Here at Revolver, we're always on the hunt for great new music — indeed, it's a big part of our jobs. With that in mind, here are the tracks released this week in metal, hard rock, hardcore and beyond that have been on heavy rotation at Revolver HQ. For your listening pleasure, we've also compiled the songs in a Spotify playlist, below, which will grow each week.
Leeched - "The Stone and the Steel"
Drummer Tom Hansell's heavily tatted-up face says it all — Leeched know they have no place in civilized society. The Manchester, U.K. trio's 2017 debut EP Nothing Will Grow From the Rotten Ground proved them to be a particularly gnarly and antisocial new voice in hardcore, part Nasum, part Godflesh, all hatred. Judging from their latest offering, "The Stone and the Steel," a pulverizing cut off their forthcoming LP You Took the Sun When You Left, Leeched have only gotten more filth-encrusted, ultra-violent and intent on not fitting in. There might be something wrong with us, but we fucking love it.
Initiate - "Nasty Woman"
What do Hillary Clinton and Initiate singer Crystal Pak have in common? They're both nasty women — and damn proud of it, too. The California hardcore upstarts' new song "Nasty Woman" finds her playing the roles of both interrogator and executioner, undressing the Pussy Grabbers AND Pussy Melters as her compatriots lob riff after riotous, rage-fueled riff into the din. "Why are you repulsed by woman like me?" Pak jeers, before rattling off a list of screamed follow-ups: "Is it 'cause my head's held high rather than eyes off to the side? Is it 'cause I'm making the plays rather than on the sidelines? Is it 'cause when I speak out, it's NOT my PMS?" Here's our guess, based on 2000 years of world history: They're repulsed because they're scared. And given this band's power, the haters have every right to fear for their lives.
Pig Destroyer - "Army of Cops"
Following a six-year break, grindcore stalwarts Pig Destroyer returned this week with "Army of Cops," the whiplash-inducing new single off their upcoming sixth album Head Cage. Given the Virginia band's predilections for shortform, the enlistment of the group's first-ever bassist John Jarvis marks a major breakthrough for the band's sterling sound, enlivening their crust-punk aggression with expanded textures and percussive depth. Is this even grindcore at all at this point? Watching the song's Pantera-esque video, we're thinking no.
Jesus Piece - "Neuroprison"
If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from depression and/or anxiety, you've probably found yourself in prison at some point your life — and we don't mean the nearest correctional facility. Rather, mental illness incarcerates you within your own mind, depriving its victim of food, sleep, purpose and sometimes even life itself. Few songs capture the essence of this turmoil quite like "Neuroprison," the scorching new track from Philadelphia hardcore upstarts Jesus Piece. "Time flies as I do my time," Aaron Heard roars, his laments growing more lashing and desperate by the second. "While the days blend together, I fear that I'm losing my grip." Less than a minute later, his dread comes to fruition in the form of a deep, harrowing breakdown for the ages.
Horrendous - "Soothsayer"
The most refreshing aspect of Horrendous' approach to death metal (for us, anyway) is how generally unclassifiable it sounds compared to the orthodox stances adopted by their fellow East Coast revivalists. The Philadelphia band evades the labels yet again on their latest track "Soothsayer," which culls from black metal, thrash, and European death metal without ever falling into self-parody or even "tribute." This is wholly original and compelling stuff, with enough melodies, plot twists and fantastic riffs to warrant repeat listens.
Daughters - "Satan in the Wait"
With a discordant guitar part that screams discomfort, noise-rockers Daughters have returned to the recorded arena with a bang. On their comeback single "Satan in the Wait," the hardcore of the group's past disappears in lieu of post-punk à la the Birthday Party or Christian Death — looming, lying in wait, building with tension and ferocity. The track never truly explodes, which speaks volumes for Daughters' ability to hold back with such dramatic flair.
