Single Slam: Jinjer, Oranssi Pazuzu, downcast, To the Grave, Lacuna Coil, Swamp Coffin, Fight the Fade, Myles Kennedy, Straight for the Sun, Within the Ruins, Tribulation, Heartline, Gravenoire, Molder, and Arch Enemy!

Today’s single slam features Jinjer, Oranssi Pazuzu, downcast, To the Grave, Lacuna Coil, Swamp Coffin, Fight the Fade, Myles Kennedy, Straight for the Sun, Within the Ruins, Tribulation, Heartline, Gravenoire, Molder, and Arch Enemy. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands and listen to the Single Slam playlist below.

Jinjer – Someone’s Daughter

Ukrainian modern progressive metal icons Jinjer return with a surprise new single, ‘Someone’s Daughter’ out now via Napalm Records. The track arrives with a music video, and is now available on all streaming services worldwide.

The world is always a better place when Jinjer has new music out, and they’re back with a technical juggernaut. One that feels fresh and new, while having that Jinjer magic. Showcasing erratic riffs, thrilling bass lunges, increasing intensity, and as always, immense vocals. It’s a continuation of their complex sounds and their exciting musical odyssey.

Oranssi Pazuzu – Valotus

Finnish psychedelic black metal innovators Oranssi Pazuzu have announced that their latest album, ‘Muuntautuja’ (or Shapeshifter in English) is set to be released on October 11th, 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records. A second single called ‘Valotus’ is out now.

To, hopefully, the surprise of absolutely nobody, this latest Oranssi Pazuzu track is highly experimental, extremely weird, downright insane at times, and exceptionally lovable. It’s what this band does, and there really isn’t anyone else quite as unique as them. Whatever limit you think exists for psychedelic savagery, Oranssi Pazuzu find a way to go beyond it. It’s madness and brilliance in equal measures, leaving a long-lasting impression as only they can. Check it out here.

downcast – your band sucks anyway

With the build up to the release of their brand-new EP ‘WTF HAPPENED’ firmly underway, Bristol rising emo/alt-rock quartet downcast have revealed the latest single from the EP, ‘your band sucks anyway’.

A heady piece of alt-rock nostalgia (and that’s not including the video), downcast’s new single is stupidly infectious and lovably fun with just a touch of angst in there. It’s a hit, sounding delightfully ‘retro’ from the pop-punk/alt-rock/emo side of things, but done so well that it already sounds ageless. Be warned, this one is going to be stuck in the brain matter for some time afterwards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42yJ6pKTjQs

To the Grave – Burn Your Local Butcher

Australian deathcore powerhouse and ardent animal rights activists, To the Grave, have shared their latest single ‘Burn Your Local Butcher’. The track is taken from their upcoming third full-length release titled ‘Everyone’s A Murderer’, scheduled for release on 30th August via Unique Leader Records.

Going for something with strong slam tendencies, To the Grave let their immense deathcore sound do the talking here, although it’s more of a roar. Especially as To the Grave are not coy about getting their point across and doing it in violent fashion. A mid-point switch to something more akin to hardcore is fun, but the standout aspect of this track is an ending that goes really freaking hard. Check it out here.

Lacuna Coil – Hosting the Shadow (feat. Randy Blythe of Lamb of God)

Italian goth metal legends Lacuna Coil are proud to unleash a new single ‘Hosting the Shadow’ on the world. After their successful collaboration with Ash Costello of New Years Day on their latest single ‘In the Mean Time’, the new track ‘Hosting the Shadow’ comes with none other than Randy Blythe from the mighty American band, Lamb of God.

On the new single collaboration, Lacuna Coil shares:

‘Hosting The Shadow’ is a trip through light and dark, where silence reveals its hidden secrets. Obscure moments can become occasions to evolve, to learn to master one’s own shadow – which is crucial in order to prevail. Randy Blythe did an incredible job on this track, we absolutely adore his voice and his evil laugh! Our admiration for him is infinite and to have him as a guest on this song is a dream come true. Partnering with a friend you respect immensely, that also kicks ass on stages around the world: it doesn’t get any better than this. We’re looking forward to the day we can perform ‘Hosting The Shadow’ live together!

