Single Slam: Wallowing, Calcine, Gravemind, Hearts & Hand Grenades, Gaerea, Outlander, Yours Truly, Windwaker, Rivers Of Nihil, Lowen, Seprona, Arcane Tongues, and Sugar Horse!

Today’s single slam features Wallowing, Calcine, Gravemind, Hearts & Hand Grenades, Gaerea, Outlander, Yours Truly, Windwaker, Rivers Of Nihil, Lowen, Seprona, earthtone9, Arcane Tongues, and Sugar Horse. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

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Wallowing – Restless Dusk I: The Anamnesis Hymn

Following a triumphant album launch and a year filled with relentless touring, the enigmatic UK underground group, Wallowing, have made a striking comeback with their latest single, ‘Restless Dusk I: The Anamnesis Hymn.’ This new release serves as a seamless aural extension of the band’s captivating comic book series of the same title and is now available through Church Road Records (UK), Deathwish Inc (EU & USA), and Sludgelord Records (UK).

The band comment:

‘The Anamnesis Hymn’ is a track with heavy focus on trauma and how it can engulf a person. We wanted to aurally represent the feeling someone may have when trying to come face to face with their own trauma, how overwhelming, chaotic and claustrophobic it can feel.

We recorded and produced this track ourselves as a chance experiment with new sounds and ideas. We also purposely adopted a “less is more” approach with this one to embellish the themes of the track whilst pushing ourselves outside of our generally frenzied comfort zone.

‘The Anamnesis Hymn’ is the first sonic chapter in an ongoing series of tracks we plan to release under the title of Restless Dusk. This is a direct continuation of our comic book series of the same name with cover artist Luke Oram.

There are many words that can sum up the Wallowing experience, but one that consistently comes to mind is ‘overwhelming’. Something that is always prominent in their music, let alone, when they set out to make a track feel that way. Restless Dusk I: The Anamnesis Hymn is a much more ‘ordered’ piece that delivers thick sludgy heaviness with cathartic flareups of mania. It’s a track that suffocates slowly, showcasing the attempts to escape the shroud of darkness that has wrapped around the mind from a more methodical place. It is, as always, a unique listening experience, and like everything Wallowing does, so damn interesting.

Calcine – Back to Fight

Parisian hardcore Calcine upstarts will release their brand-new album ‘Common Love Common Nausea’ via Church Road Records on June 21st, 2024. ‘Back to Fight’ is the first single from the new album and is out now.

An aggressive and stompy track, Calcine bring the hardcore heavy on this track. Around two-minutes of snarling and spitting ferocity that moves through various tempos, but keeps the intensity at the forefront. It’s f**king mean. Check it out here.

Gravemind – F.E.A.R.

Melbourne-based metal outfit Gravemind have shared their new single, ‘F.E.A.R.’ featuring Jamie Hails of Polaris, and announced they will release their long-awaited new album, ‘Introsphere’ on Friday August 2 via Greyscale Records.

Says the band:

We use routine and vices to distract us from the fear of facing our inner demons but ultimately they will reveal themselves. Society’s progression has been tainted by negativity and the hardships that come with existence. Our leaders have failed us and we must face the destructive powers of fear on our own before it leads to our downfall.

A chunky and chaotic blast of heavy noise, Gravemind’s sound can be summed up as deathcore with a techy edge, and this track is a great showcase of that. Fast and furious from the very start, there is no let up as the track goes harder and harder, leading to a breakdown that will crack skulls. Check it out here.

Hearts & Hand Grenades – Our Darkest Night

Alternative metal band Hearts & Hand Grenades are back with a brand-new single entitled ‘Our Darkest Night’. The song delves deep into the emotional landscape of war and its aftermath.

A drama-laced rocker from Hearts & Hand Grenades, with the alt-metallers showcasing what makes them so beloved. Injecting touches of heaviness throughout and delivering a highly anthemic chorus that shows off all the best parts of this band. It’s a powerful head-banger, and that is always welcome. Check it out here.

Gaerea – World Ablaze

In a world where music often treads familiar territories, cathartic black metal visionaries Gaerea challenge the paradigms and invite listeners into an enigmatic journey with their latest standalone single, ‘World Ablaze’.

Explains the band:

World Ablaze tells the story of a man who has lived all his life inside a cage, knowing that one day, he’d be set free to experience the world with its true colors. Unfortunately, he also knows that day will be his last hours alive.

An incredible band doing incredible stuff, Gaerea are back and back with a mighty big bang. Worlds Ablaze combines epic melody and blackened heaviness to perfection, the lighter moments enhancing the cacophony of savagery that Gaerea are so renowned for. It’s a ‘peaks and valleys’ kind of track, and few bands are as capable of making the flow sound so necessary. That’s Gaerea for you though.

