We’re turning things up a notch for this week’s column. Yes, alternative is good, but you can’t beat headbanging to some good metal, especially when it’s been produced at such a high quality recently! What’s more, the bands featured here this week are all British, which is brilliant for those still feeling a bit patriotic from the Olympics. Do not fear though, there is a treat for alternative fans at the end of this column, and normal services will be resumed next week as we bring you the most banging new sounds in metal AND alternative.
Brand Spanking New Video: Amongst Carrion – Snowblind
7BitArcade originally featured Welsh metallers Amongst Carrion back in February, and since then they have gone from strength to strength on their home live circuit. They’ve just released the latest video for single “Snowblind”, and it’s a good one. The song itself is three and a half minutes of thrashing metalcore mayhem, and now it has a video to match. Although the video itself could be classed as cliche (five men playing in an abandoned yard) but somehow it seems to be fitting here. Not only does it look good, but it also gives viewers an idea of just how much passion and energy the members put into their band. Top notch, Amongst Carrion!
-Twitter: @amongst_carrion
New For Your Ears: Cytota
At the tender age of 17, Cytota may be one of the youngest bands we will ever feature on this page, but that is not to say they don’t rock just as hard. Their brand of melodic hardcore suggests a talent way beyond their years, their vocals and guitars matching those their contemporaries achieve after a few years of experience. Whilst age shouldn’t matter when it comes to talent, it’s near on impossible to not be impressed by Cytota. They may have just released their debut EP, but they’re already in the media’s,eye and you’re sure to be hearing a lot more from them in the future.
-Twitter: @Cytota_UK
Don’t Miss This: Shadows Chasing Ghosts – Lessons
Despite forming in 2007 and having an EP and full length under their belt, Essex quintet Shadows Chasing Ghosts are still so far under the radar that they don’t yet have their own Wikipedia page. You’d be forgiven, then, for missing out on the release of their second album “Lessons” at the beginning of July. It’s a shame that such a brilliant album went so unnoticed though, as this album has many a brilliant sing-along chorus that will make any rock and metal fan fall in love with them. We think it’s about time the masses became acquainted with Shadows Chasing Ghosts and the band got the recognition they deserve, so if you feel like your iPod has been lacking something lately then this may be the album for you!
-Twitter: @SCGmusic
Free Metal: Carcer City – The Road Journals
“The Road Jounals” is the new album from metalcore mob Carcer City, and holy smokes, it’s a bit good! If I had to describe this release in seven words, those words would be “Heavy as f*** metal for the masses”. There’s no other way to describe it. It’s loud, it’s abrasive, and it’s sure to have you throwing those devil horns in the air and headbanging within minutes. Highlights include “The Constant Struggle”, “Distance” and title track “The Road Journals” all of which showcase British metalcore at its finest. What’s more, all it costs is a tweet or Facebook status, which we consider a bargain for an album of this calibre!
Free Download
-Twitter: @CarcerCity
Something For The (After)Party: Strangle Kojak
Strangle Kojak caught my attention through their success in this year’s Red Bull Bedroom Jam, and I’m thoroughly glad they did! Upbeat and catchy, current single “The Afterparty” is aptly named as it’s sure to be played at every party, and indeed afterparty, across the country within weeks. Unfortunately, they didn’t get through to the finals of this year’s Bedroom Jam (boo), but we’re sure this won’t be the last you see of Strangle Kojak. They may be a bit poppier than some of the bands featured here this week, but they may just be your new guilty pleasure so keep your eyes peeled!
-Twitter: @StrangleKojak
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