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LIVA – ECCE MUNDUS

Available now via Wormholedeath Records - Ecce mundus feels less like a collection of songs and more like a gradual descent into a mythical, otherworldly landscape. Liva, Canada’s first symphonic power metal opera band, singing in Latin, immediately establishes an atmosphere that is cinematic, orchestral, and consistently epic in scope. The album moves with an unusual balance of slowness and urgency, often shifting between gentle, reflective passages and sudden bursts of intensity driven by galloping drums, meticulous guitars, and harsh male death vocals.

TOMBAL – GRAVE OF THE DAMNED

Release Date: 12 June 2026 via Blood Harvest - There is no subtlety to TOMBAL, only chainsaw distortion, rotting atmosphere, and pure Swedish death metal worship delivered with unapologetic force. Emerging in late 2025, the trio dive headfirst into the HM-2 soaked traditions of the early ’90s, combining savage riff work, ferocious growls, and relentless drumming into a sound that feels both violent and authentically old-school. Their debut EP "Grave of the Damned" serves as a compact but devastating statement of intent. In barely sixteen minutes, TOMBAL ripped through blasting aggression, d-beat driven momentum, and thick, corpse-rotten riffing laced with dark melodic touches. The release’s raw conviction quickly caught the attention of Blood Harvest Records, who had already signed the band for their debut full-length. For fans of classic Swedish death, this is less revivalism and more exhumation.

MY OWN WILL – MISERY

Release June 4th via Bleeding Art Collective / Blood Blast Distribution - From Southeastern Michigan comes My Own Will, a hardcore metal act steeped in death metal roots. Their newest EP Misery is a short one, but rest assured it is packed with enough sound and exploding with energy to feel like a full-length, not lacking in merciless beats, gritty vocals and distortion.

NUCLEAR TOMB – EPOCH INHUMANE

With "Epoch Inhumane", NUCLEAR TOMB once again prove why they remain one of the more unpredictable names in the modern thrash underground. The Baltimore outfit sharpened their bizarre and aggressive formula into a volatile collision of technical thrash, punk-fueled chaos, progressive twists, and towering heavy metal atmosphere. Set for release on June 12 through Rotted Life Records, the album channels the adventurous spirit of VOIVOD, CORONER, and PESTILENCE without sounding trapped in retro worship. NUCLEAR TOMB clearly had no interest in playing it safe after their previous output. Over the past two years, the band road-tested and reshaped this material through live performances across North America, tightening every chaotic edge along the way. On "Epoch Inhumane", that evolution becomes impossible to miss: the riffs hit harder, the pacing grows more frantic, and the songwriting dives deeper into unpredictable territory. Beneath the technical aggression and razor-sharp hooks lies a bleak thematic core, with the album tearing through visions of societal decay and impending collapse. Does "Epoch Inhumane" live up to the chaos and ambition promised in the press release? Let’s dive in and find out.

DITHEIST – COSMIC LIAR

Release Date: 6 June 2026 via Independent - After a 10-year hiatus, Chicago's death merchants DITHEIST have returned to the sacrificial altar with their new album Cosmic Liar soon to be available in digital format. Being their fourth release, this album is composed of eight bruising tracks diabolically tempered in just over 29 minutes. Featuring Matt Wright on vocals, Konrad Lysak on guitars, Brian Frost with guitar and bass, and Narcyz Fortuna on drums; the band are joined by guests Briant Daniel, Thomas Moore, and Chad Chanfieled who contributed with their various instrumentations.

VÉHÉMENCE – ASSIÉGÉ POUR L'ÉTERNITÉ

Release Date: 10 June 2026 via Antiq - Originally released in 2014, Assiégé saw VÉHÉMENCE laying the foundations for what would later become known as medieval black metal. Blending melodic black metal rooted in both the French and Swedish traditions with ancient-sounding folk influences, the duo created a sound overflowing with triumph, melancholy, and an unmistakably medieval aura. Even in its rough early form, the album carried a timeless and deeply immersive spirit that later records like Par le sang versé and Ordalies would elevate even further. Now, with "Assiégé pour l’Eternité", VÉHÉMENCE revisit that landmark release not through a simple rerecording, but a full recomposition. Expanded by KK of Passéisme on bass alongside Tulzcha, Thomas Leitner, and Hyvermor, the band reshaped their debut with renewed depth and vision while preserving the epic heart that made it so influential in the first place. But enough about the history behind the record,the real question is: how does "Assiégé pour l’Eternité" actually sound?

DEAD VOID – CRANIAL DEVASTATION

Release Date: 5 June 2026 via Dark Descent & Me Saco Un Ojo Records - On their sophomore album "Cranial Devastation", Copenhagen death/doom outfit DEAD VOID doubled down on the oppressive foundations laid by their debut "Volatile Forms", tightening their approach without losing any of its suffocating weight. Rather than expanding outward, the band sharpens their focus, pushing their sound into more deliberate, violent territory where atmosphere and brutality feel increasingly inseparable. Rather than relying on sheer speed or technical excess, DEAD VOID builds tension through sheer weight and suffocating atmosphere across "Cranial Devastation"’s five heavy tracks. Massive doom passages drag against violent bursts of death metal chaos, creating a constant feeling of collapse and instability. Above it all, the vocals emerge like something buried deep beneath the earth, tortured, distant, and barely human. It’s an album that doesn’t simply overwhelm the listener; it slowly pulls them under. Let’s descend into the suffocating depths of "Cranial Devastation".

DAUÞUZ – TODESWERK

Release Date: 29 May 2026 via Amor Fati Productions - With "Todeswerk: Uranium II", DAUÞUZ continue to deepen their distinctive brand of "Mining Black Metal", merging ’90s-inspired melodic black metal with suffocating atmosphere and historical weight. More brutal in execution yet still rich in acoustic melancholy, the album benefits greatly from the addition of session drummer Werwolf, whose performance gives the songs extra force and depth. Lyrically, the record turns toward the horrors of uranium mining in post-war Joachimsthal and Bohemia, focusing on forced labor, industrial decay, and the human suffering buried beneath the Soviet atomic program. Dark, mournful, and fiercely immersive, Todeswerk: Uranium II transforms forgotten history into bleak and emotionally charged black metal.

EVERGREY - ARCHITECTS OF A NEW WEAVE

Few bands in modern metal have cultivated emotional heaviness as powerfully as EVERGREY. Across three decades of thunderous riffs, haunting melodies, and deeply human songwriting, the Gothenburg outfit has carved out a legacy defined as much by atmosphere as sheer weight. With their fifteenth studio album, "Architects Of A New Weave", arriving June 5, 2026 via Napalm Records, the band once again steps into the shadows and emerges carrying something massive, a dark, cathartic statement charged with melancholy, defiance, and cinematic intensity. Its release comes at a landmark moment for the band, who will soon share stadium stages with IRON MAIDEN on the "Run For Your Lives" World Tour, further cementing EVERGREY’s status as one of metal’s most enduring emotional forces. With that, it's time for the music.

LAGO – VIGIL

Out now via Everlasting Spew Records - Eight years away could have easily buried Lago beneath the endless churn of modern death metal, but Vigil arrives completely controlled and ready for demolition. The Phoenix quartet return sharper, and far more confident in the space they occupy. Where Sea of Duress leaned into atmosphere and weight, Vigil tightens things up with a colder, more technical approach that never sacrifices impact.

BEWITCHED – DIABOLICAL DEATH MASS

Out now via Osmose Productions - Three decades after crawling out of the Swedish underground, Bewitched returned with a record that understands what made the band relevant in the first place. Diabolical Death Mass resurrects the blackened speed metal spirit that defined the group’s earliest years, and succeeds through brutal conviction.

