Beartooth releases their newest post The Surface material! 

In a total curveball post on Tuesday afternoon Beartooth teased a drop on SiriusXM Octane for Wednesday. Frontman Caleb Shomo belts on the chorus, "I need your attention" and after yesterday's post they certainly had ours! 

The track follows the same mentality and vibe of their most recent release The Surface, which we've been rocking on What You Need to Hear! (Be sure to check out our review of that album below!) 

What really differentiates ATTN. from tracks on The Surface is the addition of more electronic elements. Which are clearly established at the beginning of the song. It looks like a return to Shomo's roots in his previous band Attack Attack. 

Tuesday Afternoon's post from the frontman showed Caleb approaching a synthsizer keyboard with a caption that stated, 

"It’s funny how much this little keyboard has affected my life. Full circle moment happening Friday"

Is this a possible tease to a return to a more electronically influenced series of projects? After hearing ATTN. all signs seem to point to yes! This genre of dark electronica or electronic infused metal is nothing new. With bands like Starset and more extreme outfits like Darko relying on the polished sounds of artificial instruments for some time now. 

After seeing and meeting Beartooth earlier this year, I am certainly excited for new material from the guys! We loved The Surface and are thoroughly enjoying ATTN. But don't just take our word for it; check out ATTN., wherever you stream heavy music! And catch the track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

Signs of the Swarm were not kidding around when they declared that new music was soon to come. The beginning of the track states, "this is how blessings work" and that statement truly captures what we feel about the track. Here at Trendkiller we are absolutely loving the unexpected drops from all of our favorite bands. 

Coming fresh off the heels of 2023's Amongst the Low and Empty (see our review below) Signs of the Swarm do everything but disappoint on their new track IWONTLETYOUDIE. This band is heavy for the sake of heavy, after all we are a site "dedicated to all things heavy." So naturally this track is right up our alley. 

This track dropped on just day two of their Decade of the Swarm U.S. tour and I can't wait to see how fans react to the insanity that the boys in Signs of the Swarm have cooked up for them! Check out the top video from night one of their current tour. We're only bummed that there are no Florida dates on the tour, otherwise you would see clips of us tearing it up to this hot new track.

Speaking of live footage....In early August, the band released a live recording from their last show of 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. This footage comes straight from Whitechapel's Christmas Show that we attended in December (See that article here). Check out the footage from the concert in the second video, pay close attention to the blonde headed freak in the front row, that is none other than yours truly!! 

I'm bummed that I cannot be in attendance for any of their upcoming U.S. dates. But I know the guys in Signs of the Swarm will absolutely slaughter all of their shows as they always do! Support the boys, check out the new song and get pumped that there is new material! But don't just take our word for it; check out IWONTLETYOUDIE, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch the track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

At long last Whitechapel's teased return to form has finally come! There's few bands that when they announce a debut on Sirius XM will prompt us to restart our subscription to the platform. When it comes to Whitechapel though, we know where our loyalty lies. Especially when the track was promised to be a return to their early sound. Our eager ears have finally been rewarded! And boy, is it brutal! 

The track A Visceral Retch is the first single to come from Whitechapel's forthcoming 9th album. The track is as dark and grimy as Phil Bozeman and Alex Wade promised in their interview on the Garza Podcast last year. Since the release of Kin in 2021, which served as a conclusion to the story of 2019's The Valley, it had been clear in the band's live performances that Bozeman was focusing more prominently on his high harsh vocals and gutturals again. If you have not yet, we urge you to check out the live album they put out in January, Live in the Valley. I would ask that you pay attention to the performance of This is Exile. It is blatantly evident from this performance the work that Phil has put into his vocals.

I believe that this hard work, not only done by Phil but the band as a whole, is on full display during A Visceral Retch. The track sonically speaking is a perfect blend between The Somatic Defilement and This is Exile. Both of these albums not only helped define Deathcore, in the early days, but they put the genre on the map. And now nearly two decades later, the band that helped start it all is still writing the playbook for newer bands to follow suit. 

A Visceral Retch destroys all of the debates about who the best Deathcore vocalist is. "Revolver thinks Ramos is the heaviest, or Loudwire thinks Alex the Terrible is the best." Trendkiller cannot "stomach the smell" of such conflicting opinions. Let us set aside the debating. It is clear that deathcore has its king. That king is undisputedly Phil Bozeman. The man is inhuman on this track. 

I absolutely cannot wait for December, where I am set to see the boys in Knoxville for their annual Christmas Show. I am just sad I can't see them sooner! This track is everything we could have wanted as fans, it just leaves us wanting more! I hope you're as excited as we are for the new album! But don't just take our word for it; check out A Visceral Retch, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch the track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

After finally coming off of my elitist high horse in 2022 and taking the time to listen and enjoy 2021's Eternal Blue. I have ever since been a fan of this unique Canadian quartet. I thoroughly enjoyed the 2023 EP The Fear of Fear, and I was a huge fan of the genre smashing remix of Megan Thee Stallion's Cobra.        (Be sure to check out our review of both from last October) I am no less of a fan of Spiritbox's newest single and it did not disappoint me in the slightest!

