Single Slam: Carnifex, Solomon Levante, Ways, Belle Haven, The Hirsch Effekt, Death of Me, Carnation, Heavensgate, Copse, Seeing Things, A.N.J.A., Lokust, and Black Stone Cherry!

This week’s single slam features Carnifex, Solomon Levante, Ways, Belle Haven, The Hirsch Effekt, Death of Me, Carnation, Heavensgate, Copse, Seeing Things, A.N.J.A., Lokust, and Black Stone Cherry. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Carnifex – Necromanteum

Nourished by nightmares and the throbbing pulse of pragmatic terror, Carnifex have returned with their ninth full-length studio album, Necromanteum, out October 6th via Nuclear Blast Records. The band has now released the title track with Scott Ian Lewis commenting:

Necromanteum is a truly special album that all of us in the band already love. Spend some time in conversation with the other side of life, enter the Necromanteum…

A band who always bring a large amount of nasty heaviness, Carnifex begin this new track in a delightfully cinematic way. Before reaching down into the depths and ripping out the wriggling innards of blackened deathcore. The viciousness in their sound is matched only by the layers of brash orchestration. It’s a Carnifex banger, which is pretty much par for the course with this band.

Solomon Levante – All My Teachers

Breaking onto the music scene with extraordinary talent and an eclectic mix of influences, the Swiss multi-instrumentalist, Solomon Levante is excited to announce the release of his anticipated new single All My Teachers which was produced by Filippo Dallinferno out now via Cactus Cat Records.

Speaking about his upcoming release, Solomon shared his excitement, saying:

I’ve never liked middle school. I still haven’t figured out if the problem was me or my teachers. The fact is that I always struggled to like them. So much so that one afternoon, after returning from school, I started writing this song. All the anger, stress, and frustration I had accumulated during the lessons poured into this song, in the style of a therapy session.

Sometimes you just have to marvel at an individual’s talent and Solomon Levante is someone to marvel at. This single is a delightful blast of energy that has punk rock vibes, alternative tones, and plenty of anthemic highs and lows. It’s a pacey number that is extremely catchy and it leaves you wanting more, much more. Check it out here.

Ways – Erase

French alternative metal/metalcore band, Ways have released a brand-new single called ‘Erase’. Taken from their upcoming EP scheduled for release some time in autumn 2023.

The band says:

“Erase” is about the regret of not being able to see the struggles of a loved one during a period of self-discovery. It’s the inability to be empathetic, even when the feelings might be obvious.

We all need to be paying Ways a ton more attention and it’s tracks like this that prove that. Erase is a fast-paced, energetic, thought-provoking, and intense listen. Where melody meets metal in captivating ways. Exemplified by a chorus that rises and Ways showcasing power throughout. It’s an addictive listen.

Belle Haven – Hard Stare, Soft Touch

Melbourne alternative rock outfit Belle Haven have shared their third single of the year, Hard Stare, Soft Touch.

Hard Stare, Soft Touch targets social chameleons and those who mold themselves to others in order to gain trust and favour. The new track questions the motives behind these actions and mourns the lack of genuine connection and progression.

Vocalist David De La Hoz adds:

Unfortunately, while we’re experiencing a great deal of (much needed) change on a social level at the moment, these social chameleons use the changing environment to hide in plain sight offering themselves as allies when in reality they serve no purpose but themselves.

Alt rock with some serious ‘emo’ vibes, Belle Haven are the epitome of the ‘tortured soul with intimate catchiness’ sound. Crafting a thoughtful foot-tapper bristling with energy here. There are some old-school alternative vibes but it’s far from a rethread of old sounds. Belle Haven are far too exciting for that. Check it out here.

The Hirsch Effekt – Agora

German prog metal trio The Hirsch Effekt have announced their new album, the brilliant Urian, due 29th September via Long Branch Records. In conjunction with the news, The Hirsch Effekt have also released their new single ‘Agora’, the second glimpse of the new album following the title track.

The band comment:

During a stay at a vacation home in 2021, we developed a number based on a short guitar riff with acoustic guitar and electric bass. It’s no coincidence that you can tell that Ilja and Nils listened to ‘Californication’ a lot when they were young: ‘Road Trippin” was definitely in the back of their minds at the time. When Ilja’s cello parts came in, however, ‘Agora’ drifted into another, almost Celtic atmosphere.

In terms of content, it is a very personal, autobiographical song. ‘Agora’ not only reflects finally arriving in the age of crises, but also a literal and genuine, humane tightness. Triggered not least by the pandemic, which lasted throughout the entire album writing phase and influenced everything, and all the lockdowns and isolations that went with it.

Guess who has something unexpected but enjoyable? It’s The Hirsch Effekt, of course. Offering up an emotive, melodic, and dramatic song that is super-harmonious but far removed from their more ‘traditional’ progressive metal sound. Yet, it’s hard to dislike because it is so emotionally wrought. Check it out here.

Death of Me – Halo

Death of me is clarity. Death of me is letting go. Death of me is the exploration of life, love, and everything in between. The Staffordshire UK quartet ‘Death Of Me’ are back with their brand-new single ‘Halo’ which is out now on all platforms.

