Saturday Singles: Toxikull-“Nightraiser”

Mosher Records and Firecum Records
2018

Formed in 2016 (and previously known as Toxic Room), Toxikull is a (killer!) Portuguese speed/thrash metal band that sports one bass ass moniker! Thank the metal gods above and below then that their latest single, "Nightraiser", lives up to the group's fucking wicked name!! Fronted by the brothers Lex Thunder (Midnight Priest) and Michael Blade, Toxikull* goes straight for the jugular with the raw and utterly ruthless "Nightraiser"! It mixes classic speed metal and thrash with modern heavy/thrash metal. Filled with great guitar work, a sick rhythm section,  and demonic screams from hell, this headbanger clocks in at just over five minutes! Well-written and all but guaranteed to start a mosh pit(!), "Nightraiser" also serves as the title cut for the band's upcoming EP. If this sinister single is anything to go by, "The Nightraiser" EP might just be one of the best speed/thrash metal releases of 2018! We can only hope. While we wait for that moment, this monster of a metal moment can be experienced by checking out the video below. Enjoy!

*Possessed by the spirits of old school heavy metal, speed metal, and thrash, Toxikull also includes bassist/vocalist Armageddon (Booze Abuser, Okkultist) and drummer The Lorke.

Saturday Singles: Awaken Shepherd-"Speed"

NRT-Records
2018

Awaken Shepherd is a (hard & heavy) alternative rock band from Austria that takes it's cues from both heavy metal and pop-rock. The group is fronted by Harald Johann Zettl (aka: "Johnny Paper") and includes Werner Jauk (lead guitar), Heinz Schwarzäugl (rhythm guitar), Mathias Rak (bass), and Nino Markgraf (drums). Due out on March 16th, "Speed" is the 2nd single from the group's upcoming debut album, "Into The Light". It is a (short & sweet) foot-tapper with graceful vocals and a catchy chorus. At three minutes in length, "Speed" sounds as if it is destined for airplay on both alternative rock and (modern-day) rock radio stations. You can check out the official video for "Speed" below.

Saturday Singles: Astray Valley-"Northlights"

WormHoleDeath Records
2018

Astray Valley is a female-fronted modern metal band from Spain that has been active since 2014. Fronted by lead singer Clau Violette (a fearsome front-woman with incredible range!), Astray Valley's latest single, "Northlights", is taken from the group's (as yet untitled?) forthcoming album. It is a brutal (and yet balanced) take on modern metal from this skilled and well-rounded band. Formed by Clau Violette, guitarist Joan Aneris, bassist Jorge Romero and drummer Erny Roca, Astray Valley seems to be headed in the right direction based on the dynamics of their new song. Fans of not only modern metal, but extreme metal would be well-advised to check this Spanish group out. In the meantime you can check out the official video for "Northlights" right below this piece.

Saturday Singles: Wishing Well-"Children Of Paradise"

Inverse Records
2018

The brainchild of guitarist/primary songwriter Anssi Korkiakoski, Wishing Well is a hard rock band from Helsinki, Finland that is currently fronted by Rafael Castillo. The recently-released single, "Children Of Paradise", comes from the group's upcoming album, "Rat Race". Due to drop on in early March, Wishing Well's new album sounds as if it will be something special. I am basing that assumption on not only the strength of this particular single, but the promo worksheet that accompanied it. While there are really no guarantees in life, I am hoping to review that album in the next week or so. In the meantime, "Children Of Paradise" is the object of focus and it serves as my first introduction to this hard & heavy rock band from Finland. Among many other nice considerations, the well-crafted number features a children's choir and a vintage vibe. It is a smooth track that makes you think fondly about the hard rock music of yesterday. In a world of artificial and fluffed-up hard & heavy (you know the kind of groups that I am talking about) I'll take this style of hard rock any day of the week! Along with the aforementioned promo sheet, "Children Of Paradise" gives me hope that "Rat Race" will light a spark under the tired old scene. Be sure to keep your eyes out for my review of "Rat Race" to see if that ends up being the truth.  

