Metallian Heavy

NAPALM DEATH is at Parlour Studio in the UK demoing material with producer Russ Russell. The grindcore band is aiming for an album release in late 2026.

WHIPLASH has a new album, called Thrashquake, which will become available on the upcoming European tour with NAPALM DEATH immediately and then released on March 6th, 2026. Thrashquake will be the first full-length studio album by WHIPLASH in 17 years following 2009’s Unborn Again.

Grace In Decay is an album by melodic death metal band SPIRAL FRACTURE. It was released by Wormholedeath in January. The band’s singer Javier Ramos is described by the label as, “a classically trained jazz vocalist.”

Germany-based death metal duo UNINHIBITED has a demo called From Flesh To Void. The release, “explores the collapse of faith and identity, through themes of godlessness and annihilation.”

UK-based UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION has recruited singer Robbert “Robbe” Kok (DISAVOWED) to replace Mallika Sundaramurthy who will focus on EMASCULATOR. UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION was booked for Portugal’s Xapada Fest and is writing new music.

The Netherlands-based death metal band BEYOND THE PALE has had its 2024 demo, Monument In Time, rereleased through Black Metal Archives. The band features ex-ALTAR singer Janneke De Rooy.

Austria-based death metal band GRAUFAR has a demo called Via Necropolis. GRAUFAR was founded in 2020 and won the Wacken Metal Battle Austria in 2024 and went on to place ninth in the international finals at Wacken Open Air. There is a video for the song Buried In Flames.

CADAVRUL’s Necrotic Savagery is available through Loud Rage Music. It is described as, “Death Metal from Romania.”

Florida, USA-based HEXORCIST has picked Crucifial Imprecations as the title for its full-length album, which will be out through Invictus Productions this year.

Canada-based INCANDESCENCE has an album called Hors Temps through Profound Lore Records on 20.01.2026. It is mixed and mastered by Xavier Berthiaume at Tehom Productions.

Following the death of bassist Ale Moz in 2024, Trevor and Tommy from SADIST, Giovanni from BENEDICTION and other musicians have decided to keep the death metal band CRYSTAL SUN going. This line-up has completed the album Moz was writing, entitled The Trace You Left. In addition to keeping Ale’s memory alive, the album’s proceeds will be donated to AIRC for cancer research. The album is available through Nadir Music.

Horror Pain Gore Death will release USA-based solo act MOONCHAPEL’s Three Faced Trinity For A Two-Faced World album in February of 2026. The solo act is compared to SEANCE and BEHERIT.

Belgium-based black metal band DRAWN INTO DESCENT has a full-length, entitled Onrust, through Immortal Frost Productions on 27.02.2026. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Chiaran Verheyden.

Italy-based MASCHARAT has reappeared and has a new album. Ars Aurea Mortis (Remparts Productions) is a concept album, “entirely focused on the theme of the transformation of matter according to the principles of alchemy and Western esotericism. The process that leads to the creation of gold unfolds across the eight tracks of the album.”

Nepal-based ANIMALITY has a demo called Third World Brutality. The band is compared to DEATH.

UK-based death metal bands VACUOUS and BASTARD MYCOSIS have a 15-date European tour in April of 2026.

Sweden-based CIRCULAR RUIN has an album called A Sermon In Tongues through Vendetta Records as of 31.01.2026. The band is compared to UNANIMATED and DISSECTION, but is also publicized as moving in and out of different subgenres like “post-hardcore.”

Invictus Productions has signed USA-based black/death metal band ABHORRENCY and will release an album called Upheaving Utopia this year.

Germany-based ARROGANZ has signed a new deal with Testimony Records and will release a full-length this year.

UK-based death and thrash metal group CRYPTIC SHIFT has a music video for the song Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphaszym). The group will release an album, called Overspace & Supertime, through Metal Blade Records on February 27th 2026.

The Netherlands-based black metal band SAILLE has signed with Non Serviam Records for the release of a full-length album called Forebode. It is arriving on the 13th of February 2026. There is a video for the song Deception Of Decadence. The band was originally founded in Belgium in 2009.

