Single Slam: Graphic Nature, Indevth, Defocus, Penny Rich, Firewind, Jack J Hutchinson, Omega Diatribe, Father Deer Hands, Half Me, Judicator, Slope, Hillbilly Vegas, Reside, Kid Bookie, and Alpha Wolf!

This single slam features Graphic Nature, Indevth, Defocus, Penny Rich, Firewind, Jack J Hutchinson, Omega Diatribe, Father Deer Hands, Half Me, Judicator, Slope, Hillbilly Vegas, Reside, Kid Bookie, and Alpha Wolf. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Graphic Nature – Fractured

Hotly tipped British metallers, Graphic Nature, known for their aggressive contemporary sound, influenced by nu-metal and early 2000’s metalcore, have released the brand new single, ‘Fractured’. The song is the first taste of new material since their debut album, ‘a mind waiting to die’, released early this year.

Shares frontman Harvey Freeman:

Fractured is a song I’ve wanted to write lyrically for a long time. It’s about growing up being neurodivergent, without having a diagnosis or a clear knowledge of the symptoms that come with it. It’s written from a first-person perspective and is almost a parallel to our track “leech”. I used the phrase “f*cked up just like me” as a term of endearment, we’re all a little mental and this track is just a celebration of everyone that’s different. It’s not something we can change and nor should we. They say your wires are crossed; I say I’m wired the same.

Any time Graphic Nature have something new to share, it is a reason to celebrate. The group are becoming a name that no-one can ignore, and this new single finds them in an extremely intense mood. Layering devilish darkness throughout their abrasive and feral sounding core-twisted sound. Their creativity seems to know no bounds, and once again, it can confidently be said that Graphic Nature go f**king hard.

Indevth – Lurk

Rising metalcore outfit Indevth (previously Dreameater) are kickstarting a whole new era with ‘Lurk’, the first single release under this new name. A track that delves into the unrelenting effects of depression and anxiety.

A new era begins, and with it, new motivation. This more than just a name change, it’s a revitalised and refocused band and this single couldn’t be a better way for Indevth to showcase this. A little over three minutes of blistering and brutish heaviness that sits on the more devastating side of metalcore. It will leave you feeling breathless, especially once the breakdown hits. Check it out here.

Defocus – crooked mind

Defocus have released a video for their new single ‘crooked mind’, out now via Arising Empire. The track follows the band’s previous new singles ‘let the bond be my grave’ and ‘biased’, their first new material since their highly acclaimed debut album In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same.

Says the band:

‘crooked mind’ is immediately impactful on the mind, as it unfolds its heaviness, guided by the chaos within the lyrics. When plagued by a crooked mind, people often feel as though they are not alone in their thoughts. Voices, speaking in unfamiliar ways, manipulate and distort their internal perception of self, creating a sense of disconnection and confusion.

The Defocus train keeps on picking up speed and it’s starting to feel like it’s out of control as the group drop another frenetic banger with crooked mind. From the word ‘go’, this track races along at breakneck speed and keeps the energy up all the way to the end, where Defocus throw out a breakdown that needs to be heard to believed. Very, very cool. Check it out here.

Penny Rich – PC

Cardiff-based punk three-piece Penny Rich released their debut album ‘If Everyone’s An Expert’ earlier this year. They are now back with a single from that album called ‘PC’. The release is a 2-track single featuring a studio and live version of PC. This marks their first attempt at releasing a live recording, along with accompanying live studio video.

Expanding and offering more insight into their live performances, Penny Rich continue to ensure their name is at the forefront of people’s mind with PC. A track that, by itself, is wonderfully punk-infused and extremely hyperactive, but is given a rawer and more chaotic feel with the release’s live version. Many will find the live version that little more appealing, especially because it’s not as clean. Great stuff from a band that is getting better and better as they go on.

Firewind – Come Undone

Hard rock power metal titans Firewind, who recently announced their brand-new studio offering ‘Stand United’, for a release on March 1, 2024 via AFM Records, have not only revealed a brand new single called ‘Come Undone’, but a US headlining tour kicking off in the Spring of 2024.

