it out here.

Summoning The Lich – Return to the Soil

Summoning The Lich have shared the new single and music video, ‘Return to the Soil’, from their forthcoming sophomore album, ‘Under the Reviled Throne’. Return to the Soil is the second track to be taken from Under the Reviled Throne and follows the St. Louis, Missouri technical death metal groups recent US touring in support in of Vale of Pnath and Abigail Williams. Under the Reviled Throne will be released via Prosthetic Records on July 26th.

Speaking on the new single and music video, David Bruno (vocals) comments:

We open up our second album with Return To The Soil, which is fitting because it was one of the first songs we really nailed down when we were first crafting Under The Reviled Throne. It describes the Lich’s journey into the wastes as he and his mighty army begin their quest to dominate the continent. Also there are witches, and I love writing songs about witches.

Spending the first thirty seconds building anticipation for something visceral, Summoning the Lich don’t just meet expectations with a crunchy chaotic explosion, they go even further with something that will make your eyes water, your ears bleed, and your stomach churn. Fast, furious, and feral as f**k. This, alongside the first single, suggests we’re all in for something very special with this new album.

Allt – Remnant

Swedish progressive metal outfit Allt are back with new music and proudly present their new single ‘Remnant’, out now via Century Media.

The band commented on their new single:

‘Remnant’ is a deeply personal and thematic track, even by our standards. It marks the beginning of a new narrative that we’re eager to unveil. In writing this song, we aimed to capture the essence of radioactivity and otherworldly forces. The track is profoundly human, yet it possesses an unmistakable alien quality. It is as melancholy as it is heavy—a tale of human frailty and survival.

There’s an interesting thing going on here with Allt. One the one hand, the track gives off some strong metalcore vibes, but there’s a bigger and grander progressive feel to the whole thing. Something made more obvious by the shifting and shimmering rhythms as Allt alternate between raging heaviness and dramatic melody so easily. The longer it goes on, the more intense all of this becomes. Check it out here.

Powerwolf – Sinners of the Seven Seas

Gold and platinum awarded heavy metal force Powerwolf have revealed their new single, ‘Sinners of the Seven Seas’, from the upcoming studio album, ‘Wake Up the Wicked’, out 26th July via Napalm Records.

No big surprises here, Powerwolf drop another epic banger, but who is complaining? Not only is this so much fun, but it’s so damn catchy, and avoids the trappings of pirate metal by keeping things acutely power metal. The melodies of this track are fantastic and love it or loathe it, it does get stuck in the head. Check it out here.

Oceans of Slumber – Poem of Ecstasy

Oceans of Slumber have pulled back the curtain to officially announce ‘Where Gods Fear to Speak’, their brand-new album. Out September 13th via Season of Mist. The album’s second single, ‘Poem of Ecstasy’ has also been released.

The evolution of Oceans of Slumber continues with this new single as they find themselves becoming more and more comfortable with melody and utilising vocalist Cammie’s incredible voice. This being a track that showcases the power of her clean singing and the power of her growls, alongside a deep and dark instrumental sound that gets stupendously heavy. It’s such a creative track, but this is a band that revels in being consistently creative.

Between Owls – Big Smiles

The first single ‘Big Smiles’ from the upcoming album of Between Owls explores the longing for connection and validation. It observes the uncertainty of someone’s self-image in need of confirmation from the outside. No judgment, rather irritation and doubt.

An indie rocker with foot-tapping rhythms, nice melodies, soulful vocals, and a chorus that is delightfully catchy. What more do you need to know? It’s a very likable track that sees Between Owls express themselves emphatically and memorably. Check it out here.

Alterjoy – Radiate

Dark-pop solo powerhouse Alterjoy shares introspective new single ‘Radiate’, exploring the process of overcoming mental struggles, reconnecting and seeking the light on the other side.

Radiate was created with long term collaborator and producer Chris Lalic (Windwaker), and highlights the wild, intense journey of battling internal pain and using that struggle as a form of artistic expression. Ultimately, the song portrays a message of resilience and transformation through confronting and overcoming personal challenges.

Sometimes a track just isn’t for you, but you can at least recognise the talent behind it, and that it will appeal to plenty of others. This is the case here with Alterjoy’s new single as the pop and electronica combo just doesn’t work. Not only does it lack any kind of spark, but it also doesn’t sound particularly convincing. The chorus rescues it a little by being a tad catchy, but it’s nothing special. Check it out here.

Iress – In Reverse

Los Angeles-based dream metal band, Iress, have now released their new single ‘In Reverse’. Taken from their upcoming album ‘Sleep Now, In Reverse’, out 26th July 2024 via Church Road Records (ROW) and Dune Altar (USA).

