Single Slam: Ghost, Mouth Culture, Demeted, Writhe, Keyan x Connor Kaminski, Diesect, and Drowning Pool!

Today’s single slam features Ghost, Mouth Culture, Demeted, Writhe, Keyan x Connor Kaminski, Diesect, and Drowning Pool. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Ghost – Lachryma

Ghost has unveiled ‘Lachryma’, the second advance offering from the GRAMMY-winning Swedish theatrical rock icons’ feverishly anticipated new album, ‘Skeletá’, out April 25 via Loma Vista Recordings.

Following an ‘alright’, but notably catchy and popular first single, Ghost are back with something a little ‘spookier’, which should delight those old-school fans. Albeit warped heavily by their contemporary take on pop and rock. They’re lighter than ever with so much more focus on melody, but the riffs are still there, and you’d lying to yourself if you don’t acknowledge the things Papa is doing with his voice here. It’s a fun and likable track, with some creative guitar touches.

Mouth Culture – Ratbag

Leicester’s alt rockers Mouth Culture have added to their increasingly banger-stacked catalogue with the release of their new single ‘Ratbag’, produced by Max Helyer from You Me At Six with the band’s longtime collaborator Jamie Ward and out now via InVogue Records.

The band say:

Dripping in swagger, grit, and unapologetic attitude, this song is the soundtrack to male recklessness — an anthem for those left in its wake. Fast talk, quick exits, and a trail of burned bridges define the ones who run, dodge, and never face up — but the walls are closing in. This track serves as a raw and unfiltered callout, a middle finger to those who think they’ll never be caught. Beneath the bravado and chaos lies nothing but insecurity wrapped in arrogance — a boy masquerading as a man. Some will hear it as a warning, others as a mirror. If the shoe fits, wear it.

A clever foot tapping and finger snapping alt rock tune with plenty of Mouth Culture fire to give it a more intense feel. Offering up plenty of familiar elements, but delivered in the unique way the band often does. Not only is it catchy, but it oozes passion. Check it out here.

Demeted – Naiad

Poland’s Demeted return with their captivating and dynamic ‘Rituals’ EP, released 9th May via Seek & Strike. The EP’s second single ‘Naiad’ is out now.

The heavy mania that Demeted produce is some of the most exciting in the modern metal world, and this new single is one hell of a heavy and manic listen. A stompy head banger with ferocious ‘core’ elements, structurally interesting, and filled with dramatic power. It’s a highlight reel of a track, evident by an absolutely killer chorus. Check it out here.

Writhe – Host

UK deathcore unit Writhe have shared their first taste of new music since their 2023 debut, In Filth, in their planetary new single ‘Host’, alongside a chaotic and gloomy music video, directed by Kieran Gallop. The track, produced by guitarist/songwriter Sebastian Smith, also marks the band’s first release with new vocalist Jack Tyrell.

Discussing the new single, the band states:

‘Host’ tells the story of an alien parasite that transforms its victims into zombified hosts, bound in servitude to an omnipotent, unspeakable beast. The vocalist, Jack Tyrrell, embodies the chosen herald – the leader of a cult destined to birth a hive mind set on devouring and annihilating humanity.

Seeing the heavy bar that has been set this year so far (a bloody high one), and sailing over it, Writhe deliver the most brutal of tracks, pushing the limits of deathcore to breaking point. It is literally four-odd-minutes of chaos and noise, ugly and harsh, but so damn appealing too. It should be an utter mess, but they deliver this heft in fascinating fashion. Just be warned, it is stupidly heavy.

KEYAN x Connor Kaminski – Swell

Renowned modern guitarists KEYAN and Connor Kaminski have joined forces to unveil their new instrumental progressive metal three-track EP, ‘Kinetic’, set for release on Friday May 16th. The duo have also shared the first single, ‘Swell’.

Two talented people working together to create something memorable and accessibly likable. Unsurprisingly, the magic that is being produced by the guitars is staggering, but no words can fully convey just how staggering. This is modern progressive metal where you can hear the influences, but it is undeniably its own thing. A very special track that you simply just sit and marvel at. Check it out here.

Diesect – Shura

Brisbane metal outfit Diesect have announced their new EP ‘Hide from the Light’ is out Friday May 30th via Greyscale Records. They have also shared their new single ‘Shura’ as a taste of more to come.

The upcoming EP is the band’s third and is their first with Greyscale Records. The EP thematically tells the story of an individual gradually losing faith or hope in being able to heal, until the desire to try passes and they are wilfully consumed by the negative.

Tells the band:

This story is told chronologically through each song on the project, with the opening and closing tracks intended to serve as mirrors of each other to convey the final message of the story; if you choose to hide from the light, you in turn will suffer in the dark.

A big, ballsy, and brutish metalcore tune that proves, once again, that Diesect are a band to pay attention too. Especially when they’re bringing a staggering amount of raw intensity as they do here. There’s some experimental elements that give it a ‘nu’ flavour, but this just makes the whole thing feel more chaotic. Check it out here.

Drowning Pool – Madness

Drowning Pool have released their brand-new single ‘Madness’ through SBG Records, marking their first new music of 2025.

The band states:

We are inspired by the multiple possibilities for millions of conflicting disputes across many schools of thought and ideals across this world. Embrace the chaos, as it pulls you deeper—where sanity slips and the madness begins!

The Drowning Pool resurgence continues with aplomb, and with Ryan McCombs back on vocal duties, there is a strong sense that the band don’t just want to be a nostalgic act. Which isn’t an easy thing to shake off, especially when they’re releasing a track that has such a retro ‘vibe’. It grooves, and delivers on heavy nu-tinged metal goodness, but if you’re expecting ground-breaking music, you’ve come to the wrong place. Who is though?