Single Slam: Devildriver, Traveller, Antirope, Regicide, Sevendust, Burner, Deadline, In Fear, The St. Pierre Snake Invasion, Recall the Remains, Veil of Maya, Paradise Fell, Paledusk, Herod, Wifecult, Moor, and Kvelertak!

This week’s single slam features Devildriver, Traveller, Antirope, Regicide, Sevendust, Burner, Deadline, In Fear, Surya, The St. Pierre Snake Invasion, Recall the Remains, Veil of Maya, Paradise Fell, Paledusk, Herod, Wifecult, Moor, and Kvelertak. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Devildriver – If Blood is Life

Groove metal kings Devildriver recently made their triumphant return with the second part of their Dealing With Demons saga, their 10th full-length, Dealing With Demons Vol. II, out 12th May 2023, via Napalm Records. Devildriver have now dropped the second single from the upcoming new album, entitled ‘If Blood is Life’.

Devildriver frontman Dez Fafara comments about ‘If Blood is Life’:

Shadows of the future, ghosts of your past walking the floor – why do these things haunt us as humans, when we should be focused on the fact that, like the chorus says, ‘Time, it waits for no one, Time, it’s worth the taking.’ Learn to focus on the now, the here, the present.

After delivering a stonking return to form with their first single from this new album, Devildriver continue to make fans of their groove metal sound salivate with this punchy monster that features a scathing vocal performance from Dez, strong melodic riffs, chunky groove, and a powerful guitar solo. The tempo makes this an easy head-banger. Another class track from Devildriver.

Traveller – Imprint

Modern metalcore band, Traveller will release their brand-new single ‘Imprint’ on April 14th. The song touches on themes of hypocrisy and narcissism, which have had a negative impact on the band.

Explains guitarist Jens Pieper:

I highly believe that every action we take, every decision we make, leaves an indelible imprint on our lives. Whether good or bad, we will ultimately reap what we sow, and justice will be served in due time.

A reliable source of passion, energy, and intensity. Traveller’s new track is a bit of beast of a track. Especially as it comes from such a personal place for the band. Something that comes through as the band blend roaring heaviness with dramatic melodies. It’s a pit-opener that makes you feel. An awesome track. Check it out here.

Antirope – Beautiful Liar

Doomy alternative metal band Antirope (Munich, Germany) have premiered a new music video and single entitled ‘Beautiful Liar’. The band have also announced the availability of pre-orders for their upcoming full-length album ‘Amnesia’ which is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2023, via Eclipse Records.

Vibrating through the mind, body, and soul. Antirope unleash an unsettling and mood-altering doom track that blends in alternative elements. Resulting in something that does sound impressively different from a lot that comes from the doomier genre. It’s extremely morose, but it’s also melodramatic, it’s hard not to not find it unbelievably addictive to listen to. Check it out here.

Regicide – Dying To Be Liked

Essex groove thrashers, Regicide, will release their brand-new Single ‘Dying To Be Liked’ on the 14th of April, a track about the entrapments of social media and living online.

Let’s freaking go! Regicide are delivering one hell of a frenzied groove hit here with a powerful message that they get across strongly. A track that doesn’t just compel you to head-bang wildly, but demands you do. With heaviness this impactful and this strong, few will find themselves capable of denying Regicide.

Sevendust – Fence

Metal stalwarts Sevendust have announced their 14th studio album Truth Killer, slated for worldwide release on July 28, 2023, via the band’s new label, Napalm Records.

The first song released is the album closer, ‘Fence’, out now and accompanied by a Claymation music video directed and animated by Ollie Jones. The video tells the story of a chemical leak during a Sevendust show that causes the band to turn in to zombies – but Sevendust will live forever!

Nothing to ‘out there’ for Sevendust here, this new track is energised and infectious with a wicked blend of rock groove and metal gurn. It’s a great reminder that this band can do ‘catchiness’ in their sleep. The video also happens to be ace. Check it out here.

Burner – Prometheus Reborn

I highly believe that every action we take, every decision we make, leaves an indelible imprint on our lives. Whether good or bad, we will ultimately reap what we sow, and justice will be served in due time.

South London death metal/hardcore band Burner will release their debut album ‘It All Returns to Nothing’, on June 23rd via Church Road Records. Taken from that album, the group have now released the single ‘Prometheus Reborn’.

