A busy with month with standout singles from the likes of Theurgy HC, Ómoia and MIDNIGHT ANSWERS showcased how strong the underground scene in metalcore and post-hardcore. In amongst this, there were several gems throughout April, from the likes of Nuvolascura, Sixth Wonder and Whiteblossom.
Blueshift – Echo Of You (Independent)
“Echo Of You” marks a return to form for progressive metalcore underdogs Blueshift. The track harkens back to their debut album Voyager with their signature intricate progressive metal instrumentation and the return of original vocalist Josh Nunn. The ethereal yet weighty atmospheres are beautifully executed, compounding in an impressive saxophone solo on the bridge. Given the tumultuous few years the band had following the release of Voyager, it’s a relief to see Blueshift back in full force. – Jonathan Tan
FFO: ERRA, Invent Animate & Exist Immortal
Headsick – Fade Into My Skin (Independent)
Not ones to be boxed in by genre conventions, Boston’s Headsick have explored a wide range of sounds since their debut in February of last year. On “Fade Into My Skin,” they blend post-hardcore grit with an unexpected easycore lift, delivering emotional weight with a buoyant, melodic undercurrent. The track, along with follow-up single “Hello, Beastie,” mark the “end of an era” for the group as they transition towards working on their next release. – Kathleen Crooks
FFO: Driveways, Four Year Strong & Belmont
Nuvolascura – and in the end, you threw it all away (Zegema Beach Records & I.Corrupt Records)
This track starts Nuvolascura’s next release cycle, one we’re excited to follow as it’s sure to produce one of the most significant screamo releases this decade. What we have here is peak emoviolence, unfathomably complex within its short runtime. It’s relatively grounded in the first movement, and gets increasingly technical, blasting us with feedback and righteous anger. – Dobbin T
FFO: For Your Health, Roman Candle & Blind Girls
Whiteblossom – Vein (Independent)
Offering up their third single in the form of “Vein“, Whiteblossom showcase their dreamy shoegaze sound with a kick of grunge stylings. Airing beautiful guitar melodies, with leading vocals that fill out the track, that are later contrasted by moments of metalcore-esque heavier moments. With now two tracks on the table, both of which have deeply impressed, it won’t be long before Whiteblossom begin to build themselves as a regular name in the UK scene. – Joe
FFO: Exit Dream, Love Is Noise & Angel Number
thistle. – it’s nice to see you, stranger (Independent)
Northampton, UK based slacker rock band thistle. impressed us with this romantic cut. They summon that classic upbeat yet downtrodden atmosphere, made for overcast drives, watching raindrops scroll past you on the window of your first (and last) Nissan hatchback. This dropped just ahead of a busy spring touring schedule, which should leave audiences feeling warm and woozy. – Dobbin T
FFO: Trauma Ray, Strange Ranger & Hotline TNT
Ishiki – Collapse (Independent) / Writer
Utterly feral in every sense, Ishiki drop one of the strongest metalcore tracks this year. Dripping in the old school metalcore stylings, with nu-metal influences bleeding in, “Collapse” is puts forward a track that fans of 00s metalcore will absolutely love. A swinging breakdown that will send live crowds from side to side, Ishiki should be on everyone’s bands to keep an eye on. – Joe
FFO: Vein.fm, Bodyweb & fromjoy
low before the breeze – Cadaver Synod (Independent)
The last single from low before the breeze’s upcoming record gives us a terrifying take on blackened hardcore. Unlike prior singles “Proverbs 7:22” and “Night Wept”, “Cadaver Synod” that turns its nose at any moments of traditional catharsis, and instead it drags you deep to wallow in unease. Maurice White of Apostle and Ladybird contributes additional high register vocals to make the doomlike outro all-consuming. – Dobbin T
FFO: Great Falls, Mastiff & meth.
Burner – City 17 / The Night Does Not End (Church Road Records)
This double single will keep these UK metal/mathcore stalwarts more-than-ticking over for the year. “City 17” is perhaps the most melodic and reflective they’ve been, with a spacious intro into a nasty breakdown. As if to show us they’ve not lost their flair for aggression, “The Night Does Not End” follows with a burst of blast beats and rancid vocals. – Dobbin T
FFO: Celestial Sanctuary, Grief Ritual & WARSPAWN
Sixth Wonder – Thorn (Independent) / Writer
Moving from strength to strength, Sixth Wonder showcase their technical prowess on latest single “Thorn“. Weaving between proggier moments and heavier djent-esque blasts, Sixth Wonder continue to make their mark on the UK metalcore scene with another sublime single. Kirk‘s vocals are noteworthy too, commanding the track at every moment, with extended runs showcasing their vocal range. – Joe
FFO: Northlane, Volumes & fromjoy