Single Slam: Grimgotts, Graywave, Ross Harding, WormRose, Asleep at the Helm, Sea Gods, Peace Ritual, Box Clone, Windwaker, Jackson Colt, Speaking with Spirits, RinRin, Gold Bloom, When We Were Wolves, and Half Me!

Today’s single slam features Grimgotts, Graywave, Ross Harding, WormRose, Asleep at the Helm, Sea Gods, Peace Ritual, Box Clone, Windwaker, Jackson Colt, Speaking with Spirits, RinRin, Gold Bloom, When We Were Wolves, and Half Me. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Grimgotts – Ancient Voices (Hear them Calling)

Grimgotts are back! The power metal group will be releasing their brand-new album, ‘The Time of the Wolfrider’ and to whet everyone’s appetite, they will release the first single on March 22nd, 2024. It’s called ‘Ancient Voices (Hear them Calling)’, and features Noah Simmons (Vulpecula & Questbound) on guest lead vocals.

New Grimgotts is always welcome, and that it comes with the announcement of a brand-new album, is enough to leave every fan grinning from ear to ear. Guess what? This new track is a banger, one that comes with the surprise of having a guest vocalist (Noah Simmons) take centre stage. Yet, he has such a commanding voice, it fits the Grimgotts style perfectly.

A style that is on full and fun display here. Energetic power metal with tons of anthemic qualities, it makes you feel ten feet tall, and it’s such a singalong. This is a showcase of epic vocals and varied layers of instruments, a Grimgotts special that demonstrates just how tight this band has become. If the full album is even as half as good as this track, we’re all in for a very good time. Upon release, check it out here.

Graywave – Undone

‘Dancing in the Dust’ is the latest offering from Birmingham’s masters of dark and heavy shoegaze Graywave! Out 31st of May 2024 on Church Road Records. The band have now released their new single, ‘Undone’.

A bit of a trippy listen, Graywave offer up a peek into their upcoming album with a track that is ethereal in tone, but delivers robust heavy shoegaze in waves. Try as you might to stop it, the body sways to this, but it’s more akin to a possession. It’s not that it’s ‘catchy’, at least in the conventional sense, but it is infectious. The dreaminess takes hold so quickly, and as the track develops, it’s near impossible to not sink into it. A wonderful piece of music that sets the album bar every high.

Ross Harding – A Thousand Snakes

South African/UK rock and blues singer-songwriter Ross Harding is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with his new single and music video, ‘A Thousand Snakes’, out now. Drawing inspiration from the raw essence of old Delta Blues, this promises a haunting journey through themes of struggle and resilience.

A powerful piece of music, that is given so much life thanks to some groovy riffs and vocals that are so damn sultry. It’s moody, but that should come as no surprise, considering it comes from the world of blues rock. Yet, it’s wonderfully well balanced and has a catchiness that imprints itself on the brain. Ross Harding is a talented individual, and tracks like this, really showcase that. Check it out here.

WormRose – Peace on the Heart

Hard rock/metal band, WormRose are back with a brand-new single called ‘Peace on the Heart’. A hymn that wishes for nothing but peace in your hearts.

WormRose have proven themselves to be a hell of a band with what has been heard so far, and once again, they deliver a punchy body-shaker and head-banger. Peace on the Heart is a positive track, blending old school rock riffs with robust heavy rhythms, and delivering a chorus that is wonderfully fun. You’d have to be a right miserable git to not enjoy this one. Check it out here.

Asleep at the Helm – Our New Kingdom

Formed in 2018, Asleep at the Helm are a modern metalcore quintet hailing from Manchester, UK. Their new single, ‘Our New Kingdom’, is out now. The first of an array of singles that are planned across the year, which will see them diving into a new era of the band.

How’s that for some grandeur at the start of this track? It’s quite a surprise, but very cool sounding, and that it leads into something so manic and heavy, makes it even more persuasive. Asleep at the Helm are on fire here, sounding absolutely furious, and dragging modern metalcore into very exciting places. Places that are coarse and raw, but places that also have big melodies.

Sea Gods – Tell Me

Sea Gods new single, ‘Tell Me’, was written in a time of being at rock bottom in all areas of life, the song depicts a personal apathy towards an ever demanding and over complicated modern world.

