Inarguably one of the best bands to be found inhabiting the vale of all things gazingly metallic, Holy Fawn have once again returned from the shadows of the woods with their crushing new track ‘Dimensional Bleed’. The title track of their forthcoming second record – released September 9th via Wax Bodega – ‘Dimensional Bleed’ see’s the band distilling their vital components of savage beauty and ethereal rage into a sub-three minute blast of concussive force that still bares witness to their wide-angled approach to gorgeous post-rock fatalism. “‘Dimensional Bleed’ vaguely refers to a concept of multiple dimensions and timelines that could exist simultaneously,” states guitarist Evan Phelps. “A lot of different media has alluded to this ideology, and I find the possibility of multiple dimensions intersecting and bleeding into others to be fascinating.”- Dan Hillier
No Devotion return with their first new music release since their 2015 debut record Permanence. A dark, brooding atmosphere surrounds ‘Starlings’, our first taste of the bands upcoming album No Oblivion, and it’s clear that despite the band taking some time away, their knack for remarkably produced melancholic melody remains as polished as before. From the solemn tones of the synths to the humming resonation of the guitarwork, No Devotion are on the right path to release a record just as beautiful and tasteful as their first. – Elliot Grimmie
With less than three weeks until the full extent of their blazing trail through an era marked by the detachment from toxicity; the Mancurian Alternative Punks Hot Milk, settle a score that’s spent several years in the making with their latest “heartbreak anthem” ‘I Fell in Love With Someone I Shouldn’t Have’. Initially written when co-lead vocalist Han Mee was only 16 years old; this latest passion project sees the entire band ramp up it’s caustic charm into overdrive, with an immersive soundscape teetering on the borders between vitriolic vengefulness and uplifted brokenness. Such prickly potency residing within this track, seems to stick as a staple quality that radiates across all previous singles released in connection to their upcoming EP – The King and Queen of Gasoline; which is not only inspiring a considerable amount of esteem, but also shaping up to be one of their most impressive releases to date. – Bennie Osborne
A classic tale of young love lost and re-discovering yourself against the backdrop of deliberating heartbreak, ‘Memories’ is yet another blinder from Bristol’s premium emo-punk export Trashed. The third single to be taken from their debut record Happy In Hindsight, the track is both the gilded sound of the genre redeveloped for the modern age and a testament to how this young band have already become a staple of the South West scene. Here, gurt down-tuned riffs reminiscent of acts such as Milk Teeth and Basement provide a foundation for massive snaring melodies easily on par with the pioneering juggernauts of the sound that Trashed so easily perfect. Much akin to the other singles to be taken from their upcoming record, ‘Memories’ is a heartbreak anthem that will be stuck with you long after the scars of heartbreak have healed. – Dan Hillier
Hardcore mob KEN Mode occupy a similar niche; theirs is the sound of barely holding it together, and in latest single ‘But They Respect My Tactics; that’s more present than ever. Amidst its grinding, battering assault there’s moments of dissonance and noise rock flourishes that only further underscore the feeling of being on the edge, able to tip into chaos at a moment’s notice. Taken from their upcoming album NULL, the band describe the album as a whole as “a direct psychological reaction to the collective experience of the last two and a half years… a documentation of trying to not fall apart,” and also is their first to feature collaborator Kathryn Kerr as a full-fledged member of the band, contributing saxophones, synths, backing vocals and more. Nothing sums up the band’s energy and direction better than refrain of their last single ‘A Love Letter’, “Something is broken, something is fucked”. – Will Marshall
Everyone’s familiar with the classic folk song ‘House of the Rising Sun’. Since it came out of Appalachia sometime in the 1930s – and likely has roots far further back – it’s been covered by so many artists, from Dolly Parton to The Animals, all trying to put their own spin on it. Now it’s Oceans Of Slumber‘s turn, as the new single taken from upcoming album Starlight and Ash. Jettisoning the heavier side of their sound, instead Cammie Gilbert’s stunning voice is accompanied by strings and piano to create a haunting, gothic atmosphere. It’s an arresting cover and one that fits into their evolving sound with ease, darker themes and more soulful delivery. – Will Marshall
