heavy-metal-darkness

Friday, February 6, 2026

Harrowed |The Eternal Hunger |Dying Victims Productions

Release Date February 27^th, 2026
Format CD/LP
Genre Death Metal
Country Sweden

Rising from the maggot-ridden sewers of Stockholm, Harrowed is the new vessel for vocalist and drummer Adam Lindmark, formerly of the Swedish death metal outliers Morbus Chron. He joined forces with guitarist Tobias Alpadie to create this heap of filth. They dropped a demo in 2021 and a split the following year to test the waters. Their sound takes the bones of classic acts like Autopsy, Entombed, and Death Strike and grinds them through a garbage disposal. Now, they are finally unleashing their debut full-length, "The Eternal Hunger", via Dying Victims Productions.

"The Eternal Hunger" kicks in with a sound that is totally crusty and aggressive. The band mixes standard Swedish death metal sounds with a serious dose of punk rock energy. It is not just about playing fast as they throw in these weird, skewed melodies that make the whole thing sound demented. The riffs are thick and grimey. You can hear the Autopsy influence heavily when things slow down and get sludgy. This album has a crazy energy that just wants to break things. The songwriting keeps you banging your head because they switch up the tempos often enough to keep it interesting without getting too fancy.

Production-wise, Robert Pehrsson nailed it at Studio Humbucker. He gave the band a sound that is physical and raw. You can hear the grime on the strings and the impact of the drums. It avoids that fake, plastic sound so many modern bands have. It sounds like a band sweating in a room. They even got legends like Nicke Andersson and Scott Carlson to guest on the album, which adds some serious cool points. The mix allows the dirty bass and the distinct vocals to sit right on top of the chaos.

With a full lineup now including Dag Landin and Estefan Carrillo, Harrowed is ready to bring this noise to the stage. "The Eternal Hunger" is a stonewall of death metal that rips through. It provides a good thirty-six minutes of headbanging fun. If you like your death metal with a bit of punk attitude and a lot of grime, this record belongs in your collection. It is a strong start for the band.

Score: 7.5

https://harroweddeathmetal.bandcamp.com/track/the-haunter

https://www.facebook.com/harroweddeathmetal/

https://www.instagram.com/harroweddeathmetal/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3g4-D4n1AGzd0RugnDtVA

Evil Damn |Eons Of Horror |Hells Headbangers

Release Date 30.01.2026
Format 12" Vinyl
Genre Death Metal, Blackened Death Metal
Country: Peru

Evil Damn hails from the deeply entrenched Peruvian underground scene. These maniacs operate on their own timeline, taking nearly two decades to follow up their initial demo with their debut full-length, "Necronomicon," back in 2021. They do not flood the market with constant releases, so a new drop usually signals they have something hateful to spew. This time, they return with a shorter offering to remind the world they still worship at the altar of death.

"Eons Of Horror" hits with immediate aggression. The band leans harder into a blackened sound this time around, trading some of the previous death metal crunch for sharper, colder riffing. It sounds wicked. The speed is high, and the drumming beats the listener into submission. You get twenty minutes of pure hostility that fits right in with the South American tradition of extreme noise.

The musicianship is tight without being nerdy. These guys play with serious hate. You can hear every instrument, so the chaos never turns into unrecognizable static. The guitars possess a biting tone that cuts through the mix. It is violent music made by maniacs who live for this stuff. The energy levels stay pinned in the red for the entire duration.

This release refuses to waste time. It offers a quick blast of blasphemy that satisfies the itch for darkness. The vocals are wretched and deep, matching the hellish atmosphere the instruments create. It is a solid listen that delivers the specific brand of filth fans expect from Hells Headbangers. Evil Damn upholds the standard of unholy metal.

