April saw some huge singles and collaborations coming from the likes of Knocked Loose with Poppy on “Suffocate“, Bad Omens and HEALTH linking up on “The Drain“, and iRis.EXE making their return on impressive single “OFF WITH MY HEAD“. As always, we now turn our attention to some of the top single releases of the month that may have gone under the radar.
Wreaking Joy – The Bovine Weather Conspiracy / Go Skate! (Independent)
The energetic and unrelenting hardcore and power violence crossover that Wreaking Joy conjure makes it return in 2024 on dual single “The Bovine Weather Conspiracy / Go Skate!“. Thrashy riffs and pig sequel commanded breakdowns, with a coo moo sample thrown in good measure, make for one of the most intriguing and fun listens of April.
FFO: Anklebiter, Stiff Meds & PRINCESS
Walled City – Righteous One (Post Reality)
Ahead of their upcoming LP, World Pain, Florida unit Walled City dropped the first single from the record this past month. “Righteous One” is packed with punchy riffs and spite filled vocals. The track has been followed on by second single “Plastic World” this month, which further expands on the societal commentary that is set to be displayed in full force on World Pain.
FFO: End It, Punitive Damage & Incendiary
Blind Ivy – Metamorphosis (Infinity Records)
Krasnodar group Blind Ivy have displayed an ability to craft harmonious and crushing moments over the years. Last year’s “The Point Of No Return” displayed a new evolution of Blind Ivy as they honed their craftmanship. Darker track “Metamorphosis” further displays this while further cementing Anna Tkalia as an exceptional vocalist.
FFO: Unearth, Heaven Shall Burn & Walls Of Jericho
INRVRY – Intuition (Independent)
San Antonio duo INRVRY dropped their debut single “Intuition” this past April. Melancholic tones from vocalist Celeste Munoz, which are immediately impressive and gorgeous, are back by lamenting guitar chords from Mando Vargas. Blending progressive elements with the emotiveness of 00s alternative, it makes for a listen that yearns to be returned to.
FFO: With Sails Ahead, Valleyheart & Greywind
Crave Death – Sever (Independent)
Ever-present Brisbane unit Crave Death have honed their brand of scathing metallic hardcore, and have maintained consistent quality for nearly a decade now. Last year’s EP Die Slow saw Crave Death return and show they’ve not missed a step. “Sever” will now hopefully be part of something much larger and see Crave Death at the forefront of the Aussie scene.
FFO: Splinter, Terminal Sleep & Eight Count
Scream Mountain – Honoured (Independent)
Post janglers Scream Mountain have a springtime single if we’ve ever heard one. “Honoured” works with some tried and true elements, like classic vocal melodies and big chords, and intersperses vulnerable moments and harsh twists to bring new hooks to post hardcore. As the end absolutely bites down, there’s something for everyone here. Keep spinning into their next song, “Years“, for a smart transition. Here’s hoping this new batch of singles helps them carry on the success of their 2021 EP.
FFO: Microwave, Hot Mulligan & Arm’s Length
Break Them – All bark, no bite (Independent)
Those looking for some ruthless aggressive will find it in spades on Break Them‘s latest single “All bark, no bite“. Their rough sounding version of UKHC makes for the soundtrack of a brawl, with a chair-throwing breakdown that should please any movers in a live setting.
FFO: Skorn, Despize & No Relief
Dispute – NO PEACE (Independent)
Our second UKHC entry this month comes from Ipswich unit, Dispute, who delivered pummelling “NO PEACE” this past month. Menacing and measured riffs give the track an edge and builds a certain tension, with venomous vocals delivered, making for an absolutely evil listen.
FFO: Frantic State, Bitterwood & Splinter
Take Hold – Blush (feat. ColdxWar) (Independent)
New Zealand unit Take Hold made their return after a five year absence with single “Forfeit” in March. This has been followed with two more, including “Blush“, which dropped at the close of April. The melodic tones are swapped out for pointed lyricism that is matched with weighty guitar riffs, making for a sound of sheer brute force.
FFO: HEAVYHEX, Bloom & Departures