Single Slam: Autopsy, Hearts & Hand Grenades, My Octopus Mind, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Earthside, IndifferentMonKeY, Krooked Tongue, Kingseeker, Colourburn, Little Thief, Broken Earth, Butterfly Hurricane, and Amaranthe!

This week’s single slam features Autopsy, Hearts & Hand Grenades, My Octopus Mind, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Earthside, IndifferentMonKeY, Krooked Tongue, Kingseeker, Colourburn, Little Thief, Broken Earth, Butterfly Hurricane, and Amaranthe. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Autopsy – Throatsaw

After the announcement of their new album ‘Ashes, Organs, Blood and Crypts’, Autopsy peel back the skin of their new record with a bloodied single, ‘Throatsaw’.

Regarding the single, Chris Reifert had the following to say:

For this selection we have decided to cast aside musical acrobatics, high-brow labyrinthian showings off of scales, sweeps and noodlings, lush sonic passages and deep audio journeys rare and untold, egotistical trains of thought and neo-classical wizardry and well…just cut your fuckin’ throat wide open and giggle like cretins while the blood sprays in every direction. Doesn’t that sound like fun, kiddies?

Freaking grim, but who the hell would want it any other way? It’s Autopsy and they are ripping, tearing, and gutting here. High energy, hectic pacing, furiously heavy, and mean as anything. If you’ve got a bloodthirstiness that can’t quite be stated, Autopsy are more then willing to drown you in the blood they’re spilling here.

Hearts & Hand Grenades – Burn (By My Fire)

Hearts & Hand Grenades, the explosive American hard rock group, are back with a brand-new music video and single entitled ‘Burn (By My Fire)’. The band have also announced the availability of pre-orders for their upcoming full-length album ‘Where I Begin’ which is scheduled to be released on January 26, 2024, via Eclipse Records.

Says lead vocalist & bassist Stephanie Wlosinski:

With our first single off the new album being such a powerful track, we wanted the video to make an impact. So we felt what better way to launch our third full length album than arriving back on the scene with raging fire, which also symbolizes that the band is here to stay!

Guitarist Mike Bress continues:

This was a challenging shoot for us because we never shot a music video synced with another video on a giant screen before. It was a very interesting process of bringing it to life, and our director Nick Sonricker was fantastic to work with. He came up with some great ideas to make the video pop? We did the shoot at The Palace Theater in Hamburg, NY but we had numerous technical difficulties playing along with the video on the big screen. It was dark in the room, and we almost fell off the stage a couple of times. The stage lights were also very difficult to work with because they were so bright that they were blinding. This also caused the temperature in the room to increase drastically. We lost a few pounds of water weight during the shoot as a result, but Nick took extra measures to keep us safe, and despite the dangers he was able to make sure the end result was all worth it!

Always an enjoyable listen, Hearts & Hand Grenades are back with aplomb. This track doesn’t complicate things, showcasing the effective infectiousness that has always made this band lovable. While also having plenty of groove and bite. The chorus is very cool, and just to put a cherry on top, there’s a great melodic shift and heavy breakdown afterwards. Check it out here.

My Octopus Mind – Sabretooth Monkey

‘Sabretooth Monkey’ is the new single from Bristol’s experimental psych-rockers My Octopus Mind. The third offering from their upcoming third studio album ‘Trying To Be Normal’ due for release November 3rd, 2023, via Drongo Records.

Discussing the chaos of the track, the band very seriously explain:

This is a serious song and it needs to be taken seriously. The demystification of art by explaining the art will now be explained by the art. We think you the listener should befriend a llama, buy a motorbike and take to the open road, drink diesel for breakfast, and headbutt a seagull. I’m a Sabretooth Monkay baby now get your hands off my stash. Also the bass line is fire and the guitar solo is some classic atonal chaos through the Cherry Box fuzz by Lollygagger. shout out to that wizard.

What. The. F**k. You better pay attention because My Octopus Mind are deadly serious here. Creating what can only be described as a short mind-f**k of a track. Weird, senseless, groovy, ridiculous, and so much fun. What a unique band they are. You just need to hear it.

Rok Ali and The Addiction – Ponder This

In the wake of their monumental self-titled debut album’s success in 2022, Rok Ali and The Addiction return in 2023 with a resounding promise – with a brand-new album already in the making. ‘Ponder This’ serves as the first instalment.