Score: 7.0

www.hellsheadbangers.com

www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers

www.hellsheadbangers.bandcamp.com

www.instagram.com/hellsheadbangers

www.twitter.com/hellshead666

www.youtube.com/user/hellsheadbangers666

https://www.facebook.com/evildamn666

https://www.instagram.com/evildamnofficial

https://evildamn.bandcamp.com/album/eons-of-horror

Krateros |Lost In Translation |Inverse Records

Release Date January 30^th, 2026
Format Digital
Genre Progressive/Thrash Metal
Country Finland

Krateros is an emerging metal band from Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2023 and led by vocalist/guitarist and main songwriter Saku Rekonen. The band’s music combines influences from old-school thrash metal bands such as Annihilator, Exodus, and Megadeth with more contemporary acts like Trivium, Machine Head, and Stam1na, all the while being filtered through a progressive lens. The band’s first EP, “Lost In Translation,” released through Inverse Records, is a response to a perceived lack of riffs that seems to plague the metal scene of the 2020s.

When a new band comes out swinging with a claim that the current era suffers from a lack of riffs, they better have the ammunition to back it up. Krateros steps into the ring with "Lost In Translation" and immediately proves they aren't just running their mouths. This Helsinki outfit brings a serious arsenal of fretwork to the table. Saku Rekonen and his crew clearly studied the blueprints of the thrash giants, and they execute their sound with a level of aggression that demands attention.

The guitar work acts as the primary engine here. It is fast, technical, and relentless. Rekonen weaves complex patterns that shift and change, keeping the listener on their toes. The progressive influence ensures the songs don't just plod along in a straight line. You get sudden tempo changes and jagged rhythms that force you to pay attention. It is refreshing to hear a band prioritize the six-string assault above everything else.

Vocally, the delivery is harsh and abrasive, matching the intensity of the music. The screaming adds a layer of hostility that works well with the frantic instrumentation. Lyrically, tracks like "Uticensis" dive into Roman philosophy, which is a welcome change from standard genre tropes. It shows the band has brains to match the brawn. The rhythm section of Roni Helminen and Touko Kaihola hammers down the low end, ensuring the music hits with maximum impact.

Production on "Lost In Translation" captures the raw energy of the band. It avoids sounding sterile or over-processed. You can hear the organic nature of the drums and the bite of the guitar amps. This is music designed to be played loud. It effectively communicates the anger and technical proficiency of the musicians without hiding behind studio magic.

Krateros has delivered a strong opening statement. This EP proves that the art of the riff is alive and well in Finland. They manage to balance technicality with pure aggression in a way that keeps the songs engaging. It is a promising debut that suggests these guys have plenty more to offer in the future.

Score: 7.5

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/kraterosband

https://www.instagram.com/krateros_official

https://krateros.bandcamp.com

Fuath |III |Northern Silence Productions

Release Date: January 2^nd, 2026
Format: CD/LP/Digital
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Scotland

Fuath, meaning “hatred” in Gaelic, is the one-man atmospheric black metal project of Scottish musician Andy Marshall, renowned as the creative force behind the acclaimed folk/black metal band Saor. Formed in 2015, Fuath is Marshall’s outlet for a colder, more ferocious vision, melding relentless aggression with haunting, melancholic melodies. The music channels a timeless frostbitten spirit, weaving immersive soundscapes steeped in winter’s bleak beauty, ancient mysticism, and dark folklore. Though rarely performed live, Fuath’s selective appearances have left a lasting impact, immersing audiences in its stark, otherworldly realm. Following two widely praised albums, Fuath is set to release its third, “III”, in early 2026 under the banner of Northern Silence. This release, arriving five years after the last album, features four expansive tracks with a running time exceeding 40 minutes. “III” embodies a cold, atmospheric, harsh, and hypnotic sound, driven by blistering speed and raw intensity, while retaining the haunting melodic depth that defines Fuath’s essence.

It took five years for Andy Marshall to crawl back out of the Scottish Highlands with another dose of frost, and “III” proves he hasn't spent that time getting soft by the fire. While Saor is busy with its epic, sweeping folk journeys, Fuath remains the place where he lets the venom flow. This new album is a massive, freezing storm of pure black metal that hits with the kind of icy speed that makes your blood turn to slush. It’s harsh, it’s fast, and it sounds like a winter that has no intention of ending.

The production on "III" is exactly what you want when you're looking for something that sounds like a blizzard. The guitars are sharp enough to cut skin, howling over the drums that just keep hammering away. There is a serious amount of hate poured into these four long tracks, but Marshall hasn't ditched the melodies. They just happen to be the kind of haunting, ghostly tunes that stick in your brain while the rest of the music tries to tear your head off. It’s a relentless, hypnotic trip that demands you shut off the lights and descend into the dark.

