Music

With their fourth studio album, modern metal’s finest step into a new league since their critically and commercially lauded Malicious Intent (2022).

Where Only The Truth Is Spoken delivers on everything Malevolence have built so far—harder riffs, bigger hooks, and an undeniable presence that has taken them from Sheffield to the world stage.

Track Listing

1.Blood To The Leech
2.Trenches
3.If It's All The Same To You
4.Counterfeit
5.Salt The Wound
6.So Help Me God
7.Imperfect Picture
8.Heavens Shake
9.In Spite (Randy Blythe)
10.Demonstration Of Pain
11.With Dirt From My Grave

Self-designated as “Bangkok Evilcore” Whispers, based out of Thailand, are bringing an immense sound to modern metallic hardcore. Originally formed in 2014, the band picked up steam in 2021 with the release of their Narok Bon Din EP grabbing international attention. Now Whispers join the growing roster of pivotal heavy music label Flatspot Records for the release of Yom-Ma-Lok.

Hitting the studio in Spring 2024, Whispers set out to make a heavy, intense record that connects on an emotional level. The band worked with Suchai at Sixthirty Recording Studio in Bangkok to hone in on their sound, before sending the EP to Andy Nelson at BrickTop Recording for mixing and Brad Boatright at Audiosiege mastered it. Influence from bands like All Out War and Merauder comes through across the seven songs, giving a tough as nails delivery packed with menacing riffs. Thematically,  Yom-Ma-Lok addresses realism and human nature through a global perspective.

Yom-Ma-Lok opens with the aptly titled, instrumental “Bangkok Evilcore” before diving into the crushing “A Choice To Survive.” A hostile delivery is juxtaposed by lyrics of self-reliance based on proverbs from Buddhism. Speed’s Jem Siow, who also assisted with lyric translations on the album, guest features at the 2:50 mark of the song amidst a crushing breakdown. Lead single “Retribution” exemplifies the band’s ability to deliver a grappling hardcore song made for the mosh-pit while showcasing a knack for serious guitar writing. The guest features on the EP continue as Shaun Alexander of Demonstration Of Power and Stephen Bessac of Kickback lend their vocals to “Wisenheimer” and “Yom-Ma-Lok” respectively. Closing out with the title track, which translates to  “world of death people” or “underworld” in Thai, Whispers conjures the feeling of descending into hell and leaves the listener with a stark impression.

Over the years, Whispers has brought their menacing live show across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe, and will return to the latter this fall on the Flatspot World tour. With the release of  Yom-Ma-Lok, Whispers are setting out to spread the message and sound of Asian hardcore far and wide.

Track Listing:

1. Bangkok Evilcore
2. A Choice To Survive (Feat. Jem Siow)
3. Retribution
4. Close Your Eyes
5. This Is Not The End
6. Wisenheimer (You Were Never One Of Us) (Feat. Shaun Alexander)
7. Yom-Ma-Lok (Feat. Stephen Bessac)

Anxious’ second album Bambi arrives this winter on Run For Cover Records. It’s been a whirlwind few years for the Fairfield, Connecticut five-piece – since the release of their debut album Little Green House, there’s been little time for anything other than consistent touring with bands like Bayside, Drug Church and The Wonder Years. Somewhere during that endless grind, vocalist Grady Allen was sitting in a hotel room and stumbled upon a name typed into a long-forgotten memo on his phone: Bambi. “We should have named the band Bambi,” he recalls admitting to his bandmates. Bambi stuck with the band after that night and eventually it evolved from a “what-if” into the name of Anxious’ second full-length album.

Bambi is a record of remarkable growth, depth, ambition, and energy. It takes all the unsolvable and unavoidable problems of exiting adolescence and makes them resonate in urgent and authentic new ways. The album has deep roots in the storied lineage of Northeast tri-state hardcore and emo, but it also fully embraces the widescreen alternative rock songwriting at which Anxious have previously only hinted. It’s a statement of purpose, the kind of album that comes from a band reconciling where they’ve been with where they want to go. Bambi is the sound of Anxious putting everything on the line–and coming out on the other side better than ever. 

