Japanese metal group BROKEN BY THE SCREAM has released “Hanakabura”, its first single for Metal Blade Records. The release signals a new chapter for the band, which combines idol-style singing with metalcore and extreme-metal elements, and will feature in its forthcoming European live shows.

The four-vocalist group said the song was inspired by its signing to Metal Blade and represents the start of a “battle”. Its title draws on the Kaburaya, an ancient Japanese arrow used to signal battle, imagined passing through falling cherry-blossom petals; the band will perform in Europe this summer, including on Wacken Open Air’s main stage.