Single Slam: DragonForce, Goat Monsoon, EMNW, Left to Suffer, Eville, Takeda, Northlane, Kidpunk, Breed 77, Halflives, Floya, Rainburn, Luna Kills, Black Groove, Turmion Kätilöt, and Bullet for My Valentine!
Today’s single slam features DragonForce, Goat Monsoon, EMNW, Left to Suffer, Eville, Takeda, Northlane, Kidpunk, Breed 77, Halflives, Floya, Rainburn, Luna Kills, Black Groove, Turmion Kätilöt, and Bullet for My Valentine. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below.
DragonForce – Hunger of the Beast
GRAMMY-nominated extreme power metal pioneers DragonForce announce their tenth studio album, DragonForce, out 19th March 2027 via Napalm Records. The title track, the first taste of their new era is out now.
This isn’t first new era that DragonForce have had, but it might be the most significant. Not to throw shade at anyone that came before, least of all Marc Hudson, but Alissa White-Gluz is just a different beast altogether. She shares vocal duties with Alessio Garavello and the pair bounce of each other really well here, especially with the contrast between harsh and clean vocals. Besides that, it’s so very DragonForce and there’s never anything wrong with that. A hair-raising, head-banging listen.
Goat Monsoon – Concede
Goat Monsoon, the Essex-based stoner, sludge, and groove metal band are back with their long-awaited brand-new single, ‘Concede’.
It has been way too long, but it is so good to have them back. Goat Monsoon return with an absolute banger. One with tons of guitar-driven groove, head-banging vibes, and some heavy sounding vocals. It’s Goat Monsoon with a bit of bite, but Goat Monsoon sounding super catchy too. There’s nothing complicated here, it’s just a kickass metal tune with something to say. It is out on Monday 28th September and you will be able to check it out here upon release.
EMNW – Party Loud
Hotly-tipped Japanese nu-metal duo EMNW, comprised of EMMA and MENU, have released their new single ‘Party Loud’ via Music for Nations.
Speaking of the new single EMMA shares:
The second I heard the demo, I couldn’t wait to get on stage and go completely wild with everyone! It’s loaded with raw intensity about owning who you are, and carries that heavy message that no matter where you’re from or what language you speak, the moment we turn up together, we’re one community. It’s pure EMNW energy that gets your whole body moving! Let’s roar ‘3, 2, 1!’ together at the shows and bring the house down as the EMNW family!
Continuing to discuss the new single MENU shares:
I am beyond hyped to finally drop this track! The message hits hard on staying true to yourself while keeping your feet on the ground, which is something I live by. It gives me an instant boost every time I play it—putting this on first thing in the morning is the ultimate kick-start. Let’s scream ‘3, 2, 1!’ and set it off. Out on tour, I want to create moments where complete strangers end up jumping shoulder-to-shoulder. Put it on heavy rotation and make sure you lock down the chants!
Part of a new breed of metal bands coming from Japan, EMNW’s blend of classic nu-heaviness, pop anthemic vibes, alternative energy and more makes for a fun listen. A very addictive effort that leaves you wanting to know so much more about them.
Left to Suffer – Unrequited Dread
Modern metal force Left to Suffer is back with a new single ‘Unrequited Dread’. It’s the latest track from their new full-length album, ‘Unwelcome Guest’, arriving October 9th, 2026.
Speaking on the new track, vocalist Taylor Barber shares:
‘Unrequited Dread’ is the war I have with my inner monologue, the pit in your stomach, the creeping feeling that everyone hates you and is slowly but surely pulling you into the deepest crevice of your insecurities that you can possibly imagine. I needed to release these thoughts into his song to help my brain not cave into itself.
To, what should be the surprise of no-one, Left to Suffer deliver another raucous and relentless effort here, but what I really like about it is the atmosphere that makes the whole thing feel darker and more twisted. It’s as close to horror as Left to Suffer get, adding a strong sense of danger, while still having such a heavy and wild sound overall.
Eville – Flip Phone (feat. Emmy Mack of RedHook)
Brighton trio Eville have announced their signing to Easy Life Records. Their first release for the label is ‘Flip Phone’, which features a guest spot from Emmy Mack of Sydney alt rockers RedHook.
Speaking about the new single, Eville vocalist Eva Sheldrake shares:
When we were writing Flip Phone we wanted to make something nostalgic, fun and liberating. We also knew straight away that we wanted Emmy to sing on it and she absolutely nailed it.”
Speaking about the collaboration, RedHook vocalist Emmy Mack shares:
I’ve been a huge fan of Eville since we toured the UK together last year so it was a total no-brainer when they hit me up to collab! The song itself had such a fun lyrical concept, I unreservedly enjoyed the challenge of cramming as many cheeky Y2K refs as I possibly could into these bars. I hope people have as much fun listening to it as we had making it!
Their inevitable takeover continues, not just because of the label signing, but because this is the sound of Eville expanding their horizons and exploring more natural ways to deliver accessible anthems. Which is what this is. Eville blending body moving energy, anthemic tones, and a mix of melody and metal that will have widespread appeal.