"The Cailleach" and "Embers Of The Fading Age" are absolute ragers, showing off a level of intensity that puts a lot of full bands to shame. He manages to keep things sounding massive and ancient without needing any flashy gimmicks. The vocals are a raw, desperate scream that cuts right through the wall of sound, sounding like someone lost in the woods and losing their mind. It’s an exhausting listen in the best way possible, leaving you drained by the time the final notes of "The Sluagh" fade out.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to hate the sun again, this is it. Fuath has delivered a fierce, frozen slab of metal that proves the Scottish scene is still producing some of the most freezing art on the planet. This isn't background music for a nice day, it’s a grim, piercing attack that captures the spirit of the old guard while keeping its own claws sharp. If you want your black metal cold and uncompromising, "III" is going to be your soundtrack for the winter.

Score: 8.0

Links:

Bandcamp: https://fuath.bandcamp.com

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

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

Greyhawk |Warriors Of Greyhawk |Cruz Del Sur Music

Release Date 13.02.2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Heavy Metal, Power Metal
Country USA

Hailing from Seattle, Greyhawk stormed onto the scene with their 2018 EP "Ride Out" before dropping their debut full-length "Keepers Of The Flame" in 2020. They kept the forge burning with 2022's "Call Of The Hawk" and 2024's "Thunderheart". Now, these heavy metal defenders return with their third studio album, "Warriors Of Greyhawk", continuing their crusade of mixing classic steel with melodic hooks.

If you live for the sound of steel clashing and dragons roaring, "Warriors Of Greyhawk" is going to be your new obsession. Greyhawk has figured out how to mash up that classic US power metal sound with the catchy, fist-pumping nature of arena rock without sounding cheesy. It is loud, proud, and completely dedicated to the gods of metal. The band captures that specific feeling of raising a sword on a mountaintop, blending the fantasy themes we crave with melodies that get stuck in your brain for days.

The sound on this beast is absolutely massive. Henrik Udd handled the production, and the result is a sonic wall where every riff punches right through the speakers. Jesse Berlin and Rob Steinway are tearing up the fretboards, trading licks that would make the 80s guitar heroes jealous. Anthony Corso is wailing like a banshee possessed by Dio himself. The drums thunder along, keeping the energy sky-high, while the bass locks everything down. You can hear every detail, from the shredding solos to the operatic high notes.

What rules here is how they balance the speed with the swagger. Darin Wall mentioned going back to the epic roots of their debut, and you can hear that fire. They also kept those slick AOR vibes from "Thunderheart" alive and well. They just smashed them together into a cocktail of heavy metal greatness. You get these fast, galloping bangers right next to anthems about overcoming struggles. The lyrics are pure fantasy escapism, dealing with inner strength and victory, perfect for when you need to tune out the real world and head into battle.

Daniel Porta’s artwork seals the deal, looking exactly like a heavy metal cover should. This album proves Greyhawk isn’t just getting lucky, they are getting better. The musicianship has leveled up, the songs are catchier, and the whole package screams quality. If you love traditional metal that makes you want to sing along while headbanging, "Warriors Of Greyhawk" delivers the goods. It is a triumphant return that cements their spot in the scene.

Score: 8.3

https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/cruzdelsurmusic

https://cruzdelsurmusic.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/cruzdelsurmusic

https://www.facebook.com/greyhawkheavymetal

https://www.instagram.com/greyhawkmetal

https://greyhawkmetal.bandcamp.com/album/warriors-of-greyhawk

Fili Bibiano’s Fortress |Death Is Your Master |High Roller Records

Release Date: 30.01.2026
Format: CD/LP/Digital
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: United States

Fili Bibiano's Fortress started out as just Fortress in Whittier, California back in 2016. After dropping an EP and their debut full-length "Don’t Spare The Wicked" in 2021 on High Roller Records, they realized way too many bands used that name. They switched the moniker to Fili Bibiano's Fortress to point towards the founding member, who also plays in Intranced. "Death Is Your Master" serves as the second album for the group. The lineup features Fili Bibiano handling guitars, bass, and synth, alongside drummer Joey Mancaruso and new vocalist Juan Aguila. Former singer Chris Nunez appears on the track "Blackest Night". The album was produced by Bibiano himself, with recording split between his Black Light Studio and Brothers Marc Studio in Gardena.

