Heavy is as heavy does. And here’s how today’s heavy hitters are doing it:
Necrambulant | Sentenced To A Gluttonous Pit
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Phoenix’s Necrambulant will unleash their second full-length Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance in March. It will be the followup to 2022’s A Feast of Festering Flesh EP and the 2013 debut album Infernal Infectious Necro-ambulatory Pandemic. After revealing their first single Chunked Pus Chowder with a claymation video in November, they are unshackling their next video and second single Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit. “This was the first song written for the new album,” they say. “Lyrically, the theme came from watching movies like Army of Darkness and Return of the Jedi; where there is some sort of criminal sentence of being cast into a pit containing something within that will consume you. In this story, it’s a septic pit that serves as both an open sewer for human waste and a habitat for flesh-hungry zombies awaiting someone to be “sentenced to the pit.”
Abolishment Of Flesh | Hater Of Man
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Texas death metal powerhouse Abolishment of Flesh unshackle their latest video — for their track Hater of Man off their latest EP Resurrecting Misanthropy. A relentless barrage of guttural death metal to knock you off your feet, the song is about a child in the womb who senses the rejection and hatred of a drug addict mother. This child grows to become disassociated with society and reality. In the end, the person is consumed with hate for themselves and everyone around them. Vocalist and guitarist Ramon Cazares comments:”This was another one I wrote almost 10 years ago. The part after the solo was rewritten and re-arranged. The older version was old-school death metal so I wanted to modernize it in a sense. I think it turned out nicely and the riffs are really fun to play.”
Nivane | Tomorrow’s A New Day
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Sacramento’s Niviane, the powerhouse of American power metal, drop their latest single and video Tomorrow’s a New Day. Taken from their upcoming album Queen of Phantoms — due March 7 — this track showcases the band’s signature blend of soaring melodies, intense riffs, and emotional depth while exploring a profound and deeply personal theme. Unlike the other songs on the album, Tomorrow’s a New Day was a spontaneous creation that originated during a live-streamed writing session in the midst of the COVID lockdowns. Initially conceived as a demonstration of the band’s songwriting process, the track’s impact was undeniable, leading Niviane to keep it and ultimately include it on the album. Lyrically, the song delves into mental health struggles, touching on themes of depression, drug abuse, and emotional turmoil. Sung from the perspective of a friend or family member witnessing a loved one spiral downward, the track delivers a powerful and poignant message. As the band explain: “We decided to touch on some deeper subject matter on a few songs for this album, and this track was definitely one of those.”
Highway Queen | Lies
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Highway Queen just released their new EP, opening a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers’ journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending ’80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. A video for the track Lies is out today, adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.”
Mutank | Abortron
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Canadian thrashers Mutank have just released a headbanging video for their track Abortron, from their latest album Think Before You Think. Here’s what the bandmembers have to say. Costa: “Elon Musk is jealous he didn’t invent this robot who sucks the lives out of your uterus!” Stephen: “The lyrics for Abortron are disgusting and no one should read them.” Think Before You Think was the band’s followup to the highly praised 2017 EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. It features a rampage of 10 thrash happy tracks with fan favourites such as Running Reds, Abortron and Thrash Primordial.”
Risen Crow | Believe In Me
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Italian power/gothic metal band Risen Crow returns with their second single Believe In Me, from the upcoming album Requiem For A Damned Love, due Feb. 28. Believe In Me is an anthem of trust, inner turmoil, and connection, blending symphonic textures, intricate guitars, and emotive vocals. Concept-driven, haunting, and melodic, this single sets the tone for a journey through obsession, madness, and the destructive power of love. The video delivers a cinematic experience, perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the track. Let Risen Crow take you into their world of powerful storytelling and atmospheric metal.”
Derev | Cyclone
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Toronto progressive metal band Derev unveil their latest single Cyclone, a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track is the latest preview of their album Troubled Mind, slated for release on March 26. The band comment: “Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state — imposter syndrome — makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.” Cyclone demonstrates Derev’s masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax.”
