The Best Metal Songs of October 2021: Monthly Highlights
“Borderline” – Elements of Creation
For many of us, dealing with our inner demons can be an everyday battle. Mexico’s Elements of Creation tackles that topic by taking us on an intensely heavy journey through the mind of one of those tormented souls in their new song, “Borderline.” The title of this heavy new track comes from Borderline Personality Disorder. However, “Borderline” is a song that anyone can relate to.
Lyrically, the song represents an internal conflict that we all have gone through at some point in our lives. It focuses on that daily struggle we all face and what it takes to overcome those challenges in day to day life. As the band says, “waking up and getting out of bed to live it represents a won battle.” “Borderline” is a powerfully heavy track that’s full of emotion. The band also released a music video that perfectly portrays the lyrical content, depicting the effects of a girl’s mental struggle, played by Glory Posada “Tiphaara.” “Borderline” is the second single Elements of Creation have released this year, following August’s “Deathless Promise”, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come from this emerging metal band. Listen to Elements of Creation on these platforms and watch the video for “Borderline” here.
“Kaizen” – After Smoke Clears
London’s After Smoke Clears has been on a roll in 2021. Earlier this year, they released two singles, “Fuoco” and “Obsessed”. Both of which were already voted as two of the best metal songs of the year so far. Then this month, they delivered their third and final single of the year, “Kaizen.” Lyrically, this explosively heavy new track covers the topic of continuous improvement. The band explains, “In modern society, it is often claimed that in order to achieve great things, we need to take massive action. The Kaizen philosophy offers an antidote to this problem by tackling challenges in a small, but consistent and incremental manner.” After Smoke Clears also released a music video for “Kaizen” which visually mirrors the song’s lyrical content. Listen to After Smoke Clears, watch their music videos, or pick up some merch here.
“I Only Say Goodbye” – Hard Disk Drive feat. George Halliwell
Greece’s Hard Disk Drive recently released their first, full length album, Immortal Nightmares. That’s where you’ll find this heavy new track. “I Only Say Goodbye” completely engulfs you from the second it starts, hypnotizing you with dark and smooth instrumentals. From its high energy to the haunting vocals, “I Only Say Goodbye” is a song that will have you banging your head, raising your fist, and singing along. Immortal Nightmares is available everywhere now. Listen to Hard Disk Drive on Spotify, Bandcamp, and YouTube.
“Thunderball” – Opensight
London based cinematic metallers Opensight are back this month, making their return in the most epic, musically cinematic way possible. If you’re a James Bond fan, you’ll be excited to know that Opensight’s newest single is their rendition of their favorite Bond theme, “Thunderball”. If you’re a fan of the Bond movies and Faith No More, then Opensight’s version of “Thunderball” is the song of your dreams. This song is everything it needs to be and then some. It’s exciting, fun, and much like the best cinematic experiences, it’s completely captivating. Watch the video for “Thunderball”, listen to Opensight, or pick up some merch here.
“Butterflies” – Kingseeker feat. Ivan Hansen
Norwegian metal/hardcore trio Kingseeker will kick off 2022 with the release of their debut album on January 21st. “Butterflies”, the band’s latest single, comes off of that giving us a glimpse at what’s to come from this underground band. The band says this song represents “the feeling you have when you’re newly in love, and everything you see, smell, touch and hear is about you and your significant others.” But don’t let that fool you into thinking this song isn’t heavy. “Butterflies” features a blend aggressive and clean vocals, soaring riffs, and an extremely catchy chorus. While we’re waiting for their upcoming album to drop, listen to Kingseeker or keep up with them on social media here.
“Beast Made Flesh” – Sepulchre by the Sea
When I think of Edgar Allan Poe, I think of the entire month of October. His literary works are featured in some way every year on Halloween, usually in the form of film. So when spooky season hits, I’m ready to watch all of my favorite Poe/Vincent Price movies! But this year, I’ve added a new Poe themed favorite to my Halloween-time plans. And that addition is Ratiocinations, the hauntingly heavy new EP from Sepulchre by the Sea. The inspiration for Ratiocinations comes from Poe’s detective stories, while instrumentally, this one man band blends black metal, shoegaze, melodic death metal, hardcore and atmospheric black metal to set the scene and tell the story. “Beast Made Flesh” comes from that, bringing a dark, brutal, and intense banger into the mix. Listen to Sepulchre by the Sea‘s new EP, Ratiocinations, or pick up some Sepulchre by the Sea merch here.
“Beast Made Flesh” is also on my 2021 Heavy Halloween Playlist! November may be just around the corner, but we all know spooky season never ends! Give it a listen and see what else is included here.
“Juxtapose” – Nordic Hamster
Central Florida’s Nordic Hamster released their debut, self-titled EP this month. “Juxtapose” is the deeply heavy opener on the EP, and it’s an amazing introduction to the band. This song is full of pulse pounding drums, chaotic and insanely catchy riffs, hooks, and melodies. In “Juxtapose” Nordic Hamster blends these elements while also dabbling into genres like progressive metal, djent and deathcore-type blast beats. All of this combined is what makes it such an exciting and enthralling listen. Listen to Nordic Hamster‘s debut EP on Spotify or check to see if it’s available on your favorite platform.
Vote For Your Top 5 Metal Songs of October 2021!
Vote for your top 5 favorite heavy new songs of the month below! The 5 songs with the most votes by 12am EST on November 30th will be added to our Best Songs of 2021 list at the end of the year. Last time you chose:
- “Library of Tears” – Ancient Settlers
- “Days of Future Past” – Iron Maiden
- “Clickbait” – Exodus
- “A Vulgar Quagmire” – Aborted
- “Sacred Destinies” – Subfire*
- “Chemical Whore” – Hypocrisy*
(Songs marked with an * resulted in a tie and as such, both songs were added to the list.)
Help decide which songs will be joining the ones listed above on our Best Songs of 2021 list by casting your vote below! Think you may have missed some of the songs listed below? Then make sure to listen along with my New Music Monthly playlist here on Spotify.
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