Fuming Mouth frontman Mark Whelan has truly stared down the barrel of mortality. In 2021, Whelan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a life-altering challenge that forced him to undergo intensive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Having emerged on the other side of that harrowing experience, the Massachusetts-based hardcore and death metal outfit has continued to push forward with renewed intensity. After returning to the stage in 2022 and releasing their 2023 album Last Day Of Sun, the band is now preparing to unveil their next LP, which kicks off with the defiant new single, “Cheat Death.”

For their upcoming album, The Ringing Bell, Fuming Mouth reunited with their longtime producer, the prolific Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou. The record also features a high-profile addition to the rhythm section: Jay Weinberg, formerly of Slipknot and currently of Suicidal Tendencies, steps in on drums. Following the release of the lead single “A Blaze Of Nihilism,” the band has now shared the triumphantly brutal opening track, “Cheat Death.” The song serves as a visceral declaration of survival, featuring the stark, shouted refrain: “Near death, but I have escaped! I have survived! I refuse to die!”

Reflecting on the significance of the track, Whelan shared his perspective on its place within the broader narrative of the new record:

This is the opening song on our new album. It was important to me to start it with a blunt and positive message that didn’t beat around the bush. “Cheat Death” also sets the stage for the journey from death back to life on The Ringing Bell. It was one of our simplest and most fun songs to write.

The accompanying music video, directed by Eric Richter, captures the mythic energy of the track. You can watch the official video below.

The Ringing Bell is scheduled for release on July 17 via Triple B.