Single Slam: Seething Akira, Kombi Killers, Act of Denial, Coheed and Cambira, Bound in Fear, This Dying Hour, Press to MECO, Astrodeath and Letterbomb A.D.

This week’s single slam features Seething Akira, Kombi Killers, Act of Denial, Coheed and Cambira, Bound in Fear, This Dying Hour, Press to MECO, Astrodeath and Letterbomb A.D. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Seething Akira – The Fallen

Seething Akira have released their new single ‘The Fallen’ taken from their new album ‘Dysfunctional Wonderland’ which will be released on 3rd September on FiXT.

The band says:

‘The Fallen’ describes hitting an emotional low point, trying so hard to convince yourself it’s rock bottom, only to find yourself falling further and further into the dark corners of your mind. When all hope is lost, you’re alone, where only others can pull you back from the abyss.

The off-kilter electronica at the start has a mournful edge and it builds nicely into a more energetic rhythm. Then it gets heavy, nu-metal style heavy and it’s pretty damn awesome. It makes you want to move, to head-bang and throw some fists in the air. It’s a banger and one of the more enjoyable Seething Akira songs we’ve heard. Check it out here.

Kombi Killers – ScuMo

These old school punk rockers based in Brisbane Australia have been belting out their original sounds for over a decade, highly influenced by the early punk scene they grew up in. Kombi Killers have had a few changes over the years. 2019 brought a new chapter of evolution, with their level of energy and passion for creating and performing original music stronger than ever.

Having previously recorded two EP’s (We Are Robot and Raise your Flag), Kombi Killers have built a strong following in the local scene. The band headed back into the studio in 2019 to re-record some favourites and some new tracks written collaboratively.

They have now released their new single ‘ScuMo’ through Riot Records.

A little over 2 minutes of no-nonsense and out-spoken punk. Kombi Killers are pulling no punches with lines like “we’re all ruled by fucking scum”. They embody the punk ethos; the dirty energy and snarling musical assault is great fun. Check it out here.

Act of Denial – Your Dark Desires

Act of Denial have released a new single called ‘Your Dark Desires’ feat. Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (Guns ‘n’ Roses, Sons Of Apollo). As well as announcing their new album ‘Negative’, to be released on 13th Aug on Crusader Records.

Vocalist Björn Strid comments:

’Your Dark Desires’ is about inner struggle and being able to separate inherited angst and self-inflicted mental pain; once you’ve learned, you can move on and feel much stronger. The song is motivational and about acceptance.

Powerful melodic death metal with a thrashy edge, Your Dark Desire is an intense listen. Act of Denial come out hot and only really take their foot off the gas during the melodic chorus which is a great contrast to the thumping heaviness elsewhere. It’s a classy head-banger that ticks all the right boxes for memorable melodic death metal. Check it out here.

Coheed and Cambria – Shoulders

Coheed and Cambria have released “Shoulders,” their first proper studio recording in almost three years.

For the last 20 years, Coheed and Cambria have continuously broken the mould of what a rock band can be, forging their own path and building a universe around their music unlike any other. Whether it is in the way their genre-spanning approach to songwriting has allowed them to bridge worlds without being contained to one, or the multifaceted story arc of their albums and comic book series which mark the longest running concept story in music, Coheed and Cambria have consistently shaped new standards, never conformed.

“Shoulders” touches on the highs and lows of this journey, and how at times it can be frustrating to be an outsider to trendy circles, but in the end, doing it your own way has the biggest rewards.

Coheed and Cambria vocalist / guitarist Claudio Sanchez commented on SXhoulders:

In art, in your career, in relationships… No matter how much you give of yourself or try, you have to accept that not everything in life can be a perfect fit.

Not always the most accessible band, Coheed and Cambria are changing that with Shoulders. A groovy and catchy rock number that features a massive chorus and a ripping guitar solo. It’s an uncomplicated Coheed and Cambria track but is still clearly them. Seriously, that chorus is fire.

