Single Slam: Nails, STESY, Gravemind, Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, Seven Years After Violet, Hands of Attrition, Scarlet Rebels, Mushroomhead, Enumclaw, Thotcrime, Rising Insane, Eville, Clay J Gladstone, Avalanche, Vulvodynia, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Our Hollow, Our Home, Void of Vision, JD Power Trio, and Winterfylleth!

Today’s single slam features Nails, STESY, Gravemind, Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, Seven Years After Violet, Hands of Attrition, Scarlet Rebels, Mushroomhead, Enumclaw, Thotcrime, Rising Insane, Eville, Clay J Gladstone, Avalanche, Vulvodynia, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Our Hollow, Our Home, Void of Vision, JD Power Trio, and Winterfylleth. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Nails – Imposing Will

Southern California’s Nails have revealed details of their long-awaited, 4th full-length album, ‘Every Bridge Burning’. Their first record in 8 years will be released on August 30th with Nuclear Blast Records. Nails have also given gives fans a taste of what’s to come with the new single ‘Imposing Will.’

Vocalist/guitarist Todd Jones says:

‘Imposing Will’ is special to the record in that I knew we wanted it to be the opener. We wanted it to have the effect of an urgency; an immediacy in the music itself. When you push play, you get smacked in the face’.

Let’s be honest, new music from Nails seemed like something that was never going to happen, let alone the announcement of a brand-new album. The band might be completely transformed, but the intensity that this band has, is ever present. Nails are back, and with this short re-introduction, remind listeners why they are so necessary. One word can sum up this track and that word is ‘violence’. Are you prepared for Nails?

STESY – We Like to Party (Vengaboys Cover)

STESY, the high-energy partycore band from Austria, have released ‘We Like to Party’, a brutal metal cover of the timeless Vengaboys classic. Out via Bleeding Nose Records, it’s not only a tribute to the Eurodance hit of the 90s but also a captivating reinterpretation, reinvented specifically for the metal community.

This is one of those covers where you really need to have some love for the original song to fully enjoy what STESY have done. Here’s the thing though, even if you’re a hater of The Vengaboys, you will still find something to enjoy here. Mainly because STESY have fully transformed it into something much more metal orientated. It’s not just a metal cover, it’s reimagined as a metal song, which is impressive. Especially as they strive to keep the spirit of the track well and truly alive. it’s party time. Check it out here.

Gravemind – Aloy

Melbourne-based metal outfit Gravemind have shared their melodic new single, ‘Aloy’, off their long-awaited new album, ‘Introsphere’ out Friday August 2 via Greyscale Records.

A journey of self-discovery and redemption, Aloy is guided by the hand of unconditional importance. Explains vocalist Bailey Schembri:

The track speaks of finding a reason to heal, the transformative power of love, and the realisation of purpose through parenthood. Each verse captures the struggles, hopes, and ultimate fulfilment that come with nurturing and witnessing the growth of a loved one.

It speaks volumes that there is an air of expectation around this new Gravemind track, as they have proven with previous music, to be such a compelling band. You’re never going to believe this, but they’ve done it again, and with something that is emphatically melodic too. Don’t let that fool you though into believing that this track lacks intensity, it’s just that intensity is coming from a different place. When they get heavier, it just makes the whole thing so much better. A very powerful piece of music. Check it out here.

Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate – Copenhagen

Progressive rock band, Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate have released their latest single, ‘Copenhagen’. The second single from their forthcoming album ‘The Uncertainty Principle’.

The song is about a disputed conversation between Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg during WW2. It is unclear whether Heisenberg was seeking help from Bohr (the scientist of Jewish heritage in an occupied country) to build a German atomic bomb, or whether he was trying to get information to the Allies about their plans.

Consistently one of the most thought-provoking progressive rock bands out there, Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate always provide a listening experience that stays with you long after its over. Which continues to be case with this melancholic effort. One that showcases their minimalist aspects wonderfully, sounding particularly dreamy, but with deep emotional touches. The way in which the track progresses, the differing instrumental elements, the pulling back from expected heavier tones, it’s a stunning piece of music.

Seven Hours After Violet – Paradise

Seven Hours After Violet, the new project from Shavo Odadjian of multi-platinum rock band, System of a Down, featuring Taylor Barber (Left To Suffer), Morgoth (platinum-selling producer and guitarist of Winds of Plague), Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty, American Idol) and Josh Johnson (Winds of Plague), have dropped the highly anticipated debut single ‘Paradise’. The release also marks the launch of Shavo’s new joint label venture, 1336 Records, in partnership with Sumerian Music Group.

