Column Releases You May Have Missed
RELEASES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED: Singles, April 2026
“I’ve been phantomising and the time would pass regardless.“
April delivered up plenty of singles that would act as a precursor to what would be some standout releases, with the likes of GILT, 100 Demons and ZOMBIESHARK!, all dropping singles from their upcoming, or now released records. Others such as ChrryObsessed teased at what may come from possible future records on “To You, Whom I Love The Most“, while others in the form of Bitcrush made their stellar debut on “DEFECTIVE“. In among all of this, there were plenty of standout singles we didn’t get to spotlight in April, which we’ve rounded up below.
Scro – Lately
Independent
An intriguing fusion of EDM, math rock-inspired riffs, and metalcore, Scro’s “Lately” is one of the most ambitiously well-executed tracks I’ve heard in a while. The smooth electronic verses lead into intense walls of sound on the chorus that all convey an emotion of jadedness and disillusionment. – Jonathan
FFO: PhaseOne, RJ Pasin & sace6
Burial Path – A Display of Penance
Independent
Returning earlier this year on “Between Soil and Sun”, atmospheric deathcore unit Burial Path continue to impress, blending the sheer wrath of their sound with a hypnotic atmosphere. Guttural vocals lead the assault, as “A Display of Penance” moves through moments packed with chuggy riffs and symphonic soundscapes, before exploding into blast beats and screams that summon the darkest depths of their sound. With this strain of deathcore maintaining its popularity, Burial Path could soon be the next deathcore unit to break through the ranks. – Joe
FFO: Torn Open, Get Me The Knife & Spite
Vow – Death Will Be My Bridge
Iron Fortress Records
Ahead of their release of their EP of the same name, Vow showcase their melodic death metal prowess on single “Death Will Be My Bridge”. Riffwork that is as precise as it is cutting, each strum has the clean cut feel of a sharpened sword. The melodic pacing makes for an absolutely sublime listen, as each element having room to breathe and be heard alongside some tight production. Say it quietly for now, but the roster that Iron Fortress Records is putting together is becoming one of the strongest out there. – Joe
FFO: At The Gates, Fallujah & Heaven Shall Burn
Violet Bloom – Spring Promo
Independent
Following on from DEMO in 2025, Violet Bloom have now followed up their 2026 promo which is still packed with the sassy hardcore punk sound. The Austrian unit take the energetic hardcore punk sound that is the forefront of the genre in the likes of SPACED, Turnstile and others. Yet Violet Bloom add that European grit to it that is present in the likes of Spiruline to give it a rough edged energetic sound. We have on our hands another band who are showing the strength that is emerging on the continent. – Joe
FFO: Shooting Daggers, DEFIANCE & Supernova
Kutie – Bloom
Independent
Channeling the Tony Hawk Pro Skater energy of the 00s come the trio Kutie, who begin to truly impress on their latest effort, “Bloodmoon”. Raspy hardcore punk vocals commandeer the track, leading it through its rapid and frantic sound, as the guitar riffs and drum grooves inject the adrenaline of their sound into the veins. If this is a sample of what is to come, Kutie could soon become another prospect from the shores of California. – Joe
FFO: DRAIN, JIVEBOMB & Niis
Yersin – DIE ALONE (feat. Sarah Jezebel Deva)
Independent
The return of Yersin – the first single since their vicious debut LP – lulls us into a false sense of security with a tense and grooving introduction. What could have gone on as a New York hardcore track turns sharply into sludge with chainsaw riffs and burst beats. Yet another surprise comes from Sarah Jezebel Deva, bringing neoclassical metal wails to Yersin’s frostbitten frontier. If the intent of the track was unclear by its end, the downtrodden lyrics will remind us that Yersin are here to bring us down. This track is a new level of production quality and songwriting for the band, so it’s exciting to see what’s next. – Dobbin
FFO: Anaal Nakrath, Mastiff & Burner
Sickheart – Shrine
Independent
In their first foray into 2026, Sickheart delivers another gorgeous entry in the form of single, “Shrine”. Their familiar downtempo beats, layered in with their haunting vocals, makes for an enchanting listen that reaches for the soul. The acoustic elements further woven out here give “Shrine” that rustic and natural feel, ensuring that this chapter from Sickheart will showcase new sides of the solo artist’s sound and one that could be their most heartfelt yet. – Joe
FFO: RXLQZ, VELETEARS & the slow DARKO US tracks
Fanchon – Idle
Independent
After nearly 18 months since their previous single, Fanchon are back in impressive force with “Idle”, the first off their upcoming EP due this July. The self-described “dreamcore” unit take the well-known grungegaze sound and present it in their own ethereal soundscape. The reverbered guitars are packed with little earworm riffs that give the track its charm, with vocals that lead the track into a ascendency with the vocal hook “I wait for a September that will stay in December”. Given the quality and songwriting at hand, Fanchon could be one of the standout acts in the ‘gaze scene this year. – Joe
FFO: Graywave, Oversize & Superheaven
bloody/bath – Faith
Independent
Post punk’s emergence has delivered the soundtrack for the depressing and bleak times we live in. First providing it during the darkness and brutalist 70s, famously through Joy Division, giving the soundscape of the flats and factories of the time. Now, it delivers a similar soundscape for the hollowed out and abandoned towns, fashioned in this instance by Northampton unit blood/bath on single “Faith”. The brooding post-punk sound encapsulates bloody/bath’s sound, led by the deep vocals and pounding grooves on the drum toms. The preacher mannerisms on the vocals ensure that if these are the end times, bloody/bath will be there to play us off. – Joe
FFO: High Vis, Drab Majesty & Cathedral Bells