Ponte Del Diavolo |De Venom Natura |Season Of Mist

Release Date February 13^th, 2026
Format CD/Vinyl
Genre Blackened Post-Punk
Country Italy

Ponte Del Diavolo originally formed in Turin, Italy, forging a sound that fuses doom and black metal with new wave influences, a style they have dubbed blackened post-punk. The band features a distinct lineup with two bassists, Khrura Abro and Kratom, alongside guitarist Nerium, drummer Segale Cornuta, and vocalist Erba Del Diavolo. After releasing three EPs, they joined the Season Of Mist roster for their debut full-length, "Fire Blades From The Tomb." Following appearances at major festivals like Roadburn and Inferno, they have returned with their second album, "De Venom Natura."

The first thing hitting the speakers is the sheer mass of the low end. Having two bass players is often a gimmick, but here it serves a sonic necessity. The bottom end rumbles constantly, creating a suffocating foundation that allows the guitar to scream over the top. The production keeps things raw enough to maintain a dangerous edge while letting the instruments separate. It sounds like a garage band playing in a cathedral. The drums pound with a primitive energy, avoiding the plastic trigger sound plaguing so much modern metal.

Erba Del Diavolo delivers a vocal performance that veers between seduction and hysteria. She avoids standard black metal rasping in favor of dramatic, operatic wailing that sounds genuinely unhinged. This delivery matches the "blackened post-punk" tag perfectly, recalling the goth pioneers of the 80s but drenched in feedback and distortion. The cover of "In The Flat Field" by Bauhaus at the end of the album confirms exactly where their heads are at. They take that gothic blueprint and drag it through the mud.

The inclusion of brass instruments and synths adds a strange, ritualistic layer to the chaos. Tracks like "Delta-9 (161)" stretch out, using the extended runtime to build tension before exploding. The songwriting balances the slow, doom-laden riffs with faster, punk-influenced outbursts. It keeps the energy unpredictable. The music sounds dangerous and organic, like the band is playing live in the room and things could fall apart at any second.

"De Venom Natura" is a step up from their debut. It sounds darker, heavier, and more cohesive. The band has found a specific sound that belongs to them. The fusion of genres works because they commit to the darkness of both metal and goth equally. It is a loud, brash, and captivating listen that demands attention.

Score: 8.5

Ponte Del Diavolo:

Bandcamp: https://pontedeldiavolo666.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PontedelDiavolo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontedeldiavoloband/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pontedeldiavolo3847

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mAfr0B2wgIFbVBUAv9btD/

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/ponte-del-diavolo/1639072320

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/179497657

Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/33773763

Odio Deus |Spiritual Syphilis |Wormholedeath Records

Release Date June 7^th, 2024
Format CD/Digital
Genre Black/Death Metal
Country Norway

Odio Deus formed in 2020 in Oslo, Norway. The band is the creation of Telal, who handles drums, lyrics, and bass. After playing in various black metal outfits for years, he wanted to lead his own project to control the musical direction and lyrical concepts. He brought in Braatebrann on guitars, vocals, and bass, along with Winterheart on guitars. The band aims to combine black metal with death metal influences while focusing on themes regarding the hypocrisy of organized religion.

"Spiritual Syphilis" is a violent assault on the senses. You can hear the Scandinavian roots in the freezing cold riffs, but the American death metal influence adds a level of brutality that makes this heavy as hell. It is fast, aggressive, and mean. The guitars switch between tremolo picking and heavy chugs without losing momentum. The energy stays high the whole time and the songwriting keeps your head banging.

Braatebrann screams like a maniac. His vocals are full of genuine hate. You can tell he means every word against the religious hypocrites he is yelling about. Telal destroys the drum kit. His blasting is fierce, and the slower parts crush everything in their path. The bass adds a dirty low end that makes the whole thing sound massive.

The sound quality is exactly what you want for this style. It is not too pretty or digital. It sounds raw and real. You can hear every instrument clearly, but it still has that filth you need in extreme metal. It sounds like a band playing together in a room, ready to kill. The atmosphere is dark and hostile throughout. This album is a winner. It brings the hate and the riffs in equal measure. Odio Deus has created a beast of an album that fans of extreme metal need to hear. It is dark, heavy, and totally uncompromising.A gem lost in time.