Soft Spine is a stadium fist pumping anthem that is sure to have fans and doubters chanting the title along with, vocalist, Courtney. The intricate blend of her harsh vocals and cleans on prior projects is not present on Soft Spine. Brutal Korn-esque distortion blended with the slams focused after the lines "Soft Spine" are just some of the few ways that this track shows off the skills and sonic unity the band has.  

The rising NuMetal talents continue to prove that they're both a force to be reckoned with and taken seriously. Catch them on their Fall Tour where you can see them support both Gojira and Korn. You'll be impressed there's no doubt! With a band as tight sounding as this, there is no limit to their future! If you were unsure of their goals, just listen to Soft Spine again. It is most certainly world domination!

I certainly cannot wait to see Spiritbox again in October where they're set to open for Korn on the night of their 30th Anniversary Celebration in Los Angeles! As of now there is no news of an album release date. Last year following the release of The Fear of Fear the band made the declaration that we could expect a full album soon. Hopefully their album announcement follows with another single, because we are eager for more! But don't just take our word for it; check out Soft Spine, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch the track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

I quickly became a Shadow of Intent fan after watching them open for Whitechapel and Cannibal Corpse in 2022. And since our first meeting I've had the opportunity to see them during their support of Lorna Shore during 2023's Pain Remains Tour. Needless to say both times I was utterly impressed by the mastery of the band, and Ben Duerr's commanding presence as a front man. 

Flying the Black Flag is an excellent track that the band have been playing live for the last few months and it is so exciting that this song finally had its official release! 

Following the same theme as their last album, Elegy, this track deals with war. Shadow of Intent make their stance clear. War, sadly, is a brutal fact that we as a people have to face. Their are many grievous injustices that stem from war and the band  highlight them on Flying the Black Flag.

We cannot wait to hear this song live. The song is an excellent track to introduce those who are unfamiliar with the band's sound. And for scene veterans it scratches all the necessary itches. But don't just take our word for it; check out Flying the Black Flag, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch the track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

Florida Deathcore heavy-weights Bodysnatcher released the heavy hitting Murder8 on March 26, 2024. The single employs the help of hardcore legend Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed. Murder8 is the first single off of Vile Conduct which is the band's upcoming EP.  

'Murder8' is a street term for Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a deadly opioid that has an alarmingly high overdose rate. This single is a dark look into the grief that fentanyl, and those who push opioids, have caused the families of victims who have lost their battle to addiction. In 2023 there were 112,000 opioid related overdoses in the United States. Making  the message of Murder8  pointed and mature. Heavy music often deals with themes pertaining to drug abuse and addiction, and the grief that can follow those involved or around it. It's a very serious issue, that deserves to be talked about.

I believe most everyone knows someone who has been affected by opioid overdose, and I'd go even further to say that most everyone knows an individual who has overdosed from Fentanyl or a substance laced with it.  This topic is very personal for Bodysnatcher's drummer Chris Whited who shared this statement via Instagram,

 "I lost my older brother in 2022 to fentanyl and then I lost my younger sister just one year later in 2023 to fentanyl as well. Opioids have been prescribed at alarming rates since the early 2000’s and have affected millions of families across the world, especially the United States. If you have lost someone due to overdose this song goes out to you."

Vocalist Kyle Medina has perfected the classic hardcore callout before a pummeling breakdown. Although on Murder8 they allow guest vocalist Jamey Jasta to deliver the tag, "Fentanyl made me an only child." The rest of the band delivers the crushing blows that allow the song to end. I believe the track speaks for itself, the groove and guitar tones are classic Bodysnatcher, who can really make a room move with the tracks they put out.

Earlier this year I had the privilege to both meet and witness the prowess of both Spite and Bodysnatcher during their Common Enemies US Tour. During their set I had the opportunity to hear these songs live and was ecstatic to see how the crowd reacted to these brutal slams. 

After hearing the full project Vile Conduct, I still maintain that Murder8 is the most representative track on the record. With that said, the transition from Severed to Human Disdain is excellent and both tracks are punishers! But don't just take our word for it; check out Vile Conduct, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch these tracks here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

The duo is back with another dark techno slammer! After a few days of teasers the industrial project released their newest single Shanghai Wednesday, December 27. 

While there certainly is nothing new when it comes to the blending of Metal and Electronica, Darko US has a fresh approach to this sonic union. In this track in particular we have heavy influences from certain styles within the Electronic genre. Although this particular genre is foreign to me, my only substantial exposure was Korn's Path of Totality,  thankfully I have a good source on stylistic approaches in electronic music. The track Shanghai harnesses gabber, which is a Dutch Hardcore sound. The kick drums are really what makes this apparent. Again I'm no expert in these areas, but hey, that's what friends are for.

