Introducing: Octohawk
Norway’s Octohawk fuse filthy lead-heavy riffs and explosive rhythms with synth-led atmospheres in a sludgy metal sound that they describe as “heavy, atmospheric and progressive.”
Author: robilaz
Freelance Copywriter who's passionate about football, technology and music and is slightly obsessed with Football Manager.
Introducing: Misscore
Polish band Misscore blend heavy riffs and captivating vocals in an alternative rock meets metal sound that they describe as “emotional, heavy, melodic.”
New Band of the Week: 5 Ash Kills
Forged from British grit and Finnish fire, 5 Ash Kills offer up an unpolished, merciless and relentless blackened thrash metal sound that they describe as “fast, brutal and unapologetic.”
On The Radar: Asylum Road, Blackwater, LAFAYETTE, Matted, Odjur, Oïkoumen, Re:O, September Mourning & StopGap Solution
Our first round-up of new rock and metal of 2026 brings you a feast of new rock and metal with the occasional symphonic delight. This collection of new releases brings you new bands to explore from France, Ireland, Japan/the UK, Sweden and the USA.
Introducing: Criminal Hero
Hard rock project Criminal Hero blends elements of alternative clarity and punk urgency in a lively, nostalgic sound that they describe as “rhythmic, driven and focused.”
Introducing: Zugar
German band Zugar fuse engaging vocals and heavy riffing in a diverse groove metal sound that they describe as “groove-driven, heavy and uncompromising.”
New Band of the Week: abide
Emerging alternative meets nu-metal project abide combines heavy riffs with unsettling atmospheres and confessional lyrics in a sound they describe as “nostalgic, energetic and angsty.”
Introducing: Divine Martyr
American band Divine Martyr have crafted a dramatic power metal and symphonic metal sound that’s predominantly faith-based and focuses on issues like mental health, anti-marginalisation and depression.
Introducing: Arcaine
Swiss death metal band Arcaine pack an almighty punch, blending brutal guitars, ferocious rhythms and vicious vocals with immersive harmonies in a sound that they describe as “hard, technical and melodic.”
Introducing: Neova
French metalcore band Neova offer up a powerful sound that fuses precise production with melodic intensity and striking contrasts, and they describe as “intense, dark and emotional.”
Introducing: Nine Red Moons
If you’re hankering after the good old heavy metal days of the 1980s and 90s, then you’re going to love the thrilling, powerful sound of Brazil-based global project Nine Red Moons, who describe their music as “heavy, strong and melodic.”
Introducing: Dream Delay
London-based Dream Delay blend elements of rock, grunge, indie and pop in an engaging sound that they describe as “enigmatic, contrasting and dreamy.”
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