MOONLIGHT HAZE – INTERSTELLAR MADNESS

Available now via Scarlet Records - Italian symphonic power metallers Moonlight Haze have arrived with their fifth studio release, Interstellar Madness. A six track epic, this EP stuns with its strength and emotion, standing out with powerful presence and production work.

MOLOSSER – MOLOSSER

Available now via Gutter Prince Cabal - There’s not much known about Molosser. The New Zealand Black / War / Death five-piece arrive with no real history attached, no scene mythology to lean on, and no origin story doing work for them. Their self-titled debut EP, released through Gutter Prince Cabal, is a stark 18 minutes across four songs.

MALEBESTE – MONESTHEROU

Release Date: 25 May 2026 via Antiq - From the windswept lands of western France rises MALEBESTE, a young black metal force deeply entwined with the legends and forgotten history of Charente and Vendée. Though formed only in 2024, the band already sound steeped in ancient memory and regional mysticism. Melody and aggression move hand in hand throughout MALEBESTE’s sound. Razor-edged riffs and galloping drums carve through the songs with restless momentum, while fierce French-language vocals rise from the mix like distant cries carried through the fog. Inspired by both the French and Swedish black metal scenes, the band shape an atmosphere that feels windswept, cold, and deeply rooted in forgotten legends, where every melody seems to echo from ancient forests and abandoned stone paths. With that said, we now descend into "Monestherou", the debut album from MALEBESTE, and let its cold world unfold on its own terms.

FRUSEN SORG – SMÄRTPUNKTER

Release Date: June 5th, 2026 via Widsith Records - Emanating from the grimier corners of Stockholm’s punk collectives is Swedish blackened crust outfit FRUSEN SORG with their debut long player Smärtpunkter, scheduled for release on Widsith Records. Somewhat of a spontaneous collaboration of long-term friends and bandmates from previous bands and projects, the duo consists of Martin Sandström overseeing the guitar and drum duties, while Kalle Mattsson provides the bass and vocal undertakings.

VOIDTHRONE - DREAMING RAT

Released independently - Out now - Voidthrone’s Dreaming Rat sure wasn’t built for easy listening, instead, the album takes listeners to a purely hostile environment. Forty six minutes of collapsing structures, and neurological overload arrives through dissonant blackened death metal, feeling violently excavated from some infected subconscious. The Seattle quartet have always rocked the boat in extremes, but this record pushes far beyond the density of Metaphysical Degradation into something more uglier in its chaos.

GRABUNHOLD – FROSTHEIM

Release Date: 5 June 2026 via Iron Bonehead - Five years after "Heldentod", GRABUNHOLD returned from the shadows with the same cold conviction that made their debut so compelling. Their sound remains deeply rooted in second-wave black metal, yet shaped by a medieval atmosphere that feels less nostalgic and more like wandering through forgotten keeps beneath a frost covered sky. The band balances grim aggression with epic, windswept melodies and surprisingly clear production, allowing every riff and distant, horn-like melody to breathe. Pagan mysticism, ancient legends, and dark fantasy flow through the album like echoes from another age, giving the music a fierce yet strangely majestic aura. Now, the gates open once more, leading us deep into the cold and shadow-drenched worlds of GRABUNHOLD and "Frostheim".

MÖHRKVLTH - GWENOJENNOÙ AN ANKOUNAC’H

Out now via Antiq Records - Eight years separated Möhrkvlth’s debut from Gwenojennoù An Ankounac’h, but the distance feels far from accidental. Rather than a band rushing to remain relevant, Gwenojennoù An Ankounac’h is the sound of a band returning with a clear identity, and far stronger command of atmosphere than most contemporary black metal bands could ever dream of achieving.

ABUSER - BLOOD MARKS

Out now via Xtreem Music - On their debut full length Blood Marks, Wrocław’s Abuser wholeheartedly avoid every single trap that swallows modern thrash metal whole. Zero nostalgia, zero gimmickry, zero overproduction pretending it’s “old school.” Instead, the Polish quartet delivers a lean, violent, focused record that understands what made late 80s extreme thrash so compelling in the first place.

DESOLUS – DWELLERS OF THE TWILIGHT VOID

Available now via Hells Headbangers - Summoned in Washington D.C. USA are blackened death-thrashers DESOLUS and their album Dwellers Of The Twilight Void, scheduled for release on the Hells Headbangers label.

GRAVERY - PURIFIED IN BLOOD

Release Date: May 15 via Upstate Records - Darkness and violence pulse through every second of GRAVERY’s sound. Emerging from Northern Italy in 2023, the band quickly established themselves through a brutally uncompromising approach, combining oppressive downtempo deathcore with themes centered on psychological destruction and humanity’s darkest impulses. Their latest EP, "Purified in Blood", continues that descent with four tracks built to overwhelm. Following the momentum of "Everything That Is Born Must Die", the release trades subtlety for sheer impact, delivering crushing grooves, suffocating atmosphere, and a level of aggression that feels deliberately relentless from beginning to end. Whether the music truly lives up to the sheer intensity promised in the press release, we’re about to find out.

SPACE PARASITES - MAKE ME EVIL

Release Date: June 6 via Fetzner Death Records - Shaped by personal experience, myth, and echoes of real events, SPACE PARASITES once again step into a dark, mystically charged narrative world. Here, the band channels abyssal forces and vengeance-driven energies, embodying a witch-like presence stripped of conscience, driven by pure retribution. With "Make Me Evil", the Berlin-based trio deliver their third full-length, firmly rooted in old-school thrash metal but thickened with a darker, heavier undertone that defines their evolving identity. Whether it matches the strength of their earlier work is something this album will have to prove in full.

ANGELLORE - NOCTURNES

Available now via Ardua Music - Shrouded in melancholy and carried by nearly two decades of artistic evolution, ANGELLORE have carved out a singular place within gothic doom metal. The Avignon collective weave together sorrowful grandeur, folk textures, and deeply human storytelling, creating albums that feel less like records and more like slowly unfolding tragedies. Works such as "La Litanie des Cendres" and "Rien Ne Devait Mourir" showcased the band’s gift for transforming despair into something hauntingly beautiful. With "Nocturnes", ANGELLORE opens the door to yet another shadow-drenched chapter-a record that has lingered and matured in darkness for almost ten years, emerging now as perhaps their most intimate and emotionally consuming creation yet. With that said, let’s step into the shadowed world of "Nocturnes" and explore the album.

NOCTURNAL DEPARTURE - SPIRITUAL CESSATION

Available now via Hells Headbangers - On their third full-length, Nocturnal Departure advances everything they established on Clandestine Theurgy without diluting hostility. The result, a record tightening control while preserving the volatility central to late ’90s North American black metal.

HEAVENFALL - THORN

Release Date: May 15 via Rockshots Records - With their first full-album release all the way back in 2012, the Italian heavy metal group Heavenfall was quite dormant up until recently in terms of releases. Having formed the band when they were younger, they took their time to find their direction in what they set out to create. What they return with in 2026 is an introspective and gritty creation – their second full-length album, Thorn

CANDARIAN - TREPANACIÓN

Out now vía Memento Mori / Me Saco Un Ojo - Candarian land with Trepanación - a record built on early 90s death metal, that has been reduced to its ugliest essentials & executed with clarity. The result, immediate, and utterly physical.

HROB - BRÁNA CHLADU

Available now via Memento Mori / Night Terrors - Hrob’s Brána Chladu arrives with pure intent. Released through Memento Mori and Night Terrors Records, the Slovakian band’s debut leans hard into death-doom’s most oppressive instincts, rejecting any kind of clarity in favor of density, weight, and absolute atmosphere.