The appreciation for the collaboration is more than mutual. Randy Blythe adds:

I was super excited when Lacuna Coil asked me to sing on a song with them – not only am I a big fan of their music, they are truly beautiful souls who have been like family to me for 20 years now.  We’ve played shows together all over the world, and I’ve always wanted to jump onstage and sing with them- I can’t wait until it actually happens with ‘Hosting the Shadow!’

A very cool collaboration, Lacuna Coil are standing the test of time and Lamb of God’s Randy isn’t losing any of his fire, so together they, unsurprisingly, create something magical. Something heavy and anthemic as you might expect. Something that showcases just how immense Cristina Scabbia still sounds. There’s an old-school Lacuna Coil vibe here, but Randy really does help give it a stronger and meatier flavour overall. Enjoyable as hell. Check it out here.

Swamp Coffin – Drowning Glory

Rotherham sludge trio Swamp Coffin are set to return on the 27^th of September with their 2nd album ‘Drowning Glory’ released via APF Records. The first single, ‘Know You’re Worthless’ is out now.

Good fucking gods, this is nasty. Swamp Coffin are back and back with utter filth. However, that important aspect is just one part of the picture that they are painting with this track. Not only does Know You’re Worthless ooze so much pain and anger, but it showcases musical depths that make it more than a sludge song. There are creative edges to this, and the more time spent in its miserable company, the more they come into focus. A very special track that helps create a ton of anticipation for this new album.

Fight the Fade – Quarantine

‘Quarantine’, the latest hard rock anthem from Fight the Fade, delves into the turmoil of isolation and self-reliance. This is the latest single from Fight the Fade’s next album, ‘Isolationist’, Out October 18th from FiXT.

As far as accessible anthemic songs go, there’s no denying that Fight the Fade are pros at providing them. Which they once again do with this new likable and imaginative piece of rockiness. It’s not the most memorable thing they’ve every put out, but that’s mainly because of the high bar they’ve previously set for themselves. If you’re a fan of what they do, you’re going to love this as much as everything else they’ve done.

Myles Kennedy – Nothing More to Gain

With the excitement towards the release of his third solo album ‘The Art of Letting Go’ building, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Myles Kennedy – known for his work with rockers Alter Bridge and Slash and the Conspirators – has released another song from the album called ‘Nothing More to Gain’. The Art Of Letting Go marks the return of Myles backed by his band comprised of Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass. The album is scheduled for release via longtime label home Napalm Records on October 11th, 2024.

It’s not always easy to get that excited about a Myles Kennedy song, even if the man‘s status is deserved and there’s no denying he’s put out many-a-banger. Does this new track count as one? For those who think Myles can do no wrong, probably, but for everyone else, it’s a perfectly fine rock song with some catchy touches and small moments of experimentation that gives the vibe a fresher feel. There can be few complaints, provided you’re not expecting something to set the world alight. Check it out here.

Straight for the Sun – Pulling Teeth

Birmingham-based alternative metallers Straight for the Sun have released their new single and music video for ‘Pulling Teeth’. The track, which is the band’s first taste of new music in two years, arrives ahead of the quintet’s appearance at Bloodstock 2024.

On the new single, vocalist Callum Green comments:

The song itself became a journey of self doubt. Being overwhelmed with pressure was getting the better of the band. However, by looking introspectively about how we make music, we were able to use that to inspire the lyrics and vibe of the song, which we think a lot of other people can relate to in regards to anything they are passionate about.

If you weren’t already hyped for their appearance at Bloodstock, this new energetic banger will ensure you’re up nice and early for their Sunday morning showcase. Don’t worry about feeling tired, this track will pump you full of adrenaline, but will also worm its way into the brain ensuring you can’t help but try and sing along. Especially when that chorus hits. It’s another awesome track from an awesome band.

Within the Ruins – The Last Son

‘The Last Son’ is the latest single from progressive deathcore outfit Within the Ruins. The track comes from the band’s seventh full-length studio offering, ‘Phenomena II’, set for release on 23rd August through MNRK Heavy.

Comments guitarist Joe Cocchi:

In ‘The Last Son,’ a planet is destroyed, and Earth becomes home for one of the only survivors of that world. For some, he’s an alien that doesn’t belong. For others, he’s the saviour god they’ve been looking for. Whether they accept him, or reject him, he stays to protect the people he has adopted as his own.

