Release Roundup: July 14th
Featuring Deftones, Terminal Sleep, Softcult, and more.
ERRONEOUS BOTCH:
Two more videos for everyone this week! Our latest bonus episode was guest-less for the first time in a long while. However, in the absence of the desired company, I decided to run through my favourite releases of 2025 so far. So, if you want to hear the very best in metalcore revival, “Melbourne boltdown,” Montreal oi!, screamo, American melodeath, jangle-pop, and more, check it out below:
And for my ongoing Dispatch Bay series, MICROWAVE vocalist, guitarist, and psychedelic enjoyer Nathan Hardy joined the show. Returning Down Under alongside their longtime pals in Free Throw later this month, Nate chats about the group’s ongoing sonic evolution, what precipitated their “In Utero turn,” and how philosophy, Jungian archetypes, and introspection allowed them to “reach through the abyss” on their 2024 LP, Let’s Start Degeneracy. Check it out below:
SIDE A:
A curated selection of cool shit for you to listen to.
Terminal Sleep – “They Circle Below”
Naarm/Melbourne crew TERMINAL SLEEP have just finished their second victory lap of the UK/Europe, absolutely dominating festival summer stages and introducing newcomers to their brand of metallic hardcore chaos. With the coveted backing of Nuclear Blast Records label, the quartet have dropped a monstrous track, hinting at the beginning of an exciting new era.
On their latest single “They Circle Below,” vocalist and F.O.T.S. Bec Thorwesten states:
“The song explores the journey of navigating one's self-doubt and the drowning pressure of self-set expectations; overcoming mental turmoil and the only way out being through.”
(Editor’s Note: Fun fact, I’m also an extra in this music video, and one of the faceless cloaked apparitions haunting Bec’s inner psyche. Exciting stuff.)
Softcult – “Naive”
Canadian riotgaze duo SOFTCULT have been a regular fixture of this humble newsletter rag for years now, so it gives me great pleasure to write that the group appear to be teasing out their imminent debut full-length.
While album details are sparse (for the time being), the Arn-Horn siblings released the dreamy “Pill To Swallow” in April and have now followed with “Naive,” an immersive cut that practically begs for 3 am introspection and fatalistic, bedroom-floor yearning. Stream the single here (Bandcamp/Spotify).
Deftones – “my mind is a mountain”
In 2025, DEFTONES are positioned as a genre unto themselves. No longer touted in critical circles as the only “nu metal band you’re allowed to like,” the group’s mixture of lush textures, horned-up lyricism, and serpentine riffage can be felt across practically every subgenre of alternative music.
After literally teasing their long-awaited tenth record for years, the quintet have finally announced the upcoming release of their new LP, private music, the follow-up to 2020’s Ohms, due to arrive on August 22nd via Reprise/Warner Records. As for their latest single and album opener, you should know what to expect at this point: crushing grooves, Chino’s breathy delivery, pretty guitar layers, etc. Watch the video for “my mind is a mountain” below:
Brooklyn Comic – Define Happiness
My new find this week comes from a TPD Patron, so shout out to Chris! You’re a legend. (This could be you! Sign up for the Patreon!) Emo outfit BROOKLYN COMIC hail from Gadigal/Sydney, and their debut album, Define Happiness, is dropping on August 8th through the good folks at Def Wolf Records.
As proud allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, the group’s sound “blends emo, hardcore, indie and alternative rock, tackling themes such as loss, self-doubt, heartache and personal growth.” If you’re into Movements, Jimmy Eat World, Spanish Love Songs, and anything else on that comprehensive sonic spectrum, this is for you. Stream the LP’s pre-release singles here (Bandcamp/Spotify).
ERRA – “Gore of Being”
Metalcore progressives ERRA have returned with their first taste of new music since last year’s critically acclaimed CURE LP. “Gore of Being” plays out like a greatest hits of the band’s phenomenal career progression: winding, jackhammer grooves, crushing distortion, and stellar vocal interplay between F.OT.S. J.T. Cavey’s harsh midrange screams and Jesse Cash’s soaring melodies. On the single’s thematic intent, the band states:
“‘Gore of Being’ started as an idea that Clint brought into the studio and marks his first songwriting contribution to the band. Lyrically, ‘Gore of Being’ turned out to be a musing on mortality. Despite not writing the lyrics, Clint later had a conversation with Jesse connecting the serendipity between the lyrics and the working title Clint had for the instrumental, which related to his Dad’s sudden and tragic passing. The song’s context took a new shape from there, becoming a catharsis and being that much more special to the band.”
Watch the video for “Gore of Being” below:
SIDE B & FEATURE ALBUM:
Want more tracks? Well, I have some good news for you. I’ll be posting my Side B write-ups on BY A THREAD, ANGEL DU$T, AGRICULTURE, and MISERY WHIP on the TPD Patreon.
If you'd like to check them out, please consider becoming a Friend of the Show (for just $3 USD/$5 AUD per month). By joining, you become part of our alternative music community, get access to our existing bonus content, and have the opportunity to send me a mildly threatening chat message with some new music you like.
I’m deadly serious about this. I want your recommendations!!