NOOSED - MISERY

Release Date: May 15 via ROAD TO MASOCHIST - There’s a palpable sense that the world is spiraling-truth reduced to a shifting construct, hostility normalized, and reason pushed aside in favor of greed and ignorance. It’s this bleak reality that fuels Ireland’s NOOSED, a band shaped by frustration, defiance, and a refusal to submit. Since 2019, they’ve channeled that anger into a series of EPs and compilations, forging a ferocious blend of crust punk, sludge, and hardcore. Their music captures a raw and unfiltered view of the world around them—grim, destructive, and unrelenting-yet never defeated. With "Misery", the band is set to deliver their most direct and hard-hitting statement to date, the question is whether they can truly live up to that promise-something this review sets out to explore.

ERDVE - EPIGRAMA

There's a point where "crushing" stops being a useful word. It gets thrown around so casually in heavy music that it often just means "loud" or "aggressive." Epigrama, the upcoming release from ERDVE via Season of Mist, available on May 29th, forces a reset. This isn't crushing as force. It's crushed as an end point. You're not being hit. You're experiencing being so defeated there's no more point in trying.

TELOMYRAS - DUSKFALL

With their debut full-length Duskfall, Seattle’s TELOMYRAS step forward with renewed force, three years after their self-titled EP first introduced their sound. The band sharpens their fusion of classic and extreme metal into a riff-driven attack, blending aggressive guitar work with a dual-lead approach rooted in both traditional and progressive metal influences. Since their debut, they’ve clearly refined their identity into something tighter and more focused. At the center is vocalist Sammie Gorham, whose classically trained operatic highs collide with raw, guttural screams, while new drummer Gavynn Peterson adds power and precision behind the kit—together pushing the band into a more dynamic and explosive direction.

IN MALICE'S WAKE - THE PROFOUND DARKNESS

Available Now via Independent - Aussie thrash veterans IN MALICE’S WAKE return with their long-awaited fifth studio album, The Profound Darkness, marking a new chapter in a career spanning more than two decades. With four full-length releases behind them, the band-featuring Leigh Bartley (Harlott), Karl Watterson, Mark Farrugia, and Shaun Farrugia-now push their sound further into their most sinister and punishing territory yet. What once felt like a gradual descent into darkness now becomes a full immersion into something far more immediate and oppressive. This time, the band shifts its thematic focus away from outward aggression and toward a more introspective exploration of mortality and the uncertainty that follows. "The Profound Darkness" unfolds as a conceptual journey beyond the grave, delving into the many possible forms of the great unknown. Across nine meticulously crafted tracks, IN MALICE’S WAKE gives shape to that void, presenting a series of stories that come together as a haunting and cohesive vision.

GRAVEIR - THE FESTERING TRIAD

Out May 29 via Apocalyptic Witchcraft - Brisbane’s Graveir have never operated within the comfort zone of orthodox black metal, and The Festering Triad confirms that refusal down to a tee. This third full length leaves aside any ties to genre purity, favouring something more corrosive! A deliberate, suffocating architecture of sound that feels engineered to destabilise.

CARCEROUS - DOOMSDAY FACTORY

Out now independently - Carcerous’ debut is an arrival that rejects any kind of excess, opting more for complete control. Doomsday Factory is built on restraint and aggression, pushing blackened death metal into neat package and tightly engineered form. This band understands pacing. Riffs storm in with intent, drums drive without collapse, and the production carries huge weight without sanding off any edges whatsoever.

OLDOWAN GASH – 1000 DREAMS OF WAR

Available Now via Amor Fati / Feral Heart - OLDOWAN GASH has existed for roughly a decade, every now and then emerging from the darkness to unleash black metal upon the world. From California arises a mysterious being known as The Forlorn Spirit, a single entity responsible for the harrowing howls and fiery riffs of OLDOWAN GASH, accompanied by Longinus on session drums. 1000 Dreams of War marks a continuation of a concept from 2023 and the project’s second full-length production, stitched together with various session recordings by The Forlorn Spirit.

GOLGOTHA – HUBRIS

Available Now via ABSTRACT EMOTIONS - Hailing from Mallorca in southern Spain is the melodic death-doom five-piece GOLGOTHA and their latest epoch Hubris scheduled for release on the Abstract Emotions label. For over 30 years the band continue their journey into melancholy and emotion with this massive sounding album created by Vicente J. Paya (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Andrew Spinoza (bass, harsh vocals), Rafel Garcies (drums), María J. Lladó (clean vocals), and Dan Garcia (guitars). With an impressive catalogue spanning their career, GOLGOTHA remain true to their archetype of driving heaviness and pained contrasts conflicted by asperous fragments of life and lore.

DIMMU BORGIR - GRAND SERPENT RISING

Release Date: May 22, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records - The easy read on Grand Serpent Rising is that Dimmu Borgir have returned to form. Darker, heavier, guitars back in front. Eight years after Eonian, the corrections have been made. That's not wrong. But it's not the whole story either.

THE GHOULSTARS – THE DARK OVERLORDS OF THE UNIVERSE

Available May 15 via Season of Mist - The debut from The Ghoulstars arrives with some rather unusual restraint, years of image building, zero recorded output, then, the release of a fully formed statement. The Dark Overlords of the Universe reconstructs adolescence with precision, curating metal, punk, and VHS-era horror into a tight 34 minute work of art.

PIG'S BLOOD - DESTROYING THE SPIRIT

Available now via Dark Descent Records - Spawning from Wisconsin is the American bestial blackened death-metal outfit PIG’S BLOOD, and their soon to be released album Destroying the Spirit on Dark Descent Records. For over a decade, the quintet has been raising hell on stages supporting major bands as well their own headliners and earning praise from local peers and international shows abroad. Those responsible for this assault are Chris Ellis (vocals), Bubba Nitz (bass), Brian Serzynski (drums), Mike Gamm (guitars) and Paul Mirenda (guitars), all whom have deservedly carved their own fortress in the modern metal underground.

CHAOS INSIGNIA – CROWN OF THE INFERNAL CODE

Formed in 2024 in Romania, CHAOS INSIGNIA arrived with a clear and uncompromising mission: to deliver a relentless form of black/death metal rooted in extremity and atmosphere. The band merges the feral aggression of black metal with the crushing density of death metal, crafting a sound that feels both suffocating and meticulously controlled. Drawing from the raw violence of classic war metal while incorporating a sharper, more modern edge, Chaos Insignia channel themes of technological occultism, apocalyptic imagery, and infernal devotion into their music. Their debut full-length, "Crown of the Infernal Code", solidifies this vision across ten tracks-an intense and cohesive statement that positions the band firmly within the contemporary extreme metal underground. How this debut ultimately sounds is what we will explore in the following review-so let’s dive in.

SEPULTURA – THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING

Available now via Nuclear Blast Records - Few bands have left a mark on metal as deep and lasting as SEPULTURA, and now, after more than four decades, their journey is approaching its final chapter. What began as a raw, uncompromising force from Brazil grew into a global phenomenon-one that helped shape entire generations of metal. With over 40 years of history, 14 gold records, and performances in more than 80 countries, Sepultura’s legacy is nothing short of monumental. Their sound, attitude, and influence have become inseparable from the evolution of extreme music itself. As the end draws near, there is a strong sense of nostalgia attached to this farewell-and for many, myself included, the chance to witness them live one last time this year feels less like a concert and more like a final tribute to a band that defined an era. With that in mind, there may be no more fitting way to celebrate such a career than through music itself. As a final gesture of gratitude, the band presents their new EP "The Cloud of Unknowing"-a four-track release that promises to resonate deeply with listeners. It feels like a parting gift, one that is bound to stir emotion and reflection. So let’s dive in—and, perhaps, rip the bandage off.