Continuing their seemingly effortless balancing act of Hardcore hysteria and Elysian enchanting tones; the Alabaman Progressive Metalcore connoisseurs ERRA, paste our collective minds with a tale of ongoing destructive tendencies with their latest passion project ‘Pull From The Ghost’. Stemming from deep seated fears and socially-conditioned hinderances, informed by past relations’ eagerness to dwell in toxicity; Pull From The Ghost is the epitome of chaotic energy, with a story arch demonstrating a captor/captive dynamic pressing for a stockholm-ish hold over the psyche, which we’re all well aware only produces the unhealthiest kind of relationship dynamics. Being the first single since the re-issue of their 5th self-titled studio album release earlier this year, the promise of ERRA’s prowess over the most brutal and unnerving elements, especially within this latest release is to be a much yearned audible excursion for any and all metalcore fanatics. – Bennie Osborne
Delving into extremely connective themes surrounding the struggle to maintain command over one’s life, while striving to pull themselves up by their bootstraps; the Blackpudlian Emo/Punk Rockers Boston Manor serve up their much yearned blend of Alternative and Post-Hardcore mastery with some sonically startling sensibilities of ‘Passenger’. Tipped as one of the bands most vulnerable releases due to its more stripped back and honest nature, especially when performed live; Passenger’s primary function seems to lie in its ability to facilitate a cathartic experience, which delves into the transference and projection of emotional vulnerability. Knowing that Passenger along with its predecessor ‘Foxglove’, have been officially named as the kick off singles for BM’s upcoming Extended Play Datura, which is scheduled for release in mid-October; we can’t help but keep spirits high as the current promise of these singles have left us needing to count the days till it’s eventual release. – Bennie Osborne
Heavy alt rockers Aniimalia hailing from Somerset, UK recently dropped their brand new single ‘Alien’. The band formed together in 2020 in the middle of the global pandemic yet have managed to achieve an impressive amount. The band won Kerrang’s ‘The Deal’ competition, which has seen them sign to Marshall Records for an EP deal. They also bagged a slot at Download 2022 and have played with some notable acts including the Kris Barras band and Area 11. The single will feature on Aniimalia’s upcoming EP and follows their single ‘Silver Linings’. It’s great to see a band brimming with talent given the platform needed to stretch their creative legs and Aniimalia are clearly not wasting the opportunity. Beautifully melodic vocals combine with ripping riffs and a powerful soundscape that fires off all barrels on ‘Alien’. It’s a high octane banger that dials up the energy and balances the calm and the chaos without seemingly breaking a sweat. – Jac Holloway
Baltimore pop-punk trio Pinkshift have dropped their new single ‘i’m not crying you’re crying’ this week. The band previously released “nothing (in my head)”, a supercharged full throttle anthem. As well as the new single the band have announced their new album ‘Love Me Forever’ which will feature both singles. The album was recorded with Will Yip and promises to deliver on Pinkshift’s fantastic blend of high energy and roaring tunes. ‘i’m not crying you’re crying’ is unfiltered and depicts an almost crazed version of denial. “…it kicks the record off with a panicked denial — an immediately attacking response to the question of “are you okay?” untrusting and doubtful of the intent and sincerity of that question.” says vocalist Ashrita Kumar. Kumar aids this depiction through her use of tone and melody and the song’s sense of urgency compliments this too. Subtle shifts from thrashier sections that use the punk blueprint and the end section that is heavier, where they dial up the riffage, makes for additional flare to the song. It’s a promising start and opens the album with character, ambition and energy that has a sense of raw truthfulness. – Jac Holloway
Composed of Tom Bradshaw (drums), Dan Willett (bass) and James Thompson (Guitar, Vocals), whilst many could easily compare the sound of the Birmingham band to acts such as Gallows, The Ghost Of A Thousand and even Converge, to make such comparisons would be doing the nuance of Creature a disservice. Like their moniker implies, Creature are the sound of a collective species that has cornered itself in a cell of it’s own making. Inspired by the inherent neuroticism of humanity, our focus on self-annihilation, the unjust laws we’ve designed to govern ourselves and the societal focus on existentialism, they’re a band that openly address the fact that we are no more civilised than the mindless predators we long evolved from. This is what makes their savage and relentless take on metalcore so arresting. There’s real and palpable anger, revulsion and exasperation in their work. Their latest EP Haunt bares witness to this in a way that’s frantic, violent – and above all else – feral.