The song asks the big question – “Tell me what it’s all about?” then continues to convey disaffection and disengagement from the relentless pressure to keep up and join in even “when you know you’re sunk”. eventually, arriving at the conclusion to just let go and “taste a little bliss” instead.

A track with a lot of heart, a track with a lot of feeling, and a track that is quite impactful. Sea Gods bring riffy rock to the forefront, while putting as much impact behind the moody tone as possible. The end result is very memorable. Check it out here.

Peace Ritual – Seconds

Ethereal rock duo Peace Ritual share their shimmering new single, ‘Seconds’, out via Last Ride Records.

Explain Joel Martorana and Thomas Elliott, aka Peace Ritual:

Seconds evolved into a love song about timing and dealing with the unknown, and reminds us to slow down and breathe through the noise.

You gotta love a track that quickly surrounds you and makes you feel comforted and at peace. This sums up Seconds and its mellow catchiness. A track that feels colourful and vibrant, while also having a dreamy edge. It’s a sweet piece of music that leaves you with a wistful smile.

Box Clone – Matrix

After a busy 2023, where they wowed audiences with their trademark high energy performances at Kaleidoscope and Eadestownbury Music Festivals, plus a sold out summer show in Dublin’s The Workman’s Club, Box Clone are back with their first full length album release.

Containing some singles already released by the group, plus several new offerings, ‘Matrix’ pays homage to many of BoxClone’s key influences, such as Rage Against the Machine, Muse and the Metal Gear Solid video game series.

The title track, ‘Matrix’, draws on frontman Oggan’s own experiences of school growing up.

He jokingly explains:

It’s about a bad day at school. Well, a matrix is essentially a grid system of lines that make up a system of squares. They contain information on how to navigate a task. In school I felt completely lost. I hated it and it hated me. There was no matrix or clear instructions on how to get through it. At that time mental health and effective guidance in schools were vague concepts. I felt completely trapped by it and had no idea how to express the way I was feeling or why I was feeling that way. There was no guide, no clear approach, no matrix. As you get older you see that education is a privilege, but for me back then it felt like a prison.

Box Clone have really grabbed a ton of attention in recent times, and for good reason, as they’re a quality band that make you want to move and groove. That sums up Matrix nicely, where the influences are clear, but they don’t overshadow the unique ideas this band has. This single is creative, layered with interesting ideas, and infectious as hell. This album could be the thing that really puts them on the map. Find out more here.

Windwaker – The Wall

Melbourne metalcore outfit Windwaker have dropped the new, four-song EP ‘Enter the Wall’ today, February 15th, via Cooking Vinyl Australia & Fearless Records. Alongside the EP release, the band has also shared the video for the single, ‘The Wall’.

Windwaker states:

Lyrically, the song is a reference to staring absently into a void. It’s the moment when reality crumbles away around you, leaving you with nothing but your own thoughts. Visually, it paints the picture of a person sitting in a dimly lit room at night as a black hole mercilessly sucks away the environment around them piece by piece. The main hook repeats twice in the same way a thought circulates in your mind. It always leads back to the same conclusion, setting off that thought again, and again, and again…

The over-saturation of metalcore music continues to be an issue, but when tracks like this exist, there’s nothing to complain about. Windwaker bring some seriously heavy noise with this song, and even though it’s got some egregious effects, the dark intensity is what stands out. It’s a really dangerous sounding track, and will cause some carnage in the live environment.

Jackson Colt – Shake Your Body

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this South African Rock powerhouse as they transport you to the neon-lit streets of 1980s Hollywood with pulsating beats and infectious earworm melodies. Paying homage to the timeless allure of 80s Rock, Jackson Colt delivers catchy hooks, melodic riffs, and blistering solos reminiscent of the Golden Era of the Guitar. Prepare for a fresh, modern twist that will captivate audiences worldwide. Their latest single ‘Shake Your Body’, is out now.

Holy s**t, what year is it? Jackson Colt are turning back the clock, albeit with modernised production and a better understanding of how pop and rock can mesh well together. Do you want a reason to dance? A reason to sing? A reason to smile? This song has exactly what you need. It’s not going to be for everyone, especially as that chorus does get repetitive, but it’s still exceptionally likable. Check it out here.

