Single Slam: Ghost, We’re Wolves, Ancient Settlers, Hot Garbage, Shining, The Black Skeleton, Sertraline, The Devil Wears Prada, Ludovico Technique, Deaf Rat and Lordi!

This week’s single slam features Ghost, We’re Wolves, Ancient Settlers, Hot Garbage, Shining, The Black Skeleton, Sertraline, The Devil Wears Prada, Ludovico Technique, Deaf Rat and Lordi. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Ghost – Hunter’s Moon

A series of inspired encounters between creative forces from various worlds of sound and vision has resulted in “Hunter’s Moon,” the infectious first new track from Ghost since 2019’s Seven Inches of Satanic Panic, and its phantasmagoric video directed by Amanda Demme.

Ghosts’s “Hunter’s Moon” has materialized on DSPs, will play as the Halloween Kills end credits roll, and will be released January 21, 2022 as a collectible 7-inch single by Loma Vista Recordings.

The tell-tale fingerprints of Ghost are all over this track, but it’s also got a freshness that might point in the direction the band are going in next. It’s got the pop sensibilities we’ve come to expect but rocks it up significantly at times. Upbeat rhythm and melodies hide a darker side but ultimately, it’s another catchy Ghost hit.

We’re Wolves – Sell Your Soul

We’re Wolves are known as a dark humour, horror loving rock band with an energetic blend of the metal subgenre and hard rock influences. Sell Your Soul is a sinful snippet leading up to their full-length album “Evil Things,” set to release on October 22nd.

A fun intro skit that will get a snort-laugh out of many leads to a feisty rock number that has enough bounce to get the dead moving. There’s a nu-metal edge to the track but its not so prominent to detract. There’s a killer breakdown and the chorus will have you dropping to your knees praising Satan for unleashing We’re Wolves up on us. Check it out here.

Ancient Settlers – Library of Tears

‘Library of Tears’ is the latest single from international modern melodic death metal outfit Ancient Settlers, out now on all digital platforms via Crusader Records, and was produced by the legendary Fredrik Nordstrom.

Moody synth leads to an aggressive blast of death metal and Ancient Settlers are off and rolling. Heart-pounding instrumentation and vocals that have a hardcore, shouted style proves to be something a bit different. The chorus is where the ‘melodic’ part of the band really comes to fruition but this, overall is undoubtably a head-banger. The mid-point guitar solo is wild. Check it out here.

Hot Garbage – Ride

Toronto-based psych outfit, Hot Garbage, are sharing their new single “Ride” which comes as the second to be lifted from their forthcoming debut album which is also titled Ride and out via the Montréal-based label, Mothland on October 29, 2021.

A mindfuck of a listen, calling Hot Garbage ‘psych’ is doing them an injustice. Especially once you’ve heard Ride. Where jarring tones meet punchy guitar groove, a methodical drum beat and eerie, airy vocals. The tones, like something from a malfunctioning 80’s video game, really enhance the psychedelic part but everything about this track is designed to confound. Check it out here.

Shining – Slaughter

Norway’s jazz-metal warriors Shining have released a brand-new track called ‘Slaughter’. Slaughter is the follow-up to Shining’s most recent single ‘IDGAF’ and it is a fresh story about the joy of fighting.

Continuing where they left off with 2018’s Animal; Slaughter leans more toward the poppier side of the band. Albeit one with a bit of fire. Like many of the tracks on Animal, it is super catchy and really does a good job of getting the blood pumping. The keyboards add a ton of melodrama but it fits the Shining style. A good track if you’ve enjoyed their most recent output.

The Black Skeleton – The Ledge

Quinn Gardener-Kane is best known as the charismatic singer of Australian funk/hard rock band, Defryme. Now, he returns with a new project The Black Skeleton, who has released the new single ‘The Ledge’ on all digital platforms via Golden Robot Records.

A catchy and melodic rock effort, The Ledge is a passionate and memorable foot-tapper. One that has two strengths. The first being the smooth and sultry vocals of Gardner-Kane and the second being the guitar melody. Put the two together, alongside some sturdy bass and drum hooks and throw in a very cool guitar solo, and you have a bit of a banger. Check it out here.