Says Michelle (Vocals/Guitar):

This song really unifies all of our different tastes. “In Reverse” began with a simple verse melody, but transformed into something I never expected—dare I say a mathy grunge ballad? This one really checks all the boxes when it comes to what kind of music we want to create.

Based off every single heard so far, this new Iress album is going to be something truly special, and this new single is only adding more weight to that prediction. As haunting as ever, as dramatic as always, and as uniquely captivating as only they can be. It’s hard to not be transfixed by the vocals, and when accompanied by such a powerful instrumental section, it makes for something very special. This track, it has so much beauty, but there’s pain too, and while Iress are often quite moody, this one really pushes that aspect of their music to the forefront.

Casket Robbery – The Lacryphagist

Midwest death machine Casket Robbery have launched their newest single, ‘The Lacryphagist’. The song marks the band’s first new material since their 2022 album, Rituals of Death.

Vocalist Megan Orvold-Scheider comments on the song:

I had so much fun writing for ‘The Lacryphagist’. When we decided it was finally time to sit down and begin writing for the next release, we came up with a really awesome concept and this is a really cool piece of the puzzle. Initially, I got inspired by the stories of Victorian tear vials and I loved the idea of this creature that feeds off of human tears and collects them in various states of emotion. We were able to put in some really grotesque imagery into both the lyrics and the video we shot. I think this single shows our natural next progression as a band and our writing; lyrically getting darker while staying true to our tongue-in-cheek horror vibes that we have so much fun with. We cannot wait to hear what you all think of ‘The Lacryphagist.’

What an absolute rager this is. Casket Robbery are on incredible form here, bursting with unbridled death metal ferocity. Yet, it’s the horror layers, emphatic groove, and unrelenting intensity that makes this such an unforgettable listen. More of this, and their name will be more widely spoken about, that’s for sure. Check it out here.

Vanitas – E.D.G.

Cinematic djent and progressive metal band, Vanitas continue their epic rise with their latest single, ‘E.D.G.’, which is out now. Alongside this, the band have also announced the release of their new EP, ‘’Chaos Theory’, to be released on August 2nd, 2024.

What do they have for us this time and is it as great as everything that has come so far? Kicking off in heavy style, there’s some serious intensity to this track, and as the vocals arrive to pour scorn over everything, it seems like Vanitas are entering blacker territories, but hold on, because they’re a band with layers. The chorus hits and this track becomes something so much more epic sounding. It’s fantastic, a really powerful track, and without wanting to sound like a broken record, that chorus is just brilliant.

The Salt Pale Collective / …has no tongue – Northern Darkness / Born In A Coffin

The Salt Pale Collective and …has no tongue have teamed up to release a split single. The former, offering up ‘Northern Darkness’ and the latter, offering up ‘Born In A Coffin’.

With a thick coating of atmosphere, impressively haunting, The Salt Pale Collective offer something quite captivating. That first minute or so is beautiful, and then like lightening striking, the heaviness arrives, and their full power is unleashed. The slow tempo and the continuation of the atmosphere ensures the switch feels so natural. It’s an immense effort that has so many stunning peaks and valleys, experimental, but so very clever. Check it out here.

…has no tongue also makes use of the experimental term, offering up something quite different, but quite interesting too. Coming from that fascinating genre that we call ‘noise’, this is a song all about ambience. Creating a soundscape that is uncomfortably ethereal, and disturbingly memorable. Check it out here.

Defences – The Almost

Future alternative metal greats Defences present their stunning new single/video ‘The Almost’ via Long Branch Records.

Comments the band:

With ‘The Almost‘ we wanted to dive into the dangers of comparing yourself and your achievements to the people around you. It is all too easy to see the often manipulated, idyllic versions of people’s lives on social media and come to the conclusion that you’re missing out, that you’re not living life to the fullest. To be stuck in a place where you feel like your life has not begun is a horrible and unnecessary feeling, and we wanted to put a name to it. That’s where ‘The Almost‘ comes in.

Our version of this place, ‘The Almost‘, is a sort of limbo. It serves as an allegory for these comparisons, trapping us and getting in the way of self fulfilment and happiness. The results of this process are seen in this darker, more corrupted reflection of Cherry that has taken over in the visuals, serving as a personification of the dangers of being trapped in vicious cycles like this one.

Modern metalcore with passion and the ability to deliver something creative, Defences have already left a big impression on those who have heard them. Something that is only going to grow when more people experience tracks like this. Blending grand sounding melodic beauty with heavy metal groove and energy. Over-saturated or not, when there’s a banger track, it needs to be shouted about. Check it out here.