Speaking with Spirits – Prison of Silence

Speaking with Spirits, a new modern metalcore band formed of vocalist Rose Lalique (former Amaterasu bassist), guitarist and vocalist Jamie Brace (former Amaterasu guitarist and vocalist), and drummer Alan Bryant-Lowe (drummer for War Torn Wings), have released their debut single, ‘Prison of Silence’.

Making one hell of an impact, Speaking with Spirits are modern metalcore band to get excited about. This debut track brings some serious intensity, while also having some dramatic melodies, and takes on a less instrumentally formulaic form. The guitar/drum combo is f**king meaty as hell, and the contrasting vocals work really well. Keep an eye on this band, they are going places. Check it out here.

RinRin – Miss Miserable

Perth-based alternative metal rising star RinRin shares new single ‘Miss Miserable’ as an ode to her younger self.

A very cool track that is as relatable as it is striking. It’s an easily lovable alternative metal anthem that moves from dreamy melody to energetic heaviness with ease. The entire thing is exciting, but it has to be said that it’s the chorus that really lands. It’s a track that will get played over and over again.

Gold Bloom – Clarity

Liverpool’s very own favourite pop punk boy band Gold Bloom have returned with their new single ‘Clarity’. Following the release of their previous EP ‘Hazy’ which cemented them as one of the UK’s most promising pop punk outfits, Gold Bloom move forward by teaming up with Bethany Curtis of alternative rock rising stars As December Falls, who offers a powerful vocal addition on the new single ‘Clarity’. The track is out now on all platforms via ‘A Wolf at Your Door Records’.

Explains Gold Bloom vocalist Benji Yapp:

I wrote this song from the point of view of someone struggling with a damaging addiction and their internal struggle of wanting to get better but not seeing a way out. The folks at Wolf At Your Door recommended we switch up producers for this one and they put us in touch with Matt O’Grady. The process was so swift and he was so great to work with> We were lucky enough to work with Beth from As December Falls on this who adds her own flair to the track to create something really special.

As December Falls vocalist Bethany Curtis speaks about featuring on the track:

I’m super stoked to be featuring on this gold bloom track, as soon as I heard it I knew our voices would work well together and was immediately excited to hear the final outcome! The guys have been lovely to work with and hopefully one day we will get to play it live and get the room bopping!

A great team-up that feels so natural, and one that utilises the talents of both Gold Bloom and As December Falls vocalist Bethany perfectly. The end result is a powerful, catchy, and energised pop-punk hit that stays around long after it has finished. If you’re a fan of this kind of music, you’re going to simply love this. Check it out here.

When We Were Wolves – Hate Yourself

When We Were Wolves have re-emerged from their den after a long hibernation, and they’ve come armed with a new single.

‘Hate Yourself’ is the first new music from the Welsh metalcore outfit in seven years. They’re back with a new line up, and the desire for success and to bring their music to as many people as possible is bigger than ever.

When We Were Wolves vocalist Mitch Bock explains:

The song is about my mental health struggles and how important the support of other people around me has been. Being open when you’re struggling is key I think which is where the lyric “and I’ll always show that I’m struggling”. Telling someone you’re going through a bad time seems to have such a negative stigma around it when in reality it’s a very positive thing.

Welcome back, When We Were Wolves. Returning with aplomb by delivering a really emotive metalcore effort. One that brings big riffs, and vocals that soar. Yet, the way the smoothness transitions so easily to scathing intensity is so impressive. Robust heaviness, but with a thick melodic vein running through it, it’s a really strong track. Something that is represented by a brilliant chorus. Check it out here.

Half Me – Nothing Left to Lose but the Chains

Hamburg heavy hitters Half Me have released their new track ‘Nothing Left to Lose but the Chains’, following the exhilarating previous singles ‘Quitter Talk’ and ‘Concrete Ceiling’. The new track and video are out now via Arising Empire.

Who doesn’t love a bit of Half Me? Especially when they’re in this kind of mood? A mood that smashes and crashes with eye-watering intensity. This is a heavy f**king track, and it leaves one hell of an impression. Especially when a bout of clean singing comes out of nowhere. Although, considering how layered Half Me’s music often is, this really shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. They’re a killer band, and this is another killer track from them.