Single Slam: Defences, All Out of Bubblegum, Acres, Eternal, Saor, Amongst Liars, Dreamspeed, RXPTRS, Since 2000, and Future Static!

Today’s single slam features Defences, All Out of Bubblegum, Acres, Eternal, Saor, Amongst Liars, Dreamspeed, RXPTRS, Since 2000, and Future Static. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.

Defences – More Of Us (Than There Are of Them)

Following millions of streams, multiple sold-out headline tours, and appearances at major festivals including Download, Takedown, Turbulence, and Burn It Down, future alternative metal greats Defences team up with Skindred’s legendary singer Benji Webbe for ‘More Of Us (Than There Are Of Them)’. As one of the scene’s most recognizable figures, Webbe joins the band on a fiery track inspired by the growing outrage, animosity, and political discontent of our time.

Singer Cherry Duesbury comments on the theme of the song:

One of the tipping points for me was seeing the first wave of ICE abductions taking place and the slew of public scandals that followed. With my immediately family living in a majority Republican state in the US, this hit home for me and struck terror in my heart more than previous news stories had. ‘More Of Us (Than There Are Of Them)’ came from my desire to shed a light on the growing collective consciousness awakening of recent years to combat this as the next generation enters the workforce, world leaders continue to reveal their true nature and dictators and tyrants operate above the law in plain view. I’ve been inspired by the growing feeling that more and more of us are asking ourselves ‘why is this the way things are?‘ and wanted to write a song that expressed my feeling that we’ve reached a point of no return, that the public is finally turning on the rampant institutional corruption. These whispered questions talk of upheaval and, ultimately, rebellion, and this song means to stand as an anthem as those whispers turn into screams.

A potent team up and one hell of a banger track, it’s awesome to hear Defences hitting a heavy high, while remaining effortlessly cool with a chorus that soars. Benji is so much more than just an add-on here too, and the icon feels like an integral part of the song. I think we’re hearing the next evolution of Defences here, heavier, even more cinematic sounding, but just as anthemic as ever.

All Out of Bubblegum – Surface

Hot on the heels of their debut EP, ‘Slight Possibility of Overload’, Manchester’s All Out of Bubblegum return with ‘Surface’. A track that captures the moment when denial finally gives way to self-awareness and accountability becomes inevitable.

Strike while the iron is hot, and all that jazz, All Out of Bubblegum are making themselves impossible to ignore. Returning with a new track that expands on their noisy, experimental, and alternative rock ways in darkly infectious fashion. A little bit of weird, a whole lot of wonderful, it’s a track that delivers on its promises. You really need to be paying attention to this band. Check it out here.

Acres – Buried Alive by Love (HIM Cover)

UK metalcore heavyweights Acres have unveiled a cover of HIM’s iconic ‘Buried Alive by Love’, alongside the announcement of the deluxe edition of their latest album ‘The Host’, set for release November 6th via Solid State Records.

Speaking on the cover, vocalist Ben Lumber shares:

When we were planning a cover HIM were instantly the first band that came to mind. They’ve been such a huge part of my life and honestly one of the main reasons I ever wanted to be in a band. When I was younger, my friends and I would spend hours in the garage learning and playing HIM songs so getting to bring Buried Alive by Love into the world of Acres all these years later feels like a proper full circle moment. It’s our way of paying respect to a band that had a massive part in shaping who I am as a musician.

As someone who has never really rated HIM, it speaks volumes about Acres’ cover that I find myself thoroughly enjoying this track. They’re really put their own stamp on it, notably by making it heavier and more intense. The drums are wild on this one. Check it out here.

Eternal – Man Down (In the Front Row)

Athens thrash metal band Eternal have premiered the new music video for ‘Man Down (In the Front Row)’, the latest track taken from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Conspiracy of Warheads’, due for release through Floga Records on October 2nd, 2026.

