This week’s Heavy Song of the Week on Heavy Consequence features Courtney LaPlante’s atmospheric theme for the video game 2XKO, showcasing the seamless blend of metal and pop in a gaming context. LaPlante, the vocalist of the band Spiritbox, lends her voice to “Ties That Bind,” a track designed to resonate with both metal enthusiasts and gamers alike.
Spiritbox’s unique style of alt-prog metal is characterized by its futuristic soundscapes and pristine production, making the collaboration with Riot Games a natural fit. Along with LaPlante, Josh Gilbert of Spiritbox co-produces the song, which embodies a techno-metal aesthetic, merging electronic instrumentation with emotive vocals. LaPlante adopts a more pop-oriented delivery in this track, yet it remains anchored by Spiritbox’s signature guitar flourishes, offering a glimpse into a possible future direction for the band that could incorporate more techno or electro-industrial influences.
In addition to LaPlante’s work, the article highlights other noteworthy tracks. Massachusetts post-metal band Astronoid releases “Third Shot,” where a blend of airy atmospheres and driving rhythms, combined with Brett Boland’s high-register melodic vocals, evokes comparisons to Coheed and Cambria. This track serves as a poignant artistic response to personal loss experienced by the band since their last album.
Furthermore, the collaborative duo of Bell Witch and Aerial Ruin prepares to unveil their second album, Stygian Bough, Vol. II, releasing “Waves Became the Sky” as its powerful opener. Spanning 12 minutes, this track encapsulates the essence of glacial doom, artfully incorporating choral vocals and somber melodic leads.
Finally, Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society offers listeners “Broken and Blind,” a laid-back stoner-rock groove that showcases the band’s tight sound ahead of their anticipated album release early in 2026.
These tracks collectively highlight the dynamism of the current heavy music scene, presenting a variety of innovative styles and emotional depth, promising a bright future for the genre.