4 Releases That Made This Week Huge For Heavy Music

With Summer 2022 now officially here, it’s only fitting to see some of the biggest heavy music releases of year arrive the same week. While there’s been a number of tremendous metal, hardcore, and punk releases in 2022 so far, this week’s output marks a distinct stride for the genre as both legacy and new bands have released highly anticipated tracks.

Two of metal’s most buzzed and beloved new acts, Spiritbox and Lorna Shore, have both put out music this week that not only surpasses the hype from their widely acclaimed 2021 releases, but also paves the path for new sonic experimentation. On the other side of things, two of metal’s most iconic acts, Megadeth and Ozzy Osbourne, have also released music, both of which are singles for their long anticipated new studio albums set to release late summer of this year.

Lorna Shore – “Into The Earth”

Since the release of their immaculate 2021 EP …And I Return To Nothingness, Lorna Shore has taken over the extreme metal sub-genre by surprise. Vocalist Will Ramos has single handily moved the goalpost for extreme metal vocals, and the band’s instrumentalists have equally done so when it comes to writing earth shattering riffs and breakdowns. Speaking of Earth, “Into The Earth” is the band’s new hypnotically disgusting masterpiece. Visually and sonically the track delivers on every front and further pushes the boundaries of what’s capable in the realm of extreme music. Will Ramos makes his full length debut with Lorna Shore this October via the band’s forthcoming LP, Pain Remains.

Megadeth – “We’ll Be Back”

Maybe the most anticipated metal release of the year, Megadeth is officially back with a ferociously ‘thrashy’ new single, “We’ll Be Back.” It’s the first new music from the thrash legends since their 2016 grammy award winning record Dystopia, and it just might be the band’s best single in over decade. The band’s new linen-up consisting of guitarist Kiko Loureiro, drummer Dirk Verbeuren, and bassist James Lomenzo feels reminiscent of Rust In Peace era greatness with their instrumental virtuosity, and overall tightness as a band. Megadeth’s 16th studio album, The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead arrives September 2nd, but hopefully we get a chance to hear that mythical blast beat song sooner or later.

Ozzy Osbourne – “Patient Number 9”

Just as it was a great week for modern metal releases, the heavy metal classics came in strong with not only new Megadeth but also new music from the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy’s new single “Patient Number 9” (Feat. Jeff Beck) walks the same line as his remarkably great 2020 record Ordinary Man, which makes sense considering Andrew Watt is back at the helm as producer. However, even more so than his previous album, Ozzy’s new studio record will feature a litany of iconic rock and metal musicians, ranging from Black Sabbath’s own Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde, and even the late great Taylor Hawkins. The album’s due out September 9th and will mark Ozzy’s 13th solo album.

Spiritbox – Rotoscope EP

Possibly the most talked about new metal artist, last year Spiritbox proved they were worth every second of attention with their debut LP, Eternal Blue. This week the band surprised dropped a brand new 3 song EP entitled Rotoscope, and it’s a perfect followup for a band wielding such enormous potential and praise. With Rotoscope Spiritbox elaborate upon their unique modern sound but with a more 90’s-industrial flourish. Ultimately it makes for an impressive marriage of styles and marks yet another win for the incredibly talented act. The band’s set to hit the road this summer where they’ll be opening up arena’s for Ghost on their upcoming tour featuring Mastodon. Let it be said now, it’s hard not to imagine Spiritbox going from arena openers to arena headliners in the distant future.

Honorable Mentions

Machine Head – “Unhallowed”

American heavy metal giants are back with an absolute ‘rager’ of a single, “Unhallowed.” It’s safe to say this track features one of the best MH riffs/choruses since their 2008 masterpiece The Blackening. Looking forward to see where Machine Head go with their upcoming tenth studio album, ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN.

Spirit Adrift – “Mass Formation Pyschosis”

As a relatively new band Spirit Adrift has flown under the radar for quite a while, but with their 2020 Enlightened In Eternity, they earned some well overdue respect. The band’s forthcoming LP Mass Formation Psychosis looks to take the band’s already exceptional guitar and vocal hooks to even greater heights. After hearing their new title track single, it’s only fitting to see Spirit Adrift as direct support for Crowbar’s upcoming tour.