Big Beefy Wrap: Hatebreed, Virtues, hanabie., Band-Maid, President and More!

It's time to jet-set all around the world and Australia to recap some of the best new releases of the past week - including stops in the US, the UK, Japan and both Brisbane and Tasmania - without further ado, there's the latest beefy new music wrap up from the week that was...

Hatebreed

While Australians wait with bated breath for any developments following Hatebreed's Summer Slaughter Tour tease back in May, the band have kept the momentum growing with the release of their empowering new song 'Make Your Demons Obey'.

This ferocious display of bottled aggression is first introduced with an ominous riff and an opening scream from Jamey Jasta which has viral TikTok potential as he and the boys belt out almost 3 minutes of menacing metal mayhem, guaranteed to get you pushing out 20 more reps before you even realise you're at the gym.

Matt Byrne's drum work is nothing short of maniacal with break-neck speed blastbeats galore, which complement the various gang vox spread throughout. Fans will find it hard to close their agape mouths with that chunky as fuck throwdown section which will cause utter chaos in the pit when experienced in a live setting and if you love breakdown calls, learn this section for maximum effect before the track's climax

'I've heard enough / I've seen enough / Show them I'm no longer prey / make them all fucking obey'

Hatebreed's first new track in five years does not disappoint and we're keen as fuck for what's to come next.

Words by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul

Virtues

Brisbane deathcore never sounded better!

The dudes in Virtues have been continually gotten heavier with every new song they release and following on from 2023 gut-punchers 'The House That Evil Built' and 'The Valley', they've returned to finish the job off with 'Blasphemer'.

As always, the menacing low-tuned riffs you in to frontman Wade Felsch's abhorrent gutturals which entice the listener to pout their lips and nod along furiously. As the track progresses, we're met with blastbeats, a two-step inducing section before the third act kicks off and soaring guitars - all of which compliment Wade's grotesque growls. There's a reason these guys landed in our 30 Indie Aussie Core Sick List at the start of the year and we're finally seeing them step into the spotlight to justify their placement.

Get keen and keep an eye out for new EP ODE dropping August 8th - pre-save here

Words by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul

hanabie.

The queens of Harajuku-core Hanabie. have released 'Karu Garu Everyday!!', a new song contribution for an upcoming anime titled Araiguma Calcal-Dan, a short TV series - which going off a short trailer - I can only describe as ‘very Japan,’ complete with talking Raccoons in business suits.

The track itself continues the band's trademark style, with Yukina’s heavy vocals complimenting Matsuri’s clean singing, mixing heavy riffs with a more traditional Japanese sound and injecting some Kawaii flavour in between. The single compliments the fast-paced style of the show perfectly.

‍Yukina spoke about  'Karu Garu Everyday!!' stating :  

“Listening to the track post-recording, I found the song to be a blend of cuteness, emotional vibes, and surrealness… it made us all laugh with its perfect chaos and being packed with all kinds of emotions! The TV anime has a fun and laid-back vibe, making the tie-in fit perfectly! I hope it becomes a motivational anthem for our fans, giving everyone the energy to tackle each day! Go, go!”

Hanabie. are continuing to grow a rabid fanbase around the world, with appearances booked in for the Vans Warped Tour, Wacken Open Air, a European tour, and Knotfest in Mexico.

Words by Simon Valentine @SimonValentineAU

Band-maid

After releasing the opening theme ‘Ready To Rock’ for the anime Rock Is A Lady’s Modesty (with the band also contributing via mo-cap technology,) the hard-rocking maids from Japan, BAND-MAID, are offering up another release for the anime world, this time contributing the ending theme ‘What Is Justice?’ for the Shonen anime Tougen Anki.

‍BAND-MAID have been on a streak of releasing some upbeat bangers, and this trend continues with ‘What Is Justice?’, the maids have really branched out from the traditional pop-rock sound of their J-Rock counterparts into a more harder frenetic flavour, while still occasionally offering a lighter ballad when the inspiration suits. Guitarist Kanami has developed a hyperactive playing style, pushing the tempo count with a fast rhythm and blistering solo, while MISA on bass commands a thunderous bottom end with a groove held together by Akane on drums. Vocalist Saiki is ferocious in her vocal delivery, complimented by band leader Miku’s vocal harmony.

While mostly keeping to touring Japan for 2025, along with a consistent stream of new singles, BAND-MAID seem to be building themselves up for a busier 2026, with an EP set to release later this year.

Words by Simon Valentine (@SimonValentineAU)

President

Mysterious new masked act PRESIDENT created waves when unleashed their first single ‘In The Name Of The Father’ two months ago. Debuting their live show at Download UK last month, the band are back with their third single ‘RAGE’.

While speculation over who is behind the mask runs rampant online, the one thing we know for absolute certainty is the addictive nature of this current drop. Dipping into more electronic and ambient styles, the smooth vocals of the opening verses hit the ear like honey. It might take a few lessons to truly absorb the intricacies of ‘RAGE’, but it has piqued our interest for their upcoming EP King Of Terrors. ‍

The debut release drops on September 26th giving us plenty of time to prepare for their first appearance down under when they support Architects on their December East Coast tour.

Stream ‘RAGE’ here

Words by Kayla Hamilton

I See Red

We sometimes forget about our off-mainland brethren in Tasmania, but fresh AF groove-metal act I See Red are doing their best to get some exposure with their debut single.

'Sever The Strings' features some impressive gutturals and guitar work for a new act - akin to that of early Slipknot - who are noticeable inspirations for the five-piece. As the song progresses, the talent this band has is exposed and if breakdowns are your Achilles heel, you'll be pleased to know they've nailed the execution with this one. Not bad at all for a first single!

Now that it is out in the open, eyes are on I See Red and what they'll do next!

Give 'em a follow on Instagram