Single Slam: Bleed from Within, Arctic Dreams, The Greeting, Paleface Swiss, Revolution Rabbit Deluxe, Abduction, Anxious, Vermilia, Regal Cheer, RØRY, No Life, Handcuff, Peregrin!, Wren, Tropic Gold, Who I Am, RinRin, and Dream Theater!

Today’s single slam features Bleed from Within, Arctic Dreams, The Greeting, Paleface Swiss, Revolution Rabbit Deluxe, Abduction, Anxious, Vermilia, Regal Cheer, RØRY, No Life, Handcuff, Peregrin!, Wren, Tropic Gold, Who I Am, RinRin, and Dream Theater. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Bleed from Within – In Place of Your Halo

Metal powerhouse Bleed from Within have announced their new album ‘Zenith’ that’s set to be released on the 4th of April via Nuclear Blast Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have revealed the video for new single ‘In Place of Your Halo’.

On the news of their new album the band comment:

In Place Of Your Halo marks the beginning of the next chapter for Bleed From Within. It is an anthem for those that feel like life has passed them by, or those that have been held back by their own limitations. We are killing the older version of ourselves in order to grow. This develops our resilience, a topic that underpins this band’s journey and most of what we shout about. We’ve not had it easy, but neither has anyone else. This song is for all of us.

Through this growth, we come closer to our potential, our Zenith – the title of our 7th studio album. This is a body of work that we are so immensely proud of and look forward to sharing more of over the coming months. We couldn’t think of a more fitting introduction to our next steps as a band than a breakdown with some bagpipes over it. Plenty more new music to follow. Enjoy.

I mean, we have to talk about the bagpipes first, right? A totally unexpected layer, but one that sounds awesome. Especially when paired with riffs that go extremely freaking hard. This is a heavy beast, because of course it is, but there’s atmosphere and melody too, which gives it the modern metalcore flavour. Strong stuff overall, and very likable.

Arctic Dreams – Frozen Little Beings

Arctic Dreams presents their powerful new single ‘Frozen Little Beings’, inspired by one of the most mysterious stories of the 20th century – the Dyatlov Pass tragedy. A dramatic and suspenseful story based on the events of 1959, when a group of hiking students died under mysterious circumstances in the mountains of the Northern Urals.

The story is iconic and continues to serve as inspiration for many, and Arctic Dreams do a fantastic job of conveying the cold, isolation, and mystery around the infamous event. All through the immense power of metal that has infusions of symphonic grandeur and dramatic effects. Impresisvely, they manage to also add a level of emotion to the terrifying experience. Check it out here.

The Greeting – Over

The Greeting, the exciting new collaboration between Paul Dillon (pMad) and Liam Martin (Big Generator), will release their latest single ‘Over’ on December 6th, 2024. A rebellious anthem about getting past the negativity in life and embracing peace and contentment.

Says the duo:

We are delighted to release ‘Over’. It’s all about moving beyond the drama, hypocrisy, and hate in the world. We’re over it, and we hope our listeners are too.

Setting the senses alight with an indie rock anthem, The Greeting’s new single is simply wonderful. Infectious from the start, featuring a chorus that ticks a lot of pop-focused boxes, has a post-punk twist, and delivers a surprising amount of positivity. It’s a great, catchy song and it’s as simple as that. Check it out here.

Paleface Swiss – Love Burns

Switzerland’s Paleface Swiss continue their unrelenting march towards the release of their third album, Cursed, with the unveiling of their brand-new single, ‘Love Burns’.

Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger explains:

‘Love Burns’ is a combination of the old and new, and it’s a song I’m immensely proud of. The story I want to tell is something everyone can relate to. The concept of the album, in which each flower represents an emotion and a track, makes it all the more cohesive for me.

Not onboard the Paleface Swiss train yet? This slamming, energetic, feral blast of excitable metal will surely help give you the boost needed to climb aboard. Hilariously, there are some nu-metal vibes to this one, but it’s beatdown focused, and that is what everyone will remember about it. Well, that and the last minute that changes the tone to be more melodic and features impressive clean singing. It’s another absolute banger from this band.

