Single Slam: To Kill Achilles, Crypta, Forever Ends Here, Mental Cruelty, Theia, The Sun’s Journey Through the Night, Saint Agnes, Upsetter, The Devil’s Trade, Bad Juju, Sylosis, Trophy Eyes, ONI, Revoid, Spruv, 3Teeth, Hawxx, thrown, and Code Orange!

This week’s single slam features To Kill Achilles, Crypta, Forever Ends Here, Mental Cruelty, Theia, The Sun’s Journey Through the Night, Saint Agnes, Upsetter, The Devil’s Trade, Bad Juju, Sylosis, Trophy Eyes, ONI, Revoid, Spruv, 3Teeth, Hawxx, thrown, and Code Orange. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

To Kill Achilles – Chemical Counterpart

Post-hardcore/alt-rock quartet To Kill Achilles have released a video for their new single ‘Chemical Counterpart’. The track is taken from their upcoming album Recovery, due for release on 11th August via Arising Empire.

This f**king band. Why isn’t every single person talking about them? The singles we’ve heard from this new album so far have been stunning. Then, along comes Chemical Counterpart and once again, the word to sum it up is simply ‘wow’. It’s a less instrumentally intense listen, melodic and dramatic, but the lyrical content is downright poetry, and how the words are expressed might send shivers down your spine. A massive chorus and a more desperate closing stage help confirm this as another stunner.

Crypta – Lord of Ruins

Brazilian death metal outfit Crypta will unleash their second beast of an album, Shades of Sorrow, on 4th August via Napalm Records. Commemorating the event, the ferocious quartet have revealed their new single ‘Lord of Ruins’.

Lord of Ruins is a fascinating track. On the one hand it really gives off some old-school raw feeling, but on the other, Crypta modernise their death metal sound to be downright hooky. The melding of eras is expertly handled, exciting and interesting from beginning to end, it’s a non-stop head-banger. Check it out here.

Forever Ends Here – Cherry Chapstick

Sydney pop punk trio Forever Ends Here announce their return after five years away with their flirtatious new single, Cherry Chapstick. The song will be toured across Australia in July on The Return of Forever Ends Here Tour, tickets on sale now via Destroy All Lines.

Uber-catchy stuff from Forever Ends Here, drawing deep from the pop-punk well but fusing the anthemic energy with alt-rock vibes. Oozing passion, notable when they hit the chorus, there’s simply no better word to describe this track than ‘infectious’. You’ll hear it, love it, and want to pass it on so others can love it too. Check it out here.

Mental Cruelty – Nordlys

Zwielicht, the latest full-length album from Mental Cruelty, will be made available via Century Media Records on June 23rd, 2023. ‘Nordlys,’ their newest offering describes the tale of the Nordic afterlife, where ancient deities and restless spirits reign with almighty wrath. Follow the journey of souls rising up to heaven, but beware the phantoms of the afterlife and the omen of bane; the ‘Nordlys’.

Mental Cruelty comments on the new single:

The song “Nordlys” is about ancient sagas of the northern lights, interpreted differently by Vikings and Norwegian tribes. These tales interpreted the lights in the sky in different ways. We should approach new situations positively, remembering fear often lies in our heads. Musically, it’s not a typical MENTAL CRUELTY song, with an acoustic guitar intro and orchestration setting the mood. The song ends with a guitar riff that will make you want to headbang.

The blackened soul of Mental Cruelty is on full and grim display here, albeit layered with their inimitable touches that make them such an exciting listen. The savage heaviness and speed met by ambient melodies and grandiose symphonic sounds. It’s a massive sounding track that just so happens to ooze savagery. Black metal but not as you know it.

Theia – I’m Plastic

Is a teenage dream worth all this loss?

This is the question alt-rock duo Theia are asking in their upcoming track ‘I’m Plastic,’ which is due to be released on 2nd June 2023. Following hot on the heels of their previous release ‘Everything.’

Talking about the track, frontman Kyle Lamley says:

This one is for the fans. OUR fans. The incredible people who have trailed around the UK in all weathers to come and support us, time in and time out. We wanted to let them know how much we thrive on it, how important they have been to us over the years – but with the same cutting honesty people expect from THEIA. They know who we are, they know what we do; now we want to sing this song with them at a show.

Yep, this is a track that seems tailor made for the live show. From the groovy riffs, sultry vocals, and big chorus. It’s a singalong and you can feel the crowd moving to it. There’s not a lot else to say here. It’s very recognisable Theia and it’s anthemic. Perfect. Check it out here.

The Sun’s Journey Through the Night – Wordless

Wordless is the title track from the forthcoming LP from The Sun’s Journey Through the Night. It is the second single to be released from the new album.

Says the band:

The title track of the album “Worldless” encapsulates everything that we wanted to push further for the album. It’s fast and visceral, slow and crushingly heavy and even has a moment of ambient reflection. All pillars of what make up the sound of TSJTTN.

