Slyder Smith comes out swinging on “Killing The Machine,” a hard-edged rock single that lands today on all major streaming platforms via Ray Records. The UK singer-songwriter has been building toward a moment like this, and the new track delivers it with gritty guitars, anthemic momentum, and the kind of raw lyricism that’s become his signature. It’s socially charged, sonically punishing, and deeply relevant. Listen here.
The single was produced by Robin Wynn Evans (Manic Street Preachers, The View, Sam Brown, Dodgy) at TPot Studio, and the production shows. There’s punch and precision here, a modern sonic edge that doesn’t sacrifice the timeless energy of classic rock. Slyder puts the theme plainly: “We’ve built something that’s meant to serve us, but it’s starting to feel like it’s shaping us instead. It’s about fighting back, holding onto what makes us human.”
“Killing The Machine” follows acclaimed releases “Plan To Fail” and “Nobody’s Listening,” continuing a run of music that confronts self-doubt, addiction, isolation, and societal disconnection without flinching. The single also arrives as a limited edition numbered CD bundle, including a signed CD, signed poster, and lyric sheet with two tracks recorded live at a sold-out Forfar 10 Bar show.
Slyder’s also unveiling a new four-piece lineup featuring Brian Kerr on guitar, Kevin Skelly on bass and backing vocals, and John McAvoy on drums. “The new band is sounding awesome in rehearsal,” he says. “Moving to a 4-piece was a great move that brings much more depth to the sound.” That depth hits the road across a string of UK dates starting tonight.
2026 UK Tour Dates:
April 10 – Bannermans, Edinburgh
May 1 – Audio (w/Bonifide), Glasgow
May 24 – 10 Bar, Forfar
July 11 – Rock Bottom, Falkirk
July 12 – Trillians, Newcastle