WHIRLWIND-1640

Available now via Dying Victims Productions - Conceived as a studio project by Mark Wild (Körgull The Exterminator, among others), WHIRLWIND emerges from a deeply personal connection to classic heavy metal—a genre that left a lasting imprint on him during his formative years. The project channels the spirit of ’80s German metal, drawing clear inspiration from early RUNNING WILD, early HELLOWEEN, ACCEPT, HEAVEN’S GATE, GRAVESTONE, TYRANT, GRAVE DIGGER, STEELER, and STORMWITCH. At the same time, it embraces the broader legacy of traditional heavy metal, with echoes of MERCYFUL FATE, MANOWAR, IRON MAIDEN, and JUDAS PRIEST shaping its sound and identity. Patience has clearly been part of WHIRLWIND’s journey. Formed in 2012, the Spanish heavy metal outfit took ten years to deliver their debut full-length, 1714. Now, four years on, they return with album number two—once again rooted in history and titled after a significant year: 1640. It’s a concept that injects an extra spark into their music, blending traditional heavy metal with a sense of historical narrative—an approach that adds both character and depth to the listening experience. How this translates sonically is what we will explore in this review.

VAEOVON – SPIRITUAL NULLIFICATION

Available now via Gutter Prince Cabal - This is one of those assignments where I approached the band without any prior familiarity—a perspective that allows for a more unfiltered and unbiased listening experience. In this case, the focus is on black metal group from New Zealand, VAEOVON, who mark their debut with their first full-length release, "Spiritual Nullification". According to the press release, the album is described as a relentless assault of lightning-fast, overwhelming in its sheer intensity. Driven by retching vocals and near-constant blast beats-only briefly pulling back to strike with even greater force-the record unfolds as a vortex of frenzied riffing that feels almost violent in its execution. The result is portrayed as a descent into chaos, a suffocating and uncompromising experience-like being dragged through hell by an unstoppable force, with no chance of escape. Whether "Spiritual Nullification" lives up to the ferocity promised in the press pitch is something this review will explore.

DEMON SPELL – BLESSED BE THE DARK

Available now via Dying Victims Productions - With "Blessed Be the Dark", DEMON SPELL emerge from the aftermath of their 2024 EP Evil Nights with a fully formed vision of occult heavy metal. The Italian coven presents their debut album as a ritualistic descent into shadow, built on themes of dust, bone, and ancient darkness. The record unfolds like a ceremonial invocation, steeped in doom-laden atmosphere where echoes of the grave seem to resurface. It is music firmly rooted in the traditions of dark, esoteric heavy metal, crafted for those drawn to its timeless mysticism. The influence of MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND on DEMON SPELL is unmistakable and runs deeply through their sound, most prominently expressed in the striking falsetto of front man Federico Fano. Yet his performance is far from one-dimensional, as he alternates this style with darker, more grounded vocal passages that evoke Ricardo of THE NIGHT ETERNAL. At the same time, subtle affinities to PORTRAIT emerge, both in vocal expression and thematic intent, further enriching the band’s stylistic framework and reinforcing their dedication to classic, ritualistic heavy metal aesthetics.

KÕDU – KIRJAD SÕGEDATE KÜLAST

Available now via Antiq - KÕDU, is already a notable name within the Baltic scene, specialized in epic, melodic black metal, now with "Kirjad Sõgedate Külast" ("Letters from the Village of the Blind"), the Estonian band unveil their second full-length, building on the foundation laid by their 2021 debut "Unusta kõik". Inspired by a 1955 work from author Juhan Smuul, the album takes shape as a concept-driven narrative. Told through imagined letters from a remote village teetering on the edge of collapse, the record delves into themes of isolation, superstition, and moral decline. It’s an ambitious framework that calls for equally evocative musical execution. Operating within the realm of epic melodic black metal, KÕDU continue to carve out a distinct identity within the Baltic scene, positioning this release as a significant step forward in their artistic development. With this release marking the next step in the band’s evolution, we now turn to the music itself.

VOIDCHASER – INTERSTELLAR I

Self released & available now - Interstellar I showcases Voidchaser as a band reaching further beyond its current limits. The Montreal/Stockholm trio have built an epic 49 minute progressive metal narrative around corporate dystopia and deep space paranoia, fusing tech aggression with melodic ambition. The reference points are obvious (Devin Townsend, Dream Theater), with the intent pulling classic heavy metal instincts into a modern, high density frame.

RELIC – CROWN OF FLIES

Self released and available now - Milwaukee’s underground has always favored full throttle substance, and Relic’s debut EP Crown of Flies follows that lineage suit. Across four tracks and roughly ten minutes, the band strips blackened death metal back to its core elements of tension, velocity, and blunt-force impact.

LYNX - TRINITY OF SUNS

Release 24th April via Dying Victims Productions - A fairly recent band, Lynx started up in Germany in the 2020s to great acclaim after their first album release Watcher of Skies, immediately making their mark with a classic hard rock style. Trinity of Suns is their second full-length album, releasing five years after their first. The moment the album starts a rift in time opens, unleashing experimental and nostalgic waves that wash over you and immediately trigger something for those who grew up around their family’s record collections. Lynx is reminiscent of 70s metal and hard rock, a love letter to the roots that bloomed into the heavy metal genre and inspired countless genres to spring from it.

ÆONIK - THE ROAMER OF HEAVEN AND HELL

Release Date: April 30 via Fetzner Death Records - A lot of bands have taken the Dissection template and diluted it into melodeath with black metal aesthetics. Æonik don't. And on their debut record The Roamer of Heaven and Hell, that level of clarity matters. This is a black metal record that understands its lineage and then gets to work. Tremolo and blasts are the engine and atmosphere, the melodic carrier, pushing the songs forward.

BLOOD COUNTESS – IMPERATRIX SANGUINIS

Release Date: April 24 via Dominance of Darkness - Inspired by the historical figure of Elizabeth Báthory-the so-called "Blood Countess"-the English black metal band BLOOD COUNTESS present their sophomore album "Imperatrix Sanguinis". Musically, the band pays homage to the purist, cold sound of the ’90s, staying firmly rooted in that aesthetic. Both lyrically and musically, the album is fully dedicated to the dark legacy of the Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer-a narrative thread the band has followed since its inception. Grim, unsettling lyrics merge with relentless, fast-paced compositions, resulting in a cohesive and immersive whole. With that in mind, we now delve into the album’s dark narrative.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – GOOD GOD / BAAD MAN

Out now via Nuclear Blast Records - Corrosion of Conformity returns with Good God / Baad Man carrying the weight of absence, history, and stubborn continuity. Far from being framed by nostalgia, the new release is a recalibration after loss, lineup fracture, and time spent reducing the band back to its primal instincts.

ARCHAIC OATH – DETERMINED TO DEATH AND BEYOND

Release Date: April 24 via AOP Records - What began as a fleeting collaboration in 2005 between Lykormas and Arneriach soon evolved into something far more enduring. Drawn back by a shared fascination with decay and origins rooted deep in shadow, the two musicians reunited to forge a sound steeped in ancient influences and forgotten rites. Both seasoned figures within the underground, their creative drive never truly faded-and thus, ARCHAIC OATH was formed. Conceived as a vessel to revive blackened death metal in its most primal form, the project draws heavily from the spirit of the ’90s melodic black metal era, enriched by decades of experience. Their debut offering, "Determined to Death and Beyond", was crafted during the harsh winter of 2024–2025 and is set to emerge via AOP Records.

VOMITORY - IN DEATH THROES

In Death Throes is already happening when you arrive. There's no scene-setting, no slow build, just Vomitory doing what they do and doing it at full velocity. "Rapture in Rupture" is mid-swing, somewhere north of 230 BPM, drums snapping tight, guitars locked into a forward push that doesn't ask for permission. You're dropped into the middle of it, and the band sounds completely in control of the violence they're creating.

