March cranked 2023 into gear with some huge lead singles from upcoming SeeYouSeeCowbow, False Reality, Foreign Hands and Graywave records. We now delve into other singles that made their mark during the month, including debut single from DURENDEL, a dreamy return from Peace Ritual and a rager from Aussie unit Splinter.
DURENDEL – If They Came to Hear Me Beg… (Independent)
DURENDEL‘s debut single is panic chord-grooving metalcore, primed with raspy vocals and solid production from day one. A short melodic break on the track suggests the project will incorporate dual vocals tastefully. Hopefully they’ll match this as a live unit, as it’s easy to imagine this track coming out of an ambitious support band ready to take on larger and larger stages.
FFO: Balmora, Cauldron & In Clover
Peace Ritual – Seconds (Last Ride Records)
Returning since their self-titled EP in 2022, Peace Ritual makes a captivating comeback with their beautiful track “Seconds“. Jangling guitar riffs intertwine with Martorana’s expansive vocals, captivating the listener’s ear. This sublime track holds promise as a potential starting point for more Peace Ritual material this year.
FFO: Flower Language, Drift & Gleemer
Smelter – In Spades (Independent)
South Florida-based alternative rock band Smelter unleashed a whirlwind of grungy guitars and bright vocals on their new single, “In Spades”. The track cultivates an atmosphere that exudes both lushness and high energy simultaneously.
FFO: Gouge Away, Graywave & Oversize
Splinter – One Last Darkest Day (Independent)
The most evil track on this month’s single’s list. Four years of waiting since the last Splinter material have been rewarded, as every aspect of the production and performance is strong-armed: the vocals, drums, chainsaw tones and bass are all top notch. The highlight is the oddball nature of the second to last riff, a speedy two-step style thing that gives the drumwork a moment to shine.
FFO: Skorn, Trenchknife & Terminal Sleep
Silent Mass – Land of Heart’s Desire (Mourning Sun Records)
Dreampop-meets-shoegaze band Silent Mass presents their latest creation, “Land of Heart’s Desire“, inspired by W.B. Yeats’ exploration of unfulfilled aspirations. Their ethereal sound, reminiscent of The Cranberries and Chelsea Wolfe, captivates listeners like a misty vale serenade.
FFO: Rotting Yellow, MØAA & Devin Thompson
World Of Joy – Exposed (Independent)
At one minute in length, “Exposed” this is just a whiff of a track, but it comes from a hardcore band whose last LP was eleven minutes long. It’s not at all because they’re short of ideas, quite the opposite in fact. Brisbane based World of Joy do “precicion-engineered hardcore-punk” as they cut their own riffs short just as they’ve left their mark, leaving you in their maddening, hyperactive world.
FFO: Winnerz Circle, Struck Down & Mauler
Slowbleed – Blood Reign Salvation (Independent)
Another hardcore belter from California’s Slowbleed as they snap back into action. Distorted vocals add to the gutsy delivery of “Blood Reign Salvation“. The compositions get more and more intricate as the track progresses up towards a solo that would make Chuck Schuldiner proud.
FFO: Simulakra, Kharma & Malice
Begotten – BLACKOUT. (Independent)
Defined by its classic synth line that echos throughout, “BLACKOUT.” merges 00s industrial guitar traditions with the utmost coolness of modern production. Layered harsh vocoals maintain a catchy vibe throughout. Highly recommended if the recent hooky tracks from HEALTH still sit in your ear.
FFO: UnityTX, chaos.sequence & Born a New
Next To Nada – MOTHS (Independent)
Dispensing of hardcore stylings for full-on punk attitude, “MOTHS” is the second of Next To Nada‘s recent singles. The track weighs the struggle that creatives face when playing into the algorithmic and corporatised arts industry. It does so with sludgy bass and guitar, and loudspeakered and loose vocals, plus a furious drum performance from Jason Davies.
FFO: Shooting Daggers, Pissed Jeans & Melvins