“More real than time and more powerful than words.”
It’s been a pleasure to highlight some of June’s brilliant singles, such as Hacktivist, Exploring Birdsong, BIND., incaseyouleave, Blind Girls, and Out Of Love. A slew of other singles impressed us, so sink your teeth in to a few more.
DOGBITE – INFECTED (feat. AMOKKOMA) (Independent)
Leipzig unit DOGBITE make their first foray into 2024 with track “INFECTED“, and still remain as pissed as they were on their debut DEMO EP last year. Hilgenfeld‘s piercing vocals set the track alight, which are then matched with equally ferocious vocals from AMOKKOMA. All this leads into one of the beefiest breakdowns of June that should make you want to chokeslam the nearest person.
FFO: Game Changer, In Clover & Gravitate
Cold Gawd – All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned For A Thing I Cannot Name (Dais Records)
After dropping a gem of a record in 2022 in the form of God Get Me The Fuck Out Of Here, Cold Gawd have made their welcome return on “All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned For A Thing I Cannot Name“, off their upcoming record I’ll Drown On This Earth. Wainwrights‘ distinct and melancholic vocals fill the track, backed by the haze of the reverbed guitars and weathered grooves. If this is the precursor of what is to come to like, Cold Gawd‘s sophomore record will be a special one.
FFO: Doused, Be Forest & Nothing
Apogee – back to the dojo (Independent)
Indulging in the weird and wonderful has always been something post-hardcore units have flirted with – Apogee look to dive right into the deep with it. They’ve adopted a horror-filled aesthetic that keeps the ear guessing as to what might be around the corner, as latest track “back to the dojo” creates an unsettling yet captivating soundscape. Seemingly finding their groove this year, there is a curiosity to see where this project will end up.
FFO: deathdotgov, Fly Over States & Bodyweb
fleshless body – Eternal Devotions (Independent)
The double single of “To Want and To Be Wanted” and “On Wings Like Eagles” brings fleshless body’s discography up to five tracks, showing they mean business. Triumphantly wretched vocals and a sinking breakdown give the first track huge weight, and the second is a short format execution of classic metalcore riffing. Gritty yet tight production rounds out their sound; if they’re reproducing this live, eat them up.
FFO: Converge, Sectioned & Young And In The Way
Shinto Katana – Sabaku Kyū (feat. Volatile Ways) (New Ethic Records)
Making their return after a decade away last with single “The Bond” that featured fellow Aussie unit SPEED, their third single this side of the decade now sees them link up with another upstart in Volatile Ways on “Sabaku Kyū“. It brings a bold and brutal heaviness that is rooted in their metallic hardcore sound. Shinto Katana shows their veteran ability and craftsmanship once again, with a juicy low tuned breakdown to go with it all too.
FFO: CELL, Splinter & Justice For The Damned
Soot Sprite – I Went Swimming (Specialist Subject)
They’ve been putting Exeter on the map for indie and shoegaze for a long time, so naturally Soot Sprite’s first song in two years is worth the wait. “I Went Swimming” is both intensely paced and dreamily-laid back. Elise Cook brings rich guitar tones and stunning vocals, and the songwriting is tight. It’s a great indication for any further material they might have in the near future.
FFO: Bedroom, Leaving Time & motifs
Against The Gravity – FAILED TO REMEMBER (Blackat Records)
Hailing from Myanmar, Against The Gravity showcase their impressive range on “FAILED TO REMEMBER.” A gorgeous somberness haunts the soaring vocal melodies and heavier twists, resulting in a charming, emotional performance.
FFO: ERRA, Invent Animate & Periphery
Intercessor – Counteraximomatica (Visceral Life Experiences)
With “Counteraximomatica“, Intercessor provide an experience that is undeniably djenty (down to the song title). With its weighty grooves and a touch of deathcore aggression, Intercessor make a strong case for groove-focused progressive metalcore.
FFO: Sentinels, Veil of Maya & After The Burial
Reserate – Weightless (Independent)
In a punchy and impressive display of modern metalcore, Reserate present “Weightless” off their upcoming debut album. From crushing, djenty riffs to a three-vocal combo, the track balances itself out in a tasteful display of contrast.
FFO: Currents, Polaris & Annalynn