NORTHERN GRAVES - DERELICT HEART

Release Date: April 17, 2026 via Meuse Music Records - Originally formed in Saskatchewan, Canada and now based in Texas USA, NORTHERN GRAVES present their debut album Derelict Heart, set to be released on Meuse Music Records.

SICARIUS-NEX

Available now via Adirondack Black Mass - Emerging in early 2014, SICARIUS were founded by Argyris and Carnage with a clear mission: to capture the raw aggression and unrelenting spirit of black metal. Influenced by both first-and second-wave pioneers from Scandinavia, Greece, and the United States, the band channels these roots into a sound that feels both reverent and confrontational. Rather than adhering strictly to tradition, SICARIUS expand their sonic palette by incorporating elements of thrash, death metal, goth, and rock, creating a hybrid style that amplifies their intensity while maintaining a sharp, aggressive edge. In the years that followed their formation, SICARIUS began carving out their presence with early releases such as the Scorch the Earth demo (2015) and their debut album Serenade of Slitting Throats, produced by Mick Kenney. These formative works marked the beginning of their ascent, drawing increasing attention within the extreme metal underground. As their momentum grew, so too did their reach, leading them to share stages with influential acts such as 1349, GOATWHORE, VADER, MARDUK, DISGORGE, and INCANTATION—each performance further solidifying their place within the harsh and uncompromising landscape of extreme metal.

DAEMONIUM REGNI - SELF-TITLED

Emerging as the first statement from Swedish solo project DAEMONIUM REGNI, the self-titled album "Daemonium Regni" introduces the dark and epic vision of Micke Broberg, widely known for his work as the vocalist of UNANIMATED. Despite this being the project’s debut, Broberg is a seasoned figure in the extreme metal scene, with decades of experience across various bands and collaborations. Set for release via Darkness Shall Rise Productions on April 17, 2026, the album represents both the project’s first full-length and its very first official release. The involvement of Dan Swanö in the mastering process only adds further weight to the anticipation. Stylistically, the record blends epic and melodic black metal with subtle doom influences, creating a sound that aims for both grandeur and atmosphere. The only question that remains is whether the music itself can fulfill the expectations raised by its presentation.

VANTA – PERPETUAL SELECTION

Available now via Independent - If Gothenburg taught melodic death metal how to move, and modern deathcore taught it how to feel vast, Perpetual Selection finds its voice somewhere in between. Grounded but reaching. Perth trio Vanta work from a European melodeath foundation, but this isn't a record content to stay there. The riffs carry a distinctly Gothenburg sense of lift, and the album is full of classic soaring moments where aggression gives way to something more expansive, but they're rooted under the kind of density and weight that belongs to a different lineage entirely.

Ignobleth-Manor of Primitive Anticreation

Release Date: 7 April via Caligari Records - IGNOBLETH are another discovery found during the review process, emerging here with their upcoming debut full-length, "Manor of Primitive Anticreation". Formed in Modena, Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy in 2023, the band operates within the realms of blackened death metal, blending ferocity with an esoteric conceptual approach. Rooted in occult literary influences and steeped in darkness, the album draws the listener into a world reeking of unimaginable horrors. The trio adapt this concept through a raw form of death metal with a deep blackened undertone, where savage riffs and creative shifts strike with an unpredictable force. IGNOBLETH’s lineup features A.L. on guitar and atmospheric sound design, A.B. handling vocals and bass, and M.O. behind the drums. With the trio’s roles clearly defined, the focus now shifts to the music itself-can this debut truly live up to the promise of its striking press description?

THE MACHINIST – TOWERS

The Machinist is an experimental band from Manchester, England. Though active for quite a few years, they only adopted their new name in 2020. Exploring sci fi themes in their music, the industrial elements weave and pulse through their black, death metal sound. With this combo they have crafted a three-track EP named Towers, offering lengthy and extreme tracks with its release.

NERVOSA - SLAVE MACHINE

Available now via Napalm Records - Originating from São Paulo, Brazil in 2010, NERVOSA has been the subject of many changes as of late, now centred around Greece. While there have been quite a few changes with the band’s roster over the past few years, NERVOSA manage to demonstrate their passion for their work in this latest release. Slave Machine marks their sixth album, an aggressive and loud call to the masses that pierces the night.

SECTARIAN DEFACEMENT - HOSTILE CONSUMING RAPTURE

From the stable of Grave Island Records comes Ukrainian death slammers, SECTARIAN DEFACEMENT and their debut album, Hostile Consuming Rapture. Recorded in difficult times and circumstances due to their nation's struggles. It comes as no surprise the result of their work manifests as extremely heavy and utterly brutal. The trio of Nazar (guitar and vocals), Viktor (drums), and Anton (bass guitar) have created a half hour amplitude across ten arrangements succinctly articulating themes of survival, corruption, grief and loss.

VILE DESOLATION – ANNIHILATING THE CONSCIOUSNESS

The lifeblood of the metal scene has always been fresh talent-and VILE DESOLATION are a prime example of that continuing cycle. Coming from East Java, Indonesia, the brutal death metal outfit now step forward with their debut full-length, "Annihilating the Consciousness", set for release on May 8 via Comatose Music. The band already made a strong impression with their 2024 demo, "Shattered of Sanity", a release marked by intensity and aggression. With that foundation in place, their debut now promises to push things even further-raising the question of just how devastating this first full-length assault will be.

CNOC AN TURSA – A CRY FOR THE SLAIN

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 24th 2026 via APOCALYPTIC WITCHCRAFT - When receiving review assignments—or simply choosing them independently-you don’t always know the bands beforehand. Yet, this often leads to discovering remarkable music that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Scotland’s black/folk outfit CNOC AN TURSA (meaning "Hill of the Standing Stone") proved to be exactly such a case. Naturally, some research was in order. Since their formation in 2006, the band has been crafting the essence of Scotland’s history, landscapes, and mythology into their music. Their debut, "The Giants of Auld" (2013), brought them recognition within the scene, followed by their sophomore record, "The Forty Five" in 2017. After that, eight long years passed without a new release. Now, the silence has finally been broken. CNOC AN TURSA return not only with new material, but potentially with their most powerful and emotionally resonant work to date: "A Cry for the Slain".

SOLNEGRE – ANTHEMS FOR THE GRAND COLLAPSE

Release date: April 3rd via Meuse Music Records - Composed of experts of the craft from previous bands such as Helevorn and Desmodus, SolNegre is a relatively new collective yet a pride of the Spanish doom and death metal scene. Cited as taking 20 months to complete, Anthems For The Grand Collapse is riveting in its intensity, a twisted behemoth spawned from a deep emotional state that almost threatened to consume them. Thankfully instead it became the newest title in SolNegre’s growing discography, marking their second full length album as a collective. A combination of gentle solitude and the oppressive darkness, it is best described as a delicate balance.

ONLY HUMAN - PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE

Available now via Season of Mist - With Planned Obsolescence, Copenhagen’s ONLY HUMAN delivers a debut that marks a confident and forward-looking entry into modern progressive metal. Steering clear of overused genre tropes, the band shapes a sound that feels intentional and constantly evolving, striking a careful balance between technical precision and atmospheric depth. What defines the album most is its interplay of contrasts, where cold, urban textures collide with the haunting sense of unease. The compositions unfold with deliberate pacing, weaving intricate layers of instrumentation that ebb and flow like a cinematic narrative. Subtle shifts in rhythm and tone give each track its own distinct character while maintaining a cohesive overall atmosphere. Rather than relying solely on heaviness, the band emphasizes mood, progression, and storytelling, giving the record a clear sense of purpose and identity. Let’s take a journey through the album and discover whether the music lives up to its promise.

