Metallian Heavy

MEMORIAM, with drummer Dirk Verbeuren on drums, will release its sixth and final album, Endgame, through Reaper Entertainment on 29.01.2027.

Dresden, Germany-based death metal group SAPROBIONTIC has an album, called Of Fire And Bloodshed, through Black Lion Records. Recordings for the new album, Of Fire And Bloodshed, began at Deep Deep Pressure Studios in Austria in April 2025. Following the recordings, and with forthcoming shows in mind, the band completed its line-up by recruiting Loppi (PIKODEATH) as its new lead vocalist later that year. Loppi also appears as a guest vocalist on the track Shepherd Of Doom.

Portugal-based brutal death metal band CRUCIVORE has an album called Desecration through Testimony Records on 13.11.2026.

VOMITORY is heading to Southeast and East Asia for several concerts this month and next.

Colombia-based death metal band DECARABION has an album called Desacralization on Comatose Music on 11.12.2026. The band is compared to CRYPTOPSY.

Pest Records has signed The Netherlands-based death and thrash metal band ANOMIC for the CD edition of its new full-length album, The Spider’s Code, which will be issued on November 13, 2026.

Second Choice Records, Eternal Juggernaut Records, Hecatombe Records, Kremón Records, Broca Records and Reek Of Records have banded together to release ÓSSERP’s Les Homilies Del Desengany album of five tracks. That means it took six labels to get five tracks out. The band reports the music was inspired by “the sounds of brutal death metal from the late 1990s and early 2000s…”

New York, USA-based SARCOSUCHUS has an album called De-Extinction through Horror Pain Gore Death on November 13th, 2026. The band is compared to INTERNAL BLEEDING.

Germany-based death metal band MINENFELD released a full-length, Instruments Of Industrialized Warfare, on October 16th, 2026. The album is available through Iconoclasm Conquest and Fucking Kill Records. The band is compared to BOLT THROWER and HELLHAMMER.

Solo act CORPSE WATER has released the CD edition of its debut album, There’s Something In The Water, through Memento Mori on October 26th. GrindScene Records had released it on vinyl this spring.

Italy-based black metal band CANTICUM DIABOLI will release a full-length, called Compendium Horribilis, through Ad Noctem Records on November 11th, 2026. “The album moves from the execution of Giordano Bruno and the Sack of Rome in 1527 to the Venetian vampire legend, the funerary tradition of the putridarium and the story of the Monster of Ravenna.” The band sings in Latin and Italian.

Italy-based occult metal band VOID CHANT has a release called Threnody Of Stars. The band is Enki – The Tongue Of The Abyss, Keeper Of Subsonic Flame (vocals and bass), Eibon – The Architect Of Fracture, Wielder Of Celestial Dissonance (guitar) and Nordavind – Pulse Of The Hollow Earth, Conductor Of Chthonic Resonance (drums and synthesiser). The band was founded in 2023.

France-based melodic black metal band HOULE is touring France with CÂN BARDD and GALIBOT. The band is working on a new album.

“There are no keyboards and no artificial atmosphere. The band makes no attempt to soften the ugliness at the heart of the record.” Born in Cuba and developed in Switzerland, occult band SECTARIUM has a demo called Mud Teeth.

USA-based melodic black metal act BEFOULED MALEDICTION has a debut album, entitled Desperate Necromancy, out through Dawnbreed Records on October 30, 2026. “As part of the ever-changing Ordo Vampyr Orientis collective, BEFOULED MALEDICTION features associates also active in BAT MAGIC, BAD MANOR, BENEATH MOONLIGHT and other related projects.”

Like every second release these days, this one too is called “blackened”. SELENOPLEXIA’s Beneath The Lunar Tyrant is available now. The band is compared to KRALLICE and PANOPTICON.

GRAVE HEX has returned with a new EP, Domain Of Foul Rebirths, as of October 30, 2026. It was released on cassette by Night Terrors Records and on CD through Cavernous Records.

USA-based duo CAVERNOUS MAW has a video for the song The Yeti Approaches The Wall, from its Ancestral Lands Beyond The Antarctic Ice Wall demo.

Ireland-based FRAUGHT and Apocalyptic Witchcraft are issuing a two-track EP entitled Pillar I: Ashes Of Verdant Collapse. This will be the first in a trilogy of EPs that together will form an album. The band was founded in 2020, but was called DROUGHT initially for a year.