For whatever reason USA-based UADA has a cover version of NIRVANA’s song Something In The Way. There is a new album, Interwoven, through Eisenwald on April 10, 2026.

International black metal project DOEDSVANGR has signed with Soulseller Records and will release an album called Within The Flesh this year.

Norway-based black metal band NORTHERN KRIG has a demo called Worship Files for Anthropophagolagnia Predators on 15.02.2026.

VAMPIRIC OATH’s Doctrines Of Withering Nature is available through Vampiric Militant Legions. It is described as the, “Debut full-length album from this mysterious one-man-band.”

Germany-based BITTERNESS will release a full-length, called Hallowed Be The Game, through G.U.C. on February 6th 2026.

More of Rogga Johansson’s weekly releases is here. HEIR CORPSE ONE’s Destination: Domination album is available through Emanzipation Productions on the 6th of February 2026. This project was assembled in 2020. The band’s previous EP melded Lovecraft with Caribbean folklore.

My Body To The Worms is the title for the new album by Australia-based sludge band MAMMON’S THRONE. It is available through Hammerheart Records in March 2026.

USA-based sludgy band SUMAC is touring Australia and New Zealand. The band will cover Europe in April.

Solo act JOEL H BULSARA has a demo called Hastur The King in May 2026. The sound is described as “NOLA sludge meets desert doom with Seattle darkness.” The man has been in bands like SOUND OF ORIGIN, IREOSIS and VITILIGO.

Denmark-based death/doom act FOETOREM has an album called Incongruous Forms Of Evergrowing Rot through Everlasting Spew Records on 27.03.2026. The band is compared to HOODED MENACE.

Finland-based death/doom act HANGING GARDEN has an album called Isle Of Bliss through Agonia Records on 20.03.2026.

Italy-based MADVICE has an album, called L’ottavo Giorno, through Art Gates Records on May 8th, 2026. “This album is darker, faster and heavier than our previous ones. It’s equally divided between melodic death metal and blackened thrash metal, all seasoned with Mediterranean sounds.”

Germany-based symphonic band SCHATTENVALD has an album entitled Alle Hernach through Solistitium Records in April of 2026.

Serbia-based thrash metal band INFEST will headline a tour of Europe in May of 2026. On select dates they will be supported by MORTAL STRIKE or HELLDRIFTER.

Denmark-based thrash metal band ARTILLERY has signed a new deal with Mighty Music. The band will issue a mini-album through the label in the spring. The EP has already been recorded.

Canada-based thrash metal group WARSENAL has an album called Endless Beginnings…, which will see release through Massacre Records on 20.03.2026.

EXODUS has an album called Goliath through Napalm Records in March of 2026. Crossover band SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY will open for EXODUS and ANTHRAX in Alberta, Canada at MacDonald Island on February 22nd 2026.

Former UNDERCROFT and ANIMA INMORTALIS guitarist Alejandro Landeros Flores has died. He was 56. The cause of death was Parkinson’s disease.

Might Music has rereleased Unique, the 1995 demo of WITHERING SURFACE digitally and on vinyl. It was originally issued on cassette.

Greece-based melodic death metal band AMONGRUINS has a video for the song Advent Of Chaos, which is taken from the Advent Of Chaos album. It will be issued through Theogonia Records on 20.02.2026.

WARRANT is headlining the Speed Invasion Tour with KNIFE and TASKFORCE TOXICATOR in the spring of 2026.

The Greece-based atmospheric band TEMOR will release a demo called Weeping Waves in 2026. It has “cinematic” arrangements lol.

Vancouver, Canada-based ETERNIOS has a video for a song called Requiem For The North. The solo act will release a new demo in 2026.

Vancouver, Canada-based CAERRIAN has uploaded a song called Fathomless Ruin, which is, of course, described as “cinematic” among other things. It is a glimpse into CAERRIAN’s forthcoming demo, which is slated for release in the spring of 2026. The song has a Viking theme and the band is compared to DISSECTION and OPETH.

