Every neighborhood has a fireworks asshole. You know who I mean — that one weird loser dude (and it’s always a dude) who gleefully fires off volley after volley of explosives every chance he gets. Holidays, long weekends, sports championships, whatever — any excuse will do. Well, he’s going to be in his happy place for the next week or so, which means you have two options: Join him in the boom-boom room or drown him out with these explosive offerings. Just remember to keep a bucket of water handy. Light ’em up:
Kratornas | Ravaged By Hurakaan
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Kratornas has released the official lyric video for Ravaged By Hurakaan, the third track from the upcoming full-length album God Of The Tribes, due Aug. 22. Following the successful limited releases of the Ravaged By Hurakaan vinyl demo and remix cassette last month, this video presents the full album version of the track for the first time. At seven minutes, the song demonstrates the new direction Kratornas has taken, focusing on atmosphere, tension, and ritualistic elements rather than the blistering speed of earlier works. “This album marks a turning point for Kratornas,” he says. “The first 15 years were deprived years. Not of ideas, but of the equipment to record them. That’s why I was stuck with simplicity, but it was never the plan. Now I have everything I need to get THAT sound. This album isn’t about being ‘advanced’ or ‘innovative’, it’s a return to roots, distilled into something raw and real.”
Visitant | Fodder
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Blackened death metal newcomers Visitant emerge from the shadows with their single Fodder, a 4:37 ritualistic journey that showcases the band’s ability to weave ethereal elements into an unrelentingly aggressive soundscape. The track arrives with an accompanying video, marking the first glimpse into the band’s immersive dreamscapes. “This song, lyrically, was written from a really dark dream,” they say. “Musically, this song is so powerful. We feel like this captures our abilities so well, which is why we chose this as our first single. It’s just hard-hitting from the get-go, but still so melodic and feral. Fodder is a song that comes out swinging from the gate heavy, punchy, dissonant, and groove-driven, all the while retaining melody and a hook.”
Secret Rule | Echoes Of The Earth
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Secret Rule just released their new single Echoes Of The Earth, accompanied by a video. It is the second preview of their upcoming 10th studio album X, due later this year. With Echoes Of The Earth, Secret Rule explore a more introspective and spiritual side of their sound. The song blends heavy grooves, atmospheric tension, and layered electronics, creating a powerful and immersive soundscape. Lyrically, it reflects on the human need to reconnect with what is real and primordial in a chaotic, artificial world. “It’s about listening for something ancient to guide you. I wrote the lyrics during a time when I needed to feel grounded again. That chorus is the moment of awakening,” says vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo. Guitarist and producer Andy Menario adds: “We wanted a track that felt direct and alive — something that could carry both chaos and order, like a dialogue between the modern world and the earth itself.”
Famous Strangers | L.S.C.
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Edmonton’s Famous Strangers unravel their new video for the single L.S.C. As one of the first songs that all four bandmembers wrote together from start to finish, the track is raw and intense. It represents exactly where they are as a band right now: Fearless in their songwriting and unafraid to blend melody with brutality. “L.S.C. is meant to take you on a ride,” says guitarist Jeff Kittilitz. “It starts soft, like it is letting you in slowly, and then it flips the switch. The heaviness hits out of nowhere. It grabs you, shakes you, and then drags you through the rest of the track without letting go. It eases you in, then completely takes over, and by the time it is done, it feels like it has drained the life out of you in the best way.”
Harvested | The Infestation
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Canadian death metal powerhouse Harvested continue to build anticipation for their upcoming LP Dysthymia with the new lyric video for The Infestiation. This track exemplifies the band’s thematic shift toward exploring mental illness through a psychological lens, moving beyond their previous gore-focused approach to tackle the brutal realities of mental health struggles. “The final track of the album, we saved one of our best for last,” they say. “It has been influenced by bands such as Cannibal Corpse and Deicide, among others. It’s also the longest track in this release. The song describes mental illness on a more political scale and has an influence globally. Which direction is our world heading when being governed by psychopaths? It all pertains to mental illness at the end of the day, which is the recurring theme of this band’s lyrical approach.”
Matt Miller | Descent Into Violence
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Technical death metal virtuoso Matt Miller just released his latest single, Descent into Violence. The song offers a powerful glimpse into the sonic landscape of his seventh album Fiber Tormentum, due Sept. 12. Driven by explosive instrumentation and guttural passion, Descent Into Violence is a visceral experience. Lyrically, the track explores themes of desperation and survival, painting the picture of a soul teetering on the edge and fighting to stay alive in a world stacked against them. It’s a cry from the depths, echoing the struggles many face but few can articulate. This single marks a significant evolution in Miller’s musical journey, transitioning from his previous instrumental works to a full-band composition. Joining him on this project are Jordan Kelso (drums, synth), Justice Robinett (bass) and Biko Wright (vocals), each bringing unique elements that enrich the album’s dynamic sound. Miller reflects, “It’s got a lot to offer for the instrumental fans as well as new fans who want to hear the music with vocals and the unique things each of these musicians is bringing to the table.”
