Lifelong metal devotees Friday Dies have released a plethora of original music under their name, uniting the muggy haze of grunge with the pace and evolutionary composition of progressive metal – a quality that stands insanely tall for the single Of Wizards and Witches.
Metal
For me, tracks like this are few and far between – the vibe is that of an early 2000s alternative rock approach, but the songwriting and personality breathe new life into the delivery; resulting in an independent style that’s honest, provocative, and naturally an earworm.
Backed by another fireside set of visuals, juxtaposition is a crucial aspect of the artistry of Björn Donath. The music presents an ambient to heavy metal arrangement but at a surprisingly mellow, cinematic tempo, the scene feels arena-ready and boldly passionate, yet the setting is calm, collected, ready to relax. The whole thing utilises polar opposites to captivate its audience, and the result is a rather perfectly timed three-plus minutes of expressive and modestly evolving emotion.
Perhaps perfectly titled for the sheer grip and escapism of its make up, Distorsión in tiene veins has the impact and power of a classic Pendulum track, but also the humanity and roar of a timeless heavy metal performance. The two styles could prove chaotic and incompatible in the wrong hands, but something about CiDiaH’s clear passion and appreciation for both allows this release to feel like a match made in heaven.
For the hard rock fans with a passion for the gritty and melodic uniting under a purposeful songwriting blanket of expression – Kansas artist and musician Luke Fitzgerald has captured a sublime sound and style, with the evocative and addictive pace and presence of Lost My Mind.
Buckle-up for this one – an explosive metal track with a completely unexpected yet intense and brilliant hook. 3mind Blight joins forces with Crimson Violet Blight, for the intoxicating and fiercely passionate declaration Sinner.
Reigniting the anthemic energy of rap and rock with a distorted twist of contemporary observation – one half of LA’s Dual Diagnosis gears up to launch two brand new singles from his upcoming sophomore album, and in the process injects a fearless performative and production edge into the modern scene.
Explosive and catchy in equal parts, perfectly in keeping with their ever defiant-opposition to mainstream expectation, indie rock legends Love Ghost team up with Cinnamon Babe, for the brilliantly-written new metal gem Do You Like Me Now?
Known for their fusion of smooth synths, intensely distorted guitars and the fierce crash of the drums, A Million Little Fires are also recognised for their thoughtful storytelling and inspiring sentiments. This opening track celebrates all of these qualities at once, and kicks off Aspects & Echoes with style.
Known for their purely improvised albums, the self-defined instrumental cult Mycena are a Croatian collaborative project with four albums already to their name. Their approach is to fearlessly push the boundaries of musical expression, to find new flavours of psychedelic intensity and depth, and to limit nothing and no one during that process.
The familiar ache of desperation, of inescapable self-burden, resounds throughout the fearlessly honest lyrics of the song, and the contrast between these thoughtful, clearly informed verses, and the heavier resolve of the hook, helps the topic and feeling really connect.
It’s a simple but essential take on the matter, and the music sounds immense – hopefully Better Off Alive will reach the right people at just the right time.
Anthemic by design but also unafraid to push the creative boat out further than mainstream officials may recommend, Signature Gold effectively unite alternative and accessible rock and metal with this release, and showcase great songwriting abilities at the same time.