Reflecting on the release of “Paradise”, Shavo explains:

The song opens the album and showcases the various dynamics we explore throughout which makes it the perfect introduction to SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET. I’ve been making music for over 30 years, I wanted to do something super heavy, but melodic and come back to my roots. Until this band, every side project I’ve done has been outside of the walls of heavy music. I steered away from anything heavy because System Of A Down is heavy. Once I got I started with SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET, I had to let go of that. I said “let me go with my gut and do what I’m best at”. For the first time ever in my career, I just said, “as long as I love it, I don’t give a fuck what anybody else thinks” and that was extremely liberating. SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET is the result. It’s my favourite thing I’ve done since System and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.

Let’s get this out of the way now because it’s going to be tiresome as things go forward. This is not System of A Down, and that’s a good thing. What it is, is something new and exciting from within the world of metalcore. It’s fast and very heavy, with some filthy sounding groove, and clever touches here and there to help make it stand out from the metalcore crowd. As a taster of the album, it’s very palatable. Check it out here.

Hands of Attrition – Consecrate

Following on from the singles ‘They Live On’ in December 2023 and ‘Shrouded in Silence’ in March 2024, Birmingham, UK metallers, Hands of Attrition are back with a brand-new single called ‘Consecrate’.

Hell yeah, Hands of Attrition are back, and back with a rager. One that has thick and heavy groove running through it, and one that has meaty head banging vibes from beginning to end. The band are sounding so tight, delivering mammoth riffs, chunky percussion, and feral vocals, all at an emphatic speed. They never fail to deliver and this new single continues their winning form.

Scarlet Rebels – Streets of Fire

Scarlet Rebels are thrilled to release their powerful new single and video, ‘Streets Of Fire’, from their forthcoming album, ‘Where The Colours Meet’, set for release on August 16, 2024.

Wayne Doyle, the band’s frontman, explains:

‘Streets Of Fire’ addresses the sad state of the world, where we lurch from crisis to crisis, be it environmental, financial, or even reputational for some of our so-called leaders of industry. These distractions can overshadow what is really happening in people’s lives.

The more heard from Where the Colours Meet, the more it’s looking like an album of the year contender. This, the latest single, offering up something a bit moodier and more melodic, but still with their inimitable passion and catchiness, front and centre. That it just so happens to be relatable to just about anyone is the cherry on top. Check it out here.

Mushroomhead – Fall in Line

Following the breakout success of their eighth studio album and Napalm Records debut, 2020’s A Wonderful Life, US masked metal masters Mushroomhead return with 2024’s cinematic ‘Call The Devil’ – laying waste to any preconceived notions of where the band is headed in their third decade of reign. Alongside this announcement, Mushroomhead have revealed the album’s hard-hitting first single, ‘Fall in Line’.

One of the most ‘hit and miss’ bands to still be going, you really never know what you’re going to get with Mushroomhead in regard to quality. So, where does Fall in Line sit? In the middle. It’s neither good nor bad, fairly average stuff that doesn’t offend or thrill in any particular way. The cinematic elements are interesting, the chorus is solid, but the rest doesn’t elect too much feeling either way.

Enumclaw – Change

Tacoma, Washington’s Enumclaw have announced their sophomore album ‘Home in Another Life’, out August 30th. The news of the band’s forthcoming LP also announces their signing to renowned Boston-based label Run For Cover Records.

Celebrating the signing and the announcement of their new album, indie rockers Enumclaw also share new single ‘Change’. The song is the first taste of what fans can expect from ‘Home In Another Life’, paired with a heartwarming video directed by frequent collaborator John C. Peterson.

It’s all looking up for Enumclaw and what better way to celebrate than with a thoughtful and heartfelt sounding indie rock tune? That’s what we get with Change, and it hits. Partially because of the impressive vocal performance, partially because of the banging chorus, and partially because of its overall moody vibe. It’s a very likable piece of music. Check it out here.

Thotcrime – The Wrong Way / Behind the Cracks

Thotcrime has announced their third album, Connection Anxiety, due for release this summer via Prosthetic Records on August 16th. Alongside the album announcement, the US / UK based cybergrind band has shared the two lead singles, ‘The Wrong Way’ and ‘Behind the Cracks’.

Look, cybergrind is an acquired taste, but this might be pushing it. Let’s start with The Wrong Way, a track that can be simply summed up as bad. It’s not a rock, metal or alternative track in the slightest, but pure EDM with effects everywhere, causing nothing but constant irritation. It’s actually baffling to see this called a ‘cybergrind’ song and as a first taste of their new album, a pretty sour one.

