Written By Kevin McSweeney
Welcome to Seven Deadly Songs in a week when we mourn the loss of legendary Sick of it All frontman Lou Koller, to whom this column is dedicated.
This comes just a week after we dedicated the column to Jennifer Finch of L7. I’m praying it’s the last time in a long time that I have to make such a tribute to a lost legend.
We like to point you in the direction of legends under happier circumstances, so when five of them come together to release an album, it would be remiss of us not to mention it.
The hard rock supergroup Iconic boasts an impressive line up, featuring Michael Sweet (Stryper), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake), Marco Mendoza (Journey/Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake), Nathan James (Inglorious) and Tommy Aldridge (Ozzy Osbourne/Whitesnake).
They’re not kidding when they call themselves iconic. Their album II is available from July 31st via Frontiers Music.
Also of interest is the live album Live at Fajtfest Fryslân by Czech groove/thrash/hardcore band Crippled Fingers, which was released independently on July 27th. So, there’s a few things to look out for, and now, in honour of Lou, we’ll get on with the list.
Allt – Snowblind
We are, regrettably, not commencing proceedings this week with a cover of the Black Sabbath song of the same name.
Instead, it’s an offering from the consistently excellent Century Media label in the form of, and here I’m quoting directly from Wikipedia, not least because I’m lazy: “…a Swedish progressive metalcore band from Karlskoga, formed in 2020.
The band has released two EPs and their debut album, From The New World, was released on October 4th 2024.” Their second full-length album, Ataraxia, is due to be released on July 31st.
It’s a little on the poppy side, but isn’t that always the way with metalcore these days? Also, it’s astonishingly conventional for music deemed progressive, but it’s still worth your time. I’m not sure I wouldn’t have preferred the Sabbath cover, however.
Ceremonial Worship – Between Sleep and Death
No title has ever summed up my default setting quite so well. This is the title track of the third full-length album from a supremely talented Greek vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who operates under the pseudonym High Priest C. W., and why wouldn’t he?
This particular track starts off slow and doomy, like early Sabbath, but soon ends up in blast beat and demonic shriek territory. You know you’d be disappointed if it didn’t. The album is due to be released on July 31st via Eternal Death.
You might also wish to partake of En Skog Av Nidstang by Norway’s Taake for more black metal madness. It is to be released via Dark Essence Records on the same day. The latter is worth checking out for the black metal banjo alone.
Complexant – No Angels Weep
We head now to the city of Wollongong in New South Wales for some Down Under Deathcore, courtesy of Complexant, who are due to release Apex, their debut full-length album, via Bleeding Art Collective on July 31st.
I believe Wollongong is also home to Cry Club, who are a good band in their own right, but just a little bit different in terms of the style of music they perform.
Needless to say, this is brutal as Hell, though not entirely bereft of melody, and it’s not the only deathcore album being released this week that is worthy of your attention.
We would also direct you towards Bloom, the tenth full-length album from Nevada’s Disfiguring The Goddess, which is to be released via Seek & Strike, also on the 31st.
Dreamtale – The Wave of Time
You might want to have your lighters handy, or phone screens, depending on your vintage. This one is epic! In fact, it actually sounds a little like Stairway to Heaven at times.
Is it symphonic power metal or melodic power metal? I don’t know, but if any band deserves to be mentioned in dispatches in recognition of legendary status, it’s Finland’s Dreamtale. Aetherbound is their ninth full-length album in a 27-year career that’s as epic as their music.
The album is due to be released independently on July 31st, and the fact that they aren’t currently signed to a label beggars belief.
They are perhaps only outdone by Germany’s Sinner in legendary status, who are due to release Boom Bang Goodbye, also on the 31st, via Reigning Phoenix Music. This, remarkably, will be their 21st full-length release. Hats off to both bands!
Hexorcist – Crucificial Imprecations
My YouTube search kept trying to take me to the crucifix scene in The Exorcist, which I do not need to see again, quite frankly. I enjoy being able to sleep.
I’m not sure of the meaning of the title, but I love a good portmanteau! Instead of classic horror, we have classic Floridian death metal from these Miami men that bears a striking resemblance to their fellow swamp dwellers Morbid Angel. (My Floridian editor is going to love that one!)
The guitars sound at times like chainsaws mid-massacre. This is the opening track and the title track of their second full-length album, which is due to be released on July 31st via Invictus Productions. The power of Crucifical Imprecations compels you to check it out.
Sellsword – Mighty Mercenaries
Hailing from the English city of York – yes, the old one – and dealing in fantasy-based power metal filled with tales of Arthurian legend and viking battles and whatnot, we have the merry men of Sellsword.
Their third full-length album …with Might and Vengeance is due to be released independently on July 31st. It follows on from 2016’s …and Now We Ride, and 2019’s …unto The Breach.
Like a metal Monty Python, it’s silly in the best way possible, in much the same spirit as other British bands such as Alestorm and Bangover, both of whom have been featured in this column in the past.
And now for something not completely different, there’s pagan folk metal in the form of Still, the sixth full-length album from Germany’s Finsterforst, which is due to be released via AOP Records, also on the 31st. Have fun with both!
Southpaw FLHC – Rolling Stone
Our final selection this week is also our second from Florida, and it comes courtesy of Jacksonville hardcore punks Southpaw FLHC.
This is another group that have clearly drawn inspiration from the much-missed Lou Koller and Sick of it All, though in truth their sound is closer to the crossover style of Biohazard.
The Standard is their debut full-length album, which comes five years after their self-titled debut EP. It is due to be released on July 31st via Spinefarm.
According to the label, they: “…bridge the gap between the old and new generations of hardcore with elements of punk, metal and hip hop.” That sounds about right to us.
We wish them luck with their first album. Also, we thank Lou Koller both for his excellent music, and for inspiring young bands such as Southpaw FLHC.
We wish for him to rest in power, and we wish for you to join us in seven for another seven.
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SEVEN DEADLY SONGS Q&A
Q: What is Seven Deadly Songs?
A: Seven Deadly Songs is Metal Lair’s weekly roundup of the heaviest new releases across the full metal spectrum. Each week we spotlight seven standout tracks you shouldn’t miss.
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A: We post a new edition every Friday, typically highlighting weekly new releases.
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A: Right here. Seven Deadly Songs is your go-to source for discovering the latest metal tracks including fresh black, death, thrash, doom, and speed metal releases, all curated in one place.
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About The Author
Kevin McSweeney is Metal Lair’s resident scribe of the underground, eternally rummaging through the global metal scene for riffs worth your time.
As the guiding hand behind Seven Deadly Songs every Friday, he has an uncanny knack for finding the track you didn’t know you needed, usually before finishing his pint.
Equal parts loyal, kind, and quietly razor-witted, Kevin brings deep knowledge, impeccable taste, and a steady, reliable presence to Metal Lair.
Read More From This Author:
The Larches – Nihilistic Majesties EP Review
Album Review: Exodus Unknown by Imperium
Remembering Lou Koller: The Voice of Sick Of It All (1967 to 2026)
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