heavy-metal-darkness: Coronatus |Dreadful Waters |Massacre Records

Monday, January 19, 2026

Coronatus |Dreadful Waters |Massacre Records

Release Date: January 23^rd, 2026
Format: CD/Digital
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Country: Germany

Coronatus has been haunting the German metal scene for quite a while, mostly known for their rotating cast of vocalists and Mats Kurth’s steady drumming. They have built a reputation on mixing operatic styles with folk-infused symphonic metal, never sticking to just one singer when they can have three. After messing around with the sky on their last record, these Germans decided to dive into the deep end for 2026. This time around, they are obsessed with the ocean, trading the clouds for shipwrecks and sea monsters.

The production on "Dreadful Waters" is huge, coming out of Klangschmiede Studio E with a sound that fills the room. Leni Eitrich and Sabine Prechtel handle the mezzo-soprano duties, while Nemesis adds a rock edge that keeps things from getting too flowery. Having Harry Zeidler and Nemesis help with the songwriting was a smart move, as the guitar work feels more integrated into the melodies. The mix is clear enough to hear the violin fighting for space against the riffs, which is a relief when things get crowded.

The maritime theme isn't just for show; the whole album is soaked in salt and myths. Songs like "The Maelstrom" and "The Ship's Cook" lean into that seafaring vibe