DEFOCUS have dropped the new single titled “Let The Bond Be My Grave,” which tells the story about how we are all fighting inner demons — and for most of the time, we are fighting them on our own.

Watch the video here.

Founded by Simon Müller, Jeffrey Uhlmann, Jonas Mahler, and Marcel “Bambam” Heberling, the Aalen quartet spent time making music together before stepping into the light in early 2019. They dropped their debut In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same.

“mastery of the essentials 7/10” — Metal Hammer

“Modern Metalcore, which qualitatively ranks directly at the top. At the latest, when an ARCHITECTS commemorative ‘Blegh’ is hurled at you in the first song, it’s clear that DEFOCUS are taking their lead from the grandees” — FUZE

British heavyweights Heart Of A Coward are back with the self-reflective, aggressive track “This Place Only Brings Death,” which explores the harsh realities of modern society. The song is out now via Arising Empire!

Watch the video here.

The band’s music combines elements of metalcore, deathcore, and djent. They also draft a balance between heaviness and melody.

Heart Of A Coward released their debut album, Hope and Hindrance, in 2012, which received critical acclaim and helped establish the band’s sound and style. They have since released several other albums, including Severance (2013), Deliverance (2015), and The Disconnect (2019).

HEART OF A COWARD ARE:
Kaan Tasan — Vocals
Carl Ayers — Guitar + Vocals
Dan Thornton — Guitar
Vishal “V” Khetia — Bass
Christopher “Noddy” Mansbridge — Drums

BAND SHARES “THE DEVIL & LOVERS” VIDEO — WATCH

Swiss band Vicious Rain — David Häusermann, guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli, guitarist Tristan Meier, bassist Loris De Notaristefano, and drummer Michael Teufelberger — have released their crushing debut single “The Devil & Lovers.”

Watch the video here.

Formed in late 2022, Vicious Rain are an alternative metalcore band hailing from Baden, Switzerland, bringing several years of professional recording and live show experience. They combine influences as intertwined singing/screaming vocals — with a pinch of hope-infused singalongs, screaming melodic leads topped with crushing breakdowns — embracing everything from the heavy side of the genre all the way to the more intimate melodic side. The band’s spirit is marked by their shared belief in the importance of solidarity and the role of the individual accomplishment of a common vision. Lyrically, the band expresses their stance on recent and recurring personal matters without mincing their words, believing that self-reflection is the key in order to grow.

The song was co-produced, recorded, mixed and mastered in by Manuel Renner (Senna, Consvmer). “It’s a special song for us as it was the first one we wrote together. We immediately found a natural rhythm and flow, and the writing process felt effortless. Our co-producer, Manuel, was an invaluable collaborator, helping us refine the track and bring it to the next level. While Mirko Witzki’s stunning visual representation further enhances the song’s message and emotion. Overall, creating this song was a fun and enjoyable journey, and we’re excited to share it with everyone,” says Gugerli.

“‘The Devil & Lovers’ is a heartfelt song that explores the bittersweet story of two people that share a deep passion and connection, but whose circumstances or timing keep them apart,” says David Häusermann. “The song captures the intense emotions of love and longing, while symbolizing the obstacles that can prevent two people from being together. It’s a testament to the universal human experience of unfulfilled desire and the struggles we face in pursuing our heart’s desires.”

For their first release via Arising Empire, the band states “This is an important step in the right direction and it feels good to do it in cooperation with the Arising Empire family. Much excitement and anticipation for our first collaboration!”