Saturday Singles: Voltang - "Garbage People" (Official Music Video)

Voltang is a (hardcore & punk-infused) hard & heavy rock/raw heavy metal band from Hamilton, Ontario. Earlier this month the group put out the official music video for "Garbage People". That in and of itself isn't all that weird.I mean bands put out music videos all of the time. The only thing that is strange about  "Garbage People" is that it is from the band's 2016 album, "Bad Sounds". Loud and proud (and quite a bit like a sharp stick to the eardrums!), the video for "Garbage People" is two or so years late to the party. Even so, Voltang drops a hammer to the top of your head with this maddening metal number. Like the album from which it came, "Garbage People" is mean and ugly. It's pumped up by anger & frustration and geared towards today's lost generation of punks, metalheads, and misfits of all shapes and colors. With a run-time of 4:22, Voltang's new video is better late than never...



"Garbage People" Official Music Video:

Saturday Single: The Fierce And The Dead-"Truck"

Bad Elephant Music
2018

Formed in early 2010, UK instrumental rock band The Fierce And The Dead is currently comprised of Matt Stevens (guitar, synth, loops), Steve Cleaton (guitar), Kevin Feazey (bass), and Stuart Marshall (drums). Available to download for free at the following site, "Truck" is the first single from the band's forthcoming album, "The Euphoric". At just over four minutes in length, "Truck" falls somewhere between progressive rock and (jam band) hard & heavy rock. It is somewhat catchy and has a great vibe going for it. Now, it might just be me, but the track "Truck" also reminded me of vintage video game soundtracks. I realize that is going to sound odd on paper. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I'd love to hear other people's feelings on the matter. Either way, "Truck" is a fun listen that had me hitting the replay button several time over. I'm looking forward to what the group's next album has to offer.

Saturday Singles: Zig Zags-"Ripping Death B/W Riddle Of Steel"

Famous Class Records
2017

Mostly punk and somewhat metal, L.A.'s Zig Zags (Jed, Dane, and Caleb) released this ass kicking single back in the middle of February. It was actually "Riddle Of Steel" with it's garage thrash take on (vintage) raw metal that sold me on the notion, but the frantic "Ripping Death" is just as righteous. After picking the pair up on iTunes I promptly went and downloaded about a dozen plus more tracks by this distinctly loud & proud trio. Thanks to the influence of everything from British punk to South American thrash, Zig Zag's back catalog covers a lot of ground. For people like me (IE: those of us who keep CDs from Ramones and Motörhead sandwiched in-between G.B.H. and Slayer) that's a damn fine thing....

Saturday Singles-Toxic Holocaust "Max Overload" cover

Self-Release/Independent
2017

The gods be praised, Joel Grind (of Toxic Holocaust fame) has covered Acid's "Max Overload". For those of you who are not in the know, Acid was a slick Belgian speed metal band that was lead by the only and only Katrien de Lombaert. This jam comes from the group's 1983 album, "Maniac", but you can check out their complete discography by heading here. All of it is golden, but "Acid" and "Maniac" are tops. You can (and really should) snag this single. It's a name-your-price download that features guest vocals from one Marz(?) and it is a delight!

Saturday Single: Fast Romantics-"Why We Fight"

Light Organ Records / Postwar Records
2017

Toronto indie-rockers Fast Romantics, lead by vocalist/guitarist Matthew Angus and featuring the talents of  Jeffrey Lewis (bass), Kirty (vocals, acoustic guitar, synth), Kevin Black (guitars), Lisa Lorenz (keyboards) and Nick McKinlay (drums), have recently-released the reflective single, "Why We Fight". As can be witnessed below (in what is, admittedly, a very clever lyric video!), the three-minute song is a catchy little gem (or is it anthem?) that sports a pretty powerful message. Available for download on iTunes (which is where I grabbed it), "Why We Fight" is scheduled to appear on the group's forthcoming album.

Saturday Single: Jenner-"How Deep Is Your Greed"

Infernö Records
2017

Active since mid-December 2013, Serbian speed/thrash metal quartet Jenner have signed on with Infernö Records in order to release their full-length debut album, "To Live Is To Suffer". The intellectual "How Deep Is Your Greed" is just one of the band's original compositions that is set to appear "To Live Is To Suffer". It's a fast and fun take on vintage speed metal and thrash that shows off the many skills of this extremely-talented band. While this highly-anticipated album is not scheduled for release until February 20th, Infernö Records has been kind enough to offer a teaser look at what is sure to be one of 2017's most surprising hits! You can check out the clip for yourself by clicking on the image below. Afterwards be sure to head over to the band's Facebook page and hit that "like" button. And of course keep an eye out for my eventual review of "To Live Is To Suffer"! 