Outlander – Want No More

Birmingham, UK slow-rockers Outlander have released their brand new single ‘Want No More’. The first single from their sophomore LP ‘Acts of Harm’ which will be out through Church Road Records on the 28th of June.

Says guitarist Joseph House:

Want No More was written about giving up, resigning to the monotony of day-to-day life and how easy it is to trade yourself for a comfortable life before you even realise it’s happened.

What’s slow rock? Exactly what it sounds like. A bit shoegaze like, heavy on the atmosphere, and suitably downbeat, this new single from Outlander is very immersive. Their methodical approach to melody is very addictive, especially as it’s complimented by a heavier rock sound. Earnestly moody, the near-eight-minute runtime flies by in mind-numbing style. Check it out here.

Yours Truly – Sour

Come and sink your teeth into the dazzling new era for alternative luminaries Yours Truly, with the Sydney trio announcing their brand-new album ‘Toxic’, set for release on August 16th via UNFD. The new single ‘Sour’ is out now.

Vocalist Mikaila Delgado shares:

Sour was written during a session after I was feeling extremely burnt out. We had come off extensive touring and quite a turbulent time not only for the band but personally as well. I was just feeling so bitter towards everything and trying to force writing when it just wasn’t naturally flowing made me so angry. We got to a stage as a band were had a lot of people in our ear telling us what to do and how they thought we should do it. I just thought “fuck this, this is our fucking band, I’m going to do what I want!”

They’re back and back with rager. Yours Truly being as wonderfully anthemic as always, delivering something with a ton of heart, and delivering something you can’t help but singalong to. It’s filled with a ton of vitality, and the vigorous tempo will get everyone up and moving about. Check it out here.

Windwaker – Break the Rules

Hyper-pop-metal outfit Windwaker have announced their new album ‘Hyperviolence’ will be released on July 12 via Cooking Vinyl Australia & Fearless Records. Alongside that announcement, they have also released the first single from that album, ‘Break The Rules’.

A very imaginative piece of music from Windwaker, and one that demands you move your body. A fascinating blend of appealing heavy and accessible pop, done in a unique way. It’s one of those impossibly infectious listens, where even if it’s not to your taste, the vibe will take up residence in your head. Check it out here.

Rivers Of Nihil – Criminals

Genre-defying extreme metal band, Rivers Of Nihil are back with a brand-new single called ‘Criminals’.

Says bassist/vocalist Adam Biggs:

We’re proud to unleash ‘Criminals,’ our newest single. It’s by far one of the most aggressive tracks we’ve released in quite some time and displays the power of the new lineup at a full 10 out of 10. Lyrically the song is a meditation on the nature of crime, punishment, and the delicate balance of power therein. So, show up for the shredding, stay for the contemplation of truth and justice. Enjoy!

Beginning with a showcase of progressive melody, it doesn’t take too long for this single to transform into something much more intense. Rivers of Nihil are sounding quite hostile here, and it’s just lovely. That being said, they continue to defy expectations with layers of melody and progressively-tinged twists and turns. It’s a far more complex track than it first seems.

Lowen – Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran

Self-described as a progressive Middle Eastern metal band from London, England, Lowen’s new single ‘Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran’ is out now via Church Road Records.

Vocalist Nina Saeidi says about the single:

In the Persian book of Kings Mazandaran is a mythical realm populated by djinn, sorcerers and beautiful women who basked in riches. This realm of godless and invincible demons is referenced by even more ancient texts such as the Avesta, but it is in the Shahnameh that a King named Kay Kavus succumbs to greed and ill considered conquest to try and seize the wealth of Mazandaran.

“Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran” is the warning that Kay Kavus receives before he sets off on his disastrous journey. It means:

Do Not Go To War With The Demons Of Mazandaran.

This single from the upcoming album references some of the details of this storied chapter of the Shahnameh, but with the classic sci-fi and poetic twist that Lowen bring with their progressive fusion of doom metal and Iranian music.

Stunning. Simply stunning. Lowen are such a unique band within the metal world and how they marry Middle Eastern music with progressive metal is staggering. All of this, and so much more, is richly showcased on this new heavy epic. Where, even after multiple listens, you’ll still find layers of fresh creativity. The best thing to come from this band? It might very well be. Check it out here.

Seprona – Take the Bait

Liverpool’s hip shaking indie-rock quintet, Seprona, are set to enchant audiences once again with their latest single, ‘Take The Bait’. The track narrates the exhilarating yet tumultuous journey of chasing someone you know isn’t good for you, striving to break away, yet finding yourself helplessly reeling back in.

