Photo by Alex Krauss
SPLIT CHAIN - "I'M NOT DYING TO BE HERE" (Epitaph Records)
Bristol prospects Split Chain have been lumped into the resurgence of melodic heft reminiscent of golden era of nu-metal. Sourcing elements of shoegaze, grunge and 90's-esque emo, the band's sound feels familiar and somehow fresh all the same. Currently on tour supporting Silverstein, the budding blue chips showcase songwriting prowess well beyond their years with their latest entry via Epitaph in "I'm Not Dying to Be Here". Packed with convincing emotion with a powerful performance to match, expectations are high for the newcomers.
BRAT - "BARRACUDA" (Prosthetic Records)
Louisiana swamp grind prospects scored a resounding win with last year's introductory LP, Social Grace. Ahead of the band's upcoming run supporting Napalm Death and Crowbar abroad, the band has delivered a tip of the hat to Heart with a filthy heavy cover of the classic "Barracuda". Featuring Sammy Duet of Acid Bath, the track showcases BRAT's brand of extremity while showing love for the greats with a hot take on an essential.
GATES TO HELL - "NEXT TO BLEED" (Nuclear Blast Records)
Hardcore lineage and death metal brutality converge as Louisville firebrand Gates to Hell usher in their sophomore LP era with "Next To Bleed". The track showcases the clobbering quality of beatdown hardcore with paired with the stylistic savagery the sources the best of both worlds. Currently trekking Europe supporting Kublai Khan TX, the ascending collective is a shining example of the robust health and youthful energy currently coursing through the veins of contemporary heavy music.
ARCHITECTS - "BLACKHOLE" (Epitaph Records)
En route to the 11th full length studio release from the UK metalcore juggernaut, Architects have dropped another epic track that comes paired with a dazzling, special-FX heavy visual for the banger that is "Blackhole". Vocalist Sam Carter leaves unloads on the cut with rapid-fire bursts from drummer Dan Searle that add to the charge of the explosive track.
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT - "Lexington Delirium" (Century Media Records)
Following the acclaim of the 2022 clinic in avant-garde extremity, Spirit of Ecstasy, New York trio Imperial Triumphant have confirmed their sixth full length studio effort, Goldstar will land Mqrch 21st. In addition to the introductory "Hotel Sphinx", the band has teamed with Tomas Haake of Meshuggah for their latest cut, "Lexington Delirium". Coupled with a stunning visual capture on location at the Chrysler Building high atop New York, the fiery meld of acid jazz and occult-leaning doom make for track that feels more like ritual than rock. Imperial Triumphant make extreme music high art.
