Single Slam: Alien Weaponry, Fox Lake, Dawn of Ouroboros, FangSlinger, Benthos, BRAT, Imperishable, Praetorian, Until 9, Not Enough Space, King Kraken, Wren, Impurity, paradise fell., Hands Like Houses, and Majestica!

Today’s single slam features Alien Weaponry, Fox Lake, Dawn of Ouroboros, FangSlinger, Benthos, BRAT, Imperishable, Praetorian, Until 9, Not Enough Space, King Kraken, Wren, Impurity, paradise fell., Hands Like Houses, and Majestica. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Alien Weaponry – Mau Moko

New Zealand modern groove metal trio Alien Weaponry are pleased to announce their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, ‘Te Rā’, out 28th March via Napalm Records.

With that announcement, the band have also unleashed a brand new, grooving single, ‘Mau Moko’. Featuring te reo Māori lyrics, the track honours traditional Māori face tattooing (moko) while delving into the costs of maintaining customs that are at-odds with dominant cultural norms.

Bolder than ever and fully embracing their culture and history, Alien Weaponry have set the bar high on this new album with an anthemic groovy and heavy beast of a track. The intensity is heightened by the lyrics and how they are delivered, and while it’s easy to make comparisons to early Sepultura here and there, they stand alone as a unique sound within the modern metal world.

Fox Lake – Cold Hard Truth

Colorado’s Fox Lake return with their hard-hitting new single, ‘Cold Hard Truth’. A track that marks a pivotal moment for Fox Lake, who recently signed with MNRK Heavy.

The band comment on the track:

‘The Cold Hard Truth’ is a blend of some of our favorite elements from nu-metal, hardcore, and hip-hop. We wanted the whole song to feel like the moment your luck runs out. It’s just as heavy as it is groovy, and the lyrics cut like a knife.

A stompy and aggressive delight that just so happens to be incredibly anthemic. Fox Lake have a ‘core’ makeup, but their delivery is more old-school, especially when their nu-metal and hip-hop influences shine. It’s a memorable slab of groovy heaviness. Check it out here.

Dawn of Ouroboros – Bioluminescence

Oakland, CA blackened progressive metal band Dawn of Ouroboros have shared the lead single and title track from their forthcoming third album, ‘Bioluminescence’, which is set for release via Prosthetic Records on March 7th.

There’s so much to experience and unpack here that there is no way it can all be understood with just one listen. It’s a multiple listen release that showcases new and unique elements each time. Progressive, melodic, heavy with death and black influences, and so much more. It’s one of the most distinctive and dynamic sounding tracks heard this year so far. Check it out here.

FangSlinger – Blood Curse

With their debut single ‘The Lost Souls Saloon’ earning critical acclaim, FangSlinger have already begun carving their legend as a band creating an immersive experience through their gothic storytelling and interfusion of hard rock, country and blues. They now raise their stakes further with the release of their new offering ‘Blood Curse’.

Delving into original story of FangSlinger himself, an undead outlaw cursed with eternal life and a debt of 100,000 souls,

There’s something special about this band. A thought that was already in place, but one that grows in stature now. Delivering a powerful effort that is melodically charged and heavy in the ‘old west’ vibes, but unforgettable when it rocks up. Especially as it rocks up hard and more cinematic elements begin to slip in. It’s a very impressive track.

Benthos – Pure

The Italian metal quintet Benthos are kicking off the year with a bang: With ‘Pure’, they are officially releasing the second single from their upcoming album. The as-yet-unnamed album, set to be released this spring, will mark Benthos’ second full-length record.

The band shares about the single:

We’re thrilled to share our new single, ‘Pure’, which showcases a gentler, sweeter side of our sound—letting the melody shine beyond the chaos. It was a joy to write, and we hope you love listening to it as much as we loved creating it!

How clever and how bloody addictive is this? A track that, instrumentally, is so chaotic and layered with so many interesting and creative ideas. Yet, thanks in part to the dreamy smoothness of the vocals, it is hugely melodic and that is what captures the imagination. It’s an absolutly wild ride, but surprisingly pretty, a side to Benthos that everyone can enjoy. Check it out here.

BRAT – Barracuda (Heart Cover)

NOLA’s BRAT are kicking off everyone’s 2025 with a grinding cover of Heart’s 1977 classic ‘Barracuda’! Featuring Sammy Duet (Acid Bath, Goatwhore, ex-Crowbar), ‘Barracuda’ arrives less than a year on from their debut album, ‘Social Grace’, and ahead of BRAT’s forthcoming debut European and UK tour dates in support of Napalm Death with Crowbar and Full of Hell.

