From heavy metal icons to 2000's era metallic hardcore, this week's shortlist of essential singles offers a healthy variety from across the spectrum of heavy music.
With the return of long-tenured favorites, combined with the arrival of emerging voices, the slate of new singles works effectively in roping in fans old and new with a fresh crop of tunes that are heavy, compelling and well worth the addition to your playlist.
Here is a rundown of the jams that made this week's cut. Turn these up accordingly.
THE HOPE CONSPIRACY - "THOSE WHO GAVE US YESTERDAY"
Photo by The Hope Conspiracy
Massachusetts clobbercore heroes The Hope Conspiracy have officially marked their full length return with the confirmation of the first studio album since 2006 with Tools of Oppression / Rule by Deception. Serving as the opening track, "Those Who Gave Us Yesterday" taps into the confrontation quality that has long been core to the band's brand of aggression. Examining the divisive, destructive climate of our current culture, the band convey a sense of urgency on a track that pulls no punches - ideologically or instrumentally.
CULT LEADER - "LEARN TO LOVE IT"
Photo by Bobby Cochran
A standalone single that follows the band's 2022 split with END, "Learn to Love It" was actually recorded during the same sessions as "Ataraxis" and "Long Shadows" - both of which were featured on the Gather & Mourn split. A boisterous, brash showing of hostility, the two-minute flurry is a musical maelstrom complete with punishing percussion, relentless guitars and a violent vocal spit from Anthony Lucero.
FULL OF HELL - "GASPING DUST"
Photo by Zachary Jones
A tense, taut minute-long torrent, Full of Hell gets straight to the point on "Gasping Dust". Combined with the extreme call-and-response dynamic of the vocal onslaught of Dylan Walker and special guest Ross Dolan of Immolation, the latest preview from Coagulated Bliss is all blitz - a relentless drubbing that sources societal skepticism to fuel an instrumental onslaught.
FOREIGN HANDS - "GOD UNDER FINGERNAILS"
Photo by Ashley Simpson
What a helluva way to introduce your debut, full length album. Penn state metalcore prospects Foreign Hands landed producer Will Putney to helm their Sharptone Records full length, What's Left Unsaid and began the campaign with a expertly executed showcase of early 2000s metalcore tailor-made for the circle pit. "God Under Fingernails" is a furious, frenetic jaunt that frames the kind of controlled chaos that has made the band such a promising newcomer to heavy music.
CNTS - "THOUGHTS & PRAYERS"
Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff
Given the band's collective resume that includes projects like Dead Cross, Retox and Qui - its fair to assume the band CNTS was not going to be a casual listen. What becomes overwhelmingly obvious about the title track for their pending Ipecac Recordings LP in "Thoughts & Prayers" is the kind of hostility that fuels the band's distorted aggression. Their sound cuts like a serrated knife, ripping and tearing with the kind of motivation that can only come a genuine sense of loathing. No grace, all guts - CNTS gets straight to the point on this one.
ORTHODOX - "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE NAIL"
Toeing the line between metallic hardcore and modern era nu-metal, Orthodox have steadily built a rep for being one of heavy music's most exciting new contributors. Their latest is a sledgehammer of a single, combining gasping vocals, punchy guitars and a stalking, lumbering beat to craft a cut that conjures up that late 90's type of heft.
TX2 Festuring JOHNNY 3 TEARS - "VENDETTA"
Though typically on the emo spectrum of rock, TX2 recently set out to confront the online detractors that pop off in the comments sections by leveling up the aggression in the studio. With the cosign of Johnny 3 Tears from Hollywood Undead, the result is a cathartic, emphatic middle finger aimed squarely at the people pushing negativity - exorcising the bullshit with an absolute banger.
ACCEPT - "THE RECKONING"