Behind the Cracks is better, so much better. Not only feeling like a cybergrind song, but bringing the energy and heavy, punk-infused wackiness to something that is very infectious. It’s got some real mania about it, but alongside that, a really strong chorus that you can easily sing along to. The difference, and quality, between the songs is night and day. Check them out here.

Rising Insane – Lighthouse

Following their shows with Of Mice & Men and a sold-out co-headline tour with Setyoursails, German metalcore act Rising Insane have released their new single / video ‘Lighthouse’ – the fourth track released from their new album ‘Wildfires’, out 23rd August via Long Branch Records.

A big melodic offering from Rising Insane, this new single is all about heart and soul. Something that works because they do it in such a sincere way, and it results in a chorus that is powerfully anthemic. As is often the case with metalcore, there is an whiff of familiarity, but that shouldn’t take away from a good track, and this is a good track.

Eville – Dead Inside

Brighton’s brat metal four-piece, Eville is back with their hardest-hitting track to date, ‘Dead Inside’, co-written and produced by the viral sensation, Harry Winks of South Arcade.

Explains the band:

Dead Inside is a fast-paced alt-metal track inspired by toxic relationships and how addictive they can feel even when the other person is dragging you into destruction. With drum ‘n’ bass beats and an infectiously upbeat pop chorus, it’s a track you and your mates can scream every word to in a club or find the catharsis through in your room after a break-up.

A strong band making strong music, Eville keep their good run rolling with some strong alterative vibes, a punchy metal undercurrent, and a chorus that is delightfully catchy. There are a few aspects to the track that really raise an eyebrow though, such as the drum ‘n’ bass beats, which sound so cool. However, the vocal effect is a bit unnecessary and takes away from what is very powerful vocals. Still, a enjoyable track, regardless. Pre-save it here.

Clay J Gladstone – Death By Idle Hands

Sydney-based maniacal punk rockers Clay J Gladstone have offered up their latest single ‘Death By Idle Hands’, out now via freshly acquired independent record label DefWolf Records. The new song follows April’s Postmodern Teenage Angst, and further teases a debut album set to drop later in the year.

This is excellent. From the melodic start and the sincere vocals, to the eruption of punky rock that injects so much energy, to the wonderful anthemic make-up of what follows, this is such a banger. Not just exceptionally accessible, but so damn digestible too. This is the kind of song that turns heads. Check it out here.

Avalanche – Armed to the Teeth

Since their emergence from a steel factory in 2018, Australia’s hard rock powerhouse Avalanche has taken the world by storm. Sharing stages with rock titans like Buckcherry, Fozzy, Rose Tattoo, The Superjesus, and Frenzal Rhomb and winning Australia’s largest live original band competition, Passport To Airlie, Avalanche has solidified their reputation for explosive performances and raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll.

Now, prepare to be blown away by Avalanche’s latest hard rock anthem, ‘Armed To The Teeth’. A high-voltage anthem that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

As Steven Campbell (lead vocals/bass) says:

‘Armed To The Teeth is our biggest most anthemic tune to date! Big chords, big vocals, and a blazing finger-tapping one handed riff built for head-banging… this is the ultimate hard rock call to arms! We shot the video while on tour in Japan, and we’re stoked to announce, it’ll be a part of our first full length album coming next year!

This feels like a celebration of who and what Avalanche are. They love rock and roll, and so do so many people around the world. So, here’s a track that everyone can enjoy. A pure rock and roll anthem that puts massive smiles on faces. Yet, importantly, this is no tribute act to yester-year, and Avalanche are sounding so fresh here. Long may their rock and roll ways continue when this is what we get to enjoy.

Vulvodynia – Adamaster (feat. Kyle Medina of Body Snatcher)

South African slamming-deathcore powerhouse, Vulvodynia, have dropped the second single from their upcoming new album, ‘Entabani’, scheduled to drop on July 5th via Unique Leader Records. The track, titled ‘Adamaster’ is inspired by a mythical creature of South African folklore and features a guest appearance from Kyle Medina of Body Snatcher.

Describing their latest work, the band shares,

Adamaster, the Titan of the Cape, a mythological creature punished by the Gods to guard the ocean surrounding Cape Town, South Africa. This song also features a guest vocal appearance from Kyle Medina of Bodysnatcher, who delivers a crushing feature at the climax of the song.