Inspired by “big swing” records like Blink-182’s self-titled or Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity, Anxious set out to redefine the band without losing sight of what made them work in the first place. Tracks like “Head & Spine,” “Sunder,” and “Tell Me Why” showcase the scope of Anxious’ evolution, tapping crunchy ‘90s rock guitarwork, layered ‘60s-esque harmonies, and crisp, modern production that captures the unrivaled energy of seeing the band play live.

Track Listing:

1. Never Said
2. Bambi’s Theme
3. Some Girls
4. Counting Sheep
5. Audrey Go Again
6. Head & Spine
7. Tell Me Why
8. Sunder
9. Next Big Star
10. Jacy
11. I’ll Be Around

Rising out of Baltimore, MD's groundbreaking hardcore scene in 2021, Jivebomb's ruthless blend of hardcore punk and intense live show quickly made them a band to watch. Entering the studio in summer 2024 with Ben Greenberg (Uniform) at Circular Ruin in Brooklyn, NY, Jivebomb knew they wanted to keep their raw, blitzed-out energy while diving into heavier territory. With the release of "Ethereal," Jivebomb has delivered a unique and rapid debut that urges repeat listens while building anticipation for what the band will create next.

Track Listing:

1. The Impact
2. Estrela
3. Survival Aint Taught
4. Wise Choice
5. Fates Domain
6. Rhythm Zero
7. Charm
8. Mistaken
9. Seraphim (Marina's Song)
10. Disfigured Identity

Since forming in 2006, Iron Mind have earned the reputation as one of the country’s top hardcore bands and after writing and touring solidly for the past 2 years, the group are set to release their self-titled album, the follow-up to 2011's “Hell Split Wide Open”.

To record their sophomore long player, the five-piece moved into a cabin, deep in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. This time with Melbourne based, Mike Deslandes (whose production credits include Blkout, Robotosaurus, Coerce) at the desk. After establishing their sound with Hell Split Wide Open and countless live shows, Iron Mind have taken the time to progress and perfect their brand of hardcore and have found the right fit with Deslandes to push that sound and capture what they have come to be known for with their live set.

Track Listing:

1. T.I.M.E.
2. Divide
3. Praise
4. Shadows On The Wall
5. Victim
6. Blood Brother
7. Rest My Case
8. Hell Split Wide Open
9. Forgive Me
10. Bleed To Succeed

Scowl is a band that sounds exactly like their name implies. Venomous, fierce, antagonistic. A sneer not to be crossed. Over the last five years, the Santa Cruz, California, band has firmly planted their flag in the hardcore scene with their vicious sound and ripping live show, sharing stages around the world with Circle Jerks, Touché Amoré, and Limp Bizkit, and filling slots at prominent festivals like Coachella, Sick New World, and Reading and Leeds. But with their new album, Are We All Angels (Dead Oceans), Scowl is aiming to funnel all that aggression through a more expansive version of themselves.

Are We All Angels is the highly anticipated follow-up to Scowl’s debut, 2021’s How Flowers Grow, a 16-minute primal scream over punishing riffs. But amidst the pounding chaos, it was the record’s sonic outlier, a cleaner interlude called “Seeds to Sow,” that, true to its name, planted the seed for what was to come for the band. “It kind of laid out this destiny for us, and I feel like now we’re fulfilling that,” says Gilbert. The band continued to expand their sound on 2023’s widely acclaimed Psychic Dance Routine EP, incorporating more pop hooks and favoring gentler singing over heavy screaming, paving the way for what would come next.

At every turn on Are We All Angels, the band explores ambitious new directions and bends genre norms. Moss makes the most immediately noticeable evolution, dropping some of the gnarling bite of the band’s previous work in favor of a more textured and sometimes delicate approach. She flexes harmonies and melodic sensibilities that might surprise even the most dedicated Scowl fans. Moss cites a wide array of influences outside the realm of hard rock—everything from Billie Eilish to Radiohead, Car Seat Headrest to Julien Baker. “The majority of us were really not proficient musicians when this band started,” she admits. “It was very Germs-esque in that way, like baby’s first hardcore band, which is awesome. But now, we still might not know what we’re doing, but we have a better idea of what we want to do.”