Killing it as of late, and now building a ton of anticipation for their debut album, Burner throw a bucket of fuel of the fire they have created with this growling, garish, and grim sounding head-banger. Leaning into a more deathcore sound here, the track is a crashing heavyweight expulsion of noise, and it is simply fantastic.

Deadline – Vitriol

Deadline, the pioneers of the ‘New Wave of South African Heavy Metal’ are back yet again with the 4th single and video called ‘Vitriol’ from their long-awaited 3rd album ‘Vitriol Inc’ (set for release Friday 5 May).

Frontman Jessy Switchblade shares that ‘Vitriol’ is:

The only song on the album that actually follows the Deadline / Lady Blitzkrieg / San Lombardo story. The song is a metaphor for power and elitism and revolves around a weapons and armaments corporation in the city of San Lombardo called Vitriol Inc run by the very corrupt Judge Mental, acting mayor of San Lombardo. It is a full on raging thrasher with a very melodic chorus and a very beautiful movie noir piece in the middle. Inspired by Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’, it fits perfectly with our new sound and direction and will be the final single of this album run before we release the actual album, Vitriol Inc.

So far Deadline have delivered bangers in the build to this new album and, guess what? Vitriol is another example of how this band pay tribute to the classic days of heavy metal but put their stamp on the sound. All while infusing thrashiness and speed into the experience. We’ve probably said this before, but it bears repeating that this band are stupidly catchy, which is really surprising considering how hard and heavy they are. Check it out here.

In Fear – Doom Sequence

In Fear are a ferocious metal quintet from Bristol UK who have been unstoppable since their formation in 2017. They recently signed to UK label Year Of the Rat Records, and the new single ‘Doom Sequence’ is released on today.

A really interesting piece of music that is, for the most part, a slab of harsh and destructive metal. Yet, it’s how In Fear keep pushing those boundaries, while also featuring melodious clean vocals, that really makes it stand out. The balance is exceptional and extremely memorable. It leaves you wanting more. Check it out here.

The St. Pierre Snake Invasion – That There’s Fighting Talk

Taken from their upcoming album, ‘Galore’ (out on the 21st of April), ‘That There’s Fighting Talk’ is the new single from rockers, The St. Pierre Snake Invasion.

The band’s vocalist Damien Sayell had this to say about the lyrical themes:

This is a song about my relationship with violence and my emotional instability. In short, my emotional responses are quite often overwhelming and regularly result in embarrassing outbursts. Not to sound all woe is me, but it’s genuinely exhausting having to ‘ground’ myself six or seven times a day. I don’t want to be that person anymore, and more importantly, I don’t want my son to inherit these traits, and that’s what this song is about, it’s about realising that I can’t control the emotions I feel, but I can (with some practice) control how I react to them, even if at times it feels like I’m swallowing a bomb.

Another single from this great band and another reason to be very excited about the new album. That There’s Fighting Talk continues the trend of experimental rock blended with insane catchiness, covered with a layer of relatable honesty. If you’ve been loving what they’ve put out up to this point, you’re going to be completely onboard with this latest single, even if it has challenging aspects. Check it out here.

Recall the Remains – Empty Woods

Empty Woods is the brand-new single from Telford based metal quintet Recall the Remains. A track born of our darkest thoughts and feelings that pull us towards suffering, imploring us to find an end to it all. How real it is that the blackness can begin to take over, eventually providing solace in a terrifying yet familiar embrace. The Empty Woods are the affectionate demon we all choose to ignore and even befriend, but which keeps us from seeing reality and the true light within our own lives.

This band… why isn’t everyone talking about them? If giving us Fairfield a few weeks back wasn’t enough, they now bring us another head-banging, groove-infused, melody-laden, slice of modern brilliance. They continue to impress, showcasing their ever-increasing talents, and advancement in style. Recall the Remains are beginning to break away from the pack and it’s all because of tracks like this.

Veil of Maya – Mother Pt. 4

Genre-bending metal powerhouse Veil of Maya have released a brand-new track and music video for latest single ‘Mother Pt. 4’. The track is taken from their recently announced, long-awaited new studio album, the first in nearly six years. The new album, [m]other, will be released on the band’s long-time label, Sumerian Records on 12th May.

