Single Slam: Aborted, Harbinger, Lumens, Banquise, Forlorn, Face Yourself, This Summit Fever, Fracture, Forlorn, The Sigil, Headcount, Within Destruction, Dead and the Weird, Fomented, and Caliban!
Today’s single slam features Aborted, Harbinger, Lumens, Banquise, Face Yourself, This Summit Fever, Fracture, Forlorn, The Sigil, Headcount, Within Destruction, Dead and the Weird, Fomented, and Caliban. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.
Aborted – The Pain, Will Be Exquisite
Extreme metal trailblazers and passionate horror aficionados Aborted have unleashed a new stand-alone single called ‘The Pain, Will Be Exquisite’ upon the world. The song is an unreleased bonus track from the recording sessions of Aborted’s acclaimed most recent album, ‘Vault Of Horrors’ (2024).
Aborted front man Sven de Caluwé commented:
Maniax! It is with great horror that we present to you ‘The Pain, Will Be Exquisite’! Something we recorded during the “Vault of Horror” sessions and kept aside as a surprise. We hope you enjoy blasting it as much as we did. See you all on the road very soon!
Considering the quality that came from the album, it’s no surprise that even a track that didn’t quite make the album, is an absolute banger. One inspired by the iconic horror franchise, Candyman (RIP Tony Todd) and one that goes extremely freaking hard. It’s classic Aborted noise, fast and furious, infusing grinding mania into sickening death. The blood flows deeply from this one, and it is so very beautiful. After all, what is blood for, if not for shedding?
Harbinger – No Vermin
Technical death metal band Harbinger have released their brand-new single and music video, ‘No Vermin’. It comes ahead of their forthcoming European and UK tour dates in support of Distant and Enterprise Earth alongside The Last Ten Seconds of Life.
Back, and back with a mighty bang, Harbinger bring the heavy, the wild and furious heavy, showing off their progression, while still sounding undeniably them. It’s a showcase of tech intensity, but with a really violent deathcore edge, until the chorus hits and a sense of drama is infused within. That’s really cool, but everyone’s big takeaway from this will be just how hard and heavy it goes. Check it out here.
Lumens – In too Deep
Adelaide progressive metalcore up-and-comers Lumens ring in the new year with fresh new single ‘In Too Deep’ and announce the release of their self-titled debut EP, out Friday April 11 via Wild Thing Records.
Says the band:
In Too Deep is not just a song, but a rallying cry for anyone who feels confined by oppressive forces. We urge listeners to question authority, fight for autonomy, and seek the freedom to define their own path. It’s an anthem for those ready to break free.
Firstly, I have to say, killer video. If you want to really feel this song, watch the video too. That being said, it is a banger track too. Lumens are part of the new wave of metalcore bands taking the best elements of the past (heavy and melodic balanced perfectly) and giving it more modern bite. Not only does it sound meaner and more chaotic, but it is so much more anthemic. A sing along and head banger, equally.
Banquise – Therapy
Banquise is back with an unexpected twist. Their latest single ‘Therapy’ marks a bold evolution in their sound and explores themes of self-acceptance, burnout, and breaking free from societal pressures.
Taking a different approach to their metalcore sound, Banquise take some inspiration from the alternative rock world, and combine that creativity with poppier melodies and touches of intensity. The end result is something quite unique and very interesting, especially as all off this comes in a two-minute-ish package. Check it out here.
Face Yourself – Sideration
Modern deathcore force Face Yourself are kicking off 2025 with a seismic statement. The band has released their ferocious new single ‘Sideration’, accompanied by a visually arresting official music video and announced their signing to Sumerian Records, a move that signals the next chapter in their rapid ascent.
Speaking on their new release the band shares:
‘Sideration’ is both a gateway and a foreshadowing of what’s to come. This track encapsulates everything FACE YOURSELF stands for—Yasmine screaming her heart out, blast beats, aggressive guitars, and a breakdown that’s as crushing as it is cathartic. Thematically, the song explores the dreamlike state your mind creates to shield you from violent events, and the fight to wake up and reclaim control. It’s about being half awake through this dream, trying to find your way out reflected in the lyrics at the beginning “trying to catch the light”, and at the end of the song “I now see the light.
To bring this vision to life, we curated a dream team: Joey Sturgis scientifically crafting the heaviest sounds, Max Moore editing our visuals, and now, we have Sumerian Records amplifying everything and ensuring its successful release. Together, we’ve created something that reflects our evolution—two years of DIY grit, 3 self-produced EP’s, 10 DIY music videos, a lot of reflection and funny reddit posts – turned into something even more powerful. We are so excited to share this next chapter with you all. ‘Sideration’ is just the beginning.