We have come to expect immense head-banging power from Firewind over time and once again, they deliver a screaming blast of fist-pumping and chest-beating energy with Come Undone. An uplifting slice of power-driven heavy rock that comes together strongly in an anthemic chorus. Firewind always put a smile on the face, and this new single keeps that tradition well and truly alive. Check it out here.

Jack J Hutchinson – Bullets

Jack J Hutchinson is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of his latest single, “Bullets,” accompanied by an adrenaline-fueled music video that pays homage to the iconic film Bullitt. “Bullets” serves as the third single from Hutchinson’s highly anticipated 10-track album, ‘Battles,’ released on February 9, 2024.

The track delivers a potent message about taking responsibility for one’s actions, confronting fears, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. Hutchinson shares:

It’s far too easy to place the blame for our faults on other people, but sometimes we need to admit that the faults lie closer to home. The lyrics are about not recognizing this and working to be a better person, no matter how difficult that might be.

Now this is a track you can drive fast to, Jack J Hutchinson delivering a groovy hard rock hit that is deliciously infectious. Hold on tight, this is a riffy track, and when combined with the vocals, it really worms its way into the brain matter. Yet, it’s the powerful message behind it that really gives it weight. An awesome track.

Omega Diatribe – Stench of Demise

Hungarian extreme groove metal pioneers Omega Diatribe have premiered the song “Stench Of Demise” with a music video ahead of their forthcoming fifth studio album “Deviant“. The new album will be released on the 1st of December under the wings of Metal Hu Records.

Brutality with groove and progressive twists, Omega Diatribe are on explosive form. This new single pretty much confirms that the new album is not to be missed. Featuring some really coarse sounds, manic intensity, and ferocity, it’s extreme that has a delightful listenability to it. Check it out here.

Father Deer Hands – Let it Wither

Sydney-based emo quintet, Father Deer Hands, make their resounding return with their emotionally charged new single, ‘Let it Wither’, exploring the universal theme of resilience in the face of inevitable setbacks.

Not quite ‘emo’ in the conventional sense, Father Deer Hands showcase a cross between post-hardcore and alternative emo-rock with this new single. Proving to be adept at providing plenty of vigour and powerful emotions across its runtime. Reaching impressive levels of intensity, while also sounding authentically heartfelt. Check it out here.

Half Me – Concrete Ceiling

German metal quintet Half Me have released new single ‘Concrete Ceiling’, the first new music since their highly acclaimed debut album SOMA, out earlier this year via Arising Empire.

The creative high that Half Me have been on doesn’t seem to be diminishing based off this new single. A track that absolutely bristling with furious intensity, Half Me aren’t playing it coy here in the slightest, this is an out and out heavyweight slice of harmfulness. You’ll feel well and truly battered by the end.

Judicator – The Curse of Feanor (Blind Guardian Cover)

The denim and leather-clad power metal act, Judicator will release their brand-new EP, ‘I Am the Void’ on December 8th. The EP features two tracks, one of which is a cover of the Blind Guardian classic, ‘The Curse of Feanor’.

The band explains:

Regarding “The Curse of Feanor,” this is a song that our Patreon supporters voted on. The cover has been available to them for some time now, and we chose to release it to the public alongside “I am the Void.”. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.

A classic Blind Guardian track covered by a brilliant band, it’s a match-made in heaven, and the end result is so enjoyable. Few bands could match the inimitable power of the German power metal legends, but Judicator hit all the highs, in particular, the vocals, which are immense. It’s a very ‘true’ cover, no egregious changes to the original, it’s just Judicator covering Blind Guardian in style. Check it out here.

Slope – It’s Tickin’

Funk fusion madcats Slope have announced their upcoming full-length record, Freak Dreams, due 2nd February 2024 date via Century Media Records. To celebrate the news, they’ve also released their new single, It’s Tickin’, inspired by the mundanity of 9-5 life.

What the hell is this? You’re either going to love it or hate it, but you’ll have an opinion none the less. It is a smile-inducing blast of early 90s alternative heavy rock and metal, with funky groove and punk spirit infused within. Think Red Hot Chilli Peppers crossed with 90s Anthrax, with a sprinkling of Rage Against the Machine, and a nod to the Beastie Boys thrown in for good measure. How could you not be tempted to check it out?

