Single Slam: Gaerea, Thotcrime, Jasper Dan, Trash Boat, Gwailo, RinRin, Fort, Defences, Bones UK, Joe Appleford, Majestica, Giant Walker, From Ruins, Clay J Gladstone, and Death Goals!

Today’s single slam features Gaerea, Thotcrime, Jasper Dan, Trash Boat, Gwailo, RinRin, Fort, Defences, Bones UK, Joe Appleford, Majestica, Giant Walker, From Ruins, Clay J Gladstone, and Death Goals. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below and listen to each track via the Spotify playlist.

Gaerea – Hope Shatters

Gaerea arrived shrouded in mystery. The masked sensations emerged from pandemic limbo with a vision for black metal that was guided not by myths or pagan beliefs but a purging of emotion. Existential dread still pulses through the Portuguese band’s blood, but their upcoming fourth album signals a shift in psychology.

With ‘Coma’, Gaerea are no longer strictly a black metal band. Instead, they’re breaking to the forefront of extreme metal. Though their new album was produced by trusted confidant Miguel Tereso, it broadens the band’s signature sound by taking it in two seemingly opposed directions. There are more moments of intense beauty, but they only heighten the ensuing blows. The world may be as hopeless as the album’s lead single ‘Hope Shatters’ declares. But with ‘Coma’, Gaerea have returned to prove that they are only the band who can guide us into the darkness.

Blackened step by blackened step, Gaerea are changing the metal landscape and a new album is hotly anticipated, especially if the calibre of heavy and extreme music we’re going to get is on par with this new single. As visually astounding as they are sonically, their ability to feel fresh and modern, while being undeniably extreme, is on full display with this provocative, dynamic, and genre-defying piece of music. Gaerea are one of the most exciting bands in the world right now, and the proof comes from tracks like this.

Thotcrime – Garden Court (feat. bagel rabbit)

US/UK based cybergrind group Thotcrime have shared a new single and music video, titled ‘Garden Court’, featuring bagel rabbit. Garden Court is the third track to be taken from Thotcrime’s forthcoming third album, Connection Anxiety, due out via Prosthetic Records on August 16th. The video features footage from the band’s first ever full line-up headline US tour dates, filmed in June 2023.

Following two previous singles, one of which was pretty good and one of which that was just bad, Thotcrime go for the middle ground with this new single. Featuring some of cringe-worthy vocals, poorly thought-out melodic effects, and miss moments of intensity. However, the chaos of their heavier side and moments of ordered rhythm actually adds some catchiness and by the end, it’s turned into something much more enjoyable. It’s not great, but it’s not terrible either. Check it out here.

Jasper Dan – Mama Voodoo

Jasper Dan are a rock band hailing from South Africa. Renowned for their high-energy performances and their distinctive blend of classic Southern Rock with a modern twist. Today, they release their latest anthem, ‘Mama Voodoo’. Blending mystical vibes with introspective themes.

A high-powered grooving rock and roll hit of dopamine; Jasper Dan has plenty of Southern style but they also offer a dynamic modern taste of infectiousness. All of which is present in this new single, which has this raw vibe that adds a bewitching layer of listenability to things. The foot will tap to the bassy thrums, the head will nod along to the robust riffs, the hips will sway to the raspy touch on the vocals, and the soul will be buoyed by its overall vibe. Check it out here.

Trash Boat – Be Someone (feat. Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail)

St Albans quintet Trash Boat have announced their new album, ‘Heaven Can Wait’, for an October 4th release. To mark the announcement, the band have also released a new single, ‘Be Someone’, featuring Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail.

What Thrash Boat are we getting here? Alternative metal Trash Boat? Pop punk and rock Trash Boat? A bit of the ‘core’ Trash Boat, or a little bit of everything? Good news, fans of a heavier and more energised Trash Boat, it’s your time to go a bit wild to a slice of modernised metalcore and hardcore. Although general fans of Trash Boat won’t feel left out in the cold as it’s a thoroughly accessible and enjoyable example of a heavier and faster piece of music. Everyone will be singing along to that chorus.

Gwailo – Rock N Roll Seduction

Brit Hard Rock quintet, Gwailo, have unleashed their scorching new single and video, ‘Rock N Roll Seduction’, out now.

Lead vocalist, Michael Curry, comments about the track:

It’s a four-minute-long metaphor for how rock music seduces and pleases you the same way a lover would. We wanted to write a song that tells the story of how you get transported to different emotions listening to music. The song is like a siren calling to you with the hypnotic riff and enchanting lyrics until you give yourself to Rock N Roll.

