“How can you listen to this stuff? It’s just noise!” goes the all-too-common refrain of the anti-metal crowd. “It all sounds the same!” they cry.

Allow me to present in retort: the most singular musical offering I’ve heard in ages.

Have you ever wondered what it might sound like if Shakira joined System of a Down? If so, this is probably the closest you’ll ever come to that very weird dream becoming reality (particularly if Shakira goes to jail for tax evasion).

Reliqa describe themselves as ‘alt-prog’ – you know, as opposed to all the super mainstream prog rock bands going around these days.

In reality, ‘Safety’ is heavy metal at its most artfully constructed. It feels like it could be displayed in the Tate Modern, a work of art so blissfully disturbing and confoundingly majestic that it defies true categorisation.

It’s unpredictable, but not chaotic. It’s complex, but not disorienting.

Lead singer Monique Pym is a rare weapon, flexing and swerving her multifaceted vocal talents like Steph Curry careening around the court.

Sometimes her voice surfs atop a thundering tidal wave of drums, sometimes she spits with the speed and dexterity of Tkay Maidza. Her voice twirls and collides with the guttural screams of guest vocalist Sean Harmians (from Make Them Suffer), combining in a musical fire tornado.

If I’m honest, this song is not likely to convert the metal-sceptic in your life. But it’s probably your best chance.

And a few others:

‘OUTCAST’ by bazio: When the crushing realities of modern life start to get you down, maybe consider a trip in this time machine back to 1999. This is a proper big beat track – the kind they don’t make anymore. I’m talking Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers type shit. Join the rave and sweat out the sadness.

‘It’s Only Human' by Velvet Trip:  A woozy, laid back, Pond-esque slice of indie psychedelia. The shimmering falsetto pierces the veil – a strip of light peeking out of the hazy clouds.

‘This Old Place' by Jordy Maxwell: If you enjoy the warm, sunshiny guitars of Spacey Jane and/or the assured, wistful storytelling of Josh Pyke, this song is for you. Jordy Maxwell is a delightful addition to a lineage that stretches from Slim Dusty, through Paul Kelly, to Darren Hanlon, to Courtney Barnett.