I do know this, Darko Us cannot be ignored. This track and their previous release Rampage showcase how diverse the world of Heavy Music is. Really the success of this project shows how far we've come as a community! 13 years ago when Korn released their dubstep album a large part of the fanbase, and the metal world, regarded it with scorn. But here we are all these years later celebrating the conjunction of these two spheres of music. 

It seems this side project will be getting a lot more attention from at least one half of the partnership. As we reported earlier this year, Josh Miller (AKA Baby J) left Spite to pursue Darko US with more tenacity. Although I'm not sure how much we can expect on the touring side. Tom Baber, the other half of Darko US, still is supporting his band Chelsea Grin's latest release, Suffer in Heaven/Suffer in Hell. One can hope though! So keep your eyes peeled, we may be seeing you in the pit on Darko Us's next tour run. 

It's clear, the world of metal is evolving. Shanghai is a testament to that and Darko Us are one of the many faces of that change. But don't just take our word for it; check out Shanghai, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

It's hard to remember the last time that a metal act was utilized by a hip-hop giant. I would mention 2019's Take What You Want by Post Malone which featured Ozzy Osbourne, but Post seems to dwell in a category of his own, so I am respectfully excluding that track, although it is phenomenal.

The last time that I can think of a true hip-hop/metal blend would be the Lil Wayne and Blink-182 collaboration on What's My Age Again/A Mili. While Blink-182 isn't necessarily heavy, they still belong to the greater culture of hard edge music. The song was a unique interpretation of two classics from each artist's catalog, sadly, the end result was clunky. 

That argument can not be made against Cobra. 

The three minute track, in spite of the inclusion of Spirtbox, still remains true to its original context in hip-hop. It's is an extraordinary blend of two, seemingly, polar opposite genres. Cobra tackles Megan's frustrations from her respective scene to mental-health concerns, does that not sound like a traditional metal track? 

This track is monumental! We have yet to see any collaboration of female acts on such an impactful scale, it is incredible to witness. Cobra should be heralded in the same esteem with projects such as Jay-Z and Linkin Park's Collision Course, that is how great this track truly is. 

In the same respect, Rap-Rock projects have been talked down upon so I'm sure Cobra will receive its fair share of hate. Spiritbox will be told that they sold out and anyone who claims to enjoy this song will be hissed at. As fans we have got to stop preventing artists to create! When we allow the artists to do their thing, we get outstanding performances like we just heard!

Enjoy the track and celebrate this sonic union of two true talents. But don't just take our word for it; check out Cobra, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

With the exit of Tyler Miller announced last December, I thought for sure that my favorite small-time Knoxville natives were done for. But like I said in my article that covered Father of the Abyss, The Guild are far from over and getting even further from small-time...

As formidable as ever and with a chip on their shoulder, The Guild has something to prove. The Pure Dark accomplishes everything and more than what I had initially expected. To say that I am more than excited to see them crush the stage in Knoxville at Whitechapel's Christmas show would be an understatement.

Running about twenty minutes in its entirety and consisting of five tracks, The Pure Dark is a hammerfisted proclamation. It spreads the message that they first infected me with in late 2021, we must all die for The Guild. 

Bands like this, who carry deathcore to new heights, are exactly what the scene deserves. Polished tracks such as Cursed Eternal are exactly what propels this genre to the masses. I'm not exactly sure which of the guys selects the additional sonic layers, such as the piano instrumentals on this track, but the work that they do is essential to The Guild's sound. Give that man a raise!

Pale King is another standout track from this project. The song incorporates some of the same elements aforementioned, but relying heavily on the sense of weariness that is established from the onset. The ethereal conclusion to the track which provides vocalist Mark Woelkers at his most raw and vulnerable is haunting. It is certainly a huge win for the band and the EP. 

Again, I have thoroughly enjoyed the EP itself and am proud of the progress that the band has made. Most importantly, I am eager to mosh to any one of the songs that make the setlist in December! (Really hoping the bruiser Rend and Ruin is on there.)

But don't just take our word for it; check out The Pure Dark, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch these tracks here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

Another bone splitting single from the Texas deathcore masters! Teased on November 5th and officially released on the 6th, Upon A Burning Body unleashed a flowing current of consistent fury! 

The brief two and a half minute track certainly takes thematic elements from the DOOM game franchise. The albums cover to the tone and lyrical content, you certainly feel like firing up your console and slaying demons to this track. 

Like most UABB songs, the pace is set high with heavy emphasis on bounce. Their tracks are just fun and make everyone under their influence want to move and throw down!

Unlike many bands in this line of music, it is hard to stay fresh. But for these veterans? It is simply no struggle. 

