After an incredibly busy September, we make our way through some of its highlights. In our first wrap-up we’re covering some of the best singles released during last month. This includes the likes of Australia’s biggest prospect in Volatile Ways, a monumental return from Racetraitor, and debut single from Baltimore unit Tripper. (Cover: Volatile Ways – Pink Mist Wish List)
Volatile Ways – Pink Mist Wish List (Independent)
Recently closing off one era with the digital and vinyl release of Compendium, a collection of all their previously released material, it might have seemed that Volatile Ways were set to see the year out. Intent on keeping their ever-growing momentum rolling, the Aussie unit dropped brand new rager, “Pink Mist Wish List“. It’s a sheer wall of brutality and noise, lead by Beekmans’ lows and Jordan Glass’ ferocious riffs. The intent and quality coming from Volatile Ways only increases the anticipation of their next LP, which no doubt further confirm them as one of Australia’s most exciting acts.
FFO: Malevolence, Honest Crooks & The Acacia Strain
SEWN – Fractured Anatomy (Independent)
On their second foray in 2023, SEWN offer up one of their most melancholic track to that that continues to show the variation the quartet have to offer with “Fractured Anatomy“. Anguished vocals come from Alexandra Hunter who once again shows off their top notch vocal abilities. A storm of a track will hopefully be the starting point for the Canadian unit dropping further material on the regular, as there is clearly something noteworthy here.
FFO: Trauma Bonds, HEAVENSGATE & 156/Silence
Racetraitor – Eid (Good Fight Music)
Alongside the announcement of their upcoming album, Creation and the Timeless Order of Things, Racetraitor dropped brand new track titled “Eid“. Telling the story of singer Mani Mostofi and guitarist Dan Binaei, who are both children of Iranian immigrants, it dives into the family stories of the 1979 revoultion. It’s a stunning blend of Persian classical music and metallic hardcore influences, with an added feature from UK-Iranian vocalist Patrick Hassan of xRepentancex. It makes for one of the most interesting listens of the year, and a blending sonically and culturally that is unique to Racetraitor.
FFO: Om, The Body, Imperial Triumphant
Dandelion – Better Be Gone // Bravo November One (The Coming Strife)
An embrace of old school metalcore and metallic hardcore has often been confined to the shores of the United States. On “Better Be Gone // Brove November One“, Dandelion make a sure stake that the finest from this genre is set to come out of the UK. A forceful sound that will have pits throwing limbs, the impactful harsh vocals make sure that Dandelion aren’t an act anyone will forget soon.
FFO: Balmora, Sentience & Cauldron
Arciiives – Sickness of the Spirit (Independent)
Arciiives are a small UK band brandishing the classic sound of metalcore. The classic combo of harsh chorus and clean choruses works wonders, and they’ve kept the second verse interesting with an extended breakdown. The bridge indulges in some glitchy guitars before the song’s proper breakdown and finale, making it short and sweet.
FFO: Inertia, Vexed & InVisions
Eyes of a Nihilist – Delusions // Morality (Mental Metal Media)
Thall is the very epitome of djent and deathcore music, where dissonance, technicality, and disgust combine. Eyes of a Nihilist proudly wave this banner, and “Delusions // Morality” is their latest and complex single so far. A simple intro hides the track’s true intentions as it becomes a deliberate slurry of complex structures and stabbing root notes. The outro takes it down a notch with playful piano before, intevitably, fraying into a powerful outro.
FFO: Vildhjarta, Bound In Fear & Shrine of Malice
Dislover – FEAR X (Independent)
Bass synths rattle and snares riochet on “FEAR X“, a new single from experimental electronic musician Dislover. With gurgling, engine-starting intros and breaks, the meat of the track is its “unst”-ing rhythm that is danceable, in the same way that running from a criptid is a dance. Fans of heavy music will appreciate the wretched vocals that come in on the track’s second half. The stereo mix is punishing, thus headphones are highly recommended. “FEAR X” will open an EP, Everything Falls Apart All The Time, releasing 27th October.
FFO: Venetian Snares, Autechre, Dälek
HAILROSE – CRIMSON.EXO (Independent)
Fans of sheer chaos will find their home in HAILROSE’s latest track, “CRIMSON.EXO”. A blend elements form techno, hardcore and industrial make for a track that could be danced to and two-stepped to at the same. Crushing riffs that are blended in with oppressive harsh and graceful cleans, create for something that chaotic and encompassing in a manner that is rare found.
FFO: Graphic Nature, Soulkeeper & Knosis
Tripper – Pressed (Independent)
Running of the current Baltimore hardcore scene, Tripper are pencilled in as the next act to break out. Their bouncy riffs that come with a sharp vocal delivery from Alex Szydelska. Influences from powerviolence with a little extra juice makes for a speedy and rageful track. The track is also their first come upcoming EP, People Die Every Day, that could see itself be a late year highlight for many as Tripper have tapped into something memorable here.
FFO: Trapped Under Ice, Recoil UK & Initiate