This album is absolutely all about the six-string sorcery. Fili Bibiano isn't hiding behind simple power chords here. The man is shredding everywhere. He brings that neo-classical style that instantly makes you think of the guitar gods from the mid-80s. Some people might complain it is too much showing off, but he plays with actual fire. It is aggressive and technical without sounding robotic. The riffs are fast, and the solos absolutely rip. It is refreshing to hear a guy who wants to bring that specific shred style back to the front of the mix and make the guitar the boss again.

Juan Aguila steps in on vocals and he fits right in with the chaos. He has the pipes to keep up with the frantic energy of the music. It was a cool move to keep the track with original singer Chris Nunez to show some history, but Aguila owns the rest of the material. The production works well too. Since Bibiano handled it himself, the guitar tone is obviously the priority, but the drums still punch through the wall of sound. It sounds like a heavy metal album should sound, loud and aggressive without being too fake or plastic.

The runtime sits at around 34 minutes, which is exactly right for this kind of assault. It smacks you in the face and finishes before you get bored. There is zero filler here. The songwriting focuses on keeping the energy high and the headbanging constant. Bibiano says he plays what comes to mind, and that organic approach comes through. It is not calculated or over-produced math metal. It is just straight-up heavy metal played by guys who clearly worship the instrument and want to play fast.

If you dig heavy metal with a massive focus on lead guitar work, this is for you. It is a strong release that has a clear identity. It is not trying to be the heaviest thing on earth or the most progressive. It is just a cool, rocking album with some serious musical talent behind it. It is a very solid listen for anyone who misses the days when the guitar solo was the main event.

Score: 8.0

https://www.hrrecords.de

https://www.facebook.com/hrrecords

https://www.instagram.com/highrollerrecordsofficial

https://www.facebook.com/Fortressheavymetal

https://www.instagram.com/fortressheavymetal

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Winter Eternal |Unveiled Nightsky |Hells Headbangers

Release Date February 13^th, 2026
Format CD/LP/TAPE
Genre Melodic Black Metal
Country Greece, Scotland

Winter Eternal began as a vessel for the creative vision of Soulreaper in the Greek underground before relocating to the frostier climates of Scotland. Over the last few years, the project has built a serious catalog with Hells Headbangers, specifically the well-received albums "Land Of Darkness" and "Echoes Of Primordial Gnosis". Now returning for a fifth full-length assault, "Unveiled Nightsky" sees Soulreaper handling vocals, guitars, and bass, joined once again by session drummer V. Nuctemeron to hammer the kit. This duo has developed a chemistry that translates into a tight, aggressive unit.

The sound on this album hits hard immediately. Soulreaper writes riffs that pay homage to the mid-90s Swedish and Hellenic scenes without sounding like a cheap copy. The guitar work combines icy tremolo picking with traditional heavy metal hooks. It is aggressive music, but the melodies are always at the forefront. The production helps this significantly. It sounds organic and analog, avoiding the sterile, plastic sound of many modern productions. The drums sound real, and the bass has enough presence to drive the songs forward alongside the guitars.

Lyrically, the album takes a turn toward the cosmic and the mythological. Instead of standard satanic tropes, the songs explore legends like the Wendigo, La Llorona, and Anansi, mixed with themes of the cosmos and starry nights. This thematic shift pairs well with the musical additions of cello and violin. These string sections add a layer of tragic atmosphere to the chaos. They integrate into the metal framework seamlessly, enhancing the darker moments of the album.

This release proves that Winter Eternal sits near the top of the melodic black metal pile in 2026. The songwriting keeps the energy high, mixing blast beats with mid-tempo grooves that force you to bang your head. Fans of Necrophobic or Sacramentum will find everything they need here. It is an album made by a metalhead for metalheads, delivering speed, melody, and aggression in equal measure. "Unveiled Nightsky" is a worthy addition to the band's discography and a strong start to the year for Hells Headbangers.

Score: 8.5