MAMMOTH GRINDER - "UNDYING SPECTRAL RESONANCE" (Relapse Records)
Photo by Ben Price
Back for the first time since 2018's Cosmic Crypt, the old school death metal passion project led by Chris Ulsh (whose resume includes Power Trip, Devil Master and more) unleashes a sinister slab of metallic assault on the title track of the upcoming Relapse Records EP. Which additional oversight from renowned producer and frequent collaborator Arthur Rizk, the Mammoth Grinder and Ulsh in particular assert a pedigree of savagery that translates into a banger of classic death metal.
ROLO TOMASSI - 'TO RESIST FORGETTING (LIVE)" (MNRK Heavy)
Typically the criteria of this weekly list consists more of new material, but when the live version of an existing track is this impressive - it certainly merits the revisit. Sourced from Rolo Tomassi's Where Myth Becomes Memory, "To Resist Forgetting" makes a masterful transition from studio depth to live ritual. Apart from the composition of the track and the incendiary performance, the band's ability to capture the energy from the set in this one song is a marvel. Most live tracks suck mainly because, they are almost never executed this well.
ENFORCED - "A LEAP INTO THE DARK" (Century Media Records)
The combination of no bulshit, Virginia-bred thrash complimented by the Midas Touch of Arthur Rizk results in a tailwhip of a title track for Enforced's next EP. A potent meld of speed, technicality and tenacity, the band remains consistent in their delivery of timeless thrash, forged with a reverence for the great of the genre that preceded them. It should also be noted that Enforced are no one trick pony. On the same EP, the band takes on tried and true covers of ENGLISH DOGS' "The Chase Is On" and OBITUARY's "Deadly Intentions" making for one helluva six-song showing.
MEMPHIS MAY FIRE - "INFECTION" (Rise Records)
A fixture atop the hierarchy of modern metalcore, Memphis May Fire has again emphasized their rank with their latest standalone heater. Arranging accents of synth, along with big breakdowns, mammoth hooks and plenty of big room pop, the band have proven to be more than proficient when it comes to craft anthems. "Infection" serves as another example of well-polished power combined with just enough pop sensibilities to resonate with an even broader audience only expanding the band's universe.
HEAVY//HITTER - "NO MERCY, NO REMORSE" (Blue Grape Music)
The most recent addition to the growing Blue Grape Music roster which already boasts the likes of envelope-pushing artists like Code Orange, GEL and Spiritual Cramp - Heavy//Hitter serve as a testament to Florida's burgeoning deathcore scene. The band's clobbering style of musical assault proves forceful on their latest, "No Mercy, No Remorse". A profound show of primal beatdown, sharp-produced dynamics and a potent creative tandem in vocalist Austin Hayes and guitarist Dane Loeprich, the explosion of current deathcore has yet another serious contender.
POLAR FEAT. RACHEL ASPE - "PARANOIA" (Arising Empire)
There is an inherent element of chaos that goes into the sound Polar have spent more than the last decade craft, but with the addition of Rachel Aspe from Cage Fight on the track, it becomes absolute bedlam. The UK's hardcore-tinged, metalcore vets land a haymaker with their latest preview from their pending LP, Five Arrows. Propelled by a driving pulse, subtle melody and catchiness not typical of the sound, Polar have set out to prove they are next on deck.