Finland-based metalcore act HARMS has signed with Time To Kill Records and will release a full-length album called Rebirth Of The Cold this year. The band was founded in 2017.

Coahuila, Mexico-based metalcore solo act ANATHOTH returns with Redención. The album features eight new songs and five remixed self-cover versions from the debut EP, Eternidad. The Christian man, Dan Cuellar, sings in Spanish and the act is compared to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and ALL THAT REMAINS.

France-based thrash metal act ARCHVILE KING has an album called Aux Heures Désespérées through Les Acteurs De l’Ombre Productions.

Come Creeping Fiends is the title for the new album by UK-based AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR. It will be released through Dying Victims Productions on March 27th, 2026. The album was recorded at No Studio in Manchester, UK.

No Life Til Metal Records released Can’t Kill Us, the debut album by the former HIRAX members HarXsoN on January 30th. The EP was recorded and mixed by Bill Metoyer and has cover artwork by Ed Repka.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES’ drummer Jay Weinberg has left the band after two years and been replaced by X of LAST WAKING MOMENT.

SEPULTURA has announced The Cloud Of Unknowing as the title for its final EP.

Early RAZOR drummer Mike Embro died on 05.01.2026. He had checked into a hospital for pneumonia. Embro had been in the band between 1983 and 1987.

The attack of the ‘cinematic’ bands continues unabated! A “cinematic form of symphonic death metal” Italy-based NEFASTIS is back, having recovered from line-up changes that forced it into a hiatus. Shadows At The Light Of Dawn, a four-act concept album is available through Rockshots Records in March 2026.

Metal fans should approach with caution due to the presence of violin, cello, keyboards, etc. UK-based MÝVALYĬR has a demo called The Past Tales. The band was founded in 2023.

Canada-based dark metal duo, which incorporates folk influences, COGADH has a video for the song Cromwell’s Curse from its upcoming demo Kingmaker. It is available on March 6th 2026.

Very hip alert. They have masks and keyboards too! (cowboy hats will be added soon?) International “Symphonic” act THY SANATORIUM has uploaded a song called No Flag Left To Burn and is promising more material for the spring.

Rockshots Records has signed Italy-based “symphonic” act EMBRACE OF SOULS and will issue a concept album, entitled The Battle Of The Dead, in 2026. Giacomo Rossi, already involved with earlier recordings, takes on a central role as the lead vocalist and is joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. The band also has keyboards.

Since he was only in 10 bands (or so), he needed more: Hungary-based MERCULISTARYA is the one-man project of Árpád Szenti, known for his drumming work with bands such as Thy Catafalque, Ahriman, Athame and Damnation. Áradó Fájdalom A Tűnődés Medrében is the project’s debut full-length album and available through Pest Records and Metal Or Die Records.

LUCIFUGUM‘s cassette demo of 2025, called Adanom, will be available as a gatefold 7″ through Aesthetic Death as of 31.01.26. The band is also reissuing its 1999 release On The Sortilage Of Christianity.


Metallian Hard

ALHAMBRA has recorded a new album as of late 2025. Skyward Pray is slated through Walküre for 25.03.2026. An edition comes with a bonus DVD and live material from 2025.

Spain-based heavy metal band RAVE IN FIRE has an album, called Square One, through High Roller Records.

USA-based STAINLESS has its debut full-length album, Lady Of Lust & Steel, available through High Roller Records on 20.03.2026. There is a lyric video for the song (Don't Cross Me) Fool now.

Renacer is a new EP by Spain-based heavy metal band XATHRA. It is released on digital platforms through Art Gates Records.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its debut full-length, The Son Of Odin, UK-based heavy metal veteran act ELIXIR is touring Europe throughout the year. The act will play The Son Of Odin in its entirety.

