Sometimes when putting this list together, the goal is to mix in the super heavy with some of the softer vibes. Well, it’s the middle of the year and some of the nation’s heaviest acts are dropping some straight-up headbangers. So here are the top picks from the last month to get you circle pitting in the comfort of your own home.
KOH – Golden Death
We are going to start from the top, and when we say that, we mean the Top End. KOH from Darwin are drawing attention to the territory’s emerging metal scene. Formed in the suburbs of the NT’s capital, KOH are garnering the attention they deserve with their brand-new EP Golden Death.
It explores the idea of stripping yourself back and rebuilding into something new. It is a sonic representation of growing upwards despite hardship and the discomfort that comes with change.
‘The term Golden Death, to me, means a different type of “end”,’ says vocalist Andy Kala. ‘One that is more sacred and not as grounded in the physical end of something living and breathing. It is change, one so painful and great, “...It feels like needles deep in (my) skin…”’.
He continues, ‘Whether it’s from a past of trauma and heartbreak or a toxic pattern inhibiting your way of living; Golden Death is the painful transformation into something greater.’
Garden Eyes – ‘Sunshine’
Before jumping into some of the more brutal releases, let us give you a palate cleanser from Brisbane alt-rock band Garden Eyes. Their new single ‘Sunshine’ is warm. It’s delicate. It’s pretty but still tinged with a hint of sadness. A bittersweet moment of listening that will have you carrying it around in your heart.
The song works through the process of losing someone you love, exploring the intimate, painful moments that come with it, balancing love and grief.
It comes straight from the heart and arrives as a natural companion to their February release ‘Speak Slow’ and April release ‘Contest’, continuing the band’s exploration of complex relationships. Garden Eyes are the kind of band that, once you discover them, you’ll be all in, so start with ‘Sunshine’ and let this Aussie act take you on the emotional journey from there.
Psycroptic – ‘No Blade of Grass’
Did you want riffs? Of course you do, that’s why you are here. It’s why we all love Psycroptic. Creating an enduring legacy of greatness is no easy feat, but it is a task that Psycroptic does oh so well. ‘No Blade of Grass’ is proof of this. We will let the band tell you about it, though.
‘This one has a good blend of old-school PSYCROPTIC-style riffage and slightly sludge-filled, loosey-goosey sections straight outta the classic death metal era,’ remarks guitarist Joe Haley. ‘The whole thing is brought together with the choral/orchestral chorus. Something for everyone! Going to be a fun one to rip live!’
When we said circle pitting in the intro, this is what we meant. The best part? It’s also a preview of their upcoming album, which drops mid-July. So there is plenty more where this has come from!
To The Grave – ‘Eyestalk Ablations’
It was a big month for vegan deathcore mainstays To The Grave, who signed with new label BLKIIBLK, announced a monstrous tour and dropped the crushing new single ‘Eyestalk Ablations’. Uncompromising in their morals and in their sound, this might be one of the most exciting releases from the band thus far.
Frontman Dane Evans explains, ‘“Eyestalk Ablations” is a shotgun blast to the face: claustrophobic, heavy from front to back and not a second wasted on room to breathe. This track feels like the old version of TTG got dragged out the back and shot, then someone bagged up the bits and made a monster out of it with some parts of Lamb of God and Cerebral Bore to make up what’s missing.’
There is no denying the presence this band has in the Australian deathcore scene and ‘Eyestalk Ablations’ is another notch in To The Grave’s belt.
Ocean Sleeper – ‘Peace When I’m Dead’
One of Australia’s fastest-rising metalcore acts Ocean Sleeper hit us with the melodic and heavy ‘Peace When I’m Dead’, the title track of their sophomore album, which drops in August. Appealing to audiences by blending the beautiful with the heavy, their brand of harmonic but djenty metalcore has given them a solid fanbase. What does this new single mean for the rest of the album?
‘This band has never been afraid to dive into the darker parts of our lives, and this album is no exception,’ says Karl Spiessl, lead vocalist. ‘At its core, the record explores the ongoing battle we have with ourselves – that constant inner struggle that can feel endless. It’s about coming to terms with the idea that this conflict may always be part of the human experience, and learning to accept that reality.’
The single itself gives us raw vocals enveloped by some of the nastiest djent-metalcore riffs throughout the verses. Then just when you are down with the grit, you get hit with beautifully harmonic choruses to put you in a spin. This single alone shows just why this band has become an absolute favourite.