Score: 8.5

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OdioDeusband

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Odio-Deus-Official

Rotgut |8 Oz Cantrip |Self-Release

Release Date 16.01.2026
Format Digital/Cassette
Genre Black ‘n’ Thrash ‘n’ Roll
Country United States

Assembled against their will by a faceless shadow organization in the Winter of 2024, Rotgut was bound by a great purpose: to form an extreme metal band, inspired by crust punk, rock ’n’ roll, and classic schlock to shred wanton across the greater US and parts beyond. Seattle scumbags Rotgut returned to the scene quickly. Only months after dropping "24 Oz Cantrip", they decided the world needed another dose of their filth. "8 Oz Cantrip" serves as a prequel of sorts, digging up four tracks written before the band fully materialized into their current form. Despite being older material, these songs fit right alongside the chaotic noise they spewed out last year.

The sound here is exactly what you expect from a band listing Ghoul and Midnight as influences. It is fast, dirty, and dripping with belligerence. The guitars buzz like a chainsaw cutting through bone, while the rhythm section hammers away with absolute disregard for safety. Vocals shriek and howl over the mix, creating a wall of noise that feels at home in a basement show with sticky floors.

Clocking in at under fifteen minutes, the EP gets in and gets out. There is no time wasted on atmospheric nonsense. The band goes straight for the jugular with a crusty blend of black metal and thrash. It is simple, aggressive music made for breaking things. The production matches the songwriting, keeping things raw and jagged around the edges.

This release satisfies the itch for speedy, punk-infused metal. It is not trying to be high art. It is just four guys making a racket. If you dig the previous EP, this continuation makes sense. It provides a quick burst of adrenaline without asking for much in return. Rotgut continues to brew their specific brand of toxic noise, and it tastes just fine.

Score: 7.0

https://rotgutofficial.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rotgutband/

https://www.facebook.com/rotgutband/?rdid=T1xlpSed81Jliypt

Messticator |Total Mastery |Testimony Records

Release Date 13.03.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Death/Thrash Metal
Country Germany

Something filthy crawled out of the Hamburg harbor in 2019 when Messticator formed to spread their own brand of audio violence. They dropped their debut "Forthcoming Revelation" in 2022 and managed to land spots at major festivals like Wacken and Turock, proving they could hang with the heavyweights. After spitting out a Slayer cover EP to pay respects to the old gods, they returned to the studio with producer Timo Höcke. The lineup of Thomas Thede, Marvin Brühl, Maik Weinhardt, and Thorben "Tobbo" Lohmann is locked in and ready for war.

"Total Mastery" takes the foundation of their debut and injects it with pure steroids. The fusion of death and thrash metal here is volatile and dangerous. Where the first album knocked on the door, this one kicks it off the hinges. The guitar work shreds with precision while the drums provide a barrage of artillery fire. It is faster and angrier than their previous material. The production makes every riff sound like a chainsaw cutting through bone, ensuring the aggression translates perfectly to the speakers.

The energy remains high throughout the runtime. Tracks like "The Pitslayer" and "Mass Human Extinction" are absolute bangers that incite violence. The vocals are guttural and nasty, matching the hostility of the music. At over fifty minutes, the album is a massive serving of brutality, yet it manages to keep the adrenaline pumping. The artwork by Andreas Christanetoff captures the grim atmosphere perfectly. It is a relentless assault that demands headbanging until your spine gives out.

This album is a strong display of force. Messticator has sharpened their skills and delivered a collection of songs that rip. It is a skull-crushing listen for anyone who worships at the altar of heavy metal. They bring the noise and the fury in equal measure. This is a worthy purchase for any thrasher or death metal maniac looking to wreck their neck. Another kickass album for this years.

Score: 8.5

https://spkr.store/collections/messticator

https://www.facebook.com/testimonyrecords

https://www.instagram.com/testimony_records

https://messticator.bandcamp.com/album/total-mastery

https://www.facebook.com/messticator

https://www.instagram.com/messticator_metal

Vorago |Morulus |Amor Fati Productions

Release Date February 20^th, 2026
Format CD/12" Vinyl
Genre Black Metal
Country Germany, Mexico

Vorago is a cross-continental project with members positioned in Germany and Mexico. "Morulus" marks their debut mini-album, released through Amor Fati Productions. The band avoids elaborate backstories or mysterious personas, opting instead to let the recording speak for itself. The material was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Scumlight Studio, resulting in an eight-track collection spanning roughly thirty-one minutes.

