Single Slam: Accept, Avralize, Vanitas, Scarfold, The Forsaken, Sylvaine, One Step Closer, Born of Osiris, Squidge, Horndal, Alterjoy, The Milk Men, Blanket, Venues, Fangclub, Rhapsody Of Fire, and Thornhill!

Today’s single slam features Accept, Avralize, Vanitas, Scarfold, The Forsaken, Sylvaine, One Step Closer, Born of Osiris, Squidge, Horndal, Alterjoy, The Milk Men, Blanket, Venues, Fangclub, Rhapsody Of Fire, and Thornhill. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Accept – Humanoid

Legendary heavy metal titans Accept have unveiled the first single from their forthcoming album Humanoid (26th April, Napalm Records) – the title track.

Legends for a reason, Accept are back and like everyone expects, they have brought reasons to head-bang with them. Humanoid features a bevy of riffs, where the lead guitar just screams. It features thumping drumbeats and captivating bass hooks, all while the vocals snarl away. It’s the Accept of old, to some degree, but it’s so far from a rethread of their greatest hits. The cherry on top? Some very big guitar solos. Accept are back!

Avralize – Overdose

German metalcore quartet Avralize have dropped a new single titled ‘Overdose’, and announced the release of new album Freaks, out 22nd March via Arising Empire.

The German metalcore scene continues to provide modern metal that leaves an impact, both from a heavy and melodic stance. Avralize may not be doing anything particularly fresh, but they sure do it well, and that’s more than enough to enjoy this track. One that is more melodramatic than anything else. Melody is at the forefront of this track, and it shows a mature digression from the standard formula. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is ‘soft’ though, as Avralize can be extremely scathing sounding here. Check it out here.

Vanitas – Grey Mortality

Following a successful trio of singles in 2023, Vanitas show no signs of slowing down, hitting the ground running debuting a darker sound with their new release ‘Grey Morality’.

The fondness for Vanitas continues to grow and grow, release after release, and while they have shown us so many layers to their sound already, it turns out they have so much more to offer. The ‘cinematic djent’ band head into darker and heavier territories, while also heightening the sense of ‘cinema’ that is so important to their sound. It’s notable for so many different reasons, but none more obvious than the fact it is so damn heavy.

Scarfold – Spinecrusher

From Montreal, Scarfold is a heavy hardcore outfit with an urban groove and unrelenting force made to destroy anything in its path. They have now released their new single, ‘Spinecrusher’, which features vocalist Jay Valentine of Guilt Trip.

Any track that has a guest spot for Guilt Trip is going to be a track well worth checking out, but then you remember Scarfold have been tearing it up in recent times. Spinecrusher is a beast of a track, one that barely passes the 2:30 mark. A track that gets the heart pounding in the chest, the blood pumping noisily in the veins, and the neck muscles working overtime. Hardcore heaviness, but with some of the nastiest sounding stompy breakdowns heard this year so far. It is the sort of music that promises chaos, and delivers it by the bucketload. Check it out here.

The Forsaken – Pain

British rock band The Forsaken are pleased to announce their debut single ‘Pain’. Out on March 4th, 2024. Pain was written while frontman Dan Hunsdon was in the grip of his last relapse from addiction recovery two years ago and is a window into some of the mental torment that addiction/relapse led him to, while showing that he could see a small glimmer of hope and a way out of active addiction.

The story behind this track is quite something, and while many may not be able to relate to it, the fact that it is a robust and groovy rock head-banger will please just about everyone. It’s the heart and soul in it, the moody vibes, but twisted by an anthemic stance, that stands out. There’s a ton of talent in this band, and as far as a debut single goes, it leaves a strong impression. Upon release, check it out here.

Sylvaine – Eg Er Framand

On her new EP, Sylvaine traces back to her roots in Norwegian folk music. Eg Er Framand was recorded at the Kampen Church in Oslo, where she performed while studying music in high school.

When Sylvaine first heard the title track, it hit her like no other song had before. Since then, she’s shared this song with rapturous audiences everywhere. Now, she’s released a new recording of ‘Eg Er Framand’ that finds her searching for a higher, lonely power. The full EP will be released on March 22nd, 2024, via Season of Mist.