Revolution Rabbit Deluxe – Tim Gurner Says

Battering your senses from Blackwood, Wales, Revolution Rabbit Deluxe sprung into life in 2019, and ever since then, the spiky post-punkers have hurled out a barrage of killer cuts that are not only massively appealing but also politically challenging. Comprised of enigmatic frontman Rev Rabbit (guitar and lead vocals), Tim Lawley (bass), Max Perera (lead guitars and backing vocals), and Lee Titterrell (drums), the engulfing quartet have released five albums to date: Tales From Armaggedonsville, Swipe Left, Myths and Fables, and their highly acclaimed recent records: The Great Divide and Control Freaks, which were released on the now defunct SWND Records.

Next up for the lively four-piece is the release of their innovative new single, ‘Tim Gurner Says’.

Vocalist and guitarist, Rev Rabb remarks that the track is:

Motivated by the Aussie Billionaire who said we should all be on the dole to appreciate work more. Recorded by ex-Skindred Jeff Rose, this angry little rocker advises Gurner to keep his nonsense to himself. We don’t need lifestyle advice from someone who wants to take everything for himself.

A very creative listen with some tongue in cheek elements, this delightful hit will see many compelled to sing along, yet it’s not just the catchiness of the track that is important, it’s the inventive post punk intensity that adds layers of weirdness to things. If this is your first experience of Revolution Rabbit Deluxe, you’re going to come away impressed. If this is your latest experience of Revolution Rabbit Deluxe, well, you already know they’re awesome. Check it out here.

Abduction – Razors of Occam

UK extreme metallers Abduction have released their second single, ‘Razors of Occam’, a prelude to forthcoming album, Existentialismus, due for release on 21st February 2025 via Candlelight.

Comments vocalist A|V:

‘Razors of Occam’ is a celebration of the back breaking labour that our grandfathers and grandmothers endured over past century to build the houses and systems that maintain our (relative) safety and comfort here in the west. There’s more honour in the last gasping breath, spilled forth from a dying old man’s chest, than in all the seas of all the tears the younger can conjure. For with one wish, they’d give it all away.

An incredible effort that is heavy on atmosphere, filled with vibrant intensity, blackened to its core, but not afraid to infuse melody into its epic soundscape either. The first part of the track is a unique start for this band, making its sudden switch into a more feral and familiar style of extreme noise even more impactful. The power within this track just keeps evolving and it has many exciting twists and turns until it eventually dissipates in haunting fashion. Check it out here.

Anxious – Head & Spine

Connecticut’s favourite punks, Anxious, recently announced their sophomore album, ‘Bambi’, due out February 21st via Run for Cover Records & Civilians, and now they’re back with the record’s gigantic second single, ‘Head & Spine’.

Vocalist Grady Allen discussed the new song, saying:

‘Head & Spine’ is probably one of my favorite songs on the whole record. The whole song came together over months just riff by riff. It felt kind of unclear exactly where the song was going to land. There’s all of these sort of disjointed pieces, we were trying to pull from Blink 182’s Untitled, some Smashing Pumpkins–even the bridge is this dramatic thing we wouldn’t typically do. All together I think it really works though.

Lyrically the song focuses on being unable to separate myself from the words of people who have no interest in anything but being unkind and cruel. Existing in subculture there’s this weird sort of passive acceptance (and even green lighting) towards people who just seem to want to inflict pain. And what’s worse, it feels like no one can just be real about it. It’s always dressed up as ‘well they’re just being witty’ or ‘it’s just their opinion.’ But that’s just an easy, lazy out. Anytime I see someone being weird and vindictive on the internet towards a person, a band, a ANYONE, I’m just struck with the feeling of ‘wow, you don’t even know this person or these people and you’re just totally comfortable ripping them apart? You’re cool with making fun of them?.’ It’s just lowest common denominator bad weird behavior. But at the same time I’m the one getting bothered. I’m the one getting upset. So I guess I bought it. They got what they want. So maybe I’m no better for engaging with it. My arguments probably imperfect, but that’s what I was trying to get at when writing this song.

A lively foot-tapper with alternative vibes infused into a poppy and punky blast of infectious fun, Anxious’ new single is delightfully ‘retro’. Happily, this isn’t the sound of a band playing dress-up and they deliver this lovable sound with passion and energy. It has a chorus that is disgustingly good.

Vermilia – Kansojen Kaipuu

Finnish artist Vermilia has released the music video for her latest single, ‘Kansojen Kaipuu’, taken from her forthcoming album ‘Karsikko’, set to be released in early 2025. The single is now available via all major digital platforms.

