Upcoming Metal Releases: August 16 – 22, 2026

A look at the latest in heavy music, featuring fresh sounds from around the globe.

Azatoth – *Carnal Lust of Blasphemy*

Label: Extremely Rotten Productions
Genre: Death Metal
Origin: Vantaa, Finland

Finnish death metal outfit Azatoth makes a significant entrance into the scene with their debut album, *Carnal Lust of Blasphemy*. This release showcases a raw, eerie aesthetic typical of old-school death metal, characterized by thick, distorted riffs underpinning Joel “Nuclear Lucifer” Das’ guttural growls. Juuso “Godvomit” Hämäläinen’s drumming oscillates between furious bursts and deliberate slowdowns, exemplified in tracks like “Flooding Human Remains” and “Sulfuric Paths to Agony.” The interlude “Interlude (Awaiting the Oncoming…)” offers a brief respite before the album returns to its heavy roots with “Blasphemous Flesh.” Azatoth draws inspiration from Finnish death metal, ’90s American death-grind, and horror classics such as *Hellraiser* and *The Thing*.

– Lily O’Delia

Listen to *Carnal Lust of Blasphemy*

Dysthymia – *The Morning Darkness*

Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records
Genre: Depressive Black Metal
Origin: Boston, MA, United States

Dysthymia returns with their second album, *The Morning Darkness*, which confronts themes of depression and grief head-on. Vocalist and guitarist Grushenka Ødegård navigates a spectrum of emotions, alternating between harsh screams and soft, clean vocals. The album features long, expansive compositions that blend tremolo guitar with acoustic elements and piano interludes. In tracks like “We Can Never Go Back,” the narrative emphasizes resilience in the face of despair, while “To Choose Life is to Choose Grief” bluntly articulates the acceptance of pain as part of existence. The album’s structure allows for a dynamic interplay between heavy and serene passages, ultimately offering a glimmer of hope amidst darkness.

– Lily O’Delia

Experience *The Morning Darkness*

Cobrafuma – *Droga Total*

Label: Lollypops & Lovers
Genre: Thrash Metal
Origin: Porto, Portugal

Portuguese thrash metal band Cobrafuma unleashes their sophomore album, *Droga Total*, a relentless celebration of high-energy chaos. This album is a nonstop barrage of sound, with themes of revelry and intoxication woven throughout. The music combines elements of thrash, heavy metal, hardcore, and rock, creating a vigorous soundscape that feels like a wild night out. The ferocity of the performance is palpable, making it an album that begs for live energy, with the potential for strings to snap during exhilarating performances.

– Aidan Sibley

Dive into *Droga Total*

Fen – *Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth*

Label: Prophecy Productions
Genre: Black Metal
Origin: London, England

With their eighth album, *Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth*, Fen showcases their artistic evolution while maintaining their atmospheric black metal roots. The album is marked by complex drumming and intricate guitar work layered over powerful basslines. The music reflects the ethereal landscapes of their homeland, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. This latest release is a testament to Fen’s ambition and their ability to blend progressive elements into their signature sound.

– Kevin Zecchel

Discover *Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth*

Rapid – *Enter the Realm of Fire*

Label: Dying Victims Productions
Genre: Speed Metal + Black Metal
Origin: Helsinki, Finland

Rapid shifts gears with their upcoming debut album, *Enter the Realm of Fire*, marking a departure from their previous science-fiction themes to embrace darker, necromantic narratives. This album refines their sound to focus on a more streamlined ’80s metal aesthetic, shedding the heavier black metal influences of the past. Vocalist Vincent Revenge delivers his lines with clarity and conviction, embodying the spirit of the underworld rather than intergalactic tales, representing a new chapter in Rapid’s musical journey.

– Colin Dempsey

Unveil *Enter the Realm of Fire*

Conclusion

The week of August 16 to 22, 2026 promises a diverse array of metal releases from various corners of the globe. From the raw energy of Azatoth and the introspective themes of Dysthymia to the relentless party spirit of Cobrafuma and the ambitious artistry of Fen, there is something for every metalhead to look forward to. Rapid’s transformation also hints at exciting new directions within the genre. As we eagerly await these albums, it’s clear that the metal scene continues to evolve and thrive.

FAQs

What is Azatoth’s musical style?

Azatoth plays old-school death metal with raw and eerie elements, characterized by distorted riffs and deep growls.

What themes does Dysthymia explore in *The Morning Darkness*?

Dysthymia’s album tackles themes of depression and grief while also emphasizing resilience and hope.

What can we expect from Cobrafuma’s *Droga Total*?

Expect high-energy thrash metal that captures the spirit of wild nights and relentless partying.

How has Fen evolved in their new album?

Fen has integrated progressive ideas into their atmospheric black metal sound, creating a more complex and ambitious work.

What is the thematic shift in Rapid’s *Enter the Realm of Fire*?

Rapid has shifted from science-fiction themes to darker, necromantic narratives, presenting a more focused ’80s metal sound.