Let’s get f**king brutal, Face Yourself have a new track and it is as feral and furious as you would hope and expect it to be. It goes hard immediately, and the pressure just increases as the track goes on. Yet, it is the ‘odd’ touches that make it more than just another savage deathcore track and there are plenty on show. The choir sample? It’s not going to be for everyone.
This Summit Fever – Hooks
The 4-legged, 2-headed fuzz riff machine that is This Summit Fever returns with the brand-new single, ‘Hooks’. This new track comes from the band’s self-titled debut album which will be released April 2025 via Majestic Mountain Records.
From the moment that first riff hits, This Summit Fever will have your undivided attention, and it just gets better from there. Groovy, but with a raw undercurrent, this is the heavy fuzz that melds the best of stoner, desert, doom, and more together to create something that vibrates throughout the mind, body, and soul. Utterly infectious, there is no denying its pull, exemplified by a very creative guitar solo. Based off this track alone, this debut album is looking very promising already. Check it out here.
Fracture – Bog Rat
Stalwarts of the Northern UK deathcore scene, Fracture are gearing up to release their second EP later this year. The first single from this release, ‘Bog Rat’ is out now.
A crushing display of bleak and blackened ferocity, Fracture set the deathcore bar very high with this garish example of heavy. From the moment it begins, it will have you shifting uncomfortably, and then it truly kicks in. Yet, it’s not savage because it’s fast and furious, it’s savage because of the measured approach that Fracture take. Not only do they vary tempos up, but they infuse it with horror-laden atmosphere. It is immensely destructive. Check it out here.
Forlorn – Funeral Pyre
‘Aether’, the debut album from Forlorn, due out on March 2025 via Church Road Records, embodies a sound unfamiliar to many. Since their inception the Southern UK band have blended expressionist art, crushing soundscapes and paganism to carve out their own brand of innovative ‘Folk Horror’ and Aether, takes that to a whole new level.
Accompanying the announcement of their forthcoming new album, Forlorn have also released a brand-new single called ‘Funeral Pyre’ following on from earlier singles ‘Spirit’ and’ Creatress’.
Forlorn share:
Funeral Pyre explores the element of fire and in this sense as a powerful divination tool. We took inspiration from the 1973 film ‘The Wickerman’ and the concept of human sacrifice, in order for things to grow. We invite people to join us as we shed our naysayers and become stronger together.
Hauntingly heavy in places, and robustly melodic in others, Forlorn create a dreamy soundscape that feels grander than anything they’ve done before. That is also sounds so refined and comes with so much blackened intensity, is even more special. This is heavy, and no amount of mournful vocals and harmonised instruments can hide that. Happily, that side of the band just happens to make the whole thing so much more beautiful. It is a startling listening experience.
The Sigil – Alive (With You)
Swedish esoteric rock band The Sigil have released their new single, ‘Alive (With You)’. This track is first release of the revitalised lineup.
Reenergised and excited to deliver stonking big vintage rock sounds twisted by the sound of heavy metal, The Sigil know how to electrify the senses and add modern touches to old school thinking. This new track is cool, especially as it has a sinister vein running through it, and its melodies resonate. Check it out here.
Headcount – Powertrip
Born out of persistence, the crossover group Headcount blend the speed and articulation of the thrash genre with the undisputed no-BS approach of hardcore. They have now released their debut single, ‘Powertrip’.
Fast, furious, and freaking fun, Headcount’s crossover sound will be very familiar to those who enjoy a bit of thrash and hardcore slammed together. Stompy and mean, the song’s attitude might be aggressive in tone, but Headcount are inviting everyone into the pit to take part in a good old-fashioned stomp along. It’s a hard request to deny as this track kicks all kinds of ass. Check it out here.
Within Destruction – Cybergirl
Slovenia’s most awesomely audacious, genre defying metal pioneers Within Destruction have officially announced their next chapter with the reveal of their upcoming album ‘Animetal’, set for release on 11th April, 2025, via Sumerian Records. To mark the news, the band has dropped their electrifying new single ‘Cybergirl’, accompanied by an official music video that plunges listeners into a dystopian world where the lines of reality are blurred.
Speaking on the news of their upcoming album, the band share:
‘ANIMETAL’ is a culmination of all the stylistic experimentations that preceded it. These tracks are unapologetically authentic to the band’s identity. With each album released after the band’s deathcore era, we have gradually pushed the boundaries of electronics, clean hooks, and pop sensibility. Each song has a unique identity within the tracklist while retaining the band’s signature heavy-core sound. In previous albums, we experimented with melodic choruses, but with ANIMETAL, they have become a defining feature of our music. Every song has its own hook and appeal, and we hope it resonates deeply with listeners.
