We’re through the first quarter of the year and it feels like the world is ending, yet the international metal scenes are still churning. There’s been some insane singles spewing out all over, from Estonia and Armenia to Poland.
Bronze Tier: Metal Single of the Month – March 2025
Violent Answer
“Ascent”
Self-released
Based in Poznań, Poland
Nothing hits harder like the second punch – Polish street metalcore boys Violent Answer delivered two teeth-baring singles this past month. Dripped out in Eastern European fashion, the five-piece (Marcin Werner, Filip Szuba, Karol Gemborowski, Maksym Kulej, Artur Bręczewski) recently presented both “Blur” and “Ascent” with modern attitude. There’s not yet a name to contain the wild energy of this new wave of counter culture heaviness, but the band perfectly showcases the current state of affairs, mastered by Simone Pietroforte (Signs of the Swarm).
FFO: Thrown, Darko, The Dali Thundering Concept
Silver Tier: Metal Single of the Month – March 2025
Manapart
“Terrorize!” ft. SHIRRA
Released via Touch Music
Based in Armenia
In the back of my mind, there’s an arena of bands battling it out to claim reputation as the most significant in the international metal realm. Manapart has now stolen the arena spotlight, waving the Armenian flag high, while shining with 90’s alternative and folk-fusion righteousness. I still jam the “Roombaya” single off last year’s Red album, and now their latest offering is an equally catchy addiction. Boasting a Maria Drizik (SHIRRA) vocal feature and political-romance lyrics, as well as a saxophone solo (I believe by Michael Kulikov, also of the St. Petersburg-based SHIRRA), “Terrorize!” is an immensely unique track.
FFO: System of Down, Wargasm, Dog Fashion Disco
Gold Tier: Metal Single of the Month – March 2025
Surgent
“Demon Eyes” ft. Laur Lindmäe
Self-Released
Based in Tallinn, Estonia
There’s a handful of bands that emerge over the years that are genuinely impossible to pigeonhole. A prime example is Surgent, who spans across vast territories from progressive death metal and grunge to sludgy deathcore. Considering the mix was by Jacob Bredahl (Møl) and mastering by Brad Boatright (Sleep), it makes perfect sense that their new “Demon Eyes” single holds sledgehammer weight. It’s impossible to deny the dual vocals duty between Endrik Salak and guest Laur Lindmäe (Pridian, Goresoerd); and of course, the accompanying demonic video, directed by Polina Yakyan is an absolute frightening delight.
FFO: Acid Bath, Shining, Whitechapel