Now that you mention it, today has been something of a freaking grind. And since I firmly believe in fighting fire with fire, I can see no other option: I’m dousing the joint in kerosene, torching it with my trusty Zippo and collecting the insurance money. But I’m not doing it alone: These fire-breathing videos and singles are just what the pyromaniac ordered. Try not to get singed:
SweetBeast | Plastic People
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Kelowna’s SweetBeast have a new music video to share for the track Plastic People — the third preview of their forthcoming debut album Illusions, due in late February. They explain: “This track critiques the superficiality of modern society, particularly the harmful effects of social media on mental health. With lines like ‘effects and filters, digital weapons,’ the song highlights how the endless stream of digitally altered images fuels feelings of inadequacy, especially in women. This cycle of comparison can lead to doom scrolling, depression, and even suicide, stripping away authenticity and turning people into hollow, ‘plastic’ versions of themselves. By raising awareness of these devastating effects, the song encourages self-reflection and contrasts inner beauty with the hollowness of curated personas.”
The Wring | Before I Disappear
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “With their recent fourth album Nemesis, Canadian prog rockers The Wring marked a significant step in their musical journey, showcasing a more cohesive and refined sound that blends their heavy rock roots with progressive and jazz influences. With eight tracks that span just over 40 minutes, Nemesis adds a new, technical twist to progressive metal. Today, The Wring share their latest video for Before I Disappear. Guitarist and band founder Don Dewulf adds: “At a certain point in everyone’s life, each of us will start to think about mortality and legacy. I certainly don’t dwell on these things, but I have a son who is now a young adult, and we are very close, so I often think about the overlap of the contexts of our lives. A proper moral compass is the best I can do, and the song is about that. The music has a major feel and is the most ‘pop’ of any Wring song, which I balance out with a very evil-sounding pre-chorus. The solo starts somewhat Skynyrdesque but, of course, ends on the dark side of the street.”
Yesterday’s Hero | What I Needed
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Ohio alt-metal crew Yesterday’s Hero have a new video to offer up for their track What I Needed, featured on their debut album Ways To Hate. Guitarist Tony Smith wrote it with his son playing the drums. A Rise Against-inspired banger, it’s a song that is medication for the wounds that we’ve all been dealt. “Waking up to the realization that not everything is as it seems and really accepting that — it’s what a lot of us need to move forward in life,” says Smith. Yesterday’s Hero are a good-time band; yhey have more fun out at the shows than they probably should. They are no choirboys, as they make clear on their first full-length Ways To Hate. It was purposely recorded in analog to give you a real album experience — not just singles spread out. The tracklisting was designed for each song to complement the next from beginning to end, as the lyrics deal with the emotions of struggling with a bleeding heart at the end of a tumultuous relationship.”
Nekomata | Road To Ruin
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Last week, Nekomata released their second album Euphoria. Following the success of the singles Zero, De Priapi Dilemma and In My Flesh, the band deliver a record that solidifies their place as innovators in the modern metal scene. Euphoria is an explosive blend of power metal, metalcore and death metal infused with cinematic atmospheres, relentless energy, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of Architects, Veil of Maya, Periphery and Monuments will find plenty to love in this groundbreaking release. To celebrate the album’s release, Nekomata is thrilled to unveil the video for Road to Ruin, featuring exclusive footage captured during their triumphant tour in Japan in November 2024. The video is a testament to the band’s electrifying live performances and their growing connection with audiences worldwide.”
Abzy | Mistakes
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After releasing his debut album Hollow Bloom in December, Kuwaiti singer-songwriter and metal enthusiast Abzy (frontman of Wazin and former vocalist and guitarist of Srai) is sharing the video for the track Mistakes. The song is about about regret, reflection and the desire for second chances. “This song reflects on the mistakes we’ve all made in the past, exploring the idea of what it would be like if we had the chance to go back and change them,” he adds. Embracing the energy of metal and his Middle Eastern roots, along with a global music palette and his personal experiences, Abzy has fused them all in Hollow Bloom, a raw, introspective exploration of the human experience. His powerful songwriting captures the emotional turmoil of past trauma, the weight of toxic relationships, and the universal search for peace, all wrapped in a perfect balance of aggressive and soothing melodies.”
Svnth | Cinnamon Moon
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Italian experimental metal outfit Svnth has just released their single Cinnamon Moon off their forthcoming album Pink Noise Youth, due out in April. Cinnamon Moon showcases their distinctive approach to genre-blending, weaving together elements of blackgaze and post-hardcore to create a deeply personal sonic landscape. The track stands as an emotional open letter, chronicling the complex journey of late youth through a rich tapestry of sound that includes slowdive-inspired ethereal delays, black metal screams, and the unconventional incorporation of the electric Indian sitar. The band share their thoughts on the single: “It unveils some of the most interesting features offered on the album in terms of sound and mood. With its captivating mix of blackgaze and post-hardcore, the song is an open letter soaked in fragility and emotional exposure, delivered to a loved one as a memorial of the hampered paths walked together on the road of late youth.”
Lunar | Fall Back Into Old Habits
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Sacramento’s progressive metal visionaries Lunar share the lyric video for Fall Back Into Old Habits, delivering a powerful exploration of personal patterns and emotional cycles. As the third preview of their upcoming concept album Tempora Mutantur, the track promises to be a visceral examination of human vulnerability, showcasing the band’s unique ability to transform personal struggles into universal musical experiences. Drummer Alex Bosson adds: “This is, I think, the longest, and maybe the ‘heaviest’ song for Lunar thus far. Mostly features the growl vocals from Brian Lewis (although there is some of Chandler’s beautiful voice on here too). Lots of double basses, and multiple shreddy guitar solos (including one from Wildrun’s Wayne Ingram).” Lyrically, Fall Back Into Old Habits deals with addiction, or anything we do that can give us temporary relief to help us get through rough moments, but ultimately have terrible long-term effects on ourselves. The 11-minute epic represents Lunar’s commitment to creating music that is therapeutically honest and musically innovative.”
Aitheer | The Dance Of Twins
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the announcement of their debut album The Serpent, Aitheer are thrilled to present the next step in this sonic journey: The Dance of Twins, a striking single that encapsulates the band’s fearless approach to progressive metal. This genre-defying track is one of the most dynamic and intricate compositions on The Serpent. The song transitions from an intense opening, marked by blistering riffs and growling vocals into unexpected acoustic passages before culminating in a soaring saxophone and guitar solo. It is a bold testament to Aitheer’s ability to traverse musical extremes, weaving chaos and melody into a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Formed in 2017 by Niko Löfman (vocals, guitars), Antton Kasslin (drums) and Roope Kytölä (bass), Aitheer have steadily evolved from a jam and cover band into one of Finland’s most forward-thinking progressive metal acts. Their 2020 EP Sleeper laid the groundwork for their experimental style, but The Serpent pushes their vision even further, embracing a cinematic and boundary-breaking approach that draws from metal, jazz, classical, and ambient influences.”