BATTLEGRAVE - ENSLAVEMENT

Release Date: April 10,2026 via INDEPENDENT- Conjured in Melbourne, Australian death-thrash project BATTLEGRAVE return with a soon to be self-released third album, Enslavement. Of their growing presence in the aussie metal landscape, the band have been blazing stages in recent years leaving audiences satiated from the live shock and awe. Receiving praise from media and radio outlets both nationally and abroad, the original duo of Rohan Buntine (vocals and lyrics), and Clint Patzel (all strings), are joined by session drummer Robin Stone on this recording. Blending their styles and influences of classic thrash, death, and speed metal, they present an addictively heavy album that develops and reveals more with each punishing rotation.

FUNERAL PILE - SUMMONING

A beautiful and grim triumph, Summoning is the second LP from Bavarian blackened doom metal band Funeral Pile, evoking the dark and a theatre of rich, ancient myth. Inspired by tales of tragedy and relentless nature, the album is very much themed around tales retold with a sinister spin of extreme metal. There is the bleak, the haunted and the damned. Vocals are brutally delivered by Matthias Riedl, with distorted roars, tormented echoes and impressive sustains. Winterherz (from Waldgeflüster) accompanies on track “The Mill”, driving up the intensity and bleakness of the tale.

CROWEN - THROUGH THE DYING MIST

Released February 20th via Inverse Records - Through The Dying Mist marks Crowen’s third EP, a technical and envisioned piece with clean mixing and pure feeling. The band, hailing from Finland, have created a short but beautiful listen, created with equal parts despair and brutality. The performance is given body by the combination of its roots in melodic folk and death, with each of the four tracks a solid listen.

ANTRISCH - EXPEDITION III: RENITENZPFAD

Available now via AOP Records - ANTRISCH, the German atmospheric black metal ensemble, are back with their third major release, "Expedition III: Renitenzpfad", following 2021’s EP "Expedition I: Dissonanzgrat" and 2023’s full-length "Expedition II: Die Passage". Leaving behind the icy landscapes of their previous work, the band now explores a wholly new and equally enthralling environment. On their new album, ANTRISCH pushes further into shadowed territory where history and madness intertwine. "Renitenzpfad" follows the trail of the infamous conquistador Lope de Aguirre-a man whose Amazonian expedition in 1560 spiraled into paranoia, violence, and mutiny. It is within this fevered heart of darkness that ANTRISCH root their latest work, drawing the audience into a landscape that feels as suffocating as it is haunting.

AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR - COME CREEPING FIENDS

Available now via DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS - After more than six years in the shadows, AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR re-emerge with their second full-length, "Come Creeping Fiends". Like the record "Havoc at the Midnight Hour" before, the album again will be released via Dying Victims Productions. The band is Dan "Chainsaw" wielding on the guitar and vocals, Intimidator hammers on the drums and Mr. 666 grounds the sound with his thick sounding bass. The trio’s connection to the black/death/speed and Thrash entity Wode only deepens the sense of occult menace surrounding their sound, firmly rooted in the darker corners of the underground. Hailing from Manchester, England, AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR have been forging their sound since 2014. The band’s lyrical themes revolve around the occult, war, death, and horror, perfectly complementing their aggressive musical approach. Even their name pays tribute to thrash metal heritage, lifted from Slayer’s "Aggressive Perfector" underscoring the influence that drives their relentless energy.

CRYPTWORM - INFECTIOUS PATHOLOGICAL WASTE

Since emerging in 2017 with their first demo, CRYPTWORM have steadily built a reputation for unrelenting extremity. With two EPs, a split, and a pair of full-lengths under their belt, their grotesquely titled releases-Reeking Gunk of Abhorrence and Spewing Mephitic Putridity-offer a clear promise of sonic carnage. After the 2023 maelstrom Oozing Radioactive Vomition, expectations were sky-high. Now, ME SACO UN OJO RECORDS and EXTREMELY ROTTEN PRODUCTIONS unveil CRYPTWORM’S third album, "Infectious Pathological Waste", set to deliver another dose of their vile, uncompromising death metal.

CRUEL FORCE - HANEDA

Sometimes, when reviewing, you stumble across bands you’ve never heard of. CRUEL FORCE was one of those surprises for me. Hailing from Germany, the band is set to release their new album, Haneda, on March 27, 2026, via Shadow Kingdom Records. Judging by the cover art alone, I suspected a dose of old-school metal, and I wasn’t wrong: what we get is a raw, furious mix of black, speed, and thrash metal. Three years after their previous full-length, "Dawn of the Axe", the Mannheim-based quartet is back, and anticipation is high for what they have in store.

IMMOLATION – DESCENT

Few bands in death metal command the same level of respect as IMMOLATION, and with "Descent", the New York veterans once again reaffirm their long legacy. Now 37 years into their career, the band returns with their twelfth studio album, delivering a crushing blend of darkness, intensity, and unrelenting precision. In 2026, IMMOLATION showed no signs of slowing down, pairing major tour activity with the arrival of new material. Nearly four years after "Acts of God", "Descent" is set for release on April 10 via Nuclear Blast Records, with the band operating at full strength and clearly confident in the impact of their latest work. With that in mind, we descend into "Descent" to uncover how this latest chapter reinforces IMMOLATION’S mark on death metal.

ZERRE – ROTTING ON A GOLDEN THRONE

AVAILABLE NOW via DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS - Sharp cutting riffs, a speed that could break your neck, and aggression without mercy, German thrash has never been about keeping it quiet and nice. Since the good old days, legends like SODOM, DESTRUCTION, TANKARD or KREATOR (who all belong to the Big Teutonic 4) have defined the genre, a standard that still walzes through the underground up until today. Assembled from Würzburg, the band ZERRE kicks directly into that lineage, delivering their own brand of unfiltered intensity and passion. Over the past decade, ZERRE have carved out their place in the German thrash underground, refining their sound into something sharp and uncompromising. Now, with their fourth full-length album, "Rotting On A Golden Throne" out soon, they show a grown and matured work. Led by vocalist Nico Ziska, alongside Tim Müller on bass, Basti Spahn on drums, and the twin-guitar attack of Dominik Bertelt and Rocco Lepore, the band operates as a focused, hard-driving unit built on precision and aggression. With the groundwork laid, it’s time to dive headfirst into the music and see what this record truly delivers.

MULTIWOMB – ANATOMY OF GORELUST

Arising from Indonesia, grinding death metal trio MULTIWOMB have spawned their debut album Anatomy of Gorelust on Grave Island Records. From a region best known as an endless breeding ground of superb underground extreme metal and supported by an ever-burgeoning scene, the band finds its identity on this surgical inauguration by its members, Gus Donald (vocals), Bintang (guitar & bass), and Rama (drums).

TULUS – MORBID DESIRES

Release Date: 27 March via DARKNESS SHALL RISE - Oslo’s TULUS return with "Morbid Desires", a record that proves the band’s longevity without sacrificing intensity. Thirty-five years into their career, they continue to refine the classic Norwegian black metal template, delivering nine tracks steeped in shadowed folklore and dark, haunting melodies. The lyrics, written in old Norwegian by Hildr-wife of vocalist and guitarist Blodstrup, add a timeless, mythic dimension to the music. Musically, the album sticks to the signature TULUS formula: razor-sharp, mid-tempo riffs intertwine with Blodstrup’s grim, commanding vocals, delivered with exacting precision. Catchy yet menacing, the album reaffirms the band’s mastery of blending atmospheric weight with relentless, uncompromising black metal aggression.