The video is based on a recurring dream that No One has had for almost 20 years, in which man is lost to the void, to create something new.

One of the best things about putting a ‘Single Slam’ together is the discovery of new bands through it. Bands that could slip through the radar as there are just to many albums and EPs to review. It’s through this feature that The Sun’s Journey Through the Night came this way and now, their album has become a hotly anticipated release. Thanks to the previous single and now this absolute beauty of a track. A track that features more ups and downs than a rollercoaster, is unrelentingly brutish, and unapologetically haunting. It is one of the most effective examples of how horrible sounds can make you feel so much. Check it out here.

Saint Agnes – Outsider

Ferocious four-piece Saint Agnes have released a video for their new single ‘Outsider’. The track is the third taste of their upcoming album Bloodsuckers, set for release on 21st July via Spinefarm.

They’re going to be so big. Every release, every piece of music, Saint Agnes profile just keeps growing. This new single is rockier beast that demands listeners shout along with the chorus. Easy to do when you get such defiant lyrics. It continues the trend of never knowing what you’ll get from this band, except the guarantee that it will be bloody memorable.

Upsetter – Blossom/Hate Me

Brisbane/Meanjin dynamic emo rock duo Upsetter have made their powerful debut with the release of not one, but two poignant new singles, Blossom and Hate Me.

Let’s start with Blossom, the better of the two tracks, but that’s not to knock Hate Me. Blossom’s grungy and moodier vibes are just that much more appealing. Especially as a classic emo-rock tone is present throughout. It just so happens that Upsetter have a more robust guitar sound. Something that is just as present in Hate Me. Although here, the melodies and emo-touches are much more prominent. Yet, when they hit, they do hit with some force. Both tracks are extremely good. Check out Blossom here and Hate Me here.

The Devil’s Trade – Vidékek vannak idebenn

Dark singer-songwriter act The Devil’s Trade is proud to release their new single ‘Vidékek vannak idebenn’, the title track of their forthcoming album ‘Vidékek vannak idebenn’, which will be released on 14th July 2023 via Season of Mist.

The Devil’s Trade commented on the album and track:

‘Vidékek vannak idebenn’ is the first song I have ever written in Hungarian. As usual it has a deeply personal layer but it also has another layer that is about the typical Eastern European political struggle: ignoring our history we make the same mistakes again and again till a point where our world gets so rotten and corrupted the only escape seems to be hiding in our own inner worlds. Luckily my inner world is flourishing more than ever.

An experimental offering from an experimental band, it should come as no surprise to anyone that this new single from The Devil’s Trade is a varied and bold listen. One that delivers a ton of eerie melodious moments, folk-infused tones, and sudden doom-esqe turns. It needs time to sink in. Check it out here.

Bad Juju – Nothing to Give

Melbourne alt rock favourites Bad Juju have released their new single ‘Nothing to Give’ alongside the announcement of their debut album ‘Blue Heaven’, out Friday July 21st.

An animated ball of alternative rock, Bad Juju’s new single moves a fast pace with a nice and strong instrumental section that gives it heavier vibes. Yet, as enjoyable as that is, it’s the bloody chorus that makes this track special. They’ve got talent as this, and previous releases show, so fingers crossed the full album hits the same kind of highs. Check it out here.

Sylosis – Poison for the Lost

Sylosis announce new album ‘A Sign of Things to Come’ and release the video for second single ‘Poison for the Lost.’

Who doesn’t love a bit of Sylosis? Arguably on the form of their careers in recent years, this new frenzy of heavy is Sylosis 101, a head-banging blend of thrash and groove. It’s fast and aggressive, with just a small touch of melody to give it wider appeal. Banging stuff again from a banging band.

Trophy Eyes – Life in Slow Motion

Australian punk rockers Trophy Eyes who are gearing up for the release of their new album, ‘Suicide and Sunshine’, on June 23rd, have now released a new single, ‘Life in Slow Motion’.

Well, this is something of a surprise. It’s pretty amazing but not for the reasons you might initially expect. Yes, it’s extremely memorable, but because it is deeply moving. Trophy Eyes have thrown a lot of heart and soul into this melodic reflection and it really pays off. Prepare to be a bit gobsmacked by this one. Check it out here.

ONI – Silence in A Room of Lies

Fresh off their US tour with Megadeth and Bullet for My Valentine, Canadian progressive metal luminaries ONI have returned with a ferocious new single, ‘Silence In A Room Of Lies,’ featuring Jared Dines.

Commenting on the new single, Jake Oni states:

I’m super stoked to share my new song ‘Silence in a Room of Lies’! This track is the first step in a new direction for ONI musically. This is just a taste of what’s to come and I hope my fans enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. Writing with Jared Dines was an absolute pleasure and his contributions brought this song to a whole new level.

