Upcoming Metal Releases: February 15th – 21st, 2026
A comprehensive look at the latest additions to the metal genre.
The Recreant — The Code is V… Outlive the Code
Label: Independent | Genre: Crossover Thrash | Origin: United States
Thrash metal has always thrived on raw emotion, and The Recreant, spearheaded by guitarist Alicia Cordisco (known from Transgressive and ex-Judicator), captures this intensity impeccably. Their music serves as a vessel for their outrage towards the current political landscape in the United States, delivering blistering riffs and relentless energy. This debut is unapologetic, fierce, and a testament to the genre’s aggressive roots.
–Kevin Zecchel
Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean — Let Us Not Speak Of Them But Look And Pass On
Label: Redscroll Records | Genre: Sludge Metal + Doom Metal | Origin: Springfield, MA, United States
In their latest EP, Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean delves into the depths of improvisation while maintaining their signature dreary sound. This release highlights their ability to weave patience and feedback into captivating sludge metal, continuing to build on the acclaim they have received for their atmospheric approach.
–Colin Dempsey
Bayonet Dismemberment — Skull Crushed by a Tank
Label: Iron Fortress Records | Genre: Brutal Death Metal | Origin: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bayonet Dismemberment’s latest track, “Skull Crushed by a Tank,” unfolds at a deliberate pace, mirroring the ominous nature of the title. The band crafts an atmosphere of dread with a simplistic three-note riff that, in another context, could belong to a doom metal band. However, their methodical repetition amplifies the horror, with a guest feature from Ricky Myers (of Suffocation) adding to the gruesome narrative.
Trespasser — יְהִי אוֹר
Label: Fucking Kill Records | Genre: Black Metal | Origin: Vretstorp, Sweden
With their new album, Trespasser continues to push the boundaries established in their previous release, 2023’s Αποκάλυψισ. This latest offering showcases clear production, infectious punk influences, and an overarching sense of anarchy, shifting from their raw, punkish roots to a more expansive and spiritually resonant sound.
–Colin Dempsey
Exhumed — Red Asphalt
Label: Relapse Records | Genre: Death Metal + Grindcore | Origin: San Jose, CA, United States
Red Asphalt is designed for the open road, featuring straightforward riffs and grooves that are perfect for driving. This album is filled with energetic tracks that thrive on a dopamine-inducing formula, intended to be enjoyed at high volume with the windows down, creating a thrilling listening experience.
–Colin Dempsey
Nazghor — A World Ablaze
Label: Solistitium Records | Genre: Black Metal | Origin: Uppsala, Sweden
Having formed in 2012, Nazghor has impressively released their eighth full-length album, A World Ablaze. This record showcases their refined sound, characterized by melodic black metal that eschews the production flaws often found in Norwegian counterparts. The album narrates the story of a fire that devastated Uppsala in 1702, capturing the resilience and victory of the city’s recovery.
–Colin Dempsey
Dwellnought — Monolith of Ephemerality
Label: Caligari Records | Genre: Doom Metal + Black Metal + Death Metal | Origin: Italy
Dwellnought’s debut album intertwines the atmospheric elements of black metal, the ferocity of brutal death metal, and the weightiness of doom metal. This record creates an isolating yet captivating soundscape, urging listeners to peer deeper into its murky depths and confront the faces obscured within.
–Colin Dempsey
Conclusion
The week of February 15th to 21st, 2026, promises a wealth of new metal releases that cater to a variety of subgenres. From the politically charged thrash of The Recreant to the atmospheric depths of Dwellnought, there’s something for every metal aficionado to explore and enjoy. These albums not only showcase the talent and creativity within the metal scene but also highlight the ongoing evolution of the genre.
FAQs
What types of metal are represented in the upcoming releases?
The upcoming releases feature a variety of metal subgenres, including crossover thrash, sludge metal, brutal death metal, black metal, and a blend of doom, black, and death metal.
Who are some of the notable artists featured in this release schedule?
Notable artists include The Recreant, Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean, Bayonet Dismemberment, Trespasser, Exhumed, Nazghor, and Dwellnought.
Where can I find these albums once they are released?
These albums will be available through various music platforms, including streaming services and physical sales through the respective labels.
Are there any collaborations in these releases?
Yes, the track “Skull Crushed by a Tank” features a guest appearance by Ricky Myers of Suffocation, adding an extra layer to Bayonet Dismemberment’s brutal sound.