These days it’s hard to be convinced to give yourself over to a rock and roll tune, even one that comes from the harder side of the tracks. It’s all just a bit ‘safe’, even if a quality track is still a quality track. This is what Gwailo’s new single suffers from, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it isn’t a strong example of heavier modern rock and roll, because it is. Nicely infectious, with some body-shaking groove, and empathic riffs, it’s well worth a listen. Check it out here.

RinRin – PRN

Perth-based alternative rock rising star RinRin welcomes listeners into her dystopian world with new single PRN.

2024 introduced a new era for RinRin, and PRN begins the fresh new narrative, and the first in a string of fantasy-fuelled releases. PRN explores the dystopian and fictional story of Rin, based on real life. A multiverse exists where ‘variants’ of RinRin reside in alternate worlds, leading different lives that reflect real feelings.

A very talented artist who really is doing some unique things in the musical world. Taking modern pop ideas and blending them with electronica tinged rock, punk twisted by hip-hop elements, and plenty of metal intensity too. RinRin has an aura, and this track might be the best example of how all these different ideas, these different creative touches, come together in spectacular style. You won’t think you’ll like it, but you will. Check it out here.

Fort – Three of Swords

Fort are a cinematic instrumental post-rock quartet from Cardiff. Citing Caspian, And So I Watch You from Afar and Mogwai as influences, they use their driving basslines and soaring guitars to convey emotion whilst also taking the listener on a journey of their own. Their new single, ‘Three of Swords’ is the first part of a three-part presentation, following a tortured soul through loss, grief, acceptance and salvation. The full release, ‘Over the Water, Where the Clouds Grow’ is to be released August 12th, ahead of their performance at Arctangent Festival.

To be booked to play at ArcTanGent is a truly special thing and should never be taken lightly when you consider the greats that have graced that festival. So, that should tell you that Fort has something special about them and the confirmation needed comes in the form of this new track. A spectacularly vivid instrumental post rock experience that feels grand, feels intense, and feels like it matters. This is an excellent piece of music, one that ebbs and flows with a massive amount of heart and soul, and will likely feel even bigger when played live.

Defences – Perish

Future alternative metal greats Defences have announced their new album, Shadowlight, set for an 8th of November release via Long Branch Records. In conjunction with this announcement, the band have released their new single and video ‘Perish’.

The future of Defences is looking pretty bright, and while not all of their alternative ideas hit, more do than don’t, and this new track is them on a creative high. A heavy creative high, sounding quite beastly at times, while having their trademark anthemic ways throughout. It’s accessible heaviness, with some interesting touches of flair here and there to add a more unique flavour to things.

Bones UK – Fix

GRAMMY-nominated duo, Bones UK, have released their new single, ‘Fix’, alongside the official music video from their sophomore album, ’Soft’, due out on 13th September via Sumerian Records.

You have to admire what Bones UK are producing and even if their brand of accessible pop rock tinged with metal experimentation rarely delivers the wow factor. Which sums up this new single. It’s fine, catchy and likable with some creative moments, but that’s about where it ends. If you’re not feeling something wild and intense, this track will please a mind that wants some dynamism, but not too much. Check it out here.

Joe Appleford – Greed

Joe Appleford, the dynamic alternative rock artist known for his infectious arena-ready anthems, is excited to share his brand-new single ‘Greed’. The song showcases Joe Appleford’s signature style as he continues to emphasize the importance of bravery and self-belief, aiming to inspire others through his music and live performances.

Joe Appleford shares:

Greed resonates with the fierce struggle to break free from the suffocating grasp of toxic bonds, whether they stem from personal ties, societal expectations, or internal battles. It’s a powerful anthem of liberation, urging people to reclaim their strength and escape the relationships that involve manipulation and oppression.

A rock hit that does what it says on the tin, and buoys the mind, body, and soul via a heavy and raw sound. Yet, it retains an anthemic style that encourages movement all round. Joe Appleford wanted it to feel powerful, and that is an aspect he has nailed. You’ll feel ten feet tall with this playing in your ears. Check it out here.

Majestica – A New Beginning

Majestica are back with their first new music of 2024. The Swedish power metal quartet proudly present their latest single ‘A New Beginning’ – the band’s first release since 2021.