Track Listing:

1. Special
2. B.A.B.E.
3. Fantasy
4. Not Hell, Not Heaven
5. Tonight (I’m Afraid)
6. Fleshed Out
7. Let You Down
8. Cellophane
9. Suffer The Fool (How High Are You?)
10. Haunted
11. Are We All Angels

Formed in 2021, Baltimore hardcore band Jivebomb burst onto the scene with a ferocity that has carried them into being a must see and listen to band. Jivebomb broke out with their demo that year, followed by 2022’s well received Primitive Desires EP, and single “American Rule” was released in 2023 on Flatspot Records’ The Extermination Compilation. The band announces a new 12” vinyl release featuring all their recorded material to date with new artwork and a silkscreened B-side. The vinyl is available for pre-order now through Flatspot Records.

Track Listing:

1. 86
2. Primitive Desires
3. Steel
4. Illusion of Choice
5. Ditz
6. American Rule
7. Cereja
8. Ironclad
9. Wise Choice
10. Cidade Charme
11. Burning Question
12. JIVEBOMB

During the height of the pandemic, Melbourne, Australia experienced the longest lockdown in the world, keeping residents inside their homes for a total of 262 days. In the midst of this were the five members who would form AWOL, driven to create and write music almost out of necessity. Once the ban was lifted, the band hit the recording studio and released their debut EP, AWOL, in 2021 through Last Ride Records. The timing was perfect as the Australia hardcore scene was experiencing serious growth, and AWOL soon found themselves playing shows with Speed, Iron Mind, No Apologies, and on a country wide run supporting No Pressure in early 2022. The band’s persistent drive and heavy playing style caught the attention of Flatspot Records, who will release AWOL’s debut full length, Tear 'Em To Bits this Spring.

It’s not hard to listen to Tear 'Em To Bits and feel like you’re going to get ripped apart. The nine tracks are monstrous, filled with gruff vocals, groove-driven riffs, and meaty breakdowns. AWOL draws from bands like Madball and Biohazard, but also fit right along modern day acts like King Nine and God’s Hate. The lyrics are punishing, covering everything from deception and failed relationships to addressing drug addiction and police brutality. And while the record packs a lot of aggression, AWOL is purely here to revel in hardcore and the community it’s built for them. On making Tear 'Em To Bits the band simply states: “The only goal was to make a good hardcore record that we were proud of and that our friends could get behind.”

Track Listing:

1. Lejos De Dios
2. AWOL
3. Who You Were
4. Oblivion
5. Tear 'Em To Bits
6. Kingdom
7. Fall From Grace
8. So Many Nights
9. Lost Again

The Flenser is pleased to announce the release of "Living is Easy," the latest EP from ecstatic black metal band Agriculture. This new EP will be paired with the band's debut EP, "The Circle Chant." For the first time, both EPs will be pressed together on a single 12-inch vinyl record as well as a cassette format

”Living is Easy," an EP by Agriculture, represents a significant new statement from the band. With their debut self-titled, Agriculture embarks on a journey to explore how heavy music can provide insights into the joys of life, both everyday and divine. Their extensive touring with this material led to a profound experience of ecstasy, surpassing expectations as they shared the intensity and joy of these songs with audiences worldwide. This experience was a catalyst for Agriculture, inspiring them to delve even deeper into the realm of 'ecstatic black metal' music. The band believes that with "Living is Easy," they have pushed this concept to its limit, resulting in a transformative explosion of sound and meaning.