Since going independent after their last album Fury, the band have definitely taken on the atttitudes that this song expresses. "Like a dry season hurricane", the Texas goliaths establish their clout as true dominant artists who have earned their seniority. 

With no word of a full length album, we can only hope that Upon A Burning Body continues to deliver to us tracks with the same sesnse of flurry that the last two have so generously bestowed to us listeners!

But don't just take our word for it; check out Killshot, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track, here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

Finally! The EP I have been patiently awaiting the arrival of. Released on Friday, November 3rd, Spiritbox's The Fear of Fear is a stunning knockout of a project! The roughly 25 minute six track EP is a cumulative showcase of human emotion in full Spiritbox effect. 

The Canadian quartet barreled onto the scene with their last full length album Eternal Blue which was released in September of 2021, and has since been followed up by the band's last EP Rotoscope, which we adored.  The latest EP, however, is extremely powerful, and the band’s full potential is highlighted on songs like, the Grammy nominated, Jaded. 

Although I've never held the recording academy in much esteem. Perhaps finally the snobs have hearkened to the complaints and grievances of metalheads worldwide. Still, for a metal band who harnesses extreme vocals like Spiritbox, it is so incredibly special to see them praised in the mainstream! Enough about the Grammys, let's talk about the music. 

The band released three singles during this album cycle, all of which are outstanding. Jaded being the one with the most critical acclaim so far. But, the first track and third single, Cellar Door has to be my most preferred of the initial releases. Often I'm alarmed with bands releasing multiple singles prior to a project's release, it often causes concern for the final product.  With The Fear of Fear there was no room for such concerns.

 Angel Eyes keeps the high intensity of prior releases. Courtney Laplante bellows out the opening phrase, "Innocence is a game that I have lost." From that point on this bruiser of a song pummels its way through and towards the finish line. This song will certainly be a fan favorite, it is most definitely ours.

 Too Close/Too Late and Ultraviolet share similar vibes. These two tracks embrace the side of Spiritbox that catapulted them to the forefront of metal music. They share a great resemblance in tone to the track Constance, from 2021’s Eternal Blue. I remember in great detail the acclaim of that track and the praise of the band’s focused songwriting. These two songs are not far from that, in fact, Too Close/Too Late is a gorgeous song with a huge chorus that certainly is reminiscent of Constance. 

Ultraviolet shares similar strengths. Laplante puts her trademark screams on the shelf and delivers on the clean vocal department which, I predict if utilized correctly, will further propel them into the limelight.  The additional three tracks are more than just filler and did a stellar job of cementing the EP. I believe The Fear of Fear is outstanding. The record certainly highlights a progression for the band and, in our opinion, should be regarded as some of their best material yet!

Again, we could not be anymore ecstatic for the band with their Grammy nomination. Hopefully, the recording academy will finally make a choice that actually can benefit the community.The Fear of Fear deserves everyone's full attention. Spiritbox always does a phenomenal job and never disappoint. But don't just take our word for it; check out The Fear of Fear, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch these tracks here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

Columbus, Ohio's hardcore punk-rock quintet returns with their highly anticipated album The Surface! Released Friday October 13th, this edition in the catalog brings the fun along with the slams! 

The Surface proves that Metal can be more than just heavy riffs and doom centrist ideals. While the idea of positivity isn't exclusive to Beartooth, they overwhelmingly embrace it with this project! It's just a testament to the fact that bands in this genre can write uplifting and positive music without sacrificing heaviness or being inherently pop-punk.  

There is a reason for this shift in attitude. 2021's Below delved into the chasms of despair that the pandemic's lockdowns wrote upon frontman, Caleb Shomo. Nearly two years later, The Surface brings us from the depths of said sorrow and into the radiance of enjoyment and self-acceptance.  Shomo has always been open in regards to his mental state. In these two years, the vocalist has made major life changes which resulted in his present attitude that he wants to share with us all; that we can rise from Below to The Surface.

I first got my craving for new Beartooth in July of 2022, with their release of the album's first single, Riptide. Immediately the single confronts you with a polarizing tone to the previous record. I knew upon this first listen that the listener would be transported into uncharted sonic territory.

The same vibe that was bolstered in that single carried over into the accompanying singles such as Sunshine!, Think I Might Love Myself, Doubt Me, and The Better Me. All five of these singles share a common goal, to motivate the speaker and to leave a positive impact. These tracks have done exceptionally well in promoting the album's message and the record itself.   These singles have been enjoyed by many, racking up millions of streams. I know I have certainly enjoyed blaring these tracks on my commute, they're just fun! 

But don't just think that the album's success is just in these five tracks alone. The additional six are just as, if not more, powerful. These next three are particularly my favorite. What's Killing You challenges the listener to break free from living life simply by just focusing on accomplishing our next task. This track also happens to kick off with my favorite growl from Shomo on the album. What Are You Waiting For essentially is a call to arms to escape the mental prisons of doubt that we enslave ourselves to. Track No. 9 features the best and brightest chorus on the record. This song is meant for a crowd to fist pound the air and sing-along to! I Was Alive is an application of The Surface's advice. In this song, we see the entirety of the album's message embodied. 

