The sunset of each year always comes with a raft of strong releases. This month we’ve been examining the choice singles like the falling leaves, with great singles from Reflections, TNL VZN, Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean, and Drosera, all through our New Music Friday column. Here’s a few more golden ones.
CULT(URE) – Rebound (Independent)
Cult(ure) have started strong with their debut track “Rebound“. The duo collaborate across Hadrian’s Wall with Dyane Crutcher singing from Scotland and Owen Hughes-Holland strumming from London. Drawing on their shared experience in the UK’s heavy underground, “Rebound” makes lots of space for Crutcher‘s fantastic clean vocals. It brims with the detail we expect from modern metal.
FFO: Angel Number, Rolo Tomassi & Giant Walker
andthecanaryfell. – 273.15K (Post Party Rock Records)
“273.15K” is a subtle merge of post metal, doom, deathcore and modern hardcore. Saving its speed for critical bursts, and otherwise operates in a dirge-like space. The twisted breakdown at its end will keep you guessing as to their motives, adding to the anguished atmosphere.
FFO: Methwitch, Year of the Knife & Black Tongue
Arcaeon – Celestial (Independent)
Arcaeon channel absolute peak djent, from their glassy guitar tones, twisty breaks, all the way to Stuart Sarre‘s massive vocal range. “Celestial” is immediately their strongest track, peaking with its double-solo that will have you smiling ear to ear. They’ve absolutely cracked the production, too, making “Celestial” immediately familiar and refreshing.
FFO: TesseracT, Vola & Ilho
Blood On My Hands – Echoes of Remorse (Independent)
We’re continually impressed by Melbourne’s metalcore scene, and Blood on my Hands are yet another rising star. Vocals are viciously spat down the mic while guitars grind out classic riffs, melodic and malicious in equal measure.
FFO: Cauldron, Phantoms & Spitting Teeth
Ends In Tragedy – Ecstasy Ninety Six (Independent)
“Ecstacy Ninety Six” is vicious mixed tempo metalcore begging to be thrown-down to. Dual vocals, shrill and sunken, are screamed over circle pit riffs and a bouncy breakdown. From this track it’s clear that Ends in Tragedy have been perfecting their sound (and attitude), and are surely a key player in the Alberta heavy scene.
FFO: Houses We Die In, Ill Defined & Long Goodbye
Airline – Coma (Independent)
A grooving alt/gaze track, “Coma” doesn’t overdo itself in any one way. There’s just enough reverb to make things lush, an important urgency in the rhythms, and the coveted ‘slacker’ attitude in the vocals. Operating in a genre that can put all the dials to one hundred all too often, it’s a breath of fresh air. It makes me hope a full length record from Airline isn’t too far away.
FFO: True Widow, Greet Death & Trauma Ray
Silenus – Disappear & Weeping (Independent)
Silenus are another band who have been working at their sound patiently. From their recent double single, “Disappear” now realises all that patience in one swoop, a lurching metalcore track oozing with detail. I’ll highlight the track’s chorus, as “Disappear” is especially smart in how its chorus operates as a tempo break, smoothly exiting each time for a new and urgent idea. As much as we like a ham-fisted riff, there’s so much satisfaction in this tweak to the formula. Additionally, if you like a proper snare that really cracks, check out “Disappear“.
FFO: Total Loss, Simulakra & In Clover
Queen of Nothing – How Does It Feel (Independent)
This debut track pitches Queen of Nothing (Abi Crisp) as subtle blend of indie and singer songwriter styles. The atmosphere leans into darkness, and with two outbursts of noise for the choruses it’s clear that the heights of this project will be vicious. But the real focus is on the gentle and steady verses, imparting a tension that will stay with you long after the track ends.
FFO: Emma Ruth Rundle, Oldest Sea & Iress
RinRin – FCKNRUN (Independent)
Ending with by far the most colourful track of the month, “FCKNRUN” is a thrilling joyride from RinRin. Until it hits its reflective ending, it’s high octane pop punk infused with synths and infectious glitter. With an album on the way next year, it’s the perfect time to board RinRin‘s hype train.
FFO: Knife Bride, Yours Truly & Belmont