That is evident given the diversity of this week’s shortlist of essential single releases. From anthemic metalcore to mystical black metal and even a classic cover song for good measure, this week’s mandatory jams are a great punctuation to the summer.

Check out the latest and greatest of the week with a handful of jams that should be added to your playlist immediately.

GWAR – “TAMMY, THE SWINE QUEEN” (PIT RECORDS)

Releasing a special 10th anniversary edition of the full length Battle Maximus, the scumdogs of the universe have also debuted a previously unreleased track in “Tammy, The Swine Queen” which serves as the final recorded vocal performance of Oderus Urungus, also known as Dave Brockie. The frontman passed away in 2014 after the release of the album. Until now, the track had never been heard before and serves a powerful reminder how fun heavy music can be.

INSOMNIUM – “SONG OF THE DUSK” (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS)

Finnish powerhouse Insomnium have added to their brilliant Anno 1696 full length from earlier this year with the addition of 22-minute of epic metal mastery in the Songs of the Dusk EP. The title track is a staggering 9-plus minute journey that really does deliver on the cinematic quality of the sound. From the ethereal to the epic, this is from the mountain top-type heft that underscores how narrative and composition can work in tandem to craft something indicative of the art behind aggressive music.

CAULDRON – “REJECTION PACT” ( THE COMING STRIFE/EPHYRA RECORDS)

Set to make their full length studio debut this November, UK metallic hardcore unit Cauldron have announced plans for an ambitious run right out of the gate. Suicide In the City is the title of the introduction and is a concept record, which revolves around a group therapy session that features multiple storylines with each of the participants as characters. Dealing with themes of mental health struggles, the album was sourced from frontman Frazer Cassling’s real life struggles with mental wellness. The first cut, “Rejection Pact” offers an assertive start, complete with chugging guitars, percussive bursts and Cassling’s stylized spew.

HOLLOW FRONT – “WE’RE ALL LEFT SUFFERING” (UNFD)

MIchigan metalcore prospects Hollow Front delivered an anthem with the introduction of their next album, The Fear of Letting Go. “We’re All Left Suffering” flexes some serious instrumental chops before swinging for the fences with sweeping hooks, commanding choruses and breakdown guaranteed to delivered a charge. The track’s polished production, layered composition and an empowering message make for a compelling start. The full presentation arrives later next month.

MUGSHOT – “GET THIS” (PURE NOISE RECORDS)

For the second installment of the Dead Formats series from Pure Noise Records and Pabst Blue Ribbon, a myriad of bands from the hardcore, punk and and core scenes converged to take on songs that served as an inspiration to them. For California nu-metalcore pushers Mugshot, the sonic middle finger of Slipknot’s “Get This” has evolved as an anti-social anthem that decades later still slaps. Mugshot do well in capturing the antagonism of the original, tapping into Corey Taylor’s vocal vitriol. Combined with frenzied instrumentation, Mugshot delivered a rendition that showcased their strengths and influences in a two minute beatdown.

READ THE KNOTFEST FEATURE WITH MUGSHOT – HERE

WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM – “TWIN MOUTHED SPRING” (RELAPSE RECORDS)

En route to the arrival of their new EP, Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge, black metal mystics Wolves In the Throne Room cover the full range with the latest preview in “Twin Mouthed Spring”. From atmospheric stretches to folk-latent acoustic guitars to assaultive bursts, the band manages to create several sonic twists and turns into one concise 5-minute jaunt.