“I hum beneath your primal scream.“
The year has begun to weave out who will have the finest tale to tell. Showing Teeth once again showcased their metalcore finesse on “Rip” and concealer. sett themselves up for what will be one of 2026’s strongest LPs with single “Claymore“. Legends Terror returned on hearty “Still Suffer“, and Don Broco pulling out a collaboration with Nickelback to raise eyebrows both sides of the Atlantic. As always, there were many singles in February that showcased similar qualities that we didn’t get to spotlight, so here are some of our favourite singles from the previous month.
Chug – DURT (feat. Prodigal) (Independent)
The new era of CHUG is firmly upon us and with good timing too. One of the favourites for this year’s Cheltenham heat of Metal to the Masses, the duo could soon be following in footsteps of the likes of Skora, Convey and the act they’ve called in for a feature here, Prodigal, in performing at Bloodstock. The production on “DURT” and previous single “Fever Dream” has been louder and brazen, matching CHUG‘s in your face style that commands a presence both on audio and in a live setting. – Joe
FFO: Die Spitz, Soul Blind & The Armed
Slow Pulse – Portrayed in Spite (Independent)
Slow Pulse return with their first single since 2024 in the form “Portrayed in Spite“, sounding nastier than ever. Beefier production that makes each snare pop sound like a machine gun and each riff grind like a chainsaw, there is a vicious intent to Slow Pulse‘s sound, commanded by Hampton‘s vocals. As the track closes out on the “I am me, who the fuck are you?”, with a sheer snarl to it, Slow Pulse look to take their place as one of the fiercest acts going.– Joe
FFO: Terminal Sleep,smother & Cutthroat
idle threat – evermind (Tooth & Nail)
After a rather substantial absence, Nashville post-hardcore band idle threat have finally returned with “evermind” ahead of their 2nd full length album, “you’ll forget the sun“. The band brings back their unique style of comforting and vulnerable emo-tinged post-hardcore with an even greater cohesiveness than before. – Jonathan
FFO: Saosin, My Epic & Everything In Slow Motion
held under. – Integrate (Independent)
Feeling akin to a blend of the heavy nature of a PULSE and the electronic influences of a fromjoy leads us to held under., who have crafted an intriguing sound their latest single “Integrate“. The UK unit take the heavier and progressive element of their sound than was established on their self-titled EP, then add breakcore and electronic elements to create an ethereal and otherworldly sound. If this is the direction that held under. are set to continue, they could quickly garner quite the captive audience. – Joe
FFO: Monochrome, demeanour & fromjoy
Mors Viaturis – Foetorem (Everlasting Spew)
We can trust Everlasting Spew to select the best in worldwide extreme metal. Danish Mors Viaturis are a death-doom project who are more or less debuting on the label with a slew of singles ahead of their first LP, coming out at the end of the month. “Foetorem” opens with austere and dramatic clean guitars, like the first strokes on a white canvas that will turn inky black by the end. Death doom will always crack these slow moments but let’s not forget that it’s also about speed – the morbid vocals beckon fast drumwork and tight riffing. This gives way to a potentially stupidly simple chug riff made for gripping the barricades and slowly headbanging to. As the track continues to wind through dimly lit charnel passages, we emerge to find that beautiful introductory guitar returning, closing out the song in sombre style. – Dobbin
FFO: Worm (Foreverglade), Mortiferum & Fossilization
Jawless – (I Just Want To) Skate (iMD-london hc)
Packed with energy and bringing their much loved hardcore punk sound on “(I Just Want To) Skate“, Jawless prove once again why they’re such an underground favourite. Accompanied by a video that will leave a smile on the face, “(I Just Want To) Skate” will be the ideal soundtrack for hitting your deck as the sunny days soon become upon us. As Theresa‘s vocal yells give the track its commanding presence, the bouncy guitar hooks create joyous and stomping drive.
FFO: CLOBBER, Bruise Control & Backfire!
Clotheslined – Reborn (Independent)
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the Melbourne scene has another impressive act within its scene. This time our attention is turned towards Clotheslined as their metallic riffs draw in their ear on their latest single “Reborn“. Barking vocals backed by looped riffs that feel fighting to be the soundtrack for a cage fight knockout montage, this one is certainly for the headbangers and adrenaline junkies.
FFO: Asidhara, Black Coast & Days Spent
IATT – Drift Away (Independent)
“Drift Away” is concoction of death, prog and classic metal. IATT‘s sound is one that weaves and wanders throughout these different soundscapes to create an experience that is ever-changing. The track has a strong theme of sleep, from its ticking clock introduction to the dreamlike atmosphere, but it’s also about bold sounds, brandishing powerful vocals and not shying away from wild woodwinds. With a wider concept album to come in May expanding on this, what IATT have in stock is of great intrigue.
FFO: Dawn of Ouroboros, Unverkalt & Changeling
Ornament – I’m Searching for My Star… (Hellcanon Records)
The Indonesian scene has been creating some absolute gems in the likes of Bleach, xHELLRAZORx and xDEFIANCEx, all showcasing the strength of their metalcore and hardcore scenes across the country. Adding to this is Ornament, with their single “I’m Searching for My Star…“, that has to be one of the strongest metalcore tracks this year so far. Drawing on the revival scene, Ornament contrast hardcore screams with melancholic cleans to create a deeply emotive track that perfectly encapsulates why the genre has taken such a foothold as of late.
FFO: Long Goodbye, eyesofsorrow & Ends In Tragedy