I can already hear the naysayers, "This album isn't heavy...." or "I miss the old Beartooth."  The Surface brings the heavy riffage that Beartooth so masterfully writes. Almost every song on the album has a breakdown or breakdown-esque moment. High octane and rejuvenating, this record acts as a much needed pep talk, a message for all of us to get up and enjoy what we have not been! 

This record should help us to bring our past insecurities and struggles to the surface, so that we can confront, accept and move on from them! Beartooth have never disappointed. Their lyrics are pointed and their riffs are heavy, they always deliver what we need, regardless if we realize it or not.

But don't just take our word for it; check out The Surface, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

Safeword have yet to disappoint, and on Oracle they unleash hell! Released on September 30th, the heaviest work under their current sobriquet caters to long-time fans of their sound. Forget past works, Safeword is here to stay. 

For anyone who has yet to listen to Safeword, stop what you're doing and listen to this track. Formidable and heavy, the band put the ethereal melancholy sound from previous tracks like Sorrow and Hollow Tongue on the backburner. This return to form showcases strengths of the band that have yet to be explored. 

To start, I've been patiently awaiting  this release since it was first teased by guitarist Logan roughly a month ago. Safeword's promise to make their music heavier is certainly delivered in Oracle, and it's exactly what I've been longing for. 

The dismal backing track establishes a sense of dread that is quickly followed by Logan's signature dark tone. As I hoped for, the band brings the heat. Not even ten seconds in, the song greets you with Ethan's charred and unhinged vocal style. A groove is established and a pace is set for the single's course. The urge to move is almost impossible to fight. It's simple Oracle is just a song that makes you want to throw down in a pit.

Barely over three minutes in its entirety, Oracle's message targets its very title. Merriam-Webster defines an oracle as, "a person (such as a Greek priestess) through whom a deity is believed to speak." The song deals with that very topic of belief in a spokesman of a deity. The oracle that Oracle speaks of is clearly one who has misrepresented their patron deity. The subject of Ethan's laments is this individual, one who HAS misrepresented their god and one he describes as having "no self-respect."

I believe the song targets societal trust in individuals who claim to speak for a god. Many today abuse their power in stations of religious authority to abuse believers. These circumstances have led to many horrific incidents such as Waco or Jonestown. These incidents occur when self proclaimed oracle's abuse the belief that individuals place upon them. Which leads us to the closing statement in the track, "I won't let you put your god near me, I've seen what he can do." Think of the egregious events mentioned earlier, Ethan shares with us his scathing rebuke. These individuals who abuse this station have no authority over him, and the song acts as a PSA in some regard; a warning for the listener and an open letter of disdain to these self appointed spiritual "guides."

Ethan and Logan complement each other on every track that I've ever heard from them. The duo always seem to establish an indescribable groove that is never weak or cheap. Within Oracle we see a prime example of how well bandmates can complement each other, and I hope in future releases we see their chemistry flourish. The metal that this band makes is unapologetic and authentic. The boys show out again, and blow my expectations out of the water. To say I'm eager to hear more doesn't even begin to describe my anxiousness!! I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it, Safeword is the best act in heavy music. Period. 

But don't just take our word for it; check out Oracle, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track, and other Safeword bangers here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

After a brief delay in release, Godlike was released on all platforms on September 22. This delay stemmed from the unforeseen firing, and departure, of long-time vocalist CJ McMahon. This decision came after an episode of controversy that surrounded the band since some unfortunate words were spoken on McMahon's side. However we're not here to promote the drama, just the music, and man does Godlike deserve it!

Shortly before release, the entire album was re-tracked with new vocalist Tyler Miller (Aversions Crown and The Guild), but the band has not issued a statement regarding how permanent this replacement is.  I for one, and I may be biased in saying this, am a huge proponent for the replacement.  Tyler Miller is an absolute monster and I've been a fan of his vocals since first discovering him through his time in The Guild. The work that he has done on Godlike is commendable, and Miller has really cemented his flare on the previously released singles such as Join Me In Armageddon, Keres, and Blood Throne. 

Godlike is a true success story, through and through. It is the first solo release  from the Aussie heavy weights since leaving their label Nuclear Blast. The band has refused to let the controversy over McMahon's departure slow them down, and I truly respect that. The guys in Thy Art have been around the block and are certifiable legends! 

The album is a 10 track shotgun blast of pure destruction which is true to form for these veterans. From the introductory track Destroyer of Dreams to the close of Bermuda, the band envelops the listener in their cascading riffs and blast beats. I've listened through Godlike multiple times trying to find the songs that represent the power that this record contains, and I am often led to two. 