Vermilia comments:

Everything can end in a moment. We travel from birth to death, carrying intergenerational experiences. This moment is important, and this is what mankind should respect.

Delivering an intense showcase of pagan black metal that is dripping in atmosphere, this new single from Vermilia is very powerful. Not just because of a cacophony of heavy instrumentals, or varied vocal styles, but because there’s some dark synth layered in too. An exciting touch that gives the track a more epic vibe, even while the forlorn force threatens to drag the mind into gloomy depths. Check it out here.

Regal Cheer – All the Best

Regal Cheer are a two-piece indie/punk band from Brighton who have toured the UK multiple times since their debut live performance in August 2021, sharing lineups with bands like Young Guv, Tigers Jaw, Martha, One Step Closer and Fresh.

Their new single ‘All the Best’ is out now and covers themes of realising a situation isn’t right for those involved, and with no bad blood, the sensible thing to do is to close the curtain on it. It follows the band’s 2024 EP Big Man Little Man Strike Partnership, which saw them tour with Mould and Soot Sprite, and the now sold-out debut full length, 2023’s Cans.

Regal Cheer are also touring in February 2025 with Specialist Subject’s Toodles and the Hectic Pity, with more live dates to be announced.

A very catchy blast of noisy and raw punk rock that barely passes the minute and a half mark but leaves one hell of an impression. From the rhythmic drum and guitar combo, the screamed vocals, the brief bursts of dynamic intensity, and creative twists on the formula, this is one hell of an enjoyable listen. Check it out here.

RØRY – One Drink Away

Alternative artist RØRY is no stranger to vulnerability, but on latest single and music video for ‘One Drink Away’, she bares her soul more than ever. Confronting the very raw reality that sobriety and recovery is an everyday choice, she faces the hard truth of how quick and easy it could be to lose everything she has worked so hard for. The track is the fifth single to be taken from her upcoming debut album, ‘Restoration’, due 31st January via SADCØRE Records.

On the vulnerability of the new single, RØRY comments:

‘One Drink Away’ is one of the rawest songs I’ve ever written. Sobriety has given me everything—a family, and a career I thought I’d lost—but no matter how well I’m doing, addiction is always lurking, ready to pull me back under. This song is a reminder that even after six years, I’m still just one choice away from losing it all. It’s for anyone who knows that recovery isn’t a finish line; but a constant, daily battle.

When RØRY has something to say, we all listen, and this track is incredibly raw and honest. Even if you can’t relate to it, you can feel the power and truth behind not just the lyrics, but the emotive melody. It’s short and to the point, but its impact is huge. Sit back, listen, and experience an artist baring their soul in ways few have the strength to do.

No Life – One Hitter

New Zealand/Aotearoa metalcore quartet No Life welcome French metal masters ten56. to their latest track ‘One Hitter’. It follows on from their May single ‘Obnoxious’, which featured Emmure vocalist Frankie Palmeri.

No Life are an intense bunch on their own, then you add ten56. to the mix and what we have is a track that slams and slams really hard. Frenetic and furious, the aggression in this track is front and centre throughout, yet it is focused. Heavy? Let’s be serious here, it’s almost nonsensical in that regard, but the fact that it has body-shaking groove here and there makes it particularly special. Check it out here.

Handcuff – Brainslide

After taking the UK punk scene by storm in 2024, Handcuff are closing the year out with their incredible new single ‘Brainslide’. 2024 has seen the band dominate stages with the likes of Ovlov, Snooper, Upchuck – to name a few! As well as jam packed headline shows. This band is to be watched for 2025! For now, sit back and enjoy their sub-2-minute punk rager, ‘Brainslide’.

What a kickass track from a kickass band, Handcuff keep it wonderfully simple and very short, but still manage to leave a smile-inducing impression. Raw and rough, with a scuzzy vein, there’s a vitality to this track that infects the senses. Who doesn’t love a bit of Handcuff to see out the year?

Peregrin! – One More Song

A collective of diverse voices, united by a passion for crafting music that transcends boundaries and brings people together, Peregrin! is more than a band. The Sheffield-based rockers have now released their new single ‘One More Song’, out now via Unfocused Love. A track that was recorded just before the pandemic reshaped everything, the song was born during university days and has evolved into a poignant tribute to that unforgettable time.