Jared Dines is equally thrilled, commenting:

I am very proud of the song we were able to write together, and I’m excited that the world can finally hear it! Jake is the coolest dude and working with him was an absolute pleasure!

After an initial explosion of heavy that really gets the juices flowing, Silence in A Room of Lies slowly wanders off the cliff edge. Simply because it is extremely bland and generic metalcore and not befitting of a band with so many interesting and clever songs over the years. Play it and you’ll hear every ‘core’ band of the last decade in this. Extremely disappointing, but hey, Dines does a solo. Check it out here.

Revoid – Burn with Me

Brisbane metalcore outfit Revoid release their foreboding new single ‘Burn with Me’ ahead of live dates supporting metalcore stars Dayseeker (US) and an AM//PM Emo Night show with Stepson.

Frontman Dale Dudeson delves deep into the cycle of narcissistic abuse and the pervasive self-sacrifice, frustration and hopelessness that comes with it:

Burn With Me illustrates the strain, tension, and crushing frustration in the way we are constantly forced to make sacrifices for the people we love, and the breaking point we’re pushed to when we can’t give anymore,” tells Dudeson. “Burn With Me is the personification of the disappointment I have in those who I have given everything for, only to have them to bury me like a bad dream.

Delivering some carnage with their metalcore (that does wander into deathcore at times) sound, Revoid are on fire here. Doing an excellent job of melding experimental melody with their aggressive heavy side. The chorus is solid enough, but its those freaking breakdowns that will leave most laying in the dirt.

Spruv – Å vente er å endre

Norwegian post-rock band Spurv have announced the release of their new album ‘Brefjære’ on 22nd September via Pelagic Records (Mono, The Ocean). They have also shared the video for their new single ‘Å vente er å endre.’

A short but impactful track, Spruv have created something that can barely be described. It’s disorientating. Going from cold melodies, haunting vocals, experimental vibes, to all out chaos in an instant. There is no way to accurately portray the insane structure of this track. You simply have to hear it and make up your own mind. Check it out here.

3Teeth – Slum Planet

As the assault on the world keeps coming, so does ripe new material from 3Teeth. Today, the modern industrial act provides another taste of their hotly anticipated new album via the release of ‘Slum Planet,’ featuring production from DOOM composer Mick Gordon.

Says frontman and creative lead, Alexis Mincolla:

An ecosystem? More like an ego-system. ‘Slum Planet’ is a monument to the hubris of mankind, to the ruthless exploitation of nature in the name of progress, to the willful blindness of those who chose profits over preservation.

A collaboration that gives 3Teeth even more ‘teeth’, especially as their industrial sound is designed to make you want to go on a demon killing rampage. This new single isn’t breaking any new 3Teeth ground but most won’t care about that, they’ll be far to busy head-banging and singing along to the punchy chorus. Check it out here.

Hawxx – Soulbreaking Machines

London-based alternative metallers Hawxx tackle the climate emergency and capitalism with the release of their documentary-styled music video for new single ‘Soulbreaking Machines’.

On the new single, the band comment:

The soulbreaking machines are the systems that turn everything into profit, commodifying the natural world, our creativity, our time, and our very minds. As if the only way to exist within capitalism is to shut down the part of ourselves that says ‘this is not okay, we are killing everything’. The need for money just to exist keeps us so busy that we don’t find time to actually sit and consider whether we endorse the life we are living. This song questions how we can stop and listen, to remember that we ourselves are nature; that this is happening to us.

Hear this song but hear it via the video. Do it and it will have more impact, Hawxx want to say something here and you should listen. Aside from that extremely important aspect, the song itself is a robust rock hit of honesty and truth. Purposefully dramatic but with a punchy chorus that will make you sit up and take notice.

thrown – guilt

Swedish heavyweights thrown, featuring vocalist Marcus Lundqvist and drummer/producer Buster Odeholm (Vildhjarta, Humanity’s Last Breath), have released a video for their brand new single ‘guilt’, out now via Arising Empire.

A short slice of abrasive ferocity from thrown. It’s what they do and they aren’t holding back in the slightest here. The instruments are downright nasty, but then you have the vocals which are so ‘in your face’ you can feel the specks of spittle hitting you. Intensely brilliant stuff from a band that doesn’t really do anything but that. Check it out here.

Code Orange – Grooming My Replacement / The Game

Pittsburgh’s Code Orange have released two new singles, ‘Grooming My Replacement’ and ‘The Game’ via Blue Grape Music. The two new singles follow up the release of What Is Really Underneath?, a part remix, part soundtrack companion album to 2020’s acclaimed Underneath.

Code Orange are back and back with a stompy hardcore bang. Not one track, but two tracks for listeners to flail too. Grooming My Replacement is the more measured of the two, but take that with a pinch of salt, it’s still Code Orange kicking the living shit out of you. Whereas The Game is downright psychotic, even with some eclectic use of groove.