F**king beautiful. It’s as simple as that. Sylvaine’s voice will send shivers down your spine. That being said, it’s as stripped back as it gets, with just her voice acting as the guiding light. It’s one of those rare occurrences where hearing it with the video playing is important, as the imagery shown really helps transport the listener into the world of Sylvaine. Check it out here.

One Step Closer – Leap Years

One Step Closer, the Wilkes-Barre melodic hardcore heroes are back with the announcement of their highly anticipated new full-length, ‘All You Embrace’. Due out May 17th from Cooking Vinyl Australia & Run For Cover Records. The band have now released the single ‘Leap Years’ to celebrate the album announcement.

A manic blast of infectious energy that begins in chaotic fashion, but quickly settles down when the chorus hits and the melodic side of the band rears its head. An element that gives the song a bit of ‘pop punk’ vibe, albeit from a much heavier instrumental place. It’s catchy as all hell.

Born Of Osiris – A Mind Short Circuiting

Born Of Osiris have released their brand new single ‘A Mind Short Circuiting’ along with an official visualiser, streaming now via Sumerian Records.

On the new single, the band shared:

‘A Mind Short Circuiting’ embodies the essence of our roots. The combination of ethereal melodies with down-tuned guitars has helped inspire lyrics that evoke darker emotions. We are sure that our OG fans will appreciate this one.

A band who never fail to impress or inspire, Born Of Osiris take us to a darker place on this new single, but as is so often the case, layer their music with so many differing elements, it becomes transcendent. When they say its for the OG fans, they mean it, as this is a throwback effort and features serrated instrumentals, but truly stands out for the wicked sounding tempo shifts and deepening ambience. It’s a fantastic piece of music that reminds you of this band’s power. Check it out here.

Squidge – Truck

Squidge, an independent four piece post-hardcore/alt-rock band from Cardiff and Bristol, have released their brand-new single, ‘Truck’. This release comes ahead of their brand-new EP, which will be released within the next few months.

The off-kilter guitar tone at the start of this track might put you in a grunge mind frame, but let this track grow, as Squidge have a lot to showcase. A bit moody, melodically charged, with touches of groove, and a chorus that absolutely hits. It’s a piece of music that crosses over several genres, has a 90s vibe, but still feels modern thanks to the post-hardcore bursts. It’s a track that gets better and better on multiple listens. Check it out here.

Horndal – Blacklisted

Sweden’s Horndal has announced they’ll be releasing their third album, titled ‘Head Hammer Man’, on April 5th via Prosthetic Records. Alongside the album announcement Horndal has shared the lead single and music video, ‘Blacklisted’.

On the self-proclaimed rusty metal band’s latest full-length the band share the previously untold real-life story of Alrik Andersson, a 1900s union leader from their eponymous hometown and his role in The Great Strike. The captivating tale of Andresson will also see a book written by Horndal to accompany the album – with further details to be revealed.

This is going to a big album, and the clue is this track as it’s a single that showcases heavy grandeur and a massive level of storytelling. One that makes for a fascinating listen, even though Hordnal’s icy intensity threatens to distract. That’s not a negative though, it’s just part of the experience, and this is a very big experience. As a part of a bigger picture, Blacklisted certainly makes the final image clearer, while being a delight in its own way. Check it out here.

Alterjoy – Better Make A Move

Dark-pop solo powerhouse Alterjoy shares new single ‘Better Make A Move’, begging the question – is the price of fame and ego worth losing yourself?

A very pretty piece of music, one that puts the vocals front and centre, but has enough differing elements to be more than just another nicely sung pop-song. The most obvious aspect being the changing rhythm, ‘hip-hop’ style vocals, and growing intensity of background vocals and effects. Things that give it a much coarser feel. It’s different and there’s never anything wrong with that.

The Milk Men – One Man Band

The Milk Men, renowned for their electrifying performances and innovative R&B take on the blues-rock sound, are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of their latest, and fifth, album, Holy Cow! Dovetailing this exciting news is debut single ‘One Man Band’ and its accompanying video.

The Milk Men are certainly doing things a bit differently, while still holding all the blues-rock vibes you might expect. The end result is something quite catchy, try as you might, the foot will tap and the chorus will make you sing. If you’re new to them, you might find yourself taken in and excited to hear more. Good thing they have a big back catalogue and a new album coming soon! Check it out here.