Estonia-based death metal band SURGENT has a demo called Sin Eater. The band also has a video for the song Dismantle/Replace. Surgent was formed in the Tallinn and Tartu regions of Estonia by former HORRICANE members Jaan Varts and Jüri Tarkpea in 2017.

Finland-based death metal band KITA will release an album called Ikuinen on 20.11.2026. It was recorded and mixed at Studio Mikpoli and Studio Hirvox by Jonne Hirvonen.

Formed in the spring of 2022 in Blansko in the Czech Republic, MACOCHA (pronounced ‘ma-tso-kha’ and named after the deepest abyss in central Europe) released a self-titled debut demo in 2024. The band, which reports mixing hardcore with metal, has a demo called Pale Heart for 2026.

The Netherlands-based atmospheric black metal project BEENKERVER will release an album called Doodlot through Vendetta Records on November 6th, 2026. The six-track album will be available on LP, digital and CD. The album’s name translates into ‘fate’ in Dutch. Doodlot was written and recorded by Niels Riethorst, the musician behind BEENKERVER. The album also features drummer Joris Nijenhuis and a guest vocal performance by Jasper Hesselink of NO MAN’S VALLEY.

Melodic death metal band ULTHIMA has a second full-length, called Midnight’s Call, through Inverse Records on 27.11.2026.

USA-based “death/doom” (but with violins) project A SOW OF VIOLENCE has a concept demo called The Unravelling. A SOW OF VIOLENCE began in 2020 as a solo metal project created by Jason Korolenko.

Serbia-based death/thrash metal band RHYNN has a debut album called King Of Nothing through Avantgarde Music on November 27th, 2026.

UK-based THRASH MOB has a debut EP by the name of Hate, Rage And A Whole Lotta Killin’. Despite only making its live debut in January of this year, the five-piece has already appeared at the Bloodstock Festival.

Selvajaria Records presents the European version of the upcoming album by the Chile-based thrash metal band KILTHRASH. Enjambre Asesino was issued by Three Metal Forces in 2025. The band sings in Spanish.

Sweden-based death metal band DEVOURER has released a music video for the song Astral Attrition. The video also incorporates excerpts from Lux Ferre by David Miller, known as MLLR. These were reworked and combined with the band’s own footage.

Belgium-based WYATT E. and UK-based jazzy FIVE THE HIEROPHANT are no strangers to one another. They have shared stages, toured together in 2022 and collaborated on the Atonia project for Roadburn. The two are touring Europe this autumn.

Sweden-based SYSTEM SHOCK has reappeared with a new logo and a contract with Art Gates in hand.

USA-based deathcore/metalcore band CASCADE EFFECT has an album called The Weight Of Nothingness through Eclipse Records on the 8th of January 2027. The band is a Wacken Metal Battle (USA) winner.

France-based FIR BOLG will release an album called Triskelion through Schwarzdorn Production on November 27th 2026. The thirteen tracks are built around Celtic mythology, pagan traditions and forgotten rituals. The band detracts from the metal with “bouzouki, ancient instruments, traditional percussion and tribal textures.”

Dark metal solo act DECIDUOUS FOREST has an album called Hymns Of Time through Apocalyptic Witchcraft. The act is the solo project of Snjór, the guitarist for GRAVEIR and live guitarist for HEBEPHRENIQUE, BRIMSTONE and BRUXA.

SEPTICFLESH guitarist Christos Antoniou will miss part of the band’s North American tour with ARCH ENEMY after suffering broken ribs in a fall.

Avantgarde extreme metal band ANCESTROS has an album called Blasfemia Austral through Cyclic Law on the 16th of November 2026. As always, members are associated with other acts, in this case, ORTHODOX, PYLAR and VOIDESCENT.

Inspired by KEEL? USA-based deathrash metal band REVENANT, which was originally active between the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, has reformed. The current line-up features four original members, singer Henry Veggian, guitarist Dave Jengo, bassist Tim Scott and INCANTATION‘s John McEntee, who has rejoined the group on guitar, while drummer Todd Gukelberger, known from PRIME EVIL, takes over for the dead Will Corcoran. The band is looking at playing live and recording new music.

Paris, France-based doom/sludge/shoegaze trio MARGARITA has a debut full-length, Abysses Of Melancholia, through Electric Valley Records. The band was formed by Julie, Julie and Karen in 2022. The trio has played in France, Belgium and Switzerland so far.

Sweden-based sludge and crust AGRIMONIA will release a full-length, entitled Of The Shadows, through De:Nihil Records on December 11, 2026, eight years after the Awaken album.