Lead vocalist Daniel Badger explains:

It’s about the thrill of the chase and the inevitable disastrous consequences that follow.

A track to make you move, Seprona have released a very catchy tune here. One with a lot of melody, but with a focused peppiness that makes for a more fun listen. There’s nothing complicated about this track, it’s just an entertaining slice of indie-centric rock music. Check it out here.

earthtone9 – Navison Record

Iconic British metal band earthtone9 have unveiled their new single, ‘Navison Record’. The track is the second release from their highly anticipated album, In Resonance Nexus, scheduled to drop on 21st June through Candlelight.

Comments vocalist Karl Middleton on the new single:

‘Navison Record’ is an absolute rager. It’s us really leaning into our thrash roots and going for it. The song is certainly different to et9’s regular fare, but that’s because we wanted to include some songs on this album that really gave our fans (and people who are new to earthtone9) some different looks. No point just retreading the past!! This tune is a real pit friendly monster, and we just cannot wait to play it live.

Hot damn! earthtone9 are back and with a blistering, thrash-infused anthemic banger that proves unequivocally that this band is going as hard today as they did back when they first emerged on the scene. If you’d told me I’d be head-banging to a killer earthtone9 track in 2024, I’d have laughed, but the facts don’t lie. This is an awesome listen.

Arcane Tongues – Homecoming

London based alternative rock band Arcane Tongue have released their latest single, Homecoming’. A heartfelt reflection on the longing for home and connection, inspired by vocalist and guitarist Alvaro Alonso’s personal experiences. Written during a period of homesickness, the song captures the bittersweet anticipation of returning to Mexico after a prolonged absence exacerbated by the pandemic.

A track filled with a ton of heart and soul, anyone who has ever felt homesick can relate to this. However, for all its emotional value, Arcane Tongues have come at it from a more vigorous perspective, which helps make it much more infectious. It’s an ear-wormer! Check it out here.

Sugar Horse – The Shape of ASMR to Come

UK quartet Sugar Horse have unveiled their powerful new single ‘The Shape Of ASMR To Come’, taken from their new album Grand Scheme Of Things, to be released 4th October via Pelagic Records.

Vocalist/guitarist Ashley Tubb commented on the single:

After my dad’s passing, in the time before his funeral, I learned a tonne about his life that I previously hadn’t a clue about. He’s been through a fair bit in his life and this song is kind of about that. It’s a kind of “through adversity, there is redemption” type song. No pain, no gain etc.

Holy f**king hell, what a track this is. Sugar Horse never disappoint, and this new single is simply phenomenal. The band leaning into shoegaze stylings here, adding so much emotion to things, and sounding so damn epic too. It’s beautiful, and that’s without knowing the story behind it. This new album is going to be something else.




Author

  • Owner/Administrator/Editor/Writer/Interviewer/YouTuber - you name it, I do it. I love gaming, horror movies, and all forms of heavy metal and rock. I'm also a Discworld super-fan and love talking all things Terry Pratchett. Do you wanna party? It's party time!

Wallowing, Calcine, Gravemind, Hearts & Hand Grenades, Gaerea, Outlander, Yours Truly, Windwaker, Rivers Of Nihil, Lowen, Seprona, Arcane Tongues, and Sugar Horse!
  • Wallowing – Restless Dusk I: The Anamnesis Hymn - 9/10
    9/10
  • Calcine – Back to Fight - 8/10
    8/10
  • Gravemind – F.E.A.R. - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Hearts & Hand Grenades – Our Darkest Night - 7/10
    7/10
  • Gaerea – World Ablaze - 10/10
    10/10
  • Outlander – Want No More - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Yours Truly – Sour - 8/10
    8/10
  • Windwaker – Break the Rules - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
  • Rivers Of Nihil – Criminals - 8/10
    8/10
  • Lowen – Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran - 9/10
    9/10
  • Seprona – Take the Bait - 7/10
    7/10
  • earthtone9 – Navison Record - 9/10
    9/10
  • Arcane Tongues – Homecoming - 8/10
    8/10
  • Sugar Horse – The Shape of ASMR to Come - 10/10
    10/10
8.3/10
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    Wallowing – Restless Dusk I: The Anamnesis Hymn
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    Calcine – Back to Fight
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    Gravemind – F.E.A.R.
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    Hearts & Hand Grenades – Our Darkest Night
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    Gaerea – World Ablaze
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    Outlander – Want No More
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    Yours Truly – Sour
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    Windwaker – Break the Rules
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    Rivers Of Nihil – Criminals
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    Lowen – Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran
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    Seprona – Take the Bait
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    earthtone9 – Navison Record
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    Arcane Tongues – Homecoming
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    Sugar Horse – The Shape of ASMR to Come