Bound in Fear – Penance

UK deathcore quintet Bound In Fear have announced their new upcoming album and unveiled the record’s title track and first single, ‘Penance.’ Penance is due for release 15th October via Unique Leader Records. Featuring guest vocals from Nick Arthur of Molotov Solution.

On the single, the band comment:

‘Penance’ is a song about the people who are supposed to support you through the hardest times turning their backs on you – it’s a song about betrayal. The song depicts the deep feelings of hurt and anger manifesting into dark, twisted fantasies of revenge and how the aftermath of injustice can linger within us as we crave the closure we may never get.

Hold on to your asses, Bound in Fear are bringing brutality. Methodical savagery with a guest adding even more eye-watering heaviness to a band already synonymous with heavy music. They batter away leading to the obscenest of breakdowns at the end. Nasty. Check it out here.

This Dying Hour – Points of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer

On Thursday 20th July 2017, the world lost a living legend. UK based metalcore band This Dying Hour struggled to comprehend that we now live in a world without Chester Bennington, who through Linkin Park, provided a torch in a world of darkness to millions across the world. This Dying Hour have released a mash up cover of ‘Points of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer’ to commemorate the vocalist.

The band comment:

Ultimately, we had a lot of fun producing this cover and although we will never be a “preachy” band, this has given us the opportunity to continue Chester and Jay-Z’s message in the positive way it was intended.

A fun mash-up that pays tribute to a legendary vocalist. You don’t have to love Linkin Park or their mash-up with Jay-Z to appreciate this track. This Dying Hour stick solidly to the song’s rhythm and style but add their own extra level of heaviness to the track.

Take for exactly what it is. It doesn’t need deeper analysis than that.

Press to MECO – A Test of Our Resolve

A Test of Our Resolve is the final explosive single ahead of Press to MECO’s upcoming studio album Transmute.

Catchy riffs, memorable melody and strong harmonies… this is everything you expect from Press to MECO. The group’s rock talents are unquestionable and this is a strong showing creating serious anticipation for their new album. It’s a hum-along and once heard, it’s jammed in the brain matter deeply. Check it out here.

Astrodeath – Invasion

Australias most heavy-hitting stoner rock powerhouse duo, Astrodeath release a huge new single entitled “Invasion”. These guys have been tearing up the Australian tour circuit for the past couple of years and are making a huge name for themselves as not just one of the hardest working acts on the road, but also for having one of the hugest sounds. Yes, you heard that right, this monster wall of noise is created by just two guys!

Band string slinger Tim Lancken (Yoshi Hausler on drums) says:

This new tune “Invasion’ is a call to arms. The Reptoid Alien invasion of our planet is nearing completion, The Nephilim begin mining the earth’s remaining gold to build their death machine, Terraforming the earth and the sky.. resistance seems futile.. But it’s not human nature to succumb without a fight..Sound out the sirens of impending war.

Two people that sure know how to make a ton of noise. Invasion has a ton of aggression to it but is also complimented by catchy rhythms and melodic jabs. A deep and rumbling sound emanates from instruments while the vocals alternate between scowling near-spoken word and mournful but powerful singing. This one hits hard and leaves a bruise. Check it out here.

Letterbomb A.D. – Smoke & Mirrors

Port Mac’s heaviest exports are back and ready to go off like a bomb. Letterbomb A.D.’s new single ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ drops today!

Vocalist Garrett McMaster says that:

This song is about isolation-turned cabin-fever, and the toxicity of unhealthy relationships and removing ones self from situations in life that initially might be a painful uphill-climb but ultimately are essential for the progress of happiness and self-growth.

Two minutes of metalcore/hardcore noise that cuts straight through the brain matter with squealing guitars, ferocious vocals and pounding percussion.

There’s a hell of a lot going on in this short offering and to call it wild is not get across just how insane it is. A whirlwind of noise that is savage and really bloody addictive. It conjures up images of the pit.