Fit For A King / Memphis May Fire / Acres / 156/Silence

A showdown of four bands from the heavy guild with sounds that are as hard as metal itself. Presented by Mind over Matter.

Fit For A King have long been among the heavyweights of metalcore - and for good reason. For over a decade, the Texan quintet around frontman Ryan Kirby has been writing songs that combine raw heaviness, gripping melodies and emotional depth. Together with Bobby Lynge (guitar), Daniel Gailey (guitar), Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary (bass) and Trey Celaya (drums), they have steadily evolved from their DIY debut "Descendants" (2011) to the celebrated chart successes of recent years, always finding their own language.

With their eighth and new studio album "Lonely God", Fit For A King are now taking their work to a new level. Created in Los Angeles, the album concentrates the band's energy like never before. Each individual has left their mark - to be heard in songs such as the lead single "No Tomorrow", with its apocalyptic chorus hovering between apocalyptic mood and hunger for life, or in the crashing title track, which exposes the pursuit of power as a lonely aberration.

Fit For A King are more than just a metalcore band - they are brothers who have gone through ups and downs together. With "Lonely God", they sound more uncompromising, honest and powerful than ever before.

Current album:
"Lonely God" (2025), Sold State Records

Memphis May Fire | are back - and stronger than ever. The US metalcore band also have their eighth and new album "Shapeshifter" with them. Identity, self-deception and the masks we wear in everyday life are at the heart of this record. Matty Mullins (vocals) calls the album "a journey through deception and self-reflection" - an attempt to make the real visible in a world full of facades.

Musically, Memphis May Fire once again mix more aggressive riffs with melodic hooks, dark lyrics and rousing breakdowns - and show that they have not only mastered their genre, but are also continuing to grow.

Current album:
"Shapeshifter" (2025), Rise Records

Acres | are one of the most exciting new voices in post-hardcore and have established themselves as international hopefuls since their debut "Lonely World" (2019). With their follow-up "Burning Throne" (2023), the band took the next big step: sold-out club shows, rave reviews and a growing audience that celebrates their intense mix of heaviness and melancholy. 2025 was followed by "The Host" - produced by Landon Tewers (The Plot In You). Acres combine heavy riffs, epic melodies and relentless honesty to create a sound that is simultaneously powerful, emotional and highly engaging.

Current album:
"The Host" (2025), Tooth & Nail + Solid State Records

156/Silence | are an up-and-coming metalcore band from Pittsburgh who gained international attention with their 2024 album "People Watching". Their sound combines the intensity of classic metalcore roots with atmospheric elements reminiscent of bands like Deftones or Thrice. With their blend of melody, heaviness and atmosphere, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene.

Current album:
"People Watching" (2024), Sharptone