Blanket – Nuclear Boy Scout

‘Nuclear Boy Scout’ is the brand-new single and music video from Blanket. The band who seamlessly blend elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and alternative rock. It comes from their brand-new album, ‘Ceremonia’ out via Church Road Records on March 22nd, 2024.

Says Bobby (Vocals, Guitar):

This is the last of 4 singles from our ‘Ceremonia’ record, the nuclear Boy Scout was a story I read about a young lad in America called David Hahn who built a nuclear reactor in his mums back garden. Simon wrote this song and put it in chat, when we listened we were all instantly hooked and I came up with vocal Melodie’s that night.

Musically it reminds me of Cave In ‘Jupiter’ era in parts and also has more shoegaze/emo elements in certain sections of the track.

We can’t wait for everyone to hear ‘Ceremonia’ in full on 22nd March, and we’re celebrating its release with a full play-through in our hometown of Blackpool at Bootleg Social on the 23rd!

With every release, Blanket have built anticipation for this album to a feverish point. It’s almost time to hear the full thing, but first, we have Nuclear Boy Scout to enjoy and enjoy most bloody will. It’s a Blanket special, sounding moodily alternative, but with plenty of shoegaze layered in, but also sounding quite different to what we’ve heard so far. It’s no secret that they’re a varied band, and no further proof is needed than this banger.

Venues – Godspeed, Goodbye

Post-hardcore quartet Venues have unveiled their brand new single ‘Godspeed, Goodbye’, showcasing their ever evolving sound and musical depth. The new track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Transience, which will be out on 29th March via Arising Empire.

Lela (vocals) says:

I have yet to manage to sing this song without crying.

Oof. This might be the most emotionally affecting track Venues have ever released, yet it is still so stupidly anthemic. How does this band do it? Deliver something so powerful, so infectious, and so damn heavy? The breakdown will make the teeth ache, but it’s the deepness of the melody that stays with you long afterwards. Check it out here.

Fangclub – Attention

Irish alt rockers, Fangclub, have made a welcomed return after unveiling their brand-new single, ‘Attention’. The release of ‘Attention’ see’s Fangclub share their first piece of new music since their critically acclaimed album ‘Vulture Culture’ (released in 2019).

On the new single, Fangclub’s vocalist Steven King comments:

Originally ‘Attention’ was more of a delicate Elliott Smith type song. I was listening to a lot of Heatmiser, Elliott Smith, PJ Harvey, Soulwax, Placebo. We gave it a louder life with the guitars and drums. It has more of a burnt quality to it now. The performance is a bit more raw. It’s following the usual pattern but now the pattern is distorted or blurred. As far as a meaning to the song, I don’t want to ruin any possible meaning that a fan might get themselves from it. It’s more of a feeling for me. Like that feeling you get when you’re about to go asleep and you suddenly jump. The first few lines are as direct as I can be. Or maybe it’s just a rock song.

Very cool, very nice, and very attentive. Fangclub combine the infectious accessibility of alternative rock with a rawer vibe. It’s got an understated ‘loudness’ that is kept at bay by swooning melody, the cherry on top being a chorus that digs into the brain matter deeply. The creativity in this track is extremely heartening, and as a sign of the future for this band, it’s an effective one.

Rhapsody Of Fire – Challenge The Wind

Rhapsody Of Fire have released their new single ‘Challenge The Wind’, the title track of their new album coming in May 2024, out on AFM Records.

Guess what? This is an epic. Hardly surprising for this band. Who doesn’t know what they’re getting with a Rhapsody Of Fire piece of music at this stage? Massive power metal with cinematic vibes, there’s absolutely nothing to complain about here. Even if it’s not the most ‘inspiring’ of pieces to come from this band. Check it out here.

Thornhill – Obsession

‘Obsession’, the brand-new single from Melbourne rockers Thornhill, is out now via UNFD.

The band shares:

Obsession focuses on a narcissistic inner monologue, insistent on having what they want. Oozing lies and pleas at the distress of an old lover, they project their desires at the cost of their own “life”.

Just checking, but has everyone gotten over the Thornhill sound and style change now? Good, because it’s clear now they’re not going backwards, even if their forward momentum is stalled somewhat here by the ‘borrowing’ of Deftones elements. That being said, there is some mixing of older Thornhill ideas here too, and it sure feels like an attempt to marry the two sides of the band. That’s pretty cool, but still, it’s so Deftones like, it’s really hard to look past that.