It’s time to get your ‘rok’ on. Ponder This has 90’s alternative vibes, but sounds fresher because of dreamy, but powerful vocals, and experimental and progressive instrumentation. It’s got a commanding rock tone, but it’s the more unique touches that really make it sound so special. Check it out here.

Earthside – Pattern of Rebirth

Cinematic rockers Earthside reveal the official video for their new song, ‘Pattern of Rebirth’ featuring AJ Channer of Fire From The Gods on vocals – taken from their upcoming new album ‘Let The Truth Speak,’ which will be released on 17th November via Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group.

Talking about the track AJ Channer says:

I am huge fan of prog bands and when this collab was presented I had to jump on it. I want to send mad love to Earthside for their genius and allowing me to express myself on this track. This one was for my Dad; a real OG and top shotta. One love.

There’s a really interesting aspect to this song and it’s well worth mentioning. AJ Channer doesn’t just guest on vocals here, he also wrote all the melodies and lyrics. The latter being particularly personal to him. That, and the fact it is such a strong track, makes it clear why Earthside felt they needed to include it on the full album. Though, don’t be under any false impressions that Earthside’s sound is lost here. It’s a collaboration that utilises the best of both worlds and the end result is an anthemic and powerful modern heady rock hit.

IndifferentMonKeY & Skyjump – Go Supersonic (MonKeY mix) (feat. Norah sunset)

Alt-rock/trip-hop award-winning band, indifferentMonKeY are back with a new single called ‘Go Supersonic (MonKeY mix)’. A song about embracing life and going for it at any age.

Having made an impression with their debut album ‘Love & Peace’, IndifferentMonKeY continue to push the limits of their creativity. Releasing a new single that certainly has a vibe. A positive vibe that fits neatly into the alternative genre, as much because it doesn’t belong anywhere else. That’s the IndifferentMonKeY way, always be different, and this track is certainly that. It’s weird, it’s catchy, it’s for those with an open mind, and a willingness to explore an experimental and challenging band. Check it out here.

Krooked Tongue – Backseat Therapy

Bristol rock trio Krooked Tongue are back with a cinematic, Scorcese-inspired music video for recent single ‘Backseat Therapy’, taken from their recent EP ‘Deathproof’.

The track was inspired by an encounter vocalist and lyricist Oli Rainsford had had with a down on his luck taxi driver.

I wrote ‘Backseat Therapy’ after jumping in a cab one day and the driver started venting to me about the shitty day he was having. We were continuously getting stuck in traffic and he kept apologising that he couldn’t get me to where I was going quicker, despite me telling him it was absolutely fine and not his fault. The conversation led to him telling me about how badly some passengers had treated him and that he was considering quitting. I ended up kind of being a life coach for the journey and reassured him that he was a nice bloke and he was doing a good job. Hence ‘Backseat Therapy’. Taxi, this one’s for you!

What a fantastic story and what a fantastic video. We described the track as an eager example of Krooked Tongue’s massive melodic anthemic style when we reviewed the EP, and that still stands. Yet, when accompanied by the video, it is so much more fun. The entire EP is intensely catchy, but this is definitely one of the strongest efforts and more than deserving of more attention via this video release.

Kingseeker – …and I explode

After almost a year without any new music, aggressive and energetic metalcore band, Kingseeker are back with the single ‘…and I explode’. The first single to be taken from their upcoming new album.

A frenzy of modern metalcore, furiously intense, but with exceptional melodic moments, Kingseeker want to make a clear statement that they are in a ‘mood’ and this track reflects that. Throwing a ton of savagery into the mix, the contrast between the egregious heavy carnage and powerful melodies is very effective. It’s a very good track and a great first impression for this new album. Check it out here.

Colourburn – Star

Melbourne alternative rock trio Colourburn make their debut with the new single ‘Star’, leading the way towards their new EP, ‘Compromise In Colour’, out Friday November 24th.

The band explain that the song is about:

Struggling to find one’s place in a changing relationship and the difficulty of letting go of something that once meant so much.

It’s a very relatable subject that Colourburn use with this animated rocker. One with some really strong instrumental melodies and a vocalist who has such a smooth voice. It’s got a lot of life to it, Colourblind putting a lot of passion into what they want to showcase here and the end result is something that gets stuck in the head for some time afterwards. Check it out here.

