Your guide to new rock, metal and punk bands worldwide
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."
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.
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."
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