On incredible form, Death of Me are proving themselves to be one to watch extremely closely. Blending elements of energetic post-hardcore, romanticised emo melody, and punchy alt-rock groove. Halo is blast from beginning to end, with a chorus that puts a silly smile on the face as it is infectious. Arguably their most anthemic track to date.

Carnation – Maruta

Belgian death metal crushers Carnation have delivered their new song ‘Maruta’, from forthcoming album Cursed Mortality, to be released 3rd November via Season of Mist.

The fearsome track is their telling of the infamous Japanese Unit 731, who conducted dehumanizing human experiments on victims referred to as ‘logs’, or Maruta in Japanese.

Frontman Simon Duson comments:

We are back with the second single for our upcoming third album Cursed Mortality. To accentuate the diversity of the album, ‘Maruta’ feels like the perfect single to follow-up ‘Cursed Mortality’. This track is loaded with thrashy hooks, groovy beats, and punishing death metal riffs. Those who desire brutality, look no further. ‘Maruta’ is here to crush your skull!

A head-crushing, neck-pulverising, and leg-snapping blast of thrash-infused death metal ferocity. Carnation are not f**king around here and deliver an intense, riff-driven, and gleefully groove-infused example of nasty heaviness. It’s manic noise from beginning to end, and makes you feel like you’ve been put through the wringer. Apt, considering the subject matter. Check it out here.

Heavensgate – Violent Joy

Heavensgate (Greyscale Records) return with their first single since they released their mammoth EP earlier this year, “Violent Joy”. It conveys a personal message, narrating the self-destructive cycle that accompanies the struggle of a deteriorating state of mind.

The Heavensgate train keeps on rolling on as the group return with a furious and frenetic banger in the form of Violent Joy. An apt title as it is viciously heavy and joyfully energised. The fiery pace, massive chorus, and roaring breakdowns help make it a pretty phenomenal release. Check it out here.

Copse – Old Belief

Copse have announced their signing to Church Road Records for their new EP ‘Old Belief | New Despair’, which is out on the 11th of August 2023. To help celebrate this announcement they have released the lead single ‘Old Belief,’ which is out now.

A partnership that should prove to be very good for both the band and the label, especially if this new single from Copse is anything to go by. A track that combines the innate beauty of the ‘gaze’ sound with the errant intensity of post-metal. Old Belief is a profound and powerful track that moves at a frantic pace but layers melody and atmosphere throughout to really grab the attention. This new EP is going to be a bit of banger.

Seeing Things – Shapeshifter

Capturing fear, anxiety, terror and despair, Seeing Things reflect on current social issues of apathy and injustice. Through their lyrics, they confront these issues directly and encourage the listener to face their own inner demons. Ever since its inception, Seeing Things was forged to bring a fresh new sound to the stage. They invite you on a journey of self-discovery and social awareness.

We’re getting more and more familiar with Seeing Things as they release banger single after banger single, and Shapeshifter is no different. Aside from this being their most abrasive and brutal sounding track so far. It’s an extremely aggressive sounding track, filled with all manner of punchy riffs and smash-mouth breakdowns. Check it out here.

A.N.J.A. – Midnight Raid

German-born and Belfast-based singer A.N.J.A. is set to captivate audiences once again with her latest single, “Midnight Raid.” The dynamic artist, known for her unhinged and anthemic tunes, takes listeners on a dark and hypnotic journey into her occultish imaginarium.

Blending punk, garage rock, psych, and so much more, Midnight Raid is a delicious example of A.N.J.A.’s creativity and experimental sound. Where a bevy of ideas are given fresh life through the imagination of an artist willing to push the boundaries. One who is also capable of ensuring the blend is as anthemic as possible. Which Midnight Raid really is.

Lokust – Parasitic

Tech-death and groove metal band, Lokust will release their debut album ‘Infidel’ on July 28th, 2023. Ahead of that release and their appearance at Bloodstock 2023, they have released a new single called ‘Parasitic.’

As far as getting the attention of those who may only be finding out about Lokust because of Bloodstock, this new track is a winner. A blistering showcase of speed, intensity, technicality and progressive ideas. Get those neck muscles warmed up, you’re going to need them in good health to get through this track. Keep a very close eye on this band, they’re going places. Check it out here.

Black Stone Cherry – Screamin’ At the Sky

Black Stone Cherry bring another taster of their eighth studio album, ‘Screamin’ At The Sky’ with the release of the album’s title track and an accompanying lyric video.

‘Screamin’ At The Sky’ is set for release on Friday 29th September via Mascot Records. BSC frontman/guitarist Chris Robertson explains the new album’s opening song as follows:

Much like most BSC songs, the music was written first and it set the tempo. We envisioned standing around a bonfire and just letting go of everything, throwing your problems into the cosmos and letting them be what they are. It starts the album off exactly how we wanted, right off the bat, in your face.

It’s no dig to say that Black Stone Cherry have a lane and they stick to it. Yet, that doesn’t mean they don’t have some imagination and that they don’t remain extremely capable of delivering anthemic hard rock hits. This new single might not be the most exciting thing the band has ever released but it is a Black Stone Cherry crowd-pleaser through and through. Exemplified by the massive chorus that encourages one hell of a singalong.