The group’s third EP, Haunt, is the final and most potent instalment in a trio of extended plays that explore the flaws and crimes of mankind. Proceeded by 2019’s Hound and Hex, the Steve Seer (Gallows, Rolo Tomassi, Gold Key) produced EP is a melee of unbottled fury that articulates and tackles it’s subject matter with distorted math-orintated riffs, neurotic bellowing and clawing energy in a mirroring of the qualities it rages against.
It’s as subtle and as gentle as a sharks tooth to the stomach or the bear’s claw to the face, but that’s the point entirely. This record is as urgent call to the error of our ways, one that doesn’t shy away from the bleakness of the situation – but simultaneously – one that offers remedy. With the sting of negativity comes the faintest glimmer of positivity, with Haunt pinpoint that change is ultimately possible should we chase it. Such is the brilliant nuance of the record, and with Haunt out now, we caught up Thompson to chat about the record and it’s contents.
WHEN IS IT?: Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th July
HEADLINERS: Jimmy Eat World, Turnstile, Thrice, IDLES and You Me At Six
WHO ELSE IS PLAYING?: Everyone from Knocked Loose to Rolo Tomassi, there’s gonna be sets from Creeper, Laura Jane Grace, Anti-Flag, The Get Up Kids, PUP, Young Guns, Nova Twins, Boston Manor and even Aussie punk rock superstars The Chats and STACKS more.
CLASHFINDERS: Clashfinders have been released and can be found right HERE, further information on the exact times bands will be playing will be available upon arrival at the festival
CASHLESS: The festival is going cashless this year, that means all your spending will be done via your festival wristband, you can top it up anytime online using your ticket barcode number to sign in. Further instructions on how to do this can be found HERE
WHAT FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?: There is something for everyone at 2000 Trees this year, with options for all diets including Vegan and Vegetarian. The full list off food vendors is as follows: Bunnyman’s Bunnychow, Castaway Gyros, Chicken Shack, Chipwrecked, Curry Bae, Fuego Verde, Mike’s Mexican, Halls Dorset Smokery, Happy Bangers, Hungry Toad, KoFu Korean Fusion, Little Espresso Company, Los Churros Amigos, Mac Shac, Manjula Catering, Paellaria, Pad Thai, Piggie Smalls, Pommarola Pizza Gardens, Saveur des Crepes, Seitan’s Grill / Lilith’s Cafe, Smoking Buns, The Splitscreen Ice Cream Co, Suzie’s
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AT TREES?: There’s mini-golf, axe throwing available on site, in The Word tent Every morning there’ll be a Trees yoga session, followed by a live, interactive Sappenin’ Podcast recording session, and throughout the day there’ll be workshops and open mic sessions, including a Punk Rock Ukelele workshop, an alternative Book Club, a music nostalgia panel, events hosted by Safe Gigs For Women, Head Above The Waves and Extinction Rebellion and even a pub quiz! All the details of what’s happening when are on the 2000 Trees official clashfinder, which we have linked above. There’s also a silent disco EVERY NIGHT once all the bands have finished playing, located on both the Main and The Cave stages, and on the Wednesday the silent disco can be found at The Forest stage
MORE INFO: If you need any further info on the festival, you can find answers on the official 2000 Trees website
After establishing themselves as one of the continent’s most captivating, dynamic and simply impeccable artists with 2019’s Nest, Brutus are back with the equally alluring ‘Dust’. A shimmering crystallisation of the progressive and beautifully fatalist conventions that make the Belgian post-everything unit so alluring, ‘Dust’ is a rampaging and head-on assault that’s elegant and tender despite it’s stampeding nature, something that comes apparent as it transcends nto it’s graceful post-rock orientated coda. “’Dust’ was born out of the frustration of having friends with demands and expectations that were way too high”, state the on the new track. “It’s a song about being at breaking point; pissed off about everything and everyone. It’s is honest, direct and unfiltered. It’s a very special and personal song for us, which is why we wanted this to be the first new song for people to hear.” – Dan Hillier
The legendary death metallers Bloodbath have debuted the first single taken from their upcoming album Survival of the Sickest. It’s called ‘Zombie Inferno’, and is exactly as subtle as both the song and album names imply. A rampaging old school Swedeath number, it pummels and batters unrelentingly; it’s neither big nor clever in just the right way with pounding drums and gurgling roars from vocalist Nick Holmes. Refusing to slow down, its ugly, vicious and gore-spattered assault delivers the goods in a scant four minutes that flies by like the hacking of zombie limbs it describes. “One man’s struggle to rid the World of Zombie Infestation that seems to have inconveniently taken over the planet. Particularly, as he’s just refueled his 1969 Dodge Super Bee 440” is how the band describe the song and truly, if that doesn’t make you want to hit play already, we don’t know what else to tell you. – Will Marshall