Savage as f**k, but that’s not too much of a surprise seeing as this is Vulvodynia and Kyle Medina is guesting on the track. Even then, this one goes hard, with every member of the band nailing the heaviness and spitting up venom. How about that f**king guitar solo? Disgusting. Brutal metal shouldn’t be this damn catchy. Check it out here.

Rok Ali and The Addiction – Pulse

Emerging from the crucible of personal trials and musical evolution, Alison Krebs, known as Rok Ali and at the forefront of formidable hard rock collective Rok Ali and The Addiction, have released their new single ‘Pulse’. The band’s distinctive sound marks a new chapter in their journey, one that melds the sophistication of hard rock with the raw, dark undertones of grunge and metal.

Any day we get new Rok Ali and the Addiction music is a good day, and their on a new path, it seems. One that is going to be very exciting based off this new single. A track that has a darker vibe, sees the group be a bit more experimental, and challenge the narrative around what constitutes a heavy piece of music. It’s bloody weird, but it’s bloody wonderful too.

Our Hollow, Our Home – Funeral Verse

Southampton metalcore juggernaut Our Hollow, Our Home have unveiled a brand new single / video ‘Funeral Verse’, their third offering since their return with a brand new line-up.

Vocalist Gaz King comments:

‘Funeral Verse’ is an ode to the battle of mental health and the guilt that comes with knowing you’ll be hurting those around you with your departure. The lyrics portray a message to those closest to us: that against the odds and despite the constant struggle in one’s own mind, we shall fight against our demons and remain strong for our loved ones, even when we may not be able to be strong for ourselves. “I’m holding on for you” in the chorus sums this up in a single phrase. Musically, we wanted to reflect the pace at which these thoughts and emotions come to you while expressing both sadness, anger, and pain. “Hollow” has always tried to keep our lyrics raw and relatable. We know that this song will relate to many people, and we hope that those suffering will find some comfort and seek help wherever and whenever needed.

More quality metalcore from Our Hollow, Our Home. One that features some wicked sounding riffs, proper screamo vocals, clever rhythm shifts, and pounding drum beats. All thoroughly enjoyable, up until the chorus with falls a little flat, even if the clean singing is lovely. Check it out here.

Void of Vision – Gamma Knife

A new era has dawned for Melbourne’s Void Of Vision, with the quartet announcing a brand-new album, ‘What I’ll Leave Behind’, due out on September 20 via UNFD. Accompanying the announcement, Void Of Vision have also unleashed a new single and video called ‘Gamma Knife’. A track that details vocalist Jack Bergin’s personal growth following a harrowing health experience.

Shares Bergin:

‘Gamma Knife’ is about my near-death experience and the desire for clarity in the aftermath. To truly discover if everything I went through in the healing process would change me and everything around me for the better. I felt like the idea of going through radio-surgery figuratively felt like it was not only destroying the malformation in my brain but also a negative version of myself I needed to leave in the past.

A massively underrated band creating some of the most unique music out there, it’s great to see Void of Vision back and bringing music like this with them. This is an exceptionally powerful track that doesn’t push their creative limits too far, but still turns out to be steps ahead of so many bands within their genre. It’s probably as catchy as it gets for them, and then there is the breakdown at the end to put the biggest gurn possible on the face.

JD Power Trio – SHOT!

Munich’s gentlemen of grunge, the JD Power Trio are back with a new hard-hitting metal anthem, filled to the brim with grungy riffage and gratuitous amounts of wah-wah effects. The new single – SHOT! – has been released on digital streaming platforms.

From the start, it’s the riffs that get the attention, and it’s the first clue that this track is going to be quite grungy sounding. Which it is, it really is, but while that style does have a distinctive flavour, JD Power Trio make it a much groovier experience, and try as you might, the body moves to the rhythms. It’s a great track, and while no part of the band needs to be singled out because they’re all doing great stuff here, the vocals deserve an extra special nod. Check it out here.

Winterfylleth – Dishonour Enthroned

Four years since the release of their critically acclaimed 7th album, ‘The Reckoning Dawn’, British black metal forerunners Winterfylleth return to the fray with their anthemic new album, ‘The Imperious’ Horizon on 13th September via Candlelight / Spinefarm. Ahead of the release date, the band have shared the poignant first single ‘Dishonour Enthroned’ with the accompanying video filmed by Producer & VFX Artist, Killian Monson.

You’ll struggle to find Winterfylleth music that isn’t sublime, but when they’re at the heights of their powers, we get tracks like this. An absolute beast of a black metal track, with a thick emotional vibe running through it, enhanced by the powerful atmospheres. It feels so epic, and if the rest of the album is even half as good as this track, we’re looking at another Winterfylleth great.