New Music

50 Lions Link Up with Winston McCall for New Belter 'Heaven's Gate'

Aug 27, 2025

4 min read

There's been a resurgence in Australia's hardcore scene following the unavoidable rise in popularity of the genre which has been spear-headed by the likes of SPEED, Outright and Justice For The Damned to name a few.

Whether connected or not, the scene has witnessed the reformation of formative years acts like Iron Mind, Pro Team and Day Of Contempt, with bands like Mindsnare, The Chain and Miles Away also popping up from time to time.

Another band we have been waiting (im)patiently for is Byron Bay hardcore kings 50 Lions, who broke out in the mid-2000s with releases such as Nowhere To Run, Time Is The Energy and their final release Where Life Expires which the band unleashed back in 2009 before entering hiatus; reappearing only to drop the 2016 face-smasher 'Former Glory'.

Well, the time has come to welcome the lions back because 2025 has found the band - consisting of vocalist Oscar McCall, bassist "Boz" Carney, guitarists Guy Niemack and Baina and drummer Dave Bichard - releasing two new songs in 'Misery' and today's new drop 'Heaven's Gate' featuring another prominent face in the Byron Bay heavy scene.

Parkway Drive frontman (and Oscar's brother) Winston McCall has provided his vocals to 50 Lions new belter which absolutely fucking slaps. Commencing with an ominously short synth that is suddenly overthrown by Luke's drums, it's not long before Oscar's fierce opening statement of, "I've got a problem with authority / I got questions to ask between you and me / I've got a bone to pick with their rules" greets you and guides you into the chaos that awaits. As Niemack and Baina tango between riffs (with subtle hints of djent scrapes throughout) it's not long before Winno jumps in with his brutally rounded display of metal frontman prowess and we're taken into the chorus - but this is only a taste of what else the lad shave in store and it's best experienced with a decent set of headphones and a clear space to throw the fuck down.

The song comes from a forthcoming EP titled New Reality which is set for release on October 3rd via Last Ride Records and the team who worked on the release reads like a who's who of Aussie heavy music with production duties undertaken by Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove) and songwriting credits to Dan Brown (The Amity Affliction).