The Sweden-based power metal band EVERMORE had a studio album, Mournbraid, through Scarlet Records on 20.03.2026. The album was produced by Marcus “Mackan” Alfsson. There is a lyric video for the song The Illusionist (Raise The Curtain).

Apparently 'sets' are still trendy. For the first time in a decade ONSLAUGHT is touring the USA and Canada with a Force From Hell set this spring. Singer Sy Keeler has been back in the band since last year. WARLORD, whose digital catalog was recently acquired by BraveWords Records, has never played North America over its 45 year plus career and will co-headline this tour, playing a Deliver Us album set.

USA-based heavy metal group FILI BIBIANO'S FORTRESS issued an album called Death Is Your Master through High Roller Records in January of 2026.

Czech Republic-based heavy metal act KRLEŠ has parted ways with guitarist and founding member Radek Sádovský. He has been replaced by Jiří Karpjuk, who was a member of the band between 1998 and 2006.

Chile-based prog band ENGRUPID PIPOL has a demo called Quadragenta at Finem Mundi. There is a video for the song Inspireichon Burn.

Germany-based heavy metal act SONS OF ETERNITY has a new full-length called Human Beast, which will be issued through Massacre Records on 27.03.2026.

Switzerland-based THE ORDER has an album, called Empires, through Massacre Records on 27.03.2026.

TYGERS OF PAN TANG has recruited guitarist John Foottit of CHROME MOLLY. He replaces Francesco Marras.

Young USA-based power metal act (with keyboards) RAVENMOCKER has uploaded a song and video called Infallible. Formed in 2025 by singer and guitarist Tom Tierney, the band emerges from "a period of personal upheaval, creative rebirth…" Joined by guitarist George Patmas (EX‑DIANTHUS), drummer Dylan Suierveld (LEVINIA) and bassist Will Buckley (LEVINIA and ANUBIS), the band intends to upload more songs throughout the year.

Norway-based experimental doom act HERMIT DREAMS has an album called Desperate Anomies through Chaos Records. The group's sound is compared to MY DYING BRIDE.

USA-based doomy band TEMPTRESS has a seven-week long tour across the United States this winter.

THE OBSESSED has a mini-tour of the USA for this March.

Scotland-based folk/alternative band CNOC AN TURSA ('Hill Of The Standing Stone') has a release called A Cry For The Slain through Apocalyptic Witchcraft Recordings on 24.04.2026.

IRON MASK has recruited drummer John Macaluso and keyboardist Franky De Mangelaere.

San Juan, Puerto Rico-based progressive metal band MOTHS, which opened for AVENGED SEVENFOLD, locally in January has its latest studio outing, Septem, available on vinyl through Discotecario.

Spain-based hard rock band UNCHOSEN ONES is back with a new demo called Divine Power Flowing. The act has a keyboard player.

1980s and 1990s' USA-based white metal act APOSTLE is having two of its demos released by Brutal Planet Records. The Florida-based act's White Metal demo (1985) and Chariots Of Iron (1987) demo are being pressed on CD and vinyl. The band's early singer and guitarist Matt Harding, who was the main songwriter, died in 2012.

VICTORY has lost singer Gianni Pontillo to NAZARETH. He is replaced by former BONFIRE vocalist Dyan Mair.

Former SCORPIONS and MSG bassist Francis Buchholz died from cancer on 22.01.2026. He was 71. Francis was a member of the band in the years between 1973 and 1992.

Spain-based MARTIN TEMPLUM DOMINI has a digital album called Mankind through Lion Music. The band has completed a video for the song Before We Ever Were featuring vocalist Göran Edman. In the meantime, drummer Mario Vico died unexpectedly in January of 2026.

CANDOR ZEALOT is a young rock/hard rock band based out of Ottawa, Canada. The band has uploaded a song called Lie For Country and will upload a total of six songs during 2026. The line-up features Alberto Campuzano, formerly of ANNIHILATOR, who also is in Toronto’s METALLICA tribute act SANDMAN.