“Orchestrations” and “cinematic”! Combining two recent bandwagon phrases and claiming to be “black metal,” USA-based ROTTING FLESH OF THE GODS has a demo called Spear And Fang.

Keyboard-oriented band STARKILL has a video for the song Death On Display. It is taken from a full-length demo, called Hanging Up My Halo, which is scheduled for January 22nd 2027.


Metallian Hard

JUDAS PRIEST's founding bassist Ian Hill has retired from the band. His replacement is ELEGANT WEAPONS and URIAH HEEP's Dave Rimmer, who stepped in again for Hill during JUDAS PRIEST's concert at the Eventim Apollo in London, England on September 21st. Hill retires as he suffers from arthritis in his shoulders, right hand and both knees. Rimmer intends to stick with his other bands simultaneously.

Sono Sola is the name of the new album by SEVEN KINGDOMS. It will be available through Reigning Phoenix on 27.01.2027.

Laura Guldemond has departed BURNING WITCHES citing a difference in vision. She stated that she'll continue with her own music next. The band is auditioning singers and has hired vocalist Jennifer Gruber of Fireborn for immediate gigs including Metal At Lust festival in Malta.

Germany-based heavy metal band TURBOKILL has thrown in the towel. The band's statement is citing differences of opinion within the band as the reason for the split.

Art Gates Records has signed Spain-based ONE MILLION DEAD, a five-piece from Huelva, Spain, which was founded as a MEGADETH cover band in 2021.

Former SAXON/OLIVER DAWSON SAXON drummer Nigel Durham died in October at the age of 61.

Halifax, Canada-based self-described "Nitro-Rock" band TURBO released a third full-length demo, Listen... Shut Up!, on October 23rd. The band just completed the Canadian Invasion Euro Tour with MONTEITH.

Rockshots Records has an agreement with Glasgow, Scotland-based heavy metal band PYROCLAST, encompassing the international distribution of the Fractured State demo (released independently by the band on September 4th, 2026), as well as the 2025 debut, No Place For The Damned. Both albums will be available in physical format worldwide starting December 11th, 2026. The band has unveiled the official music video for Prisoner Game, a track taken from Fractured State.

Italy-based heavy metal band WICKED ASYLUM has announced it is disbanding after nearly two decades of making music, releasing albums and performing live.

USA-based heavy metal band WARHOG has signed an international deal with Astral Haven Records, setting the stage for the release of a forthcoming studio album, scheduled for release in early summer 2027. WARHOG has a song called No Amount Of Light immediately however. "It was by no means an easy decision to make, but it was necessary for us at this moment in history." The band has two farewell gigs, including one alongside MADNESS OF SORROW.

Nothing is "new" on the metal scene. Everything is "brand new" even when it's not even new. Since trends are everything, the attack of anniversaries continues unabated. Norway-based progressive metal band DREAMSLAIN is "celebrating" the 10th anniversary of its demo (termed "first EP"), Tales Of War, originally released on November 11th, 2016. To mark the anniversary, the band has created a "brand-new" video for the song Break Down The Walls featuring footage from the band's recent appearance at Hellivare Festival in Sweden with "animations taken from the original lyric video."

VOIVOD canceled its 10-date U.S tour in October with opener BAT. The band cited a "family health emergency" as the reason.

Bay Area progressive metal band BABY ON A RAMPAGE has a music video for Failure Of One's Name, which is taken from the Forgive My Figure demo. It was co-produced by Scott Proctor (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH touring member and a MACHINE HEAD and TESTAMENT roadie).

SCAR SYMMETRY has booked two concerts apiece for Sweden and Finland for May of 2027.

The rock/heavy band ECHOID will release an album called The Silent Era through Pitch Black on November 6th 2026. Members come from NOVERIA, ALICATE, BURNING BLACK, ORDER OF MINERVA and THE VIVALDI METAL PROJECT.

Chile-based progressive metal project CAVADA PROJECT delves into Egyptian mythology with a demo called Karma 1-. The man at the helm is singer and guitarist Juan Pablo Cavada.

CIRITH UNGOL has an advance song, called Venus In Thirds, from its next release. The forthcoming album is called All The Shadows and available on 30.10.2026. There is a video for the title track.