Tommy Johansson comments:

When Majestica finally return with a new song it couldn’t have been a better one than ‘A New Beginning’. Not only is it a heavy power metal song with a catchy sing-along chorus, it’s also very melodic in the style of Stratovarius, 80’s rock and Helloween with some hints of Gary Moore. The song reflects on (as the title says) to start over, but also of something that comes to an end. But the end isn’t always a bad thing. It feels great to finally release some new music with Majestica again and to show that we’re back – back with a new beginning.

This rebirth of the band makes a lot of sense, seeing as the past few years has been so Christmas focused that it’s easy to forget that this kind of music is more in line with what they do. Power metal that demands you raise a fist in the air, punch your chest, and sing along loudly to a super-anthemic chorus. This is a bit ‘by the numbers’ as far as that goes, but that’s no complaint, Majestica didn’t need to overcomplicate things here, just deliver a memorable power metal track and that is exactly what this is. Check it out here.

From Ruins – Until We’re Gone

Exciting modern metallers From Ruins are back with a bang, unleashing the music video for their new single ‘Until We’re Gone’. It is the first offering from their upcoming sophomore EP ‘Poison for Your Soul’ which is set for release on 6th September 2024 via Earache Digital Distribution.

A head banger from the very first note and only getting stronger from that point on, From Ruins are back with a hefty example of their strong modern metal abilities. Hilariously, and delightfully, going from more melody laced aspects that sound fresh, to furiously fast moments that have so much ferocity to them, and flowing nicely into a infectiously harmonised chorus. It’s a banger of a track.

Giant Walker – Silhouettes

Giant Walker’s latest offering is the title track from their forthcoming LP ‘Silhouettes’. Out on the 20th of September via Church Road Records.

Vocalist Steff Fish shares:

Thematically, the song explores feelings of being constantly beaten down to the point where you want to bring everyone down with you – almost like life is out to trip you up at every corner and then smiling when you fall. Epitomised by the lyric – ‘I could dig a nice hole in the ground, but then I guess I can’t watch the world drown’.

Already shaping up to be an album of the year contender, Giant Walker all but confirm that thought process with a stunning example of their creative abilities. Where even long-term listeners might find themselves taken back by new dimensions to their sound. It’s a track of different creative parts. Where melancholic and heartfelt melody switches to robust heavy rockiness, dreamy intensity lies over everything, it has a chorus that is daringly catchy, and there just happens to be a guitar solo in  there too.

Clay J Gladstone – Talk of the Town

Sydney-based sad party punkers Clay J Gladstone take things back to their roots with cheeky new single ‘Talk of the Town’, out now via DefWolf Records. The new song follows April’s Postmodern Teenage Angst, and June’s Death by Idle Hands, further teasing a debut album set to drop later in the year.

A band that is pretty much impossible to dislike, Clay J Gladstone keep the smiles plastered on the faces with another lovable party anthem. Albeit one with more punky fire, touches of metal, and intensity. Yet, it is as stupidly catchy as always.  Check it out here.

Death Goals – Knife Bouquet (feat. Matt Reynolds)

UK queercore duo Death Goals have shared a new single and its accompanying music video, ‘Knife Bouquet’. It is the first glimpse of new material from Death Goals following their 2023 sophomore album, ‘A Garden of Dead Flowers’, and features a guest vocal appearance from Matt Reynolds (Haggard Cat, Heck).

Speaking on the single release, Death Goals comment:

‘Knife Bouquet’ is a track of necessary catharsis; wanting to move on from years-old heartbreak but unsure of how to do so. Lyrically collected from old journal entries and sonically rooted in the sound we have developed over the last two records; Knife Bouquet is a statement of intent for us as a band and one of the first tracks that came out of post-Garden writing sessions. We wrote the song with our good friend Matt (Reynolds – Haggard Cat, Heck) in mind for the final section, and we’re so glad he agreed to jump on. We’re super proud of this track and can’t wait to start playing it live.

Few should need reminding that the future of the ‘core’ scene is in very safe hands thanks to bands like Death Goals. One of the leaders in the queercore scene, they consistently prove to be as creative as they are challenging and this new single is the encapsulation of so much about Death Goals that makes them unique. It’s ordered, but has a rawness that gets under the skin. It’s chaotic, but never feels messy. It’s not catchy per-se, but you’ll find it gets stuck in the brain matter. Of course, all of this makes complete sense to those who have been following this band for a while now. It’s Death Goals and they’re not like anyone else.