Bones UK – Bikinis

GRAMMY-nominated duo Bones UK have released their new single ‘Bikinis’, which comes alongside the announcement of their sophomore album ‘Soft’, out 13th September via Sumerian Records, and includes collaborations with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Mike Shuman of Queens of the Stone Age.

It’s Bones UK and you know what that means! Club bangers with elegant groove, danceable beats, and a chorus that everyone can sing along to. They’ve made one hell of a name for themselves perfecting this kind of music, and this is going to be another firm favourite of the ever growing fanbase.

Kurokuma – Crux Ansata

Vicious psych trio Kurokuma have shared the 2nd single, ‘Crux Ansata’, from their upcoming new album ‘Of Amber and Sand’. While their Sanford Parker-recorded debut, ‘Born of Obsidian’ dug deep into the ancient history of Mesoamerican civilisations, ‘Of Amber and Sand’ is based on the colossal concept of time, each track dealing with a different facet of temporality and eternity, probing its significance to creation, civilisation and the human experience.

Drummer Joe Allen comments on their new single ‘Crux Ansata’:

Crux Ansata is the Coptic name of the Egyptian ankh, or symbol of life. Lyrically it’s based on the idea that we are born and given a certain amount of time to work with, and this time is the one thing that we can’t give away to others or take more of for ourselves. It’s the most precious thing we have because once it’s gone, everything is gone, and we have no way of replenishing it. We can make healthy choices etc, avoid danger, but in the end we can’t control it and we only have as much as we have. And it’s this idea that everyone is born rich with it, yet at the end of our lives even the most wealthy and powerful person cannot take anymore to extend theirs, whilst a poor infant is still luxuriously rich with it.

What a great band Kurokuma are, genuinely standing out with their unique sound, which these days, is no easy task. The first single was special, but they’ve outdone themselves again with this beast of a track that, once it heavies up, just makes you say ‘oof’. It’s f**king filthy sounding and you’ll love wallowing in it. Check it out here.

Unto Others – Raigeki

Last month, Unto Others made their long-awaited return with a new single and music video for ‘Butterfly’. Now, they reappear with ‘Raigeki’, alongside an electrifying lyric video directed by Zev Deans.

Of the song, the band’s Gabriel Franco comments:

War and death and suicide and planes and explosions, I’ve been told we are a goth / metal band, those topics tick all the boxes I think. ‘Raigeki’ is about The Kamikaze, the Floating Chrysanthemum, the last gasp of a conflict. It’s all very metal.

Lacking a creative spark, Raigeki is a lacklustre offering from a band that normally delivers. It’s an inoffensive, safe, and made for the radio goth rock tune, but that’s about it. Impossible to hate, but also difficult to love. They can, and no doubt will, do so much better. Check it out here.

Graphic Nature – Human

Fast-rising British metallers, Graphic Nature, known for their aggressive contemporary sound, influenced by nu-metal and early 2000’s metalcore, have released new single, ‘Human’, taken from their second LP, ‘Who Are You When No One Is Watching?’, due for a July 12th release on Rude Records.

Reveals frontman, Harvey Freeman:

‘Human’ is about the selfishness that can rear its’ head when dealing with mental illness. It’s about how I will often prioritise something new over something old and I’ll forget about what really matters to me in that moment.

We expect chaos, we expect intensity, and we expect Graphic Nature to challenge. Good news! They don’t let any of us down with this manic new single. Going hard as hell, while also showcasing their experimental ways, it’s a dark sounding track. It’s what they do, and they do it so damn well. Check it out here.

Zeal & Ardor – Fend You Off

Zeal & Ardor isn’t just a band; it’s a living and breathing entity. Like any other sentient being, it consumes, evolves, and transforms from one season to the next. It has only sharpened its claws, lengthened its teeth, and steeled its nerves over the years, growing more undeniable and unpredictable in the process. The band will drop their fourth album, the self-produced ‘Grief’, on August 23rd. Now, the band has shared the album’s third single, ‘Fend You Off’.

Says band leader Manuel Gagneux:

Another colour joins the tapestry with ‘Fend You Off’. By now, it might be apparent that we’re sharing new sides of ours. This is us at our core honest and vulnerable. We hope you like it. Stay strange.

You really never know what you’re going to get with Zeal & Ardor, and so far, the suggestion is that this new album might be their most experimental yet. Which, with this new track, is seemingly confirmed. Constantly innovative, consistently clever, and deeply affecting, this new single is powerful. One that needs multiple listens, and one that needs time to sink in, but one that leaves a huge impression. As always with Zeal & Ardor.