SELF CHECKOUT Breaks Through With 'Death Notes'

The scene’s been flooded with new tracks this week, but one that’s been getting a lot of attention is Death Notes by SELF CHECKOUT. Fans have been following this release closely, keeping an eye out for updates, and now that it’s finally out, it’s sparked a lot of discussion. The song immediately grabs attention with its dark tones and dense, detailed production, highlighting the mix of influences both notable members bring to the project.

SELF CHECKOUT is made up of Yung Yogi, former vocalist of Volumes, and Ahren Stringer, ex-bassist and vocalist of The Amity Affliction. They combine their backgrounds in a way that feels fresh but maybe a bit familiar, blending past experiences (musically and personally) into something new, really deep, and arresting.

Death Notes starts off dark and intense, with multi-layers of instrumentation that are detailed yet really cohesive. The production gives space for each element to shine on its own, especially Ahren’s cleans, while the all the vocals are hypnotic and on track. The release leans into nu-metal vibes, heavy and raw, and sections like the industrial-melodic break around the one-minute mark give it an otherworldly feel before the chorus brings it back down. The song flows in a way that lets listeners fully sink into its mood and atmosphere. There are also noticeable elements of hip-hop and even R&B throughout, making it almost impossible to label the track under a single genre. These diverse sounds mesh seamlessly, creating something totally unique.

Lyrically, Death Notes is a tribute to important figures in the scene who are no-longer here today. It references Tom Searle of Architects, Louie Knuxx, who has collaborated with Amity before, Sean Kennedy of Deez Nuts, and Bill Crook, former bassist of Spiritbox. The song balances vulnerability and strength, addressing loss and mortality while also expressing gratitude. The lyrics are personal, revealing the emotions of the writers themselves. By opening up in this way, the band allows fans to connect with what they feel, and you know what, that can sometimes be a difficult, vulnerable act.

The pacing of the track gives listeners space to absorb everything while maintaining momentum. Moments like the industrial-melodic break hit hard emotionally, and overall the sound carries a bit of a 2010s vibe while still feeling current, especially compared to some of today’s releases that can feel formulaic.

Death Notes feels like just the beginning of what SELF-CHECKOUT has to offer. The release highlights the band’s creativity and their connection with fans, but just as importantly, it reflects the personal growth and identity they’re carving out for themselves. These guys are stepping out to make a name on their own terms, moving beyond the “former” and “ex” labels that have followed them. While their past work is impressive and totally worth acknowledging, this new chapter feels destined to stand on its own...and maybe even overshadow what came before.