CULTIST – SPIRITUAL ATROPHY

Available now via AWAKENING RECORDS / FUTHARK RECORDS - CULTIST doesn’t chase polish or empty extremity, it digs into the dirt where death metal feels most alive. The trio leans on a stripped, unvarnished sound that avoids mere nostalgia, shaping something raw yet immediate. Vanessa Grossberndt anchors the weight with bass and commanding vocals, while Betzi Poitras cuts through with jagged riffs and intermittent vocal lines. Jim Petigo drives the material with relentless drumming, his backing vocals deepening the atmosphere. "Spiritual Atrophy" was shaped under the direction of Scott Oliphant, who handled recording and mixing and also contributed a solo to 'Ascension'. The mastering, courtesy of Rolando Rodas—whose work has long reinforced the depth and weight of numerous underground releases—further defines the album’s character. Even this lineup behind the boards signals the intent: uncompromising, raw, and firmly rooted in the genre’s core.

IRON SLUG – DECEIT AND MISERY

RELEASE DATE: March 27 via Road To Masochist - IRON SLUG is a two-man doom outfit from Kent, England, blending heavy, sludgy riffs with the slow-burn intensity of traditional doom. Formed in 2022, the duo has already delivered a demo and a handful of shorter releases, honing their sound along the way. "Deceit and Misery" marks their full-length debut, presenting five tracks that showcase their dense, crushing approach to heavy music. Despite being a two-piece, IRON SLUG packs a formidable punch: Will Rayner commands guitars and vocals, while Will Bond anchors the sound on bass and drums, adding backing vocals to create a dense, crushing wall of heaviness. Their debut, "Deceit and Misery", spans over five colossal tracks that feel both immense and unrelenting, yet never drag-each one demanding full attention. Here’s a closer look at the record.

VIA DOLORIS - GUERRE ET PAIX

Available now via Season of Mist - From the earliest offerings from Venom to Bathory to Celtic Frost, black metal has been a music of atmosphere, where guitars were rarely engineered for clarity. Melody was present, but the focus was distortion and velocity. So, what happens when you change the approach?

A.H.P. – ALLTID IMOT DEG

Available now via Purity Through Fire - Founded in 2011 in Bergen, A.H.P. exist on the fringes of the Norwegian black metal tradition, neither bound to its conventions nor limited by geography. With Gulnar-originally from Poland-at the creative core, the project embraces a sense of alienation that feeds directly into its sound and identity. Rather than conforming to established formulas, A.H.P. operate in deliberate defiance of them. Their music unfolds as a cold, mechanical soundscape shaped by unsettling songwriting, stark atmospheres, and a lineup that remains in constant flux. Every element feels intentional and uncompromising, forged in isolation and driven by a vision that rejects comfort in favor of intensity and darkness. A decade after their debut "Against Human Plague", A.H.P. return with "Alltid Imot Deg", not as a reinvention, but as a deeper descent into their own abyss. Expanding to five tracks over about 41 minutes, the album unfolds with a grander, more suffocating scope, each piece forming part of a shifting, oppressive vortex. Multiple vocalists intensify the narrative of decay and inner corruption, including Onielar the singer of legendary DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT, whose presence adds further venom to the record’s already bleak atmosphere.

ENGORGEMENT – THEY ROT BENEATH OUR FLOOR

Emanating from the UK, English four-piece ENGORGEMENT have just served up their latest full-length 'They Rot Beneath Our Floor' released via Comatose Music. After a lengthy hiatus, this is their third album and their first since 2014’s Guttural Carnival. The current lineup responsible for this assault on the senses consists of Mitch Rider (drums), Ricky Hill (guitar), Stu Hine (vocals), and Richard Lynn (bass / backing vocals).

CALVANA – SUB JANUS

AVAILABLE NOW via Adirondack Black Mass - Founded in 2015 at the foot of the Calvana massif, Italy’s CALVANA operates with a singular artistic vision: to channel the voice of the mountain itself into sound. In keeping with this concept, the members remain completely anonymous, allowing the focus to rest entirely on the music rather than individual identities. To date, the band has released two cryptically titled albums, IɅ (2020) and III┼ (2022), both serving as stark and uncompromising documents of their work. CALVANA plays an old-school form of black metal rooted in tradition, emphasizing atmosphere, rawness, and conceptual depth over personal recognition. CALVANA have deliberately cultivated an image defined by secrecy and abstraction. Whereas earlier releases still offered limited clues about the individuals involved, that information has since been completely removed from public view. As noted by Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives, the band stopped disclosing lineup details, leaving the current membership officially unknown since 2022.

DEADVOID INC. – CHAPTERS

Scandinavia has long been one of metal’s most important strongholds, with Finland producing an endless stream of bands shaped by the region’s stark contrasts. Harsh winters, long stretches of darkness, and melancholic moods exist side by side with breathtaking natural landscapes. This balance between beauty and bleakness has defined much of the country’s musical output-and it is exactly this atmosphere that 'Deadvoid Inc.' channel on their debut album "Chapters". Formed in 2025, DEADVOID INC. emerged from a shared ambition to create something new within the genre of melodic death metal. The project was initiated by guitarist Tuomas Torikka (LIFE SUFFERS DEFEAT, ex-DEATHROPY) and vocalist Jonne Saarinen (ex-HURTING DIVINE, ex-KALMANTACH), he began creating the material that would become the band’s debut work "Chapters". With the lineup and concept in place, the real question is how the record translates these ideas into sound.

RAVENSPELL – OBSIDIAN KING

RAVENSPELL from Quebec, Canada may be a new name in the heavy and speed metal scene, but the musicians behind the band are anything but newcomers. Several members have previously been together in the black-thrash band BEHOLDER, a connection that might let you think about a certain musical direction, but RAVENSPELL on the other hand, took a different road. Their debut full-length album "Obsidian King", was released on the 12th of March via Fighter Records. One might notice right away, the dark atmosphere. While rooted in classic heavy and speed metal traditions, the record carries a brooding attitude that gives the material its own distinct character. With the background set, it’s time to dive into the music and see how Obsidian King holds up.

AINZAMKAIT – FLUCH DES NACHZEHRERS

Release Date: 21 March via PURITY THROUGH FIRE - In late 2024, AINZAMKAIT made a striking debut with Was des Lebens nicht Wert, the project of multi-instrumentalist Grymnir der Zornige. The name AINZAMKAIT itself is a linguistic twist on the German word Einsamkeit-loneliness-and that sense of isolation shaped the record’s entire atmosphere. Dark, sinister, and deeply rooted in the traditions of Teutonic black metal. With "Fluch des Nachzehrers", AINZAMKAIT returns from the shadows to prove that the project’s 2024 debut was not just a passing spark. At first glance, the sophomore release stands firmly on the same bleak and frostbitten foundation laid by "Was des Lebens nicht Wert": raw atmosphere, grim intensity, and a sound deep in the spirit of Teutonic black metal. Whether the new record simply follows that path or pushes the project deeper into its dark vision is something this review will uncover.

MYSTFALL – EMBERS OF A DYING WORLD

Since their 2023 widely loved debut "Celestial Vision", Athens-based symphonic metal band MYSTFALL have navigated significant changes. The lineup has been reduced from six members to a trio, and their visual style has evolved from an industrial edge to a cleaner, more polished aesthetic. Through it all, the band retains one defining element: the remarkable soprano voice of lead vocalist Marialena Trikoglu. Their sophomore album, "Embers of a Dying World", will transport the listeners to an alternate dimension where dreams battle nightmares to preserve the human spirit. The central concept examines the consequences of every individual’s actions on Earth, with each track telling its own untold story. With that, we step into MYSTFALL’s ambitious new record.