CANDOR ZEALOT out of Ottawa, Canada has a demo called Revolt out on December 4, 2026. The act emerged from the evolution of former Wacken Metal Battle Canada champions, THE SLYDE. The line-up features Alberto Campuzano, formerly of ANNIHILATOR, who also is in Toronto’s METALLICA tribute act SANDMAN.

BMG and Rhino Entertainment will issue Totally Twisted - The Studio Albums 1982-1987, a five-LP and a five-CD box set of TWISTED SISTER's studio albums from 1982 through 1987. The five albums included are Under The Blade, You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll, Stay Hungry, Come Out And Play and Love Is For Suckers.

Canada-based symphonic band FORGOTTEN TALES has an album called Other Times through Rockshots Records on February 12th, 2027. The band has issued a video for the song A Thousand Lies. The band has been on hiatus. Its last release was issued in 2010. FORGOTTEN TALES presented Other Times at La Chapelle Spectacles in Québec City on 08.10.2026.

Heavy rock act BLACK ATHAME has uploaded a song called Ascent. The band consists of Barcelona-based and Long Island, New York native LeeLoo on vocals and Chicago-based and British native Andrew Bordoni on guitars and bass. Ascent also features John Tempesta on drums.

SKID ROW has a new singer. Broadway stage actor Justin Sargent, who was in the musical Rock Of Ages among others is the new SKID ROW singer.

TESLA will be at the House Of Blues Las Vegas for a residency in 2027. The Tesla: Live In Las Vegas will take place in March of 2027. This is the band's fifth residency at the venue.

Wind Of Change is a music biopic chronicling the story of SCORPIONS. It will receive a theatrical release in Germany through Warner Bros, on January 28, 2027.

Hard rocker VADIM LALAYAN has an instrumental single and video called Flames Of Passion. Flames of Passion features guitarists Petr Filevsky and Victor Smolski (RAGE and ALMANAC). The audio version features Victor Smolski, while the music video uses the version featuring Petr Filevsky on guitars.

California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends was the title for two concerts in Los Angeles, California, USA on October 29 and November 1, 2026. These marked the return of the band to the live arena after a declaration of retirement from touring in 2024. GUNS N' ROSES, RUN D.M.C., HEART, BILLY IDOL, SAMMY HAGAR, etc. were opening. Joey Kramer was on drums for several songs, as was Dave Grohl of FOO FIGHTERS.


Metallian Demos

FORSAKEN AGE - BLACKENED STEEL
The glory of metal, the headbanging and the sheer purity of its delivery are all fabulous things, but the songs on Blackened Steel are, for the most part, nothing to write home about. I went into this wanting to like, perhaps even love, the album, but as easy as it is to respect the band's intentions and dedication, the songwriting simply falls short. The vocals are clear while the guitars and bass are generally sharp. The drums, however, are mixed so far into the background that they become almost inconsequential. Beyond that, the middling songs lurch from one tempo, pitch, speed and melodic idea to another with little apparent logic. Again and again, the result is less a cohesive song than a mishmash of disconnected ideas.
Culloden opens with a folkish melody before jumping into an acoustic passage, establishing a pattern that soon becomes familiar. The vocals are reminiscent of Tanja from Soulgrind, although the singer's range seems rather limited. She then shifts to a more aggressive delivery, adopting a snarl, only for the riffing to change again as she returns to a more melodic style. Culloden, which Startpage tells me may refer to a historic battle in Scotland, does feature one of the album's more appealing passages towards the end though.
Banging Heads starts like early Iron Maiden played at double speed, but as elsewhere, the tempo shifts come far too quickly. The angry vocals deliver their defiance while the metal-themed lyrics and crackling bass provide some welcome grit. By contrast, Heavy Metal Highway is disposable. The vocals sound like a demon in the grip of laryngitis and once again, the song jumps between tempos and ideas that sit awkwardly together. Holy War, Holy Hell, with its noisy whammy-bar work, Hail To The Darkness and The Blackening are unlikely to win the band any accolades from the Christian crowd either. Seasons Of Emptiness begins like a ballad, with evocative guitar work, before boom! another abrupt change. The vocals shift as frequently as the music. Interestingly, the singer's clean, pop-leaning voice is more effective than her scratchy, screamed delivery. This is undoubtedly metal though and the trio can handle its instruments. Ultimately, however, the tunes amount to little more than a collection of riffs, abrupt changes and contrasting vocal styles. These ingredients alone do not make a song, let alone a compelling album. The songwriting is amateurish and the band's evident devotion to metal can compensate for only so much. - Anna Tergel