FRIDAY FIRE | This Week in Riffs: 5 Rock & Metal Tracks That Actually Slap
Another Friday, another excuse to crank it. Whether you’re flying solo with your headphones or screaming in the pit this weekend, we’ve got five killer tracks that earned their spot in your rotation. No filler. No apologies. Just the best of what’s dropped lately in the world of riffs, chaos, and melodic brutality.
1. Orbit Culture – “Vultures of North”
This Swedish powerhouse is on a rampage. “Vultures of North” is dark, crushing, and soaked in that perfect balance of melodic death and groove metal. Think Gojira meets early Metallica with a modern kick. One of the best things to come out of Europe this year.
2. Ghost – “Peacefield”
You know them, you either worship them or raise an eyebrow. But “Peacefield” is legit — moody, melodic, and theatrical in all the right ways. A slow burn that digs under your skin and sets up their next act perfectly. Papa Emeritus has never sounded so vulnerable… or dangerous.
3. Allegaeon – “The Swarm”
Technical death metal done right. Allegaeon tears through this track like a band with something to prove (again). Precision meets brutality — and with Ezra Haynes back on vocals, this is the sound of a band fully locked in. Brutal, but intelligent.
4. Machine Head – “Unbound”
Robb Flynn hasn’t lost an ounce of venom. “Unbound” comes out swinging with signature Machine Head riffs, heavy grooves, and aggressive hooks that stick. It’s a highlight from their latest album Unatoned, and it hits like a truck.
5. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – “Stitches”
Chaotic sludge. Dirty distortion. Wild energy. “Stitches” is a stoner-metal banger with attitude. Their album Death Hilarious is like watching a fever dream fall apart in slow motion, and we mean that as a compliment.
This week brought variety — clean choruses, bloodletting breakdowns, and riff salad galore. Dive into the madness, and if you’re feeling bold, shoot us your own picks for next week’s Underground Pulse spotlight. We’re always hunting for the next noise worth knowing.