EVERMORE - MOURNBRAID

Now, with their third full-length album "Mournbraid", Swedish power metal band EVERMORE further strengthen the sound they have been honing over the past few years. The record pairs aggressive yet melodic guitar work with commanding vocals and memorable hooks, all framed by a polished production that gives the songs a clear sense of weight and presence. At the core of the album, the band skillfully balances between intensity and melody. EVERMORE continues to refine their distinctive songwriting, combining energetic arrangements with emotionally charged storytelling. Each track unfolds its own narrative, exploring personal struggles and many challenges of life. True to EVERMORE’s philosophy, the music seeks to forge deep emotional connections with the listener. Beneath the power metal soundscape lies clear intent: craft songs that resonate personally and allow listeners to see fragments of their own experiences reflected in the stories.

ADNATE – FEROS

Let’s dive into ADNATE and their latest full-length album, "Feros", released on February 28th, 2026. Hailing from Southeast Queensland, Australia, the band formed in 2009 and has since honed a distinctive sound that fuses sludge, doom, post-metal, and ambient textures, with subtle hints of post-black metal. The trio consists of Albert Long on guitar and synth, Blaise Clement on bass and vocals, and Akiva Ljungström on drums, creating an immersive and atmospheric sonic landscape that defines the album.

WOLFBASTARD – SATANIC SCUM PUNKS

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 13th 2026 via APOCALYPTIC WITCHCRAFT: Raw, loud and hostile-WOLFBASTARD have built their reputation on exactly that combination. Since forming in Manchester in 2012, the band has been mixing the feral energy of black metal and punk into a sound that feels as dangerous and infectious at the same time. Fans of the chaotic blackened speed of MIDNIGHT and HELLRIPPER, or the razor-sharp thrash attack of AURA NOIR will find plenty to enjoy here-especially when that metallic aggression is fused with the hardcore urgency of DISCHARGE and the rebellious attitude of legendary MOTÖRHEAD. Now the English band returns with newly ignited aggression on their latest album, "Satanic Scum Punks". The title alone makes it clear that beating around the bush is not part of the plan. The band describes the record with a few fitting words: nihilistic and defiant, venomous and violent-no rules, no worries, no code of conduct.

BURNING PATH – SELF TITLED

Out now via Dying Victims Productions - Born from the ashes of Lucifer’s Hammer, Burning Path stands as both tribute and continuation. Following the loss of Andrés “Hades” Adasme, Rodrigo “Titán” chose not to revive the former name, instead forging a new path that preserves its traditional heavy metal spirit.

HARROWED – THE ETERNAL HUNGER

Out now via Dying Victims Productions - On The Eternal Hunger, Stockholm duo Harrowed expand on the rot they first exposed in their 2021 demo and subsequent split.

SERMON TO THE LAMBS – SELF-TITLED

A debut album naturally invites closer examination-especially when it comes from a band that appears to emerge with unusual clarity of purpose. Chile’s SERMON TO THE LAMBS may have formed in Concepción as recently as 2023, yet the musicians behind the band are far from inexperienced. Drawing on backgrounds in acts such as In ASYMMETRY, ESOPHAGUS, and THEMACABRE, the lineup releases its first full statement with the knowledge of seasoned musicians. The result is not the sound of a group searching for direction, but one that enters the scene with a defined identity, technical command, and a measured approach to extremity that prioritizes intent over excess. The self-titled debut will come out March 6 via Comatose Music.

MYVALYIR – THE PAST TALES

AVAILABLE NOW via INDEPENDENT - For a band so new, MÝVALYĬR arrive with confidence on their debut full-length, "The Past Tales", which was released independently on February 27th, 2026. From pandemic isolation to a full band in 2023, UK band MÝVALYĬR arrives with a debut that balances tradition and innovation. Firmly rooted in melodic death metal, the band expanded the boundaries of the genre by combining it with folk and orchestral textures, violin, cello, and nyckelharpa. This adds depth and emotional weight to their riffs and general soundscape. Following the late-2025 singles 'Reign' and 'Recollection', the album "The Past Tales" presents a concept album exploring conflict on personal, cultural, and historical levels. Ambitious and immersive, the record announces MÝVALYĬR as a band with vision, technical skill, and a distinctive, layered sound. MÝVALYĬR consists of Dale Pountney on bass, Kai Boyce on lead guitar, Stephen Wilkinson on drums, Joe Clayton on guitar and backing vocals, Kain on vocals, and Natalie Fluess, who contributes keyboards, violin, nyckelharpa, and additional backing vocals. This diverse lineup brings a wide range of textures and expertise, helping to shape the band’s rich, layered sound.

HELA – A REIGN TO CONQUER

Since forming in 2012, Spanish quartet HELA have continued to evolve, crafting a deeply engaging melodic doom sound. Their fourth album, "A Reign to Conquer", marks the band’s first new material in over seven years and showcases a group fully confident in its direction. While melodic doom metal remains the foundation, the new record feels bolder, more expansive, and atmospherically richer than before. The Alicante-based quartet-vocalist Raquel Navarro, guitarist and sonic architect Julián Velasco, bassist Tano Giménez, and drummer Miguel Fernández-blend the weight of classic doom with epic melodies and an almost cinematic sense of drama.

VENTHIAX – RITES OF RA

Out now via Dying Victims Productions - Sweden’s underground continues to regenerate itself with stubborn conviction. From Huskvarna, Venthiax have moved quickly since forming in 2021, issuing a demo, an EP and live documents before arriving at their first mini album, Rites of Ra. Six tracks, twenty minutes, no fkn excess.

CHALICE – DIVINE SPEAR

Out now via Dying Victims Productions - Finland’s Chalice have never fit comfortably within the revivalist tag often attached to trad-heavy metal. With Divine Spear, the Helsinki quartet consolidate the esoteric identity hinted at on Trembling Crown and drive it into deeper, somewhat stranger territory.

ROTTEN SOUND - Mass Extinction

Hailing from Finland, ROTTEN SOUND has unleashed their 11th ep, Mass Extinction on Season of Mist. Recorded and released in 2025, this lineup features its two original members since 1993, Keijo Niinimaa (vocals) and Mika Aalto (guitar), along with Sami Latva (drums, 2006 – present), and Matti Raapana (bass, 2021 – present). The band has been a constant force in the extreme music realms for many years and with a solid international following they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

NO WORTH OF MAN – THE KILLING STREETS

Out now via Brutal Records - No Worth Of Man arrives with The Killing Streets, a debut release that commits fully to impact. The record is built as a blunt instrument, completely groove heavy, death leaning, and polished in its own format by the discipline of thrash.

TAILGUNNER – MIDNIGHT BLITZ

Out now via Napalm Records - On their second full-length, TAILGUNNER abandons any sense of being a promising revival act and delivers a record that is nothing but structurally assured. Midnight Blitz, released through Napalm Records, consolidates the band’s fixation on classic British heavy metal into something a little more purposeful.

SPACE OF VARIATIONS – POISONED ART

Space of Variations return with Poisoned Art, their third full length and most disciplined statement to date. Released February 13, via Napalm Records, the album reframes the band’s reputation for stylistic excess into something finer and more intentional.

Ennui - QROBA

AVAILABLE NOW via MEUSE MUSIC RECORDS - Coming from Tbilisi, Georgia, on the banks of the Kura River, ENNUI have steadily built a reputation as masters of funeral doom. With already four records to their name, the band now returns with "Qroba", putting an end to nearly eight years' wait, since their last release, "End of the Circle". Only guitarist, bassist, and vocalist David Unsaved and guitarist Serge Shengelia remain from the original lineup, yet the current ensemble impresses with its depth: up to four guitars weave a dense, layered sound, creating the massive, immersive textures that define ENNUIS's signature funeral doom.

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