Little Thief – On the Line

Bristol rock outfit Little Thief Extremely have released their new single, ‘On The Line’. In addition, the band will be touring all over the UK throughout October, kicking off on October 9th.

Discussing the single, vocalist and lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald states:

‘On The Line’ was one of our favourite tunes to come out of a two month writing stint we did on a farm in Wales. The song is reflective of fast paced fun-filled city life. Working, weekends, doing shows, burning the candle at both ends and keeping up with everything. There are times when being in a band is just mental; you’re juggling so many things but kind of keep on going. Music is incredibly addictive to make and I think being a part of it can bring you the most incredible highs and also make you feel fucking terrible. There is a resilience and a true love in people that keep them invested and dedicating their lives to it. I’ve seen it more and more as I’ve got a bit older and I have nothing but admiration and respect for the people that stick with what they love.

There’s safety in the expectation that Little Thief will deliver something unforgettably catchy and anthemic, having proven with previous releases to be able to draw rocking music directly from their souls, On the Line is no different. Filled with infectious hooks, danceable groove, and big melodies, the entire track goes hard, but in a really accessible way. If that wasn’t enough, the chorus is a bit of a singalong.

Broken Earth – Covenant

Sydney nu-metalcore rising starts Broken Earth release reflective new single ‘Covenant’, just in time to welcome it to their live set at Feels Good Festival.

Explains vocalist Raphael Smith:

There have been times in my life where I have hit rock bottom, or had to hard reset. Whether that’s due to addiction, depression or anxiety, there’s a point I no longer recognise the person in the mirror, and with that comes the sobering realisation of who the people around me have gotten to know and the hell that I have brought along with my darkest moments.

A song that goes hard, but also features a sobering subject matter that you can’t help but pay attention to. Broken Earth hit a lot of the ‘core’ aspects that many of have come to expect from the style, but with touches of nu-metal littered throughout, it makes for a wilder and fresher listen. It’s the verses that really deliver here though, with the chorus lacking a bit of life. Overall, a solid effort that will make many a person get up and move.

Butterfly Hurricane – Super Turbo

Essex based alternative rock artists Butterfly Hurricane (the solo project of Harry Acreman) has returned with their sophomore single ‘Super Turbo’ – a track created to help people find the courage to start letting go of their bad habits.

Explains Butterfly Hurricane (Harry Acreman):

On a personal level, the song delves into my experience with Crohn’s disease. Its lyrics mirror the emotions I once harbored about the challenges it posed. I despised the way it affected me, the consequences it brought, and the medication’s side effects. However, during that phase, it seemed as though it defined my existence. To embark on a path towards improvement, I realised I would have to re-discover who I am and take a plunge into something new.

It takes a couple of listens for Super Turbo to really cut through, but once it does, fans of dynamic and punchy alt-rock will find themselves appreciating the feverish passion and anthemic qualities of the track. The highlight of the song being the chorus, which is definitely a bit of an ear-wormer. Check it out here.

Amaranthe – Insatiable

Amaranthe, the Swedish modern metal virtuosos reach for the stars and launch their art even higher – into space, to be precise – with the release of new single ‘Insatiable’. It is the second single from Amaranthe’s forthcoming album ‘The Catalyst’.

Amaranthe’s Olof Mörck states,

As the release of ‘The Catalyst’ draws ever nearer, we are now very proud and super excited to unveil the second single from the album – ‘Insatiable’! Contrasts collide like a cataclysm in this ultra-heavy, yet outstandingly catchy groove-monster, which bears all the hallmarks of a classic AMARANTHE hit, and then some!

We once again teamed up with long time collaborator and director extraordinaire Patric Ullaeus, for an all-out, take-no-prisoners video to go along with the song. Beyond that, this is a song you will NEED to hear live on our upcoming tour with our friends in DRAGONFORCE in the USA, so remember to practice those lyrics! And see you all soon!

Mot expect glamourous grandiosity with Amaranthe, and they rarely disappoint. Which is very much the same case here, as the group get quite animated, throwing a ton of energy into this effort. Yet, the mix of melodies, the vocal trade-offs, and punchy drumbeats are what really make it a memorable listen. It’s easy to see this one being quite a live favourite in the future.