This mini-album wastes zero time getting to the point. Vorago plays a particularly violent strain of black metal that prioritizes speed and aggression. The guitars create a wall of noise that fans of bands like Kill or The Third Eye Rapists will recognize immediately. It is chaotic, but the band maintains a tight grip on the instruments. The production is harsh, yet you can still distinguish the riffs through the distortion. It sounds like a fever dream caught on tape, loud and unrelenting.

The vocals provide a distinct element to the sound. Instead of sticking solely to high-pitched shrieks, the delivery drops into a lower, more ominous register. There are moments where the performance mirrors the haunting style found on "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas". This approach adds a solemn, ritualistic feeling to the tracks. It breaks up the constant barrage of blast beats and tremolo picking, giving the music a darker atmosphere without slowing down the tempo.

At thirty-one minutes, the record length is ideal for this level of intensity. The eight songs punch in and out without dragging. The songwriting balances the inherent chaos with enough structure to keep the listener engaged. There are no wasted moments or filler tracks here. Vorago manages to create a vortex of sound that is engaging to listen to while remaining hostile. It is a focused burst of energy that accomplishes its goal efficiently.

"Morulus" is a strong introduction for this international unit. It delivers the hostility required of the genre while proving the band has the technical skills to back it up. It is a harsh, uncompromising listen that fits well within the Amor Fati roster. If you enjoy black metal that focuses on pure aggression and dark atmosphere, this debut is worth checking out.

Score: 7.5

www.amor-fati-productions.de

www.amorfatiproductions.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/amorfatiprod

Necropolissebeht |Taurunovem - Th’Astraktyan Serfdome |Amor Fati Productions

Release Date February 20^th, 2026
Format CD/Vinyl LP/Cassette Tape
Genre Black Metal
Country Germany

Necropolissebeht brings together a lineup that will immediately catch the attention of anyone following the underground black metal circuit. Ryan Förster handles the guitars, bringing his experience from the Ross Bay Cult into this new entity. He is joined by Hekla on bass and guitars, with Axaazaroth handling drums and vocals. "Taurunovem - Th’Astraktyan Serfdome" marks their debut full-length release, issued through the German stronghold Amor Fati Productions.

The sound on "Taurunovem - Th’Astraktyan Serfdome" matches the visual of a freezing, cosmic void. From the moment "Thorntrail To Goregotha" kicks in, the album establishes a suffocating atmosphere. The production is incredibly dense, creating a wall of noise that buries the listener. The guitars churn with a dissonant, low-end frequency that feels physical. It is not about catchy riffs here but for creating a texture of absolute hostility. The music mimics the concept of a frozen, uninhabited dimension perfectly.

Axaazaroth provides a relentless battery behind the kit. His drumming on tracks like "The Aquamarinæbyss - Levitation Of Cadaver Circuits In M-Orbit" focuses on speed and aggression, driving the tracks forward without mercy. The vocals are mixed deep in the back, echoing as if from a great distance. This approach treats the voice as just another texture in the mix instead of a focal point. It adds to the feeling of isolation and coldness that pervades the entire thirty-nine minutes.

The sheer density of the recording is both a strength and a weakness. While it creates a massive impact, the middle section of the album can blur together. Songs like "Numinoucidal War Winds" and "The Lower Circles" have great energy, but the guitar tone often swallows the definition of the notes. A slightly sharper mix might have allowed the individual songwriting ideas to surface more effectively. The constant barrage of noise can be exhausting, causing some of the specific details to get lost in the static.

Overall, Necropolissebeht delivers a violent and hostile debut. It appeals directly to fans who want their black metal to sound like a collapsing star. Ryan Förster and his cohorts have constructed a heavy, oppressive beast of an album. It fulfills the promise of a cold, astral nightmare, even if the murky production hides some of the best moments. It is a worthy addition to the shelf for those who worship the void.

Score: 7.0

www.necropolissebeht.bandcamp.com

www.amor-fati-productions.de

www.amorfatiproductions.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/amorfatiprod

New Dawn Fades |Lores |Self-release

Release Date March 25^th, 2026
Format Vinyl/Digital
Genre Stoner/Doom Metal
Country United States

New Dawn Fades hails from Philadelphia, bringing a thick blend of doom, grunge, and heavy psych to the table. The lineup features veterans of the scene including vocalist and guitarist GFA (Ritual Earth), guitarist Corey Pettingill (Blackhand), bassist Algar (Green Meteor), and drummer Steve Roche (Saetia). Drawing on the aggressive sounds of bands like Soundgarden, Down, and High On Fire, they mix crushing volume with melodic hooks.