BRAT are having some fun with this one, not taking themselves or the original too seriously, but delivering a unique cover that respects what Heart created. It’s a BRAT special, noisy and obnoxious, but lovable through and through. Where, even if you don’t care for the original song, you can find the aggression and heaviness of this one appealing. The video is hilarious too.

Imperishable – Bells

Swedish death metal stalwarts Imperishable have announced the release of their second album ‘Swallow the World’ which will be released on 11th April, 2025 via Hammerheart Records. The first single ‘Bells’, which comes in the form of a music video, is now streaming via the label’s YouTube channel.

Imperishable comment on the track:

Musically and lyrically, ‘Bells’ captures a deep sense of longing for what could have been. It tells the story of someone trapped in addiction, a recurring theme for us, who suddenly confronts the devastating reality of their situation. The song reflects the overwhelming horror and sorrow of realizing that their dreams have been broken along the way.

Leaning towards melodic death metal with blackened infusions, rather than outright death metal, this new Imperishable single is a brutal blast of brilliance. A head banging blast of heavy intensity that warms the gnarled heart. Check it out here.

Praetorian – Burly Haemorrhoid

‘Burly Haemorrhoid’ is the second single to be released from the Hertfordshire based blackened sludge band Praetorian’s forthcoming debut album Pylon Cult, which will be released on Jan 31st through APF Records.

Has your January not been ugly and harsh enough? Well, f**k you, Praetorian are here to make it all that little bit nastier in their unique way. This new single is mean, unleashing a cacophony of brutal noise from the start, but developing in captivating and disconcerting ways as it goes on. Leading to an ending that needs to be heard to be believed. This new album is going to be very special.

Until 9 – Colours

Until 9, the hard rock/metal outfit have released their brand new single, ‘Colours’.

Building on their successful appearance last year, Until 9 has been promoted to the South Lawless stage at the Call of the Wild Festival in Lincolnshire. Additionally, in the south of England, the Maid of Stone Festival has invited the band to join a lineup featuring renowned artists such as Wolfmother, Mr. Big, and Living Colour, among other major names in the music industry.

Following last year’s successful tour, Until 9 is set to embark on another tour of Ireland in April, with stops planned in Dublin, Belfast, and Galway. Momentum is indeed building for Until 9 as they continue to make waves in the music scene.

An interesting listen, this new Until 9 single is a powerfully odd experience. One that is moody, a bit dark, almost creepy in places, and delectably addictive. It’s got SOAD vibes, all over the place, but cleverly structured. Credit to Until 9, it is a hugely memorable listen. Check it out here.

Not Enough Space – Solace in Silence

Floridian quintet, Not Enough Space, have released their new single, ‘Solace in Silence’, via Thriller Records. The track dives deep into mental health, suicide awareness and the struggles of coping with loss, subjects the band have personal connections to.

Speaking of the song, the band share:

‘Solace In Silence’ is a song dedicated to mental health, suicide awareness and the lasting impact on loved ones. The lyrical content explores the concept of losing yourself and wanting the voices in your head to silence themselves. Hence the title, ‘Solace In Silence.’ The track explores the aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide and the dangers of alcoholism as a means to cope with loss.

The explosive start to this track would have you believe you’re listening to an out and out metalcore/deathcore track, and then the chorus hits, and it’s pop-punk. Which is hilarious when you consider just how heavy the track is elsewhere. However, it’s not the only delightful thing about this track. Elsewhere there’s a breakdown that will make you wince, a surprisingly dramatic moment of melody and even a ballsy guitar solo. Check it out here.

King Kraken – Berserker

Welsh metallers King Kraken have released a brand-new music video for their raucous new single ‘Berserker’. The track is the second to be released from their upcoming second album ‘March of the Gods’, due for self-release on 18th April.

On the new single, the band comment:

Our latest single is a Viking massacre packed with hooks and melody. The picturesque Norse imagery is prevalent throughout the track evoking a foot stomping assault on your senses, and as the second release from our forthcoming album March of the Gods, this track shows that we mean business. Think of beer swigging, fur covered, horned brutes shouting “Valhalla calls!” and you’re almost there! ‘Berserker’ marks a proud moment for us as a band. It’s a stomper of a track that sets the stage for the next chapter in our journey, and we can’t wait to unleash it upon the world.