Lesson In Pain is a perfect song to embody the purpose and progression of TAIM. An eerily Korn reminiscent riff is resounded throughout the roughly 4 minute track. The song never loses pace, and these riffs only add to the sense of fear that Thy Art Is Murder is known for employing. Oh, and this song has a gorgeous solo/ breakdown combo, so naturally it has to be a Trendkiller pick! 

Next comes, arguably, the most popular release from the project, Keres. Aptly named after the Greek god of death, while just over three and a half minutes long, the song guides the listener on a journey through the topic of self-indulgence and its ultimate and assured demise of the partaker. These themes are commonly explored within Thy Art Is Murder's catalog, but particularly find their home within the framework of all Godlike's tracks. "You are doomed to dwell in misery" is the callout line bellowed by Miller before the album's best breakdown. This breakdown segues smoothly into a classic death-metal burst of technical lightning, before ushering in the close of the song. The perfect balance between slams and technical wizardry that Thy Art have established on prior records is beautifully displayed on Keres. 

Resilient, polished, and determined. Thy Art Is Murder prove, again, that they're not just some deathcore band that can be disregarded. They remind us they are the ones who helped pioneer it! The band not only demands respect for their prior accomplishments, but Godlike also proves that they can dominate in the resurgence of deathcore.

But don't just take our word for it; check out Godlike, wherever you stream heavy music! And catch our favorite tracks here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist! 

"Bitterness takes a turn for the worse." I'm not sure I've heard a more pointed description of a track. Spite's latest track is a statement issued to the scene in its entirety! 

The band's newest track Thank You, Again debuted September 14th. This is a stand alone single following off the heels of 2022's Dedication to Flesh and the departure of long-time drummer, Josh Miller, and guitar player Lucas Garrigues. The track is astonishingly brutal, and includes a feature from the one and only Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel.

The band issued a statement prior to the single's release which detailed the disdain that the band shares around trends in the metal community and music in general. "All individualism is lost and we are met with endless imitations of what we never asked for. Bludgeoned ideals that are shamelessly regurgitated" (see Spite's full post here). Some see this statement as a jab to their ex-drummer's efforts in his joint project with Chelsea Grin's Tom Barber, Darko. I, for one, believe the statement is a heralding call back to our roots as a community.

Clearly, if you've followed music at all, so many artists seek to copy others or copy trends. This has led to some of the most uninspired drivel to have meteoric rise within music. I mean take a look at the country charts! Last year, one of the highest charting song's chorus read, "Yeah we fancy like Applebees" (via Walker Hayes' Fancy Like). Country music used to be a genre that stood for quality material, but seeing songs like what is mentioned above chart leads you to wonder, how dead is authenticity? 

Spite reminds us with Thank You, Again that it is OK to hate the trends. That metal should remain the outlier, the beacon of authenticity, and demander of respect. That the genre's goal, and those within the genre's goal, is not to dominate the charts in terms of popularity, but, rather, to be excruciatingly brutal and honest. This genre was founded on the ideals of authenticity and personal integrity, and Spite feels that we should be reminded of our core tenets.

As far as the song's jammability? It is a certified banger and certainly will be an adrenaline rush to see live! Bozeman is always a formidable vocal presence, but couple him with metal's best unhinged maniac? Naturally the song would be exquisite!!! 

The band seems tight as ever on their European run with Fit For An Autopsy, Whitechapel, and the redeveloped Thy Art Is Murder. I am certainly expecting great things to come from metal's patron saints of authenticity, so stay up to date with us as we cover their future material! I suggest we do as Spite demands, remember who we are as a community, or else "transcend in flames."

But, as usual, don't just take our word for it; check out Thank You, Again wherever you stream heavy music! And catch it here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

Signs of the Swarm knocked it out of the park with Amongst the Low and Empty! The band released their album July 28th. This is the band's fifth album in their discography, and by far the most dialed in.

The central focus of the album is the idea of persevering through some of life's most destitute situations. The album's title, and title-track, clearly paint this message.  David Simonich belts on Amongst the Low and Empty a statement that truly frames the record. "My agony is what fueled me." 

Signs of the Swarm is a band that has persevered through calamity. The lineup changes coupled with other controversies have shaped them into the band that exists before us today. A polished well executed flurry of brutality, that refuses to be taken lightly! 

That is what is so special about Amongst the Low and Empty, the band is speaking from experience! It is a testament to their own tenacity as a group to continue through the difficulties and provide the world with their indomitability! 

All 11 tracks on this record crush, as per the Signs of the Swarm standard. Frontman David Simonich's vocal talent is on full display where he employs unique extreme vocal methods that certainly please the listener! Too many frontmen are seemingly scared to try new things with their voices, so I absolutely take delight in a band that allows their vocalists to take risks.