"Lores" is a dirty, loud, and aggressive album that sounds exactly like a dark basement in Philadelphia should sound. The guitars are tuned low and the distortion is thick enough to chew on. The production captures the raw energy of the band without making it sound like a demo tape. The riffs are big and simple, driving the songs forward with a primitive stomp that gets the head nodding immediately.

The songs on this album rely heavily on the interplay between GFA and Corey Pettingill. They trade riffs that sound like chainsaws cutting through metal. Tracks like "Villains Come To Light" and "True Till Death" show that these guys understand how to write a hook without sacrificing heaviness. The vocals are gritty and emotional, fitting the music perfectly. The rhythm section is locked in, with Algar’s bass providing a low-end rumble that shakes the floorboards. Steve Roche’s drumming is particularly interesting, adding a frantic, nervous energy that keeps the slower doom parts from dragging.

There is a straightforward honesty to "Lores" that is refreshing. New Dawn Fades isn't trying to trick you with complex time signatures or overproduced nonsense. They plug in, turn up the volume, and play until their fingers bleed. "Souls" and "Dead Vultures" keep the momentum going with sludge-filled grooves that feel heavy and dangerous. It is rock and roll stripped down to its ugly, beautiful essentials.

This album is a strong release for anyone who likes their music slow, low, and loud. It has a few repetitive moments, but the sheer power of the riffs makes up for it. It is a good, solid listen that delivers the goods without asking for permission. If you are into the heavy side of grunge or the catchier side of doom, "Lores" is worth your time.

Score: 7.0

LORES | New Dawn Fades

NEW DAWN FADES (@newdawnfadesforever)

New Dawn Fades | Facebook

NEW DAWN FADES

Throat |Beyond The Devil's Shroud |Primitive Reaction

Release Date 13.03.2026
Format CD/Digital
Genre Black Metal
Country: Poland

Hailing from the fertile grounds of Poland, Throat emerges not as another hooded clone but as a distinct entity worshiping the obscure. Before this full-length, they dropped the "New Flesh Nectar" demo back in 2020 and the "Blood Exaltation" EP in 2024, signaling their intent to deviate from the standard Polish sound. They draw their poison from a different well, looking towards the unorthodox sounds of bands like Necromantia, Mortuary Drape, and the twisted legacy of Tormentor. "Beyond The Devil's Shroud" marks their first proper campaign under the banner of Primitive Reaction.

The sound here is drenched in reverb and ancient decay. Throat opts for a production style that sounds like it was captured in a damp crypt rather than a studio. The guitars have a strange, clanging quality that scrapes against the eardrums, while the bass rumbles with a prominent, distorted presence. It creates a suffocating atmosphere that feels genuinely old and hostile. The band avoids the polished, hyper-speed approach common in modern black metal, favoring a mid-tempo stomp that allows the darkness to settle in and fester.

Listening to "Beyond The Devil's Shroud" recalls the feeling of discovering a lost tape from the early 90s. The songwriting relies on hypnotic repetition and bizarre, twisting riffs that channel the spirit of early Samael or the insanity of Cultes Des Ghoules. The vocals are tortured rasps that sit buried in the mix, adding to the disorienting effect. There is a primitive energy here that feels authentic, ignoring modern trends in favor of a specific, ritualistic wretchedness.

While the dedication to this specific niche of black metal is admirable, the album occasionally wanders. The lengthy runtimes, particularly on the opening track, demand patience. The hypnotic nature of the music works well, but there are moments where the tension slackens before picking back up. It is a specific flavor of rot that won't appeal to everyone, specifically those looking for constant blasts or high-fidelity clarity. However, for those who dig deep into the underground, the oddities here are part of the charm.

Throat has delivered a debut that succeeds in establishing a vile identity. It is a promising start that captures the essence of medieval witchcraft and southern black metal weirdness. "Beyond The Devil's Shroud" is a dirty, cavernous experience that pays tribute to its influences without shame. It is a worthy addition to the shelf for anyone who prefers their metal to smell like incense and sulfur.