The continuation of Within the Ruins looking backwards while moving forwards is on full and fascinating display with this new single, and once again, they nail the balance. Sounding suitably ferocious, dangerously progressive, and commandingly strong from beginning to end. This is the sound of a band at their absolute peak and there’s a really strong sense that this might be an album of the year contender. Check it out here.

Tribulation – Tainted Skies

Sweden’s goth metal maestros Tribulation have announced the release of their forthcoming 6th studio album ‘Sub Rosa in Æternum’, the first long player after their award-winning album ‘Where the Gloom Becomes Sound’ in 2021. Due for release on 1st November via Century Media Records and in celebration of the news, the band have also shared a new single and lyric video, ‘Tainted Skies’.

Guitarist Adam Zaars comments on the new single and lyric video release:

The old and the new. ‘Tainted Skies’ is a fairly straight forward Tribulation song written by Joseph. He gives the whole sound his own spin and takes us through murky depths and shadowy skies, from death to new life.

A poppier and more upbeat Tribulation to some degree, if you’re expecting some big shakeup to their sound, you’re not going to find it here. This is Tribulation 101, albeit with some more ‘fun’ aspects that veer dangerously close to Ghost territory in places. It’s still a cool track, even if it’s not going to live long in the memory. Check it out here.

Heartline – Synthetic

Adelaide alternative metal quartet Heartline have shared the new single ‘Synthetic’ from upcoming EP ‘Pink Lemonade’, out Friday August 16^th, and announced their headline launch tour presented by Destroy All Lines.

Their third single from the new EP, Synthetic, thematically draws on the way people interact online and the aggressive nature of it. Says vocalist Luke Taylor:

It’s about how people’s communication on the internet is so perverted and twisted compared to proper communication. Every discussion you see becomes a personal hostile fight, we’re losing the ability to be respectful and united in trying to understand one another. I also draw on my personal battle with getting sucked into reading comment sections knowing they’re gonna make me mad and put me in a bleak mood.

Heartline have something to say, and god-damn, it’s worth listening to them, especially as it comes via this powerful and creative piece of music. Featuring an array of punchy and heavy instrumental sounds, erratic effects, burgeoning ambience, and having one hell of an infectious chorus. This is a strong example of what this band is capable of.

Gravenoire – Ordo opera cultura

Gravenoire emerges from the shadows once again with their new single, ‘Ordo opera cultura’. This new anthem is another glimpse into the mystical and uncompromising spirit of their forthcoming debut album, ‘Devant la Porte des Étoiles’. Out on August 23^rd via Season of Mist: Underground Activists.

Blackened through and through, the path to Gravenoire’s new album is covered in bones and requires a willingness to be mentally assailed by dark imagery to get there. The journey’s end is nearing, but first, there’s the cacophony of blackened speed and fury that is this track. A literal wave of brutality hitting with undue force. It will be way too much for most, but those who like their metal from a much darker corner will come away mightily pleased with what Gravenoire has to offer. Check it out here.

Molder – Catastrophic Reconfiguration

Joilet, IL’s Molder has announced their third album, ‘Catastrophic Reconfiguration’, set for release via Prosthetic Records on November 8th. Alongside the album announcement, Molder has also shared the lead single and title track.

Taking heavy inspiration from the old-school side of death metal, while sprinkling in some thrash and speed. Molder keeps this really simple, and in doing so, deliver a really effective beast that makes you gurn with garish pleasure. An easy head banger, while not being particularly anthemic or memorable. Check it out here.

Arch Enemy – Dream Stealer

Sweden’s extreme metal titans Arch Enemy ring in a new musical chapter with a surprise single and video drop, ‘Dream Stealer’, which marks the first new music since their successful album ‘Deceivers’, released in August 2022.

Guitarist Michael Amott shares about the new single:

First new Arch Enemy song we release in a little while and it feels good to be back! It was a blast working on ‘Dream Stealer’ in the studio, this song just has the high energy and twisted atmosphere that makes it so fun to play! Crank it up, loud and heavy! Metal is immortal!

Arch Enemy have been on a bit of a high in recent times, and based off this new track, they’re not coming down just yet. Bringing forth a signature Arch Enemy track that goes delightfully hard, there are moments in it where you might find yourself mouth agape, purely because this band hasn’t sounded this ferocious in a while. Yet, they still manage to retain the modern catchiness that sees them gaining more and more fans, the longer they go on.