Hillbilly Vegas – Hell to Pay

There is no time to rest for Oklahoma based Southern rock powerhouse, Hillbilly Vegas. They have now released the latest single from their much heralded ‘The Great Southern Hustle’ album in the form of ‘Hell To Pay’. Alongside a brand-new video, featuring footage from their Summer tour of the USA with the legendary Ted Nugent.

Groovy rock music that will get a crowd up and bopping, Hillbilly Vegas live up to their name, having both a smoky Southern taint and a flashy catchiness. It’s uncomplicated rock music, nothing ground-breaking, just enjoyably energetic and infectious. Check it out here.

Reside – Eden

Returning to their emo rock roots, Melbourne quintet Reside share catchy new single, ‘Eden’. A track about seeking refuge in a space perceived to be a safe haven, but after time you find that same safe space turning its back on you.

Explains vocalist and songwriter Liam Guinane:

Lyrically the story takes place in the Garden of Eden, which felt fitting as a metaphor for a song about finding somewhere that you wish to be safe in, only to find out it has every intention of rejecting and turning against you. Musically the song throws back to early Reside but explores a more mature and focussed sound.

Melodramatic and morose, yet with a level of catchiness that makes the overall experience so much more interesting, Reside deliver a powerful alternative rock anthem that draws from the world of emo, but isn’t handcuffed by the style. Reside offering up enough twists on the formula to sound convincing. It’s got more than enough going on to hold the attention in place. Check it out here.

Kid Bookie – AI (Save Yourself)

Today, innovative alternative anomaly Kid Bookie reveals the first taste of new music in the form of ‘AI (Save Yourself),’ a dystopian anthem that looks at the future of music from an artist’s perspective. With the advent of future technologies, Bookie ponders where we are and poses the question of where we might end up if left unchecked.

The track is taken from the forthcoming album ‘Songs For The Living // Songs For The Dead’, which fans can expect in the summer of 2024, released via Marshall Records.

Explains Bookie:

I wanted to prod and jest a subject that’s kind of new territory for music and in its infancy. It’s cool to listen to Michael Jackson do screamo and System of a Down via AI manipulation or some shit, but there’s a darker side.

I think the longer it’s left in the grey area, the more significant the impact it will be for artists and industry folk alike. But I’m not scared of computers, and I don’t think it will be some Terminator apocalypse, just another evolution that affects the art, for better or worse, who knows.

One of the most creative modern day alternative artists, everything Kid Bookie does should be watched closely, and his current output is simply on another level. Case in point? This brilliant banger of a track that sees the man getting a bit heavier, but not losing that edge he has. Vocally, his rapping, is on point, but it’s the chorus that slaps the hardest. If you’re not sure just why everyone is shouting about Bookie, this track will explain a lot. Check it out here.

Alpha Wolf – Bring Back the Noise

The brand-new single Bring Back The Noise, from Aussie metalcore behemoths Alpha Wolf, profusely lives up to its name.

Of their brand-new single, Alpha Wolf share:

In the early stages of writing Bring Back The Noise we felt we had a party starter on our hands. Refining this song together in the woods of our writing retreat in the Australian winter resulted in a two minute barrage of catchy riffs with fun and fierce lyrics, which perfectly encapsulates what Alpha Wolf is about. We’ve found a way to be okay with delivering in-your-face style vocal hooks that will get any crowd jumping and singing along, Bring Back The Noise delivers just that. Whether you like yelling along, head-banging or moshing we invite everyone to turn it up loud until their speakers blow.

On our recent tour across North-America we got the chance to debut this song live to which we received amazing feedback amongst new faces and we’re excited to finally be able to showcase the song in its true from for your listening pleasure.

Bring Back The Noise, turn it up.

When it comes to Alpha Wolf, the only way to listen to them is at full volume, and while your neighbours won’t thank you, your ears will. Bring Back the Noise is a delirious example of this band going hard and heavy in a short amount of time. A carnage-creating track that will leave just about everyone breathless. Alpha Wolf bring the f**king noise here.