You don’t have to be able to relate to the specifics of this track to feel the heart and soul within. The poignancy is notable, the potency of the melody is memorable, and the fact that it does leave a smile on the face, is important. It’s reflective and touching, rather than glum, and that makes it even more enjoyable. Check it out here.

Wren – Metric of Grief

Wren are set to release their third LP ‘Black Rain Falls’ on the 21st of February 2025 via Church Road Records. The theme inherent throughout is the shared grief of the band members. During the pandemic they tragically lost a close friend to suicide, and this record has served as some sort of way for them to navigate through the storm of loss.

The band themselves describe the album as:

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.

The single, ‘Metric of Grief’ is now out and offers insight into the heavy subject matters that haunt the new album. Says Wren about the new single:

‘Metric of Grief’ is about the multitude of ways in which grief impacts all aspects of life when experiencing loss. Basic functioning becomes laborious. Being feels measurable only in hardship.

A track filled with various immersive sensations, Wren’s ability to create something so vivid and vibrant, all while using shades of grey and black, is stunning. Their music, as evident by this new single, has an innate heavy and raw misery to it, warped by experimental aspects that create a more unique soundscape. It leaves you feeling tender all over.

Tropic Gold – A Place Called Euphoria

Suffolk-via-Essex duo, Tropic Gold, who last year released their breakout ‘What A Wonderful Experience’ EP, have today released a brand new single, ‘A Place Called Euphoria’, following recent singles, ‘Dead to All My Friends’ And ‘Happy’.

Says the band:

The internet has damaged the minds of so many people and it’s changed the world forever, it leaves you with a false sense of EUPHORIA because nothing is real and all people do is compare themselves to fake projections of happiness. Between the toxic spread of misinformation and glorifying unrealistic ideologies of how to live your life, this place of EUPHORIA acts like a drug of the modern age that not everyone realises they’re addicted to. It’s a temporary high with a comedown that makes people change the way they live, think and see themselves.

One of the finest bands in the world (something more and more people are recognising) bring us another banger track here. One that continues the trend of impressive creativity, weirdness, and catchiness. Not only is it exciting, not only is it experimental, but it’s mightily accessible too, thanks to its lovable chorus. Check it out here.

RinRin – Chainsaw Girl

Perth-based alternative rock rising star RinRin has announced the release of ‘The Nut House’ EP, out January 31st, 2025. The EP is home to RinRin’s dystopian narrative that began unravelling earlier this year, and now Rin shares the new single ‘Chainsaw Girl’ as another taste of what’s to come.

As unique as ever and as inventive as always, RinRin never fails to offer up something memorable and this new manifestation of energy and fun is no different. More manic than ever, but with those memorable strong alt-vibes, this is one to move to. This new EP will certainly showcase the best of the artist. Check it out here.

Who I Am – Imminent Devastation

‘Imminent Devastation’ is the brand-new single and title track of the French hardcore band Who I Am, out now on Useless Pride Records. It’s the main single of their new album planned to be released early 2025.

Best do some stretching before you listen to this track, as it’s time to not just get your two-step on, but it’s time to head bang and see if you can get a pit started. Who I Am have a hardcore heavy banger to show off here, and it’s enthusiastically brutish. It’s not the most imaginative of listens, certainly lacking innovation, but it goes hard, and that’s very cool. Check it out here.

Dream Theater – A Broken Man

An album announcement that is fifteen years in the making, Dream Theater return with their sixteenth studio album, ‘Parasomnia’ – scheduled for release on February 7, 2025, via their long-time label home, Inside Out Music/Sony Music. The track ‘A Broken Man’ is the latest track from the iconic reunited lineup of vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Portnoy.

It will come as little surprise that this is an epic, a progressive epic, that needs multiple listens spread over multiple days and multiple environments to fully appreciate. Even then, its challenging aspects are so prominent that it still isn’t going to be very everyone. Not only is that expected with progressive metal, but it’s a staple of the Dream Theater sound, and each member brings their own unique style to a song that moves in wildly different directions. Not just with hefty metal heaviness, but with erratic melody, and rockier passages. It’s as unique as ever, and certainly suggests that Dream Theater will reach another creative high in their long-running career with this new album.