You cannot speak about the talent on this record without referencing the finesse of Bobby Crow who is undoubtedly one of the best drummers in the league. During tracks like The Witch Beckons, Crow is untethered and determined to pummel the listener. Amongst the Low and Empty also sees the addition of a new guitar player Carl Schulz and new bass player Michael Cassese who both prove to be worthy assets. 

The popular ethereal backing vocals from Absolvere return on the show stopping track DREAMKILLER, which has proven to be a fan favorite, and ours too! Naturally everyone seems to enjoy the singles that preceded the album's release, and for good reason. But, we believe the success of the project stems from the brutality laced in some of the album's B-Sides. The breakdown in Pray for Death provides a steady flow of blast beats that are sure to churn up a pit at any show! Our favorite track though has to be Borrowed Time, it is the sole embodiment of what Signs of the Swarm is. The track comes out of its eerie build up swinging. It harnesses every aspect that the album has brought to the table making it the most versatile! 

I am extremely pleased with the maturity and intensity of this project and I am absolutely ecstatic to see these songs live in December! Signs of the Swarm took what we loved from Absolvere and magnified all the positive traits! 

But don't just take our word for it; check out Amongst the Low and Empty wherever you stream heavy music! And catch our favorite tracks here on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

Beartooth are back and we can't get enough!! Might Love Myself debuted July, 21st, and like their last track Sunshine! it's certainly addicting!

While Beartooth's music has always been uplifting in message, these recent singles are incorporating that message sonically. 

So far this track is the most positive in message and tone out of the three singles released off of The Surface. While Might Love Myself may not be the high-octane freight train we're used to, it certainly reminds us that Caleb Shomo's clean vocals are more than just a sing-a-longable one liner. 

This song has incorporated an element that many metal acts are wising up to. That is adding synth pop backing to give a new depth to their metallic instrumentals. It does not make a song weaker to use technology. I believe it diversifies a band! 

In all, I think Might Love Myself is a powerful track with an uplifting message. When we let go of all of our inhibitions and quit allowing false presumptions to run our lives, it really can take our body over, like Shomo dictates. 

I am extremely excited to see what else The Surface holds for us!! From what we've seen so far it looks to be promising!

But don't just take our word for it; check out Might Love Myself wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

Texas's deathcore princes are throwing it back to the good ole days! Upon a Burning Body's latest single An Insatiable Hunger dropped July, 21st and boy is it killer. 

The band's first release since breaking from their music label Seek and Strike, proves that success can be crafted independently. Harnessing elements from their magnum opus The Red White and Green album while incorporating aspects from recent success like Extermination makes for a sweet mixture of pure unadulterated deathcore! 

The track begins with a sample reminiscent to an old Herb Alpert album. The brass horns fade as the acoustic guitar builds into the slam fest that the rest of the song offers. The theme can be clearly found from the opening stanza of the song, "This world is upside down". Naturally the insatiable hunger that the track speaks about is the greed found throughout our world. 

The boys in UABB prove they have the recipe to keep making music to be moshed too. We hope they have more coming from where this track came from!  Authenticity is hard to find in music as a whole, and that certainly does not discriminate against our scene of music either. But authenticity has never been a problem for Upon A Burning Body, and it is definitely not a problem for An Insatiable Hunger. 

But don't just take our word for it; check out An Insatiable Hunger wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

The deathcore supergroup are back with a vengeance! Project: Vengeance released their new single Vessel, Friday, July 14.

Vessel is three and a half minutes of pure metal majesty! An ominous tone is established throughout the track, this comes from it's instrumental. Written by the Youtube metal influencer Nik Nokturnal. Nik's instrumental talents really flourish on this track. The ethereal intro is quite mesmerizing, and hearing the same sample play laced between the layers of vocal prowess, blast beats and sick riffage really flesh the single out.

The chorus brings in all the vocalists, and it is here that the powerful intro sample is returned with significant influence. It is the ethereal sound that really makes this chorus sound like an evil villain's theme. Which ultimately, after listening to the track and analyzing the lyrical content, is the main goal. 

Project: Vengeance touts the message of their namesake throughout this single. In fact, the word vengeance is used three times directly, and in each of the vocalist's sections the theme of vengeance is clearly there.   

Around the two and a half minute mark the track mellows out but not for long. Darius Tehrani of Spite showcases what Trendkiller loves him for, his raw & unhinged vocal trademark. This bridge ushers the listener to the finale of the single. It is absolutely amazing to hear the vocalists switch out as the song comes to a close, and the final warning is proclaimed. "We can't be contained."

Vessel  takes what groundwork that the group has laid from the previous track Cut.Bleed.Repeat and raises the roof! My main concern from the initial track came from the lack of Will Ramos's vocals which after listening to Vessel my thirst has been utterly quenched. I have been a huge proponent of this group since their initial inception in 2022. Although the Big Six might be dead it is clear that Project: Vengeance is here to stay. 

