Boston hardcore band Firewalker may have been relatively quiet over the past few years, but only because they were working on their blistering sophomore album Hell Bent, set for release June 28th through Triple B Records. Following their explosive debut demo in 2016, Firewalker stayed the course, releasing their eponymous LP in 2017, The Roll Call EP in 2019, and their latest demo in 2022. Back in full force, the five-piece band has unleashed nine tracks of 80s-tinged metallic hardcore on Hell Bent. Today, Firewalker shares the single “Carry My Own Torch,” a fervid anthem about declaring independence from a toxic relationship.

On Hell Bent, Firewalker has honed their updated lineup, featuring guitarists Sarah King and Cecelia Halle, progressing toward a heavier sound while still speaking out for those who feel underrepresented or alienated in hardcore. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by drummer Sasha Stroud at her studio, Artifact Audio, in NYC. Clocking in at just under 20 minutes—plenty of time to take in the band’s crushing vocals, electrifying guitar solos, and shattering drums—the album demonstrates the rage and passion that come from being women in hardcore.

“After being a band for nearly ten years, we wanted to create an album that captured how we have progressed musically, both in terms of instrumentation and inspiration,” shared Halle. “Since the beginning of Firewalker, we have drawn inspiration from Madball’s progression as a band: starting with the simplicity and genius of ‘Ball of Destruction’ and developing towards heavier and metallic albums like ‘Set it Off.’ With that in mind, the writing of the album drew heavily from our influences in hardcore and metal—trying to capture the spirit of late 80s metallic hardcore while holding true to our roots as a Boston hardcore band.”

Hell Bent is now available for pre-order through Triple B Records.

Firewalker is Sophie Hendry (vocals), Cecelia Halle (guitar), Sarah King (guitar), Rory Tito (bass), and Sasha Stroud (drums).