Sertraline – Vivid

Rising stars Sertraline, favourites in the UK progressive tech metal scene have just unveiled their brand new single Vivid. Having recently announced the departure of vocalist Lizzie Parry, Vivid is one of the last opportunities to experience this incarnation of the band.

Vocalist Lizzie comments on the release of Vivid:

Vivid feels like the one of the most polished songs we’ve ever released. There’s something for everyone; killer breakdown, soft synths, catchy chorus and an angry Architects-esque pre- chorus. It was a lot of fun to record.

Going out with a bang, Lizzie sounds possessed here as she delivers another stellar vocal performance. Going from raging death-infused ferocity to smooth and clean singing with such ease. Her incredible range is just one reason that Sertraline have captured so many minds, but the rest of the band shouldn’t be ignored. They’re playing out of their skins and deliver one of their tightest songs to date. A ton of atmosphere, a ton of melody and ton of fire… it’s a great track. Check it out here.

The Devil Wears Prada – Sacrifice

The Devil Wears Prada have shared the video for their brand new, self-produced song “Sacrifice”. The band’s latest offering is an example of TDWP’s continued sonic evolution.

The band says:

‘Sacrifice’ is a song of defeat: its character is exhausted, relinquishing will in an abusive relationship. There is nothing left to fight for.

Is there anything more exciting than a new TDWP track? Especially these days as the band continues to evolve and move beyond the limitations of deathcore. Though be under false pretences, Sacrifice is blistering blast of heavy. A diabolical blend of passionate fury, moving melodies and intense, meaningful storytelling. You’ll bang your head but might also find yourself feeling a bit despondent. The last portion of the track has the band hit a breakdown that might be up there alongside the heaviest shit they’ve ever done.

Ludovico Technique – I Was

Ludovico Technique present their newest single “I Was”. A thoughtful alternative electronic rock/metal track that cuts deep to the core of existential philosophy through its simple and honest lyrical expression.

A gothic industrial track that oozes dark vibes, wrapped up in smooth and sexy groove, I Was is a considerate and touching tune. One that doesn’t drag you down as much as you might think when you see the words ‘gothic’ and ‘dark’. Instead, its catchy beat makes you want to get up and move… even if it’s in a dingy goth club. Check it out here.

Deaf Rat – Like A Prayer (Madonna Cover)

In June 2022, Deaf Rat will be opening up as the support act for Heavy Metal Icons Judas Priest in the world-famous outdoor arena Dalhalla in Sweden. While waiting for the world to open up for live shows to happen again, the band is releasing a cover version of the classic Madonna hit “Like A Prayer”.

Vocalist Frankie Rich states:

To make the decision to record a classic hit song that sold millions of copies all over the world may sound like a great idea at first, but it sure comes with a lot of challenges. When you take on a song that has touched so many hearts and souls during so many years, there will be just as many opinions as there will be listeners.

So… this is a cover you don’t expect to hear from a heavy metal band. The Madonna original is well known and beloved but likely to irritate the hell of out anyone of a certain age. Is that you? Well, the bad news is that Deaf Rat don’t mess with the original much. Mostly, they just ‘rock’ it up and while it is fun and they do a great job of it, if you hate the original, you’ll not feel much for this one. Check it out here.

Lordi – Abracadaver

Lordi doing Thrash Metal? After 2020’s Killection already featured a song, Abracadaver is a whole album full of 90’s speed and thrash metal inspired songs. Two tracks – “Abracadaver” and “Beast of Both Worlds” – are heralding this phenomenal album, which will be released digitally on December 10th.

As busy as ever, you can’t say that Lordi are slouches and to release an album of speed and thrash metal is certainly interesting. On the basis of Abracadaver, it’s going to be a blast. An old-school, throwback blast that should get the crowds banging their heads and opening a few mosh pits. There’s some serious meat here but if there’s one thing most will quickly take note of, it’s the drums which are breaking bones here.