Thematically, ANIMETAL explores a wide range of subjects, shifting between fictional, larger-than-life characters and situations, and motifs that are deeply relatable to everyday life. Heavily inspired by anime plots and protagonists, the lyrics often take on a first-person perspective, portraying the struggles these characters face. From the grim battles within one’s own mind to the delusions we sometimes find ourselves lost in, and the crushing weight of the external world, we aim to create a connection with listeners through the storytelling in these tracks.
They’re such a creative band, so expectations are high for something special. Happily, Within Destruction never fail to deliver, and this new track is them at their experimental best. Infusing elements of cyberpunk into an anthemic headbanger that hits a high with a very memorable chorus. Be warned, if you’re in it for the deathcore, you’re going to be left wanting here though.
Dead and the Weird – 3.52
A rasping howl at empty promises, sky-high costs and the slow bleed of modern-day survival. No matter how hard you knock, that door ain’t opening.
They’ve rigged the system for you and your friends.
Ever feel like you’ve been played? Like you’ve walked into the ring with Mickey the gypsy. How’d that left hook feel? Probably better than that corporate Kool aid they want you sipping down. 3.52 is a guttural response to the madness around us, a revolt against a broken system. A basic message to good working people. Everything’s f**ked. We’re the vent.
Dead and the Weird is a 3-piece DIY punk/rock band from the Midlands. Rebellion. Resistance. Raw power.
A little weird, and a whole lot of wonderful, this new track from Dead and the Weird is punky, but with a grungy rock underbelly. It’s infectious, with that raw DIY feel, but clearly coming from a creative group. It leaves you wanting to hear more from them. Check it out here.
Fomented – What can I change
Fomented, the brand-new metal band that features Kieran Scott (DeathCollector & Ashen Crown) and Sy Taplin (Ex-Savage Messiah), have released their debut single, ‘what can I change’. It comes from their debut EP titled ‘Bitter and Miserable Beings’ which will be released on all streaming platforms from March 7th, 2025.
A new and aggressive sounding band that takes elements of hardcore and mixes that intensity with death and thrash heaviness. All of which is on garish display with this debut single as Formented hit the ground running with a meaty and manic listen. Yet, it’s the unpredictability that truly stands out. There are a couple of moments on this track that will raise an eyebrow. Check it out here.
Caliban – Back from Hell (feat. The Browning)
Following the success of their recent singles ‘I Was a Happy Kid Once’, ‘Echoes’, and ‘Guilt Trip (feat. Mental Cruelty)’, Caliban is set to release their most ambitious work yet. With their upcoming album ‘Back from Hell’ (scheduled for release 25th April 2025), the band explores themes of inner struggle, resilience, and catharsis. The band has revealed their new single and video, ‘Back from Hell (feat. The Browning)’.
The band comments:
‘Back from Hell’ is a declaration of survival. It’s about facing your deepest fears and coming out stronger on the other side. This song reflects the struggle of rising from darkness, fighting your way back from rock bottom, and refusing to accept defeat. We wanted it to be a raw, aggressive anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped but found the strength to break free.
The streak continues as this mighty band leans into an old-school Caliban sound and collaborates with an equally intense band, albeit from a different angle. It works, it really bloody works, and the result is a heavyweight metalcore effort that gets stuck in the head. A modern Caliban great.
Author
Aborted, Harbinger, Lumens, Banquise, Forlorn, Face Yourself, This Summit Fever, Fracture, Forlorn, The Sigil, Headcount, Within Destruction, Dead and the Weird, Fomented, and Caliban!
-
Aborted – The Pain, Will Be Exquisite - 8/10
8/10
-
Harbinger – No Vermin - 8/10
8/10
-
Lumens – In too Deep - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Banquise – Therapy - 7/10
7/10
-
Face Yourself – Sideration - 7/10
7/10
-
This Summit Fever – Hooks - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Fracture – Bog Rat - 8/10
8/10
-
Forlorn – Funeral Pyre - 9/10
9/10
-
The Sigil – Alive (With You) - 7/10
7/10
-
Headcount – Powertrip - 8/10
8/10
-
Within Destruction – Cybergirl - 7/10
7/10
-
Dead and the Weird – 3.52 - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Fomented – What can I change - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Caliban – Back from Hell (feat. The Browning) - 8/10
8/10