Takeda – Lion’s Den
Folk-grunge pioneers Takea are back with ‘Lion’s Den’, the first new single to come from their second studio album (due in 2027 via Drongo Records).
Vocalist and lyricist Josh Harrison explains about the track:
I’ve never written a song in anger before. But Lion’s Den came to me slowly and bubbling up in me. Untangling it as I wrote it was like opening the tap on some pressurised anger in me. The betrayal and manipulation, the resentment I’d kept bundled and caged up disguised as shame. This song became the release for all of that and letting it out into the world feels very therapeutic.
A very unique band making very unique music, Takeda cut through the noise to hit the listener right in the feelings with this melody laced and potent grunge rock effort. It’s a heartfelt listen where the authenticity of the vocals sells it more than anything else. Yet, instrumentally, it develops in such interesting ways too.
Northlane – Crucified
Australian metalcore heavyweights Northlane have shared ‘Crucified’, the latest single from their upcoming seventh studio record ‘Anemoia’, out everywhere October 30th.
Explains frontman Marcus Bridge:
‘Crucified’ is about the collapse of civil discourse – the way every disagreement now defaults to attack, every conversation becomes a battleground, every difference of opinion ends with someone playing the victim. Not only touching on politics, it’s about the regression of communication as a whole: arguments online, wars, general difference of opinion. If you’re offside, misaligned / we won’t rest tonight / till you’re fucking crucified. The instinct to go for the throat rather than hear someone out has seeped into every corner of life.
Huge. That is the word that comes to mind here. Northlane sound absolutely huge here and it’s as simple as them delivering a boisterous metalcore anthem. One that has barely controlled chaos running through it, one that has a chorus you can scream along to, and one with big head busting breakdowns.
Kidpunk – Surrender
Newcastle punk-rockers Kidpunk have announced their signing to Easy Life Records. Their first release for the label is the hard-hitting new single ‘Surrender’.
Speaking about the new single, vocalist Shaun Wright shares:
Surrender is a song that can be interpreted in many ways, but to me it’s a metaphor for those moments when defeat or heartbreak feels inevitable, but there’s something more honourable going down swinging rather than surrendering without a fight.
A brash display of hyperactive punk rock that combines the past (I can’t help but get Sum 41 vibes here and there) and the present (genre-bending) in impressive fashion. It’s a really catchy hit that puts a big smile on the face.
Breed 77 – Wish You Well
Having recently announced their first album in thirteen years, ‘VII’, flamenco metal favourites Breed 77 are offering up a taste of it in the shape of their new single ‘Wish You Well’;
Vocalist Paul Isola says:
Our latest cut off our new album, ‘VII’ is an eclectic affair – exotic and emotive, ‘Wish You Well’ is a celebration of the chaos – the thousands of differing opinions and points of view, some of these held by people close to you. It’s alright if we don’t see eye to eye on some issues, throughout life people change and their views change – I guess the message of the song is a somewhat sarcastic ‘ Even though I think you’re wrong, I wish you well…’ You know? Don’t lose friends over differences – in this crazy world we live in EVERYONE has crazy ideas/views but we need to talk them through.
‘Wish You Well’ is a bit of a trip for its relatively short 3 minutes and change run time; we take you on quite a journey – it floats, it kicks, it’s grungy, there’s a bit of flamenco in there – we’re not pulling any punches, it’s full-on Breed!
Breed 77 doing what Breed 77 do best, meaning anyone who considers themselves a fan will come away very pleased by the heart and soul of this track. Heart and soul that comes with potent melody, roaring metal heaviness, and plenty of that unmistakable flamenco vibrancy. It’s a strong modern showcase of what Breed 77 can do.
Halflives – Unshattered
Halflives have returned. Eighteen months after their last release, Halflives creative mastermind Linda Battilani has unleashed ‘Unshattered’.
Unshattered tells a tale that many will be able to relate to, whether in the world of music or in daily life, as Linda explains:
Unshattered came from a place of feeling like I wasn’t enough. I think that’s something a lot of us experience today. We’re constantly surrounded by other people’s achievements, especially on social media, where everyone seems to be winning and reaching new milestones. When you’re already struggling, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself and feeling like you’re falling behind.
I think that’s also very true in the music industry. There are moments where you’re in between chapters, when things are quieter, and it feels like everyone else is moving forward while you’re standing still. The industry can turn music into a race driven by numbers and the pressure to constantly be bigger than everyone else. But art was never meant to be a competition.
When I wrote Unshattered, I imagined all of this as a battlefield. The lyrics are filled with images of conflict because that’s what that mindset feels like: a relentless fight where everyone is trying to reach the top, even if it means stepping over someone else to get there (“we climb on bodies just to reach new heights, being better maker the pain feel light, but is it right?”). That’s the world we’re often encouraged to accept, but it’s not one I want to be part of.
This song is a reminder to myself that music (and life in general) is about something much deeper. I make it because I love it, because it’s what keeps me alive. More than anything, I hope Unshattered encourages people (whether they’re musicians or not) to let go of comparison, step away from the race, and focus on what truly matters: creating, living, and staying true to themselves.
