Ahead of a monumental rock tour of Japan, leading Irish sludge metal band Ten Ton Slug is releasing its new single, ‘Livid’ this Saturday, November 14.
The Galway band’s latest releasewill be available on streaming platforms and Bandcamp before its members fly out to Osaka to bring their west coast fusion of heavy metal and punk to Japanese audiences.
Thematically, it deals with anger and frustration, while musically it sees the Slug focus increasingly on dynamics and songwriting.
The single also marks the first release from the band to feature drummer Tommy Carolan. Artwork for the single was created by former Ten Ton Slug bassist and current band artist Eoghain Wynne at Screwtape Designs, and reflects his interpretation of ‘Livid’s lyrics.
The single was recorded and mixed in Jamboja Studios in Monaghan by Ronnie Morgan while the accompanying video was filmed by long-time collaborator Padraig Conaty and edited by Ronan Harrington.
Following the release of the single, Ten Ton Slug is to take part in Kashikomi, a major tour of Japan. ‘Kashikomi’ - a term both of reverential respect and fear - features Ten Ton Slug, Dog Tired, Diggeth, and Japan’s Hylko and is supported by Culture Ireland.
The tour begins in Osaka on November 25, before travelling to Nagoya, Shizuoka, and Tokyo Machida before finishing up in Tokyo Shinjuku on November 29. Joining the touring bands on the last night will be Japanese bands Electric Eel Shock and Green Milk From Planet Orange.
This is not the Slug's first venture overseas, as Ten Ton Slug toured the USA in 2024; nine countries across Europe in summer 2025, including a support slot with Eyehategod in Germany; and two shows in Botswana in November 2025.
The band also shared stages with American heavyweights Clutch as main support earlier in 2026 on a five-date Irish tour which included shows in Belfast, Dublin and Limerick.
Listen at tentonslug.bandcamp.com
