Your guide to new rock, metal and punk bands worldwide
Combining Brazilian rhythms and a grungy attitude, Giant Skunk have crafted a thunderous groove metal sound perfect for cruising through the desert with the windows rolled down, which they describe as "indica punk sativa metal hybrid rock."
From the heart of Canada's Newfoundland island comes a fascinating, mysterious metal project that represents the brutal nature of planet Earth. Instrumental act IRØNVEIL exists as a conduit for an ancient planetary consciousness known as Miasma, formed when ice first began to claim the Earth billions of years ago.
German band Monashee offer up an infectious fusion of downtuned guitars, rapped vocals and catchy choruses in an alternative metal sound that they describe as "powerful, emotional and playful" or, alternatively, "could be worse."
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."
Polish band Misscore blend heavy riffs and captivating vocals in an alternative rock meets metal sound that they describe as "emotional, heavy, melodic."
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."
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.
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."
German band Zugar fuse engaging vocals and heavy riffing in a diverse groove metal sound that they describe as "groove-driven, heavy and uncompromising."
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."
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