Manchester alt rockers Pale Waves are back with brand new single ‘Jealousy’ this week and, spoiler, it’s a bit of a bop. The band have already dropped a couple of tracks off their upcoming album Unwanted and the track joins the ranks with all the proper Pale Waves style and finesse that we have become accustomed to. The album explores the band’s experiences, notably their emergence as a group for those that don’t necessarily fit in. Additionally the band have garnered quite a following from the LGBTQ+ scene. This has provided the recurring theme in ‘Unwanted’ and takes a bit of a deeper dive into these emotions and feelings that come along with feeling outcast and like you don’t belong. ‘Jealousy’ shamelessly explores the feeling of getting jealous particularly in a relationship and whilst noting some of the behaviours that come along with the emotion, the line “In my defence, jealousy’s my best friend” shows an acceptance of living with this feeling that is, let’s face it, a common one and whilst this can lead to toxicity, it can sometimes be a useful gauge for worth and long-lasting healthy relationships (in small doses at least). – Jac Holloway
With the band having previously shared stages with the likes of Knocked Loose, Xibalba, End and with an appearance at 2000 Trees looming, one would be forgiving in thinking that Grief Ritual are an act with an impressive back catalogue. In reality, ‘Immurement’ is the group’s second single. But when listening to the track, it’s clear why Grief Ritual have spent this year rapidly scaling the rungs of hardcore ladder. The sound of viscera-caked iron striking the skull at full force, ‘Immurement’ is a brutalist and totally unrelating statement of intent. Much akin to their previous single ‘Dissolution’, the single is nihilistic and holistic to a nightmarish degree; a cracked, filth encrusted mirroring of the prospect-less and futile life that many of our younger generations are being forced to navigate blind. However, it’s the atmospheric and minimalist passages present that truly animate the horrors and savagery here, with such negative space allowing the misery to manifest. With the band’s debut EP Spiritual Disease forthcoming later this year, Grief Ritual are the genuine sound of the violently disenchanted youth and are essential listening for fans of Heriot, Leeched and Burner. – Dan Hillier
Birthed from the ashes that came following the cremation of the post-metal project Archelon, Gozer are a triad that mirror the ceaseless oppression and maddening noise that binds modern living through hypnotic aggression, tidal riffs and suffocating tension. Yes, they’re not what one would call optimal summer listening. But those who see the current state of the world for what it truly is will undoubtedly relate with the band’s outlook and approach to tortured post-metal.
By capturing the discomfort, dread and culturally ingrained misery of 21st century existence, Gozer authentically portray a warped, wired and oh so tired mind damaged by the constant miasmic misery that is silently suffocating us all. But yet, whilst this may sound defeatist, the band’s output also aims to battle such noise, overpower the perpetual static of life and to directly combat those in power who suppress the arts and the minority. Gozer straddle the line between miserable and holistic in a way that’s crushing and mesmeric, a fact proven with their recent debut LP An Endless Static.
Released via Trepantion Recordings, An Endless Static see’s Gozer navigating the monochromatic soundscapes formed by the glacial and earthshaking sounds of acts such as Cult Of Luna, Neurosis and Amenra. As pulverising riffs transform into hypnotic mantras lamenting a broken mind, suffocating sludge metal boils and curdles in order to create an engulfing and strained atmosphere that reflects the fractured and irredeemable situation that society has corned itself into. Even at it’s most sombre and reflective it’s brutally tense, with Gozer summoning musical maelstroms from even the most quiet of winds. It’s a record that’s certainly not for those with quaint hearts, but one ideal to look deep into a culture most oppressive has delivered an outbreak of anguish and contempt within the general population.
With that in consideration, we spoke to drummer and vocalist TJ Fairfax to get a better understanding of An Endless Static and Gozer as a collective.