As a side note the band's first album will be available on both CD and cassette. The CD version is limited to 1,000 copies. The cassette one will be only 100 copies. Even though they will likely feature the same track list I still hope to snag both formats. Why you might be asking? Well, since I am a fan first and foremost, Jenner sounds as if it will be a great new addition to my personal collection!

Saturday Singles: Rockstar Frame-"Dark Necessities" (Red Hot Chili Peppers cover)

Rockstar Frame is a hard & heavy rock band from Italy that is fronted by lead singer Faith Blurry. I had high praise for the band's debut album "Rock 'N' Roll Mafia" and I expect more of the same when this group releases it's sophomore album, "Bullet For Birthday", in March. This hot new single is a choice cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' song "Dark Necessities" and it is all set to appear Rockstar Frame's forthcoming release. So far it is only available to view on YouTube*.

*Warning! The above video features quick flashing videos!!

Saturday Singles: The Aftershow-"Kilmister"

Afterlife Music Publishing
2016

The Aftershow is a (killer) new heavy rock/hard rock project from Roxy & Maxine Petrucci. Their debut single, "Kilmister", just came out on December 28th and it finds Roxy (drums) and Maxine (guitar) joined by vocalist Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) and bassist Michael Pisculli. This highly-recommend track (which is available for download on iTunes and Amazon) pays tribute to Motörhead's Lemmy and it is everything that one could hope for given the key players! Hopefully this is more than a one and done deal. 

Saturday Single: T.S.O.L.-"I Wanted To See You"

Rise Records
2017


Available on both iTunes and Amazon, "I Wanted To See You" is a brand new single from the upcoming T.S.O.L. album, "The Trigger Complex". It finds ageless front-man Jack Grisham in pristine form and just like the cult So Cal band responsible for it's creation and performance it defies easy categorization. Formed back in 1978 in Long Beach, California, T.S.O.L (True Sounds of Liberty) originally started out as a punk rock band, but over the years this group's sound took many different forms. Along with goth rock/deathrock, art punk, and horror punk, T.S.O.L. has spent time as a hard rock/heavy metal outfit. This veteran band has also seen plenty of line-up changes over the years. It is a very long story better left for another time and place, but at one point in time this politically-inclined act didn't even feature any of it's original members! How crazy is that!! Thankfully "The Trigger Complex" (which will be the group's 11th studio album!) looks as if it will bring everything back around to beginning and offer some new life to this well-deserving outfit. As hinted at in the official video posted right below this bit, "I Wanted To See You" points toward that possible outcome. But is it alt-rock or is it post-punk heavy rock? Is it closer to the (early) emo scene or is just T.S.O.L. doing what they do best? Take a listen to this cool single and judge for yourself.  With "The Trigger Complex" due out on January 29th, the very slick "I Wanted To See You" could just be the start of T.S.O.L. getting it's proper due. For their sake I really do hope that's the case.

Saturday Singles: The Ragged Saints-"Pretending Diamond"

Turenki Records
2015

Issued back in June of 2015, "Pretending Diamond" is the most current release from Finnish classic hard rock band The Ragged Saints. Members include Markku Kuikka (lead vocals), Tomi Julkunen (guitars), Toni Bite (guitars), Jukka Hoffrén (bass), and drummer Miikki Kunttu and yes, this is the same band that gave us "The Sound Of Breaking Free"*. Formed in 2011, The Ragged Saints hail from Helsinki and they are one of those rare bands that have managed to effectively combine elements of classic rock, radio rock, eighties hard rock, and melodic heavy metal into something absolutely magical! With a new album reportedly in the works there is still hope that the world will catch on to just how good this group is! Meanwhile a cool number like this should give fans a bit of cheer even if it does make you long for more...



*You can read my review of this rock classic by clinking on this link.

Saturday Singles: Devolve-"Refuse To Die"

Independent Ear Records

2015

 

Available for free by clicking on this link, "Refuse To Die" is the debut single from the four-man metal wrecking crew known as Devolve. It was released on February 3rd, 2015 and at a little over four minutes in length it manages to PLOW down your door and do the old smash em', thrash em', and bash em' without even raising a sweat! Sounding somewhat like a less groovy & more hardcore Pantera that's all hopped up on rage-inducting steroids, Devolve gets your blood pumping and your head banging with the hard as a rock "Refuse To Die". For this Rockford, IL-based METAL band a cool as fuck song like "Refuse To Die" is a great first step and it's the perfect way to introduce yourself to scene. Now all we need is a full-length album....