Score: 7.0

www.devilsthroat.bandcamp.com

www.primitivereaction.com

Rotheads |Unfazed By Death |Memento Mori (Demo, 10th anniversary official release)

Release Date January 26^th, 2026
Format Digital/CD
Genre Death/Doom Metal
Country Romania

Rotheads kicked off their existence in Bucharest back in late 2014. Before they started churning out full albums, the duo of Bogdan and Dávid laid down these tracks in a jazz rehearsal room at the Bucharest Music University between 2015 and 2016. Now, marking a full decade of decay, Memento Mori and Temniță Recs have dug up "Unfazed By Death" for an official release on CD and cassette. This is a chance to hear the band in their rawest form, long before they polished their blades.

The production here is exactly what you expect from a ten-year-old death metal demo. It sounds rough, abrasive, and totally unconcerned with modern standards. The guitars have a thick, jagged distortion that dominates the mix, while the drums sound distinctively organic. It lacks the punch of a big studio effort, but that is part of the charm. It captures the honest, scraping sound of two guys making noise because they have to.

Musically, this is pure worship of the old gods. Rotheads leans heavily into the doom side of death metal here. The riffs are slow, heavy, and repetitive in a way that induces a trance. You can hear heavy influences from bands like Autopsy and Asphyx. The tempo rarely picks up speed, preferring to drag the listener through the mud. Dávid’s vocals are deep and guttural, sitting right in the center of the noise. It is simple, effective, and heavy.

Since this is a look back at their start, the songwriting is a bit primitive compared to their later work. The ideas are there, but the execution is still finding its footing. Some sections wander a bit, and the variety is limited. However, for a first attempt, it sets the groundwork for everything that came later. It is a grim snapshot of a band just starting to rot. "Unfazed By Death" is a cool collectible for the dedicated fans. It has grit, it has riffs, and it has a rotten attitude. If you like your death metal stripped down to the bone, this is worth a spin.

Score: 7.0

 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/rotheads/

https://www.instagram.com/rotheads/

https://www.youtube.com/@rotheads

https://rotheads.bandcamp.com/album/unfazed-by-death

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IaUxf3CmYzeYNLKjvR6n0

https://www.bandsintown.com/a/10624839-rotheads

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rotheads/dBrL

https://www.memento-mori.es/

Stalwart |Tempvs Edax Rervm |Wormholedeath Records

Release Date January 23^rd, 2026
Format CD/Digital
Genre Death/Groove Metal
Country Russia

Formed back in 1999 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Stalwart earned a reputation in the scene by mixing death, groove, thrash, and progressive metal. They released six full-length albums through labels like Fono and CD-Maximum, with four of them produced by the Wiesławski brothers at Hertz Studio. The band played stages with big names like Behemoth and Vader across Europe. After a break in 2019 and moving members to different continents, they are back with "Tempvs Edax Rervm".

"Tempvs Edax Rervm" focuses on the dark idea that time kills everything. Stalwart creates a heavy atmosphere where vices rot and old gods lose their power. The music matches this bleak outlook perfectly. It sounds angry and resigned at the same time. The band brings a thick sound that fits the theme of decay and the end of the world. The whole thing sounds massive.

The guitars churn out heavy rhythms that stick in your head immediately. Anton Sofronov and Leonid Verman lock in for some serious chugging riffs. They mix up the speed, going from slow stomps to faster thrash beats. The bass from Dmitry Ivanov adds a layer of filth underneath that keeps everything heavy. It makes you want to bang your head. The playing is technical without being showy.

Pavel’s vocals are deep and rough like he is growling from the crypt. He matches the music well. The drumming by Alexey Timanov drives the songs forward. He uses blast beats when needed but mostly keeps a steady, pounding rhythm. The production lets you hear every hit. It is loud. The songs are catchy and keep the energy high.

Stalwart returned with a strong collection of tracks. "Tempvs Edax Rervm" delivers the goods for fans of mid-tempo death metal. The album has a specific sound and sticks to it. It offers plenty of heavy riffs and angry vocals. It is a good listen for anyone who likes their metal rhythmic and dark.

Score: 7.5

Stalwart:

www.facebook.com/stalwartmetal

www.youtube.com/@stalwart.metalband

www.instagram.com/stalwart.metalband

www.tiktok.com/@stalwartmetal

www.soundcloud.com/stalwartmetal