The record delves into themes of community connection, holiness, violence, and the cycles of life. The title track is especially notable, featuring a retelling of a story from one of the Buddha's past lives. In this narrative, the Buddha encounters a starving family of tigers and sacrifices himself to save them, a tale of serenity and selflessness. This story resonates deeply with Agriculture, reflecting the humility and inspiration they find in their collaboration and echoing the generosity and interconnection they strive to explore through their music.

"In The House Of Angel Flesh," another pivotal track, focuses on collective struggle and connection. The song's title is inspired by "The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions," a 1977 book by Larry Mitchell. Like the book, the song depicts scenes of community support and pleasure amidst political, social, and socio-economic challenges. Agriculture interprets Larry Mitchell's description of the house of Angel Flesh as a metaphorical place of healing and transformation, using it as an allegory in their music to convey messages of support, care, and communal joy.

Touring holds a special place in the heart of Agriculture. It brings them immense joy to share their music, visit new places, and meet new people in cities around the world. This constant interaction with diverse audiences serves as a continuous source of inspiration for this work. Agriculture is eager and excited to share "Living is Easy" as well as give new life to the first vinyl pressing of “The Circle Chant.”

Track Listing:

This is a new better sounding cut of 2014’s “The Unnatural World.” This version should be louder and have a more transparent sound with less noise than the original cut of the album. 

The album is a single LP in a gatefold jacket. The repress jacket has a different rougher stock than the original album.

This is a co-release with Enemies List Home Recordings. All aspects of the release have been overseen and approved by the band. It is The Flenser's goal to get the album into the hands of the as many of the band's fans as quickly as possible.

Track Listing:

1. Guggenheim Wax Museum
2. Defenestration Song
3. Burial Society
4. Music Will Untune The Sky
5. Cropsey
6. Unholy Life
7. Dan and Tim, Reunited by Fate
8. Emptiness Will Eat The Witch

In an artistic landscape fueled by gamified promotional tactics, spasmodic virality, and manufactured controversy, the amount of noise that independent artists must cut through can seem overwhelming. Yet, it’s the most genuine statements — often those expecting no audience at all — that overcome. The Origin of My Depression, the 2019 album from Australian experimentalist Uboa, proves just that; presenting such a deeply affecting mix of dark ambient, noise, and extreme metal, it all but demanded its unplanned but unsurprising cult following.

With several tracks that began as live improvisations recorded in the living-room-turned-bedroom of a dilapidated queer sharehouse, and others recorded from live sets in venues, The Origin of My Depression exhibits the spontaneity and ineffability of extreme emotions. Xandra Metcalfe, the mind behind Uboa, offers sonic representations of her anxieties, depressive thoughts, and lived experiences throughout the record’s seven songs, even if the origins of these feelings escape her. The result, intensely and authentically personal, undeniably resonates, as The Origin of My Depression spread through online communities through sheer word of mouth upon its initial release. Now, four years later, the record stands as a defining statement of late 2010s underground music, and it takes just one listen to see why.

Uboa has spent the better part of a decade dipping into every corner of heavy music. From harsh noise to dark ambient, glitch to doom metal, Metcalfe’s output, though sonically varied, remains consistent in her use of such styles to express her mental state at the time of writing. Whether it's her live performances (described as a panic attack presented on stage) or her recorded material, her eclectic approach to dark music has led Uboa to become an unlikely but deserving cult figure in online music.

Track Listing:

1. Detransitioning
2. The Origin Of My Depression
3. Lay Down and Rot
4. Epilation Joy
5. Please Don't Leave Me
6. An Angel of Great and Terrible Light
7. Misspent Youth

First it was hell is empty, and now all the devils are here. The companion piece to the Phantoms "Hell Is Empty" 7" from 2022, "All The Devils Are Here" will be released into the world in July 2024 and finishing piece of this Phantoms puzzle. The team is back together for this one, once again recorded, mixed and mastered by Elliott Gallart at Chameleon Studios, with artwork by Thomas Sweetman. 

Pressing information:

Black vinyl (/200)

Track listing:

1. The Big Adios
2. Troublesome '96
3. Do No Harm, Take No Shit
4. Souled Out