Heavy Song of the Week is a feature on Heavy Consequence breaking down the top metal and hard rock tracks you need to hear every Friday. This week, the top spot goes to Alissa White-Gluz’s “A Song to Save Us All.”
Alissa White-Gluz stepped out of her typical role as the frontwoman of Arch Enemy for the solo track “A Song to Save Us All” — an anti-fur industry protest song and a rallying cry for the “Ending Real Fur” movement.
White-Gluz, who has a long history of activism, first offered up the song as a Patreon exclusive before premiering the music video on YouTube and officially releasing the song on Thursday (February 22nd). Meanwhile, it also serves as the soundtrack to the Taimoor Choudhry-directed documentary Ending Real Fur.
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“Through ‘A Song to Save Us All,’ I aim to amplify the voices of those silenced by the fur industry’s cruelty,” stated White-Gluz. “Music has the power to transcend boundaries and evoke empathy, and I hope this song serves as a catalyst for meaningful change.”
The song itself relies on strings and a sweeping orchestral arrangement, giving full precedence to the vocals and words of White-Gluz. Her impassioned delivery is echoed by the song’s climatic buildup, which culminates in a crushing symphonic metal breakdown during which her voice ascends to operatic heights.
Honorable Mentions:
Ace Frehley – “Cherry Medicine”
Even Ace Frehley seems taken aback by the positive reception and massive play counts that he’s garnered from his 10,000 Volts singles. “I don’t understand what’s happening, but something’s happening,” he recently told FOX17 Rock & Review. What happened was that Frehley teamed up with Trixter’s Steve Brown to compose these songs, and it appears that Brown unlocked Frehley’s inner songsmith — the one which produced a decade of hits and classic deep cuts with KISS and overtook Headbangers Ball in the ’80s with his eponymous solo projects. On the latest single, “Cherry Medicine,” the positive trend continues with Frehley and Brown going full power pop as they dish out churning chords and big vocal hooks.
I Am the Intimidator – “Eat My Smoke”
The Daytona 500 took place earlier this week, making it a prime time for new music from the self-described “NASCAR thrash” band I Am the Intimidator. “Eat My Smoke” is the second single from an upcoming concept album about the late great Dale Earnhardt, and all novelty aside, the song kicks ass. Classic doom-metal riffs set up some impressive vocal stylings from the project’s mastermind and Portland metal vet Andrew Stromstad, who sounds like he could front both Judas Priest or a late ’70s AOR band. His love for the sport and Dale comes through in the track’s inspired content and production. Raise hell, praise Dale!
Praying Mantis – “Defiance”
Praying Mantis are sadly slept-on when it comes to the NWOBHM movement. The band’s knack for melodies and harmonizing often grouped them more with hard rock/AOR acts, but the emphasis on catchy guitar riffs and technical lead work was firmly rooted in the same metallic underpinnings of Diamond Head and Iron Maiden. Praying Mantis are still going strong and are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with the release of a new album entitled Defiance. The title track is a fine example of the British band’s ability to fuse pop sensibilities with the decadent guitar arrangements of the NWOBHM sound. The fine lead work, the signature vocal harmonies…it’s all here.