Saturday Singles: Murkocet-Strip Club Massacre

Self-Release/Independent
2016

This Saturday Single moment will be as short and direct as it's subject matter is. Murkocet's groove-heavy "Strip Club Massacre" is the theme song of the upcoming horror film of the same name and it's sure to be a crowd pleasure for fans of Parkway Drive, Bloodsimple, and Lamb of God. While I won't comment of the the actual quality (or lack thereof) of the movie after which it is named, "Strip Club Massacre" is a powerful slice of pure heavy f**kin' metal that is awarded extra points for it's Motörhead-inspired bass lines (courtesy of one Brandon Raeburn) and the fearsome vocal delivery of lead singer Richie Jano!  Drummer Mike Mays and guitarist Nate Garrett round out this Chandler, Arizona' foursome that can be found online by heading here. Meanwhile you can find "Strip Club Massacre" on the group's bandcamp page or at places like iTunes.

Saturday Singles: Project Aegis- "Angel In The Ashes" (Charity Single)

Ulterium Records
2016


"Angel In the Ashes" is a melodic power metal single where all of the profits raised will go towards feeding homeless and refugee families in Greece. This charity single was composed by Theocracy songwriter and lead singer Matt Smith and it was recorded with the help of a all-star cast. In addition to Smith himself, "Angel In The Ashes" features vocals by Rob Rock (Solo, Impellitteri), Daísa Munhoz (Vandroya, Soulspell), Vasilis Georgiou (Sunburst, Black Fate), and Leah McHenry (LEAH). The song (which can be purchased by clicking on the link above) runs over five minutes long and it includes a guitar solo by Gus Drax (Sunburst, Black Fate). Fans of progressive and melodic power metal should appreciate everything that "Angel In the Ashes" has to offer, but seeing as it is a charity single I would like to suggest it to all of our regular readers. ..

Saturday Singles: Black Leaves of Envy-"Forget What You Know"

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Black Leaves of Envy is a up-and-coming heavy rock/metal band that is based in Helston, Cornwall and comprised of Lewis Cunnningham (vocals/rhythm guitar), Cerys Plenty (vocals/bass), Adam Jones (vocals/lead guitar), and Dylan Plenty (vocals/drums). This young and talented band was formed back in November of 2013 before making their studio debut some two years later with the release of a demo single entitled "I Can't Trust You". Released on April 14th, "Forget What You Know" is this group's latest studio output and it was recorded and produced by Dare Mason at the VIP Lounge. The single follows in the footsteps of a 2015 EP, "Living In The Aftermath", and it shows the natural growth and progression of this underground English rock/metal band. Even though the young members of Black Leaves of Envy list groups & artists like Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro, Lower Than Atlantis, and Mallory Knox as their primary sources of inspiration the catchy "Forget What You Know" shows of the skills of one high-school aged band that has it's own thing going on! And we all know how hard that can be!! It is going to be very interesting watching this young band evolve and I for one simply cannot wait to see what the future has in store them. In the meantime be sure to support young rock and heavy metal bands like Black Leaves of Envy as they are the ones who will carry on the flag for all things LOUD and PROUD. Oh yeah, you can find this slightly-addictive single by heading here....

Saturday Singles: Helleborus-Coils

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Helleborus is a two-piece melodic black metal/death metal band that hails from Manitou Springs, Colorado and takes it's name from a poisonous flower that blooms in Winter. The group is comprised of vocalist/lyricist Wyatt Houseman (Akhenaten, ex-Execration) and multi-instrumentalist/producer Jerred Houseman (Akhenaten, Bohemian Grave, ex-Execration) and from what I've been able to gather these two brothers will release their debut album, "The Carnal Sabbath", sometime in the very near future. The interesting single "Coils" was released last year and this well-constructed & downright intriguing number should easily appeal to fans of Satyricon as well as those fine folks who like there blackened death metal to be melodic and doom-laden to the core! Be sure to follow this up-and-coming black metal band as I have no doubt that they will be going places! You can head here to check out there Facebook page.

Saturday Single: Silent Line-"Drag Me Down" (One Direction cover)

Silent Line is a Canadian and Edmonton-based melodic death metal band with three independent albums to it's name. The group's latest release,"Shattered Shores", came out in October of last year and it was a concept album. Maybe one day soon I'll get around to covering it, but for now here we have the  guys in Silent Line doing a cover of "Drag Me Down" by One Direction. Enjoy.