Upcoming Metal Releases: 7/12/26 – 7/18/26
Äxe – Autogeddon
Label: Caligari Records
Genre: Speed Metal + Black Metal
Origin: United Kingdom (London, England)
Äxe embraces a playful yet intense aesthetic, bolstered by band members with colorful monikers like Professor Speed and Nihil Kaos. Their upcoming album, Autogeddon, takes a darker turn compared to their debut demo, Warriors of the Death Raid. The lead single, also titled "Warriors of the Death Raid," showcases a blend of raw black metal screams and speed metal riffs, juxtaposed with an elaborate guitar solo and a haunting outro. This 34-minute album promises to deliver merciless metal that compels even the most somber listeners to move.
–Aidan Sibley
Emptiness – Nowhere Speaks
Label: Season of Mist
Genre: Avant-garde Death Metal
Origin: Belgium (Brussels)
Nowhere Speaks by Emptiness serves as a surreal exploration of death metal, reminiscent of fragmented dreams. The album retains core elements of death metal while crafting an unsettling atmosphere, characterized by dissonance and a slow build-up. The lyrical content, delivered in a disjointed manner, invites listeners into a bizarre realm that intertwines human and animal sounds. The album concludes dramatically, echoing the abrupt ending of their previous work, creating a seamless loop between their past and present.
–Aidan Sibley
Psycroptic – The Pulse of Annihilation
Label: Metal Blade Records
Genre: Technical Death Metal
Origin: Australia (Tasmania)
The Tasmanian band Psycroptic returns with The Pulse of Annihilation, marking their debut on Metal Blade Records. This album is described as an evolution from pure technical density to a more structured approach. The intricate guitar work, relentless percussion, and dual vocal assault create a formidable sound throughout tracks like "Gathering a Venomous Herd." Notably, the haunting intro of "Our Pillars Fall" adds depth to the otherwise aggressive musical landscape, making for a compelling listen.
–Dennis J. Seese
Niveous – Cult of the Void Star
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records
Genre: Black Metal
Origin: United States (Milwaukee, WI)
Niveous defies the expectations of black metal with their debut album, Cult of the Void Star. The band opts for a fantastical approach, akin to a more melodic Immortal, avoiding the typical themes of misanthropy. The track "Frostborne Resistance" stands out with its engaging folk-infused vocals, setting a tone that is both epic and inviting.
–Colin Dempsey
Wehmut – IV: Sommer
Label: Naturmacht Productions
Genre: Blackgaze
Origin: Germany (Bavaria)
IV: Sommer by Wehmut blends post-rock, shoegaze, and DSBM in a manner that transcends typical blackgaze stereotypes. The album features a unique blend of optimism and melancholy, utilizing trances rather than aggressive riffs to convey emotion. The lush soundscapes and reverb-laden guitar work create an atmosphere that is both immersive and haunting.
–Colin Dempsey
Supremative / Crucifixation – Schism of Demonic Intolerance / Reveling In Sin
Label: Down With the Most High
Genre: Death Metal + Black Metal
Origin: Spain + United States
This split release features Supremative and Crucifixation, both delivering a raw sound that resonates with the spirit of primitive death and black metal, often referred to as war metal. Supremative fully embodies this genre hybrid, while Crucifixation takes a more chaotic approach, weaving death metal growls into a tapestry of influences that harken back to classic Sepultura. The result is a sonic assault that is both nostalgic and visceral.
–Colin Dempsey
Conclusion
The week of July 12th to 18th, 2026, promises a diverse array of metal releases that showcase both new and established artists pushing the boundaries of their genres. From the playful yet intense sounds of Äxe to the haunting explorations of Emptiness and the technical prowess of Psycroptic, there’s something for every metal enthusiast to look forward to.
FAQs
What genres are represented in the upcoming releases?
The releases include various genres such as speed metal, black metal, avant-garde death metal, technical death metal, blackgaze, and a fusion of death and black metal.
Which bands are releasing new music?
The featured bands include Äxe, Emptiness, Psycroptic, Niveous, Wehmut, and the split release from Supremative and Crucifixation.
Where can I find these albums?
The albums will be available through their respective labels, including Caligari Records, Season of Mist, Metal Blade Records, Hypnotic Dirge Records, Naturmacht Productions, and Down With the Most High.
What should I expect from these new releases?
Listeners can expect a mix of intense musicality, experimental sounds, and thematic depth that challenges conventional metal norms. Each band has its unique approach to songwriting and soundscapes, promising an exciting listening experience.
