vctms announce “Pain Processing II” with single “burning/bones” featuring Ben Hoagland
Rising heavy hitters, VCTMS, returns with their blistering new single, “burning/bones” featuring Ben Hoagland, the lead vocalist of Extortionist. The track marks a bold step forward for the band, fusing raw aggression with haunting atmosphere to create one of their most dynamic and emotionally charged releases to date.
VCTMS new EP, “Pain Processing II” is set to release May 1st. The band's goal with the EP is to produce a heavier, more raw follow-up to their first EP, “pain processing.” which was released in 2024.
Pre-save “Pain Processing II” here
VCTMS shares, “Serving as a powerful follow-up, Pain Processing II finds us returning with even more purpose, intensity, and emotional weight. Building on the raw vulnerability and crushing heaviness that defined Pain Processing, this EP pushes our sound deeper into the chaos while sharpening every edge. We're blending suffocating breakdowns, punishing riffs, and emotional vocals with an atmosphere that feels both personal and destructive, creating a listening experience that hits just as hard emotionally as it does sonically.”
"Rather than simply continuing where the previous release left off, Pain Processing II expands our vision—diving further into themes of struggle, reflection, and release. Each track feels like another stage of the process, where aggression and honesty collide in waves of controlled brutality. It’s heavier, darker, and more focused. We understand exactly what we want this sound to be.”
"As a follow-up, Pain Processing II doesn’t just revisit familiar ground—it intensifies it. The result is a relentless, cathartic chapter, proving our evolution is far from over."
As the band has made clear, the new EP is not just about revisiting familiar ground, it's about intensifying and focusing that heavy, dark thematic energy and “burning/bones” really sends that message.
Check out “burning/bones” here
Lyrically, “burning/bones” dives into themes of internal struggle, and the weight of unresolved trauma. The track explores what it feels like to be consumed from within, burning under pressure while simultaneously feeling hollow and fractured. This is reflected in the lyrics but also in the song’s structure, which shifts seamlessly between chaotic, high impact moments and eerie, atmospheric passages.
The collaboration with Extortionist only adds to the raw, primal energy that VCTMS is known for producing. VCTMS shared their excitement about working with Extortionist, noting that the partnership felt like a natural fit. Both bands have built reputations for pushing boundaries while maintaining an unapologetically heavy sound, and “burning/bones” is a testament to that shared vision.
From a production standpoint, the single is both polished and punishing. Every element has its space, from the dense guitar layers and splitting drums to the subtle ambient touches woven throughout the track. It all comes together to create a sound that feels immersive and nonstop, pulling you deeper into the emotion of the song as it unfolds.
Alongside the release of “burning/bones” is a wicked music video which features Ben Hoagland of Extortionist. The visual really encompasses the heavy, dark theme the band is aiming for with this upcoming EP.
“Pain Processing II” is set to release May 1st 2026 and has 7 tracks featuring some heavy hitters such as Austin Hayes of Heavy//Hitter, Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake, Aaron Matts of ten56.
“Pain Processing II” Tracklist
“twenty/eight”
“victim/mentality” (Feat. Austin Hayes of Heavy//Hitter)
"burning bones" (Feat. Ben Hoagland of Extortionist)
"bed_of_nails"
"devil's // speak" (Feat. Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake)
"trauma/response" (Feat. Aaron Matts of ten56)
"clip my wings" (Feat. Juan Guiteraez)
VCTMS will also be touring this Spring! Not only will they be Supporting JILUKA alongside TSS, VCTMS will be headlining their own tour with MIRRORCELL, WASTE, and CATSCLAW joining select dates
