Spiritbox members from left to right: Zev Rose (drums), Courtney LaPlante (vocals), Mike Stringer … [+]
With summer 2022 now officially here, it’s only fitting to see some of the biggest heavy music releases of the year arriving in the same week. While there have been a number of terrific metal, hardcore and punk releases so far in 2022, this week’s release marks a distinct step up for the genre, as old and new bands released long-awaited songs.
Spiritbox and Lorna Shore, two of the hottest and most beloved new metal bands, both released music this week that not only exceeds the hype of their widely acclaimed 2021 releases, but also paves the way for more. new sonic experiments. On the other side of things, two of metal’s most iconic bands, Megadeth and Ozzy Osbourne, have also released music, both of which are singles for their long-awaited new studio albums due out later this year. summer of this year.
Lorna Shore – “Into the Dirt”
Since the release of their immaculate 2021 EP … And I return to nothingness, Lorna Shore took over the extreme metal subgenre by surprise. Vocalist Will Ramos easily moved the goalpost for extreme metal vocals, and the band’s instrumentalists did it too when it came to writing earth-shattering riffs and breakdowns. Speaking of Earth, “Into The Earth” is the band’s hypnotically disgusting new masterpiece. Visually and sonically, the track delivers on all fronts and pushes the boundaries of what is capable in the realm of extreme music yet again. Will Ramos will debut with Lorna Shore in October via the band’s upcoming LP, The pain remains.
Megadeth – “We’ll Be Back”
Perhaps the most anticipated metal release of the year, Megadeth is officially back with a ferociously “thrashy” new single, “We’ll Be Back”. This is the thrash legends’ first new music since their 2016 Grammy-winning album dystopia, and it may be the band’s best single in over a decade. The band’s new line-up, made up of guitarist Kiko Loureiro, drummer Dirk Verbeuren and bassist James Lomenzo, is reminiscent of rust in peace greatness of the time with their instrumental virtuosity and overall tightness as a group. Megadeth’s 16th studio album, The sick, the dying… and the dead arrives September 2, but hopefully we’ll get a chance to hear this mythical beat of breath song sooner or later.
Ozzy Osbourne – “Patient Number 9”
Just as it was a great week for modern metal releases, heavy metal classics came in strong with not only new Megadeth but also new music from the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy’s New Single “Patient Number 9” (Feat. Jeff Beck) Follows the Same Line as His Remarkable 2020 Record ordinary man, which makes sense considering Andrew Watt is back at the helm as producer. However, even more so than his previous album, Ozzy’s new studio album will feature a litany of iconic rock and metal musicians, ranging from Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde and even the late great Taylor Hawkins. The album is due out September 9 and will mark Ozzy’s 13th solo album.
Spirit box – Rotoscope PE
Perhaps the most talked about new metal artist, Spiritbox proved last year to be worth every second of attention with their debut album, Eternal blue. This week the surprised band released a brand new 3 song EP titled Rotoscope, and it’s a perfect sequel for a band of such enormous potential and acclaim. With Rotoscope Spiritbox expand on their unique modern sound but with a more industrial 90s twist. Ultimately, it creates an impressive marriage of styles and marks another win for this incredibly talented act. The band is ready to hit the road this summer where they will open an arena for Ghost on their next tour with Mastodon. Let it be said now, it’s hard not to imagine Spiritbox going from arena openers to arena headliners in the distant future.
Honorable mentions
Machine Head – “Not Sacred”
The American heavy metal giants are back with an absolute “rage” of single, “Unhallowed”. Safe to say this track features one of MH’s best riffs/choruses since their 2008 masterpiece Blackening. Looking forward to seeing where Machine Head will go with their upcoming tenth studio album, ØF KINGDØM AND CROWN.
Spirit Adrift – “Mass Formation Pyschosis”
As a relatively new band, Spirit Adrift has been flying under the radar for quite a while, but with their 2020 Illuminated in eternity, they have earned a respect well overdue. The band’s next LP Mass formation psychosis seeks to take the band’s already exceptional guitar and vocal hooks to even greater heights. After hearing their new single, it’s only fitting to see Spirit Adrift as direct support for Crowbar’s upcoming tour.