Everything about this track is sick, and the power of Project: Vengeance is clearly shown. I sincerely hope that we continue to get material of the same caliber out of these guys! And let's just hope frontman syndrome does not kick in anytime soon! 

But don't just take our word for it; check out Vessel wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

Words cannot describe how great Sorrow is. Safeword is the BEST new act in heavy music and that's a hill I am willing to die on. Please never stop making music. 

Although my words may be a little biased considering that I have followed the band since their Lockjaw days, regardless of name changes, the formula for success is still there. 

Melancholy is the word that best describes the overall vibe of this track. Sorrow ends with the vocalist repeating the phrases, "This nothingness is eating me, attracted to eternity." The emotion that these guys pour into their music is unbelievable. Just listen to the bridge in the center of this track, you cannot help but feel what is undoubtedly the track's goal, sorrow.

Guitarist Logan Abbott is just as much of a killer as he was in Lockjaw and Sprit. End, his talent is unmatched and shown for all of it's glory with an eerie black-metal esque intro that conjures a sense of dread. Immediately after the phrase "Can you see" is shouted, Abbot drops the black-metal façade and drives the track through with waves of slam chugs. 

The unhinged vocals that I came to love in Lockjaw are front and center in Sorrow. I don't know what it is about that deranged sound but it is just impossible to beat. While I am extremely partial to the unhinged sound, it is the clean vocals that really are mesmerizing on this track. 

I am telling you, the bridge or center-point in Sorrow is absolutely gorgeous. Safeword has taken everything I loved about their previous bands and built something even better than I could have ever hoped for.  I truly thought I loved tracks from their previous projects, like Starspeak and Distilled. But Safeword have proved that they can, not only, overcome setbacks but diversify and magnify their sound. 

 I will never shut up about these guys, because they write the BEST metal that I have ever listened to. These individuals helped inspire me to create Trendkiller. The playlist What You Need to Hear came about because of how much I promoted their original band to my friends. 

But don't just take our word for it; check out Sorrow wherever you stream heavy music! And obviously catch this track on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

After a rough year of challenges, Knoxville deathcore slammers The Guild released an absolute bruiser of a single from their forthcoming EP The Pure Dark. 

After frontman Tyler Miller left the band in late 2022, I thought the future of The Guild seemed pretty dim. That is until their new frontman Mark Woelkers joined the band just in time to tear up Whitechapel's 2022 Christmas Benefit show! Woelkers formidable presence was on full display last December, where I realized firsthand that The Guild was far from over. 

It has been several months since I attended the benefit show, and we finally have some official material displaying Woelkers unique vocals. Do not fret! The band has retained the core sound that we have come to love this far into their career. Father of the Abyss is a pure chug fest that refuses to let you go from it's grasp! 

The breakdown is a thing of beauty and I cannot wait to throw down to it in December. Trendkiller is absolutely in love with this new material from The Guild, and we're positive that you will enjoy every second of it! 

With no word of an official release date for The Pure Dark, the future of The Guild is still far from dim! 

But don't just take our word for it; check out Father of the Abyss wherever you stream heavy music! And catch this track on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!

The album that brought me out of hiatus! What can be said about Rejecting Obliteration that has not been said already? This album has completely redefined post black-metal. The project's success has brought the genre to the forefront and now it demands to be taken seriously. 

The sound from Rejecting Obliteration is so rich and vastly unique from the majority of its counterparts in the black-metal death-metal overlap.  Blindfolded and Led to the Woods are a New Zealand based band that absolutely dominates and I am beyond pleased to feature them. This album deserves all the praise that it can receive! 

Blindfolded and Led to the Woods' newest album Rejecting Obliteration is 10 tracks of purely brutal metal. The album is fantastic from start to finish with few breaks in between. When the album was released in late May, I knew that I had to write about it. This genre that BALTTW is apart of is certainly my favorite subgenre of heavy music. It is just so good. 

I truly believe that all albums or EP's released by artists deserve to be listened to from start to finish in order to obtain the full scope of the project. Rejecting Obliteration is an album that truly deserves a full listen. 

Although there are a few tracks that stand out to me. The first track that I would recommend would most certainly be Methlehem. It is heavy, it is gnarly, it is metal. I absolutely was head over hills for this song after my first playthrough, and I imagine you will be as well. Cicada naturally is next, this five and a half minute long track perfectly displays the band's strengths. It also provides a gorgeous buildup that is really what post black-metal is becoming known for. Finally, Caustic Burns must be mentioned also. This track features both of my favorite guitar solos off of the entire album. 

Again, what can I say about this album that has not already been said by the larger publications? I only can offer similar sentiments. This album crushes. And it is a must listen! 

But don't just take our word for it; check out Rejecting Obliteration wherever you stream heavy music! And catch these tracks on Trendkiller's What You Need to Hear Playlist!