Speaking on the release of the new single, guitarist Marc Okubo shares:

We are very pleased to share this new experience with you! This is the third video in our [m]other series made by the incredible Blvckbox Studios. We will be joining Avatar on tour in a few weeks and our album [m]other will be available everywhere 12th May! See you soon!

A band that can do no wrong, this new single’s opening synth and pop-infused vocals does grab the attention for better or worse. Yet, this is, as always, just one part of Veil of Maya and they transition impressively into a wild and wacked out style of tech-death. Introducing more layers as the track goes on, making this one of their most eccentric sounding tracks. This new album is going to be extremely special. Check it out here.

Paradise Fell – Love Stained.

Alternative rock artist, Paradise Fell’s second single is entitled ‘Love Stained.’ The official video has just dropped and it’s out on all streaming platforms. It follows the debut single from paradise fell ‘Vices’ which hit the ground running with over 15,500 streams.

A catchy number with plenty of alt rock groove, one hell of a vocal performance, and some robust sounding bass and drums. Hitting its biggest high when it comes to the chorus. Don’t be too surprised if you find this one stuck in the brain long afterwards it ends. Check it out here.

Paledusk – I’m ready to die for my friends

Japanese chaotic metalcore trio Paledusk step into new territory with their new single ‘I’m ready to die for my friends’ featuring Vigorman. The fresh new single marks the first to be released with the backing of new signing SharpTone Records, joining Australia’s own Greyscale Records.

With one of the most rabid and extreme fanbases turning any criticism of this band into a war, it can be a bit off-putting to talk about the group. Their style of metal, a unique and wacky style, is not for everyone, and that is exemplified by this track. What they do can be admired, especially as they’re so unafraid to experiment. However, it’s a bit of a mess, and aside from being extremely energetic, it falls flat.

Herod – Iconoclast

Switzerland-based, crushing metal, quartet Herod will release their new album ’Iconoclast’ on 5th May (Pelagic Records). Now they have shared a video for new single, ’The Icon.’

This week’s single slam sure as a lot of heavy tunes and Herod’s new offering isn’t changing that. Who cares when it’s as addictively nasty as this is though? There’s nothing as tense or as taut as this track and that is what everyone will remember. Herod’s aggression is impactful as it is so leisurely, even though the frenetic pace seems to suggest otherwise. It’s smart savagery and that stands out. Check it out here.

Wifecult – Hold it Down

Sunshine Coast-based band Wifecult have released their new single ‘Hold It Down.’ The second to drop from upcoming EP ‘Kindness In Clarity, An EP’ out June 9th.

A really strong showing from this band, this single leans into alt-rock territories and delivers catchy rhythms and plenty of memorable energy. It’s got a dramatic edge that gives it just enough bite, while still being delightfully anthemic. Check it out here.

Moor – Breath Like Nails

Hamburg doom quintet Moor have unveiled their heart-wrenching second single/video, ‘Breath Like Nails,’ which is taken from debut album ‘Heavy Heart’, set for release on 17th May via Believe Digital.

Vocalist Ercüment Kasalar commented on ‘Breath Like Nails’:

Sometimes betrayal is not a single knife stab in the back but painful stitches with rusty nails over a longer period of time. Whilst you try to move on from those that you thought you could trust, it’s like you can still feel their breath like nails on your neck.

At nearly ten minutes long, this is doom and it’s most egregious but bloody hell, do Moor make every second feel important. It’s monotonous but layered, features some downright nasty moments, and hits with an impossible amount of force. It is exceptionally crushing heaviness. Check it out here.

Kvelertak – Krøterveg Te Helvete

Your favourite punked-up, black metal-adjacent, classic rock-worshipping Norwegian group Kvelertak are back! Their new album ‘Endling’ arrives on September 8 via Rise Records/Petroleum Records. The band has shared the video for new song ‘Krøterveg Te Helvete.’

Says Kvelertak:

‘Krøterveg Te Helvete’ is a celebration of the intolerable levels of hardships of being in a popular rock band in 2023.

As fun, energetic, and exciting as always. It’s Kvelertak, and this new track is a banger. What more needs to be said? If you’re a fan of this band, you’re going to love what they have to offer here as it is completely and utterly them. While still being solely unique as only this band can be. Keep on delivering Kvelertak, we’ll keep on listening!