Hailing from Guildford are art rock five piece Shtëpi who are back with their brand new single ‘Slaughterhouse Motion’ which is a snarling, swirling and grit-spitting banger. The song is long anticipated and the first new studio material from the band since their debut EP ‘Yacht Rock’ that they dropped in 2020. Complete with brilliant lyrical and musical composition and layered with a pissed off punk vibe that see’s the song move through various structures as the line “Dizzied by this slaughterhouse motion” is used throughout whilst the song cleverly adds layers thickening the wall of sound by the song’s crescendo. The math/art elements showcased adds unique flurries that sit behind the general thump of the song, particularly from sporadic guitar riffs, sounds and inflections that provide small intricacies. ‘Slaughterhouse Motion’ does have some pop sensibilities with a raucous singalong-ability to it and the general roar has a gravelly melody complimented by the infusion of mostly clean guitar and sporadic drumming in sections and topped off nicely by gritty but oft-melodious vocal lines especially as the song progresses. It’s a rip roarer of a song and tips Shtëpi as serious contenders. – Jac Holloway
Originally from Bahrain, London based multi-instrumentalist and alternative musician/songwriter Iman is back with brand new single ‘Shèngmǔ’ and it’s as pissed off a war-cry as you could hope for. Teaming up with the talented Sean Kennedy for mixing and mastering duties the song holds an eclectic mix of genres including shoegaze, progressive and industrial elements layered with hard rock/metal riffs. Infusions of screaming vocals and highly melodic moments that soar make ‘Shèngmǔ’ a particular stand out complete with a guitar solo and general rhythm that weaves the sections of the song together well. Lyrically ‘Shèngmǔ‘ wages war on the media and passing trends/news that snaps up the limelight often making serious problems and events overlooked, ignored or forgotten entirely. This extends to social media and those that address these issues by feigning they care or showing alleged compassion for all of the wrong reasons. With such a high intensity topic to get angry about the song needed to match this energy and ‘Shèngmǔ’ does all of that and then some. – Jac Holloway
As Deaf Havana gear up for the release of their new album ‘The Present Is A Foreign Land’ they have released their new single “Nevermind”, an emotionally stripped back acoustic which is a little different to what we’ve seen so far from the previous three singles. The stripped-back song sees frontman James Veck-Gilodi show off his more vulnerable side citing the end of 2019/start of 2020 where the singer says himself he was arguably at his lowest. Veck-Giliodi’s struggles with sobriety and the damage this has previously caused is something he has been both open and forthcoming about, referring to the raw emotion of this on previous albums but there’s something about ‘Nevermind’ that truly hits from a man at his lowest. There’s a vulnerability and rawness to it that takes the song to a whole new level in terms of the emotional connection it creates. The vocal deliver is key in this as the intricacies and passion pour out of Veck-Gilodi on the finished product. It really is special. – Jac Holloway
Alpha Wolf have this week released their brand new single ‘Hotel Underground’ from their split EP with Welsh rockers Holding Absence. The song is the second track on an EP that features collaborations between both bands as well as solo efforts from them. ‘Hotel Underground’ is the sole Alpha Wolf effort on the EP and sees the Aussie metalcore outfit unleash an unrelenting assault of sound as they have become know to do being the powerhouse they have become. The song is a particularly angry one with opening line “Fuck it, I’m still stepping over roaches, setting fire to the locusts…” being a metaphor referring to those that sit on the outskirts and can survive fallout as a result but further use this as an excuse to fuel ignorance and fake innocence. Musically Alpha Wolf match this fury too with with the above recurring line being layered with harsh ferocious riffs and a level of mosh-worthy bounce, particularly in the chorus. Vocally there is an effortless shift through growling and screaming style’s that compliments short snappy section of outright fury. The song hits like a full clip of an assault rifle and ends just as quickly leaving its clear and concise message sat in the forefront of the listener’s mind. – Jac Holloway
The Home Team are back with their brand new single ‘FOMO (Bored Of You)’. The beautiful blend of sharp riffs and sweetened pop-style vocals the band honed on their last album ‘Slow Bloom’ is back in force. The four piece rock outfit hailing from Seattle, WA return with all the suave and style they have become known to harness in their music and it shows on the new single which wouldn’t sound out of place as a bonus track for the album that preceded it. Taking the elements that have shaped their sound thus far and doing exactly what their good at ‘FOMO (Bored Of You)’ is as much of a rip roaring track as fans could hope for with a typically chaotic video full of randomness (which the band are also becoming known for). With all the bounce and energy as well as stunning vocal hooks and harsh elements that make the song as accessible as it is fresh ‘FOMO (Bored Of You)’ continues the win streak. – Jac Holloway