Pure head banging gold, Eternal’s heavy ways is the kind of metal to warm the cold heart of old and miserable thrashers around the world. The kind who likes to complain that ‘they don’t make ‘em like this anymore’. Though that’s not to suggest more contemporary fans won’t find themselves driven to get their neck muscles working overtime here. It’s that good.

Saor – Carved in Stone MMXXVI

Saor, the one-man Scottish atmospheric black metal project of Andy Marshall, have released ‘Carved in Stone MMXXVI’, accompanied by an official music video. The track is a re-recording of a highlight from 2013’s Roots, and stands as the lead single from ‘Caledonia’, an album revisiting five songs from Saor’s first three records.

I initially didn’t think this was needed, but having heard this re-recording and understanding how far Andy has come, means it ends up feeling so necessary. It’s a gorgeous track, layered and detailed, and this modern version really lets all of that shine. Different enough, without losing the majesty of the original. I love it. Check it out here.

Amongst Liars – Underneath The Surface

UK alternative hard rockers Amongst Liars return with their new single and video, ‘Underneath the Surface’.

Filled with vibrant alternative synthy tones, dramatic melodies, and powerful rock rhythms, Amongst Liar’s new track is very likable. The heart and soul of the track coming out in the chorus, where the energy in this band erupts in noisy and addictive fashion. It’s a strong effort from a band who consistently put out strong efforts.

Dreamspeed – Corpse Light

Boorloo/Perth doom-metal outfit Dreamspeed have announced their debut EP, ‘Demo’, set for release November 6th. The four-piece have now unveiled their new single ‘Corpse Light’.

Blending haunting tones and disconcerting melody with chaotic and destructive black metal, Dreamspeed’s new single is an eye-opening track. The intensity of the instrumentals is one thing, but the screaming desperation and pain of the vocals is another. This is music that stays with you, for better or worse. Check it out here.

RXPTRS – In Another Life

Southwest rockers RXPTRS have released ‘In Another Life’, a track dedicated to their friend Ryan Chisholm, who passed away in 2022 after struggling with his mental health for a long time. All proceeds from ‘In Another Life’ will be going going to a new mental health project called “For Younger You” and the video for the song features Ryan’s family and friends.

I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t the depth of emotion that this gorgeous acoustic track has. If you think you know RXPTRS, you’re in for a surprise. A nice, heartfelt, and authentic surprise. The kind that can only ever come from unimaginable pain.

Since 2000 – GOLD

Pop metal boy band Since 2000 have revealed their bittersweet break-up anthem ‘GOLD’. Hot off their latest EP release ‘neverland [CHAPTER II]’ – released in April by Easy Life Records.

Speaking on the latest track, vocalist Dan Romano shares:

‘GOLD’ was conceived towards the end of the recording process for our last EP and it’s the first song we’ve written from inception since Scott (guitarist) and Kyle (bassist) joined the band last year. It’s about recognising that a relationship is doomed and that the hurt the other person has caused you runs too deep. Sometimes despite your best intentions there’s nothing you can do to save it.

The next stage of Since 2000’s alternative takeover is here, and it comes in smile-inducing pop rock and metal fashion. Delightfully bouncy and deliciously anthemic, their vibrancy is addictive, proving that the high quality of the last EP is still present. The future is looking very bright for this band. Check it out here.

Future Static – Swing

Australian breakthrough heavy act Future Static have unveiled their new single ‘Swing’, taken from their new album ‘Ornaments & Memories’, out 6th November via Wild Thing Records.

‘Swing’ was written in reaction to the US Supreme Court repealing Roe v Wade and in anger at the political pendulum swing to the right in Australia and across the world, creating laws that reduce the rights of women, minorities and all oppressed people.

Bassist Kira Neil comments:

‘Swing’ is for anyone feeling targeted and unsupported by the unjust systems of the world. We see you, we’re with you and we’re angry as hell.

I do really like it when Future Static sound like they’re ready to tear someone apart, and this new effort is them at their fieriest. Passionately advocating against absurd injustices, the vocals are delivered with vitriol, the instruments keep the tension high, and it’s all capped off by a breakdown that will rattle bones.