Warm up the neck muscles, it’s time to bang the head. All in appreciation of some downright groovy riffs, thumping drum parts, and smoothly powerful vocals. This is an absolute banger from King Kraken, confirming that this new album is one not to be missed.

Wren – Scorched Hinds

‘Scorched Hinsds’ is the second single from the forthcoming Wren LP ‘Black Rain Falls’, out 21st of February via Church Road Records.

The band explained the themes behind the new single by stating:

Scorched hinds is about the human race’s false sense of assumed dominion over the natural world and how we must strive to realign our shared consciousness with our environment and all beings that inhabit it.

On the subject of the new record, they said that:

The new record is a crystallisation of the conceptual voice-giving to natural collapse, humanity’s decline and the shadowed spectre that has imbued WREN since the beginning.

Continuing to showcase the dynamic shades of grey and black that exist in this upcoming album, while being undeniably experimental, Wren create beautiful dissonance here. It’s rhythmically pleasing, even with its dark, moody, and raw underbelly, akin to noise, but not too extreme. It’s very clever, and very morish. Check it out here.

Impurity – Ancient Remains

Impurity are about to drag Swedish death metal back to its raw, chainsaw snarled roots with their upcoming debut album ‘The Eternal Sleep’, which will be out on 7th March via Hammerheart Records. The first single ‘Ancient Remains’ was recently released via the label’s YouTube channel.

Impurity comment on the track:

We’re proud to present our first release since our debut demo ‘Forever Lifeless’ two years ago. Three minutes of anti-christian death metal propaganda delivered by our debut album. ”Ancient Remains’ seeks out to condemn the religious pillage raids that exterminated pagan traditions across the world and its hypocrisy. It may not be a new topic but it’s one close to our hearts.

Fast, furious, and feral, what more do you need to know? It’s old-school Swedish death metal delivered by a band who appear to have time travelled to the modern day. If you like your metal ugly and harsh, then you’re going to love this. It’s a head banger, that’s for sure. Check it out here.

paradise fell. – overdose.

London nu-rock outfit paradise fell. have shared a raw and energetic single, ‘overdose.’ The track is taken from their forthcoming debut mixtape Songs for ur Head (due for release on February 28th in 2025 via Fly Tip Records.)

overdose. is a visceral journey through the highs and lows of toxic relationships. The single captures the chaos of losing yourself in something, that was never good for you from the start, but just tasted sweet.

Shares paradise fell. front man Matty Bankhurst:

Once the initial euphoria fades, turning into a bad trip spiraling out of control, leaving you drained. The track is fueled by angry frustration, laced with the painful resignation of ‘take what you want from me, cuz I gave you everything’. A nod to everyone who’s been trapped by their own vulnerability of leaning into something/someone deceptively sweet.

While expectations for something vibrant from paradise fell. might be high due to previous releases, variety is also expected, so you never know quite what you’ll get. Happily, consistency is also there, and this new track is another unique slice of exciting electronica twisted heavy rock with a seedy and moody vein running through it.

Hands Like Houses – Fatally Fractured

Canberra’s Hands Like Houses continue their new era with single ‘Fatally Fractured’, the final phase of the incredible new album ‘A T M O S P H E R I C S’ due out 14th February 2025 via Civilians.

Says the band:

This single is about losing the love of your life and being the one who is responsible for its demise because of a toxicity you can’t control,” tells the band. “They’re the only positive thing you had, and now you’re left with your fractures and the immortal love they left behind.

Beginning to find their feet now since their line-up change, Hands Like Houses’ deliver a track that puts the vocals front and centre (and rightfully so), while delivering heart-wrenching melody. It’s a really emotive song, catchy and lovable, showing just how strong this new version of the band is. Their future is looking so much brighter now. Check it out here.

Majestica – A Story in the Night

Swedish power metal champions Majestica invite fans to embark on an electrifying journey with their second single, ‘A Story in the Night’, from their highly anticipated album, Power Train, set for release on 7th February 2025.

Frontman Tommy Johansson comments:

Fast, extreme, melodic and fast – 4 words that really describe the new single ’A Story in the Night’ perfectly. The fastest song on the new album, filled with guitar solos, glorious melodies and epic power metal vocals that tell a tragic story…in the night.

Do you like power metal? If so, this track will be a firm favourite as it is power metal through and through. Hilariously so, to the point that it almost becomes cheesy. Such is the Majestica way. Thoroughly enjoyable though, especially as the vocals are so good, it’s just one not likely to stay in the memory, long-term.