Halifax, Canada-based heavy metal band TURBO has a music video for the song PissJugs & Rattlesnakes, which is taken from the 2024 demo, Broke & Ugly.

Mosh The Rock Island MetalFest 2026 takes place at Fred Milne Park in Sooke, BC, Canada on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The all-ages metal festival brings together Vancouver’s Juno Award–winning ANCIIENTS, ARROW IN THE QUIVER (Vancouver, Canada), THE RISING FALL (USA), and SQUIDHAMMER (USA), etc.

The Hyperspace Metalfest (Vancouver, Canada) has announced a batch of bands for its 2026 Line-up. These include SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, and LYCANTHRO. between April 16 and 18 2026. SANCTUARY will perform its 1990 album, Into The Mirror Black, in its entirety.


Metallian Demos

CHAOS REVEALED - FORETOLD IN ASHES
Chaos Revealed, and not 'Chaos Revelad' as the publicity sheet blunders in large font, is trying my patience. The same tear sheet ascribes a "cinematic atmosphere" to the band. Humans are truly some of the most pathetic sheep of all in the universe. Every.single.band.is 'cinematic' nowadays. Take it from the vantage point of a reviewer who sees fifty music submissions a week. Cinematic band after cinematic video after cinematic concept after cinematic artwork is running amok on the scene and, instead of trying to be just a tad original, more repeat offenders assault my Inbox every day. These so-called artists, pretend innovators, wannabes, industry types, including publicists, and all their cliched pipe dreams that they cling to as soon as they perceive a new trend so they can be exactly like everyone else and part of the 'in' crowd, are beyond sad. Keep lemming on you lemmings by wearing the cowboy hats, unleashing albums, using keyboards and having your corset-wearing Eurovision envying front loseress be symphonic (lmao). Cinematic. Yeah, by the kilo all of a sudden.
The band's lyrics claim, “I refuse to be devoured by Scylla’s might” and “I shall rise up to the gods,” but when it comes down to walking the walk this bunch is a victim of making itself no more unique than anybody else. Then again, the band may know something that we forget. That is, every single outlet these days gives every single release a positive 'review' so none of it matters. All hail the standard 8/10! Why should any sheep leave the flock if that's the case?
As for the music, such as it is, there is a lot to like and much not to. A mystical feminine voice begins it all signifying a unifying theme or concept at work. There are plenty of soaring melodies and nods to Sentenced (before they completely wimped out), Arch Enemy and Nightrage. The vocals are more screamed at hell, like Carcass, with the odd growl and spoken female vocals. It is not all that good, however, and the band shows its young age by including the lame boy band backing vocals as early as the second track, Burning Skies. Someone told them vocal harmonies equal coolness (someone told the Backstreet Boys the same thing). The drum is light sounding. It is speedy, but has neither a boom nor a heft. The music is built on tenets of melody and harmony, but could be quite harsh simultaneously. The melodic soloing is especially well done. Too bad leads are scarce. Still, the Chaos Revealed duo keep up with the speed most of the time. The One Who Sees contains another good doubled up solo, but, then again, the song contains pop rock vocals. Yes, much good with pinches and dashes of disappointment over the course of five tracks that are almost 30 minutes in length. - Ali "The Metallian"

PORTAL - NIGHTFALL IN EDEN
Portal is the doom handiwork of one Texas, USA-based Razar better known for the band Raddar. Portal and Nightfall In Eden are olden heavy rock with a lot of doomy vibe, but above all, the material comes across as personal and bereft of any and all commercial intentions. Tracks range from 4 to 8 minutes long. It is strange associating doom and heavy rock with mellowness and a soft-spoken approach, but that is what this material offers. Thought-provoking titles like A Sinner's Hymn, Cemetery Stroll, Gonner ("I am a gonner…") or Nightmareica feature heavy rock riffs from a bygone era, doom explosions and slow to mid-paced bona fide riffs that have long ceased to exist in our world. Make it A Day Of Doom by streaming it all at https://thedoomportal.wixsite.com/my-site/music. - Ali "The Metallian"