A month that delivered debut singles from the likes of 6 Months to Live, demeanour and Glasshaven, alongside returns from Juicebox, Faced Out and bodyweb. July contained plenty of gems, with many coming from upcoming releases that we will see the full facets of in the coming months. There were plenty of outstanding releases that we did not get to cover at the time, so now here is our opportunity to cast a spotlight on some of our favourite singles from July.
Silkspine – Pipedown (Bleed The Same) (Independent)
The run of singles from Silkspine continues with “Pipedown (Bleed The Same)”, dripping in beatdown stylings that will see limbs flying aplenty at any show, Silkspine weave in metallic riffs to that drill themselves into the ear. Teeming with moments to throw hands to and even a cheeky two-step section, Silkspine cook up another evil breakdown that will get the adrenaline pumping through the veins. The Glasgow unit have much to offer, and if recent form is to go by, are ones the UK will be hearing a lot more about in the future.
FFO: So Far So Good, Melting & SPLIT
Fracture Type – Spire (Ugly Robot Studios)
There have been a handful of attempts this year at blending emo with heavier hardcore sounds, delivering more than mixed and callous results. Yet now, Fracture Type have shown to do it an emotive and impassioned grace, moving between gorgeous groove work that creates an expansive soundscape, with cleans that capture the ear like old 00s tracks. What Fracture Type have crafted here feels authentic and true, which is a rare trait amongst the weeds of the heavier scene.
FFO: Dreamwell, GILT & Fly Over States
First Day of Fall – Fabricator (Independent)
There is a simple joy in just a straight-up tune that is absolute nails, which is what First Day of Fall manage to perfect on their latest single “Fabricator”. A headbanging tempo from the outset that will please the ears of any metal man, it shifts between heavier metallic moments and more melodic stylings with ease. First Day of Fall have pieced together what should be the staple sound of metalcore. If they carry on as they do with this sound, they will be sure to garner the support of many.
FFO: Still In Love, God Glitch & BIND.
AIRTIGHT – Decay/Great Divine (Independent)
AIRTIGHT shine with the absolutely divine dual single of “Decay/Great Divine”. Blending post-hardcore sounds with shoegaze soundscapes, AIRTIGHT craft an expansive sound that soars and strikes at the emotions. Showing their heavier side on “Decay”, with post-hardcore grooves, before moving into the shoegaze-esque sound on “Great Divine”, this tandem is packed with heart and sorrow. Hopefully this is a kickstart for the north west unit and we will be hearing much more from them.
FFO: bosses, Monochrome & Salt+
spill. – crucifix (Independent)
After a little over a year, spill. returns with its latest single, crucifix. The duo of Hillary and Joe haven’t been slacking in the projects absence, and this track is evidence of that. Instrumentally honed, the combination of emo guitars and Misery Signals inspired chugs is now much tighter, and when combined with Hillary‘s ridiculously harsh, pummelling screams, it results in something truly special. Let’s just hope this time we don’t have to wait another year for the follow-up!
FFO: Killing Me Softly, Roman Candle & Faced Out
Federal Death Alliance – Leave No Trace of Human Life (Independent)
Classic deathcore is crushing enough, but add a nutritious helping of technical sections and vocals that don’t overstay their welcome, and you have the equivalent of being sawn in half with rusted serrations. Snare bombs, hell mouth gutterals, and abyss-level drop tuned guitars dominate the landscape of Federal Death Alliance’s debut single, “Leave No Trace of Human Life”. With an EP on the horizon, “Leave No Trace of Human Life” is Federal Death Alliance’s warning to the faint-hearted; turn back while you still can.
FFO: Spire of Lazarus, In Your Last Moments & Killing of a Sacred Deer
Grind Gang – Fixated On Kneecaps (feat. The Last Ten Seconds of Life) (Independent)
Unlike the title of Grind Gang’s latest cut, we at Boolin have a fetish for music that kicks total ass. “Fixated On Kneecaps” is a model display of unfiltered malignancy that suffocates you on every second with machine gun instrumentals and bass drops that make planetary collision feel like a knock on the door. Combining elements of deathcore and brutal slam into a disfigured gushing of volatile sludge, Grind Gang have perfected an intersectional mashing of genre staples that will punish listeners to the point of audio-induced lobotomy.
FFO: PSYCHO-FRAME, Justice for the Damned & CELL
Against The Gravity – THEY CALLED US FOR THE SIGNS (Independent)
Putting their own unique spin on progressive metalcore, “THEY CALLED US FOR THE SIGNS” is a display of intricacy and nuance that’s often lacking in today’s scene. Myanmar’s Against The Gravity show clear potential and purpose as they new breathe life into an oversaturated subgenre.
FFO: Northlane, Void Of Vision & Invent Animate
ennui – Quarrelsome Heaven (Day Zero Collective)
The screamo revival scene is one that is still waiting for its flowers, with the likes of For Your Health and Boneflower delivering impeccable records this year, amongst many DIY artists showcasing true artistry with their screamo sounds. The latest addition to this is ennui with their latest single “Quarrelsome Heaven”, delivering the harsh Americana musings of their screamo. Before closing out on a layered combination of gorgeous cleans and grief-riddled screams, it makes for an experience that has an impact much like little else in recent memory.
FFO: Sadness, Demersal & at first, at first