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Heavy Song of the Week is a feature on Heavy Consequence that highlights the must-hear metal, punk, and hard rock tracks every Friday. This week, the top pick honors go to Fugitive’s latest single, “Spheres of Virulence.”
With a fresh record deal through Blue Grape Music, the Texas-based band Fugitive has released their first new track in two years — the blistering “Spheres of Virulence,” one of the standout thrash tracks of 2025 so far.
Emerging in 2021 as a spinoff of Power Trip following the tragic loss of Riley Gale the previous year, Fugitive was formed by guitarist Blake Ibanez and frontman Seth Gilmore—currently the lead vocalist for Power Trip—along with other members of Texas’s hardcore/metal scene. They debuted with an EP in 2022, followed by a 7″ in 2023.
Unavoidably compared to Power Trip, Fugitive’s initial releases mirrored Ibanez and Gilmore’s earlier project. Yet, “Spheres of Virulence” shifts away from hardcore influences, embracing a more ’80s speed-thrash energy along with nods to early old-school death metal. The band clearly carves out its unique sound with this release, stepping outside of its Power Trip legacy.
Honorable Mentions:
Faster Pussycat – “Motorbike”
Faster Pussycat has always excelled at creating catchy tunes, and their authentic style and gift for memorable hooks have distinguished them from their more superficial hair metal contemporaries (as shown in Penelope Spheeris’ iconic Decline of Western Civilization Part II). The group still retains their charm, as demonstrated in their latest track “Motorbike,” a bluesy escapade that features a captivating, infectious chorus — nearly bubblegum in its sing-along appeal. It’s also great to see frontman Taime Downe back at it, pursuing his passion following a personal tragedy earlier this year.
Nova Twins – ”Piranha”
Nova Twins blur the lines between pop and metal yet again with their new single “Piranha.” A slow electronic beat drives the song, while the duo — Amy Love and Georgia South — deliver heavy guitar riffs and striking vocal hooks. At just under three minutes long, the track adopts a more pop-friendly structure, but the unapologetic use of rock and metal sounds sets it apart from typical Top 40 hits.
Pelican – “Evergreen”
Flickering Resonance is the first Pelican album featuring the band’s original lineup since 2009, signaling a return to their foundational instrumental roots. The album’s standout track “Evergreen” showcases the reunited lineup, seemingly unaffected by time, as they deliver heavy post-hardcore riffs that transition into softer segments with rich soundscapes of feedback.
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