The weekly round-up of the best new music from the universe of alternative and heavy has arrived. In what was an especially loaded seven day stretch, the diversity of the music that all dropped in the last week has been an impressive example of just how healthy the space of heavy music is.
With new arrivals from time-tested veterans to quality entries from emerging artists securing their footing, the soundtrack of counter culture is robust AF.
Here's a focused rundown of the Mandatory Jams that should be cranked at especially high volume this weekend.
Wargasm - "Salma Hayek"
The duo of Milkie Way and Sam Matlock seemed poised to takeover with their brand of multi-genre bravado. Prepping to hit the road for a headlining run, the tandem have deliver a bombastic show of force with "Salma Hayek". Coining the term 'DeathStep' with a mesh of metal-tinged dubstep, the track's pummeling pace makes for an infectious gem that underscores how heavy music's dividing lines are becoming blurred more and more with glorious results.
Silent Planet - "Panopticon" (UNFD)
Frontman Garrett Russell is all muscle on the latest from Silent Planet. The DIY champions that have bridged gaps between core kids from various circles absolutely crush with their first offering since their 2020 single, Trilogy. A multi-tiered assault, the track never relents with big percussion, haunting electronic elements and Russell's chaotic vocal command. In short - this one bangs.
Every Time I Die - "Post-Boredom" (Epitaph)
After nine marvelous albums, hardcore stalwarts Every Time I Die continue to get better. Some five years since their last album, the band has returned with Radical and properly introduced the album with the potent "Post-Boredom". The single is balance of articulate aggression that leaves room to argue that ETID are among the best in the game right now. Read more about the album and the track - HERE
Vildhjarta - "toxin" (Century Media Records)
Straddling the worlds of prog, djent, and mathcore, Vildhjarta's introduced their next album, måsstaden under vatten, with the release of two tracks that hit like a Swedish sledgehammer. "toxin" and "kaos2" resonate with fans that appreciate Meshuggah's massiveness and Animals As Leaders precision. A decade since the band's last album, the two-track assault would suggest that the sleeping giant has reemerged.
Spiritbox - "Hurt You" (Rise Records)
Set to drop one the year's most anticipated albums next month with Eternal Blue, Canadian blue chips Spiritbox have offered another sample from the record and reminded fans why they have earned such high praise. The heavy chug combined with vocalist Courtney LaPlante's fluid interchange of clean singing and guttural growl result in a dynamic example of modern metal.
Rolo Tomassi - "Cloaked (eOne)
UK sensation Rolo Tomassi have resurfaced with their first new offering in three years and holy shit... was it worth the wait. Tandem lead Eva Korman and James Spence manage to transition vocally from beautiful to downright brutal in a track that properly showcases the band's strength as one of the genre's most excitement, emerging contributors. Read more about the song, the forecast of a new album, and their next chapter with eOne Heavy - HERE
Motionless In White - "Timebomb" (Roadrunner Records)
In what translates to an arena-sized showing of metalcore, Motionless In White get downright apocalyptic with their latest, "Timebomb". The stand alone single is set to be a bridge between the stall of Covid and the band's intended 2022 release but offers an interesting precursor of the likely aggression of what's to come. The combination of big hooks and hefty breakdowns make for a sound that works well for old school fans while commanding the attention of new ones just the same.
Exodus - "The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale improves)" (Nuclear Blast Records)
The thrash legends have returned, armed with a new album - their 11th in Pesona Non Grata set to arrive on November 19th.The introductory single is an absolute scorcher, with Gary Holt submitting a shredder that reasserts the horsepower that has always been synonymous with the band. If you are looking for a casual listen, this ain't it.
Mike's Dead - "Bees"
The genre-obliterating multi-talent revealed his signing to industry powerhouse Shelter Music Group with the unveiling of his latest "Bees" from this forthcoming Revenge EP. Set to arrive September 17th, Mike summarizing the most recent showing as his industrial take on rap, on steroids. While the track defies category, it's tough to argue it's anything but infectious and a positive indictor that alternative music has a new kid in town.