Sounding as impassioned as ever, Halflives cut straight to the bone with this powerful anthemic effort. Showcasing the melodic depth that has drawn so many listeners to them but also showcasing artistic development that sees things expand into more intense territories. It’s a track you simply won’t be able to stop singing.
Floya – Jeneau
Modern Rock duo Floya have returned with new single ‘Juneau’ via Arising Empire, marking their first new music in more than a year.
Returning with an anthemic bang, Floya dig deep to unleash one of their most potent sounding tracks to date. A track with uplifting harmonies, expressive use of atmosphere and effects, big anthemic properties, and so much more. It’s a return that delivers on all expectations.
Rainburn – confessions
‘confessions’ is the latest track from Bangalore progressive rock trio Rainburn’s upcoming album, ‘thirty-seven’, a concept album about a near-death experience while stranded at sea. The album is out November 4th, 2026.
The story behind the album is fascinating, and to hear a section of that through this expressive explosion of progressive ideas, is delightful. Yet, even knowing nothing, it’s a track that gives you so much. Rainburn challenging the mind with an ardent display of clever, enchanting, and unruly arrangements that coalesce to create an unexpectedly listenable chorus.
Luna Kills – supervillain
Luna Kills are back with ‘supervillain’, a new single that turns apocalyptic imagery into a sharp metaphor for ego, influence, and the destructive forces certain people can unleash around them.
Says vocalist Lotta:
The lyrics depict our sun going supernova, and it serves as a metaphor of a certain type of people that suck the air out of the spaces they inhabit. As their influence and power rises along their ego it will lead up to their inevitable fall which might have terrible consequences for others around them.
Thinking Luna Kills are too poppy for you based off the start to this track? You don’t know this band. Patience is key here as explosivity is a big part of the track’s style and sound. Luna Kills do a fantastic job of building, getting more intense, before finally unleashing a cacophony of furious heaviness. The vocal screams are fantastic.
Black Groove – Mutton
Eastbourne based sludge metal quartet Black Groove have released their new single, ‘Mutton’. They’ve also just announced that their brand new album ‘Work Yourself To The Bone’ is coming via Human Worth.
Well, isn’t this a noisy one? Black Groove’s sludge is the kind that feels destructive, the kind that slams into your mind with the force of a tornado, and the kind that you can’t help but sink into. Which might sound par for the course for purveyors of sludge, but you’ve not heard Black Groove’s filthy instrumentals combined with howling vocals that might be better suited for a black metal band. It’s awesome.
Turmion Kätilöt – Amon-Ra
Finnish disco-metal pioneers Turmion Kätilöt have unleashed ‘Amon-Ra’, the third single from their highly anticipated upcoming album, ‘Resodance’, which will be released on October 23rd via Nuclear Blast.
Vocalist Shag-U comments on the track:
Amon-Ra brings out that delicious sense of twistedness that is absolutely essential to our music. Everyone must find their own interpretation of the world this ritual leads them into. This is a prophecy – the final omen before the album is unleashed.
Guess what? Yep, it’s a bloody anthem, because of course it is. Turmion Kätilöt’s reputation for creating wacky, fun, and infectious metal remains unblemished thanks to this lovable banger. An excitable and danceable banger with plenty of metallised fire to guarantee those who want to head bang won’t be left wanting either.
Bullet for My Valentine – Social Apocalypse
Bullet For My Valentine will release their new album, ‘Social Apocalypse’, on March 19th, 2027, via Spinefarm. The announcement arrives with the new single by the same name.
A disappointing listen that sees Bullet for My Valentine borrow ideas from the modern metalcore world, and in doing so, lose a bit part of their identity. It’s very hard to listen to this and not hear Architects, which wouldn’t be a problem, except we already have Architects. I don’t get it, and I don’t get excited by it, even though I can’t tell you that it’s a bad track either, because it’s not.
DragonForce, Goat Monsoon, EMNW, Left to Suffer, Eville, Takeda, Northlane, Kidpunk, Breed 77, Halflives, Floya, Rainburn, Luna Kills, Black Groove, Turmion Kätilöt, and Bullet for My Valentine!
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DragonForce – Hunger of the Beast - 8/10
8/10
-
Goat Monsoon – Concede - 9/10
9/10
-
EMNW – Party Loud - 7/10
7/10
-
Left to Suffer – Unrequited Dread - 9/10
9/10
-
Eville – Flip Phone (feat. Emmy Mack of RedHook) - 7/10
7/10
-
Takeda – Lion’s Den - 8/10
8/10
-
Northlane – Crucified - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Kidpunk – Surrender - 7/10
7/10
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Breed 77 – Wish You Well - 8/10
8/10
-
Halflives – Unshattered - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Floya – Jeneau - 8/10
8/10
-
Rainburn – confessions - 7/10
7/10
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Luna Kills – supervillain - 8/10
8/10
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Black Groove – Mutton - 9/10
9/10
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Turmion Kätilöt – Amon-Ra - 8/10
8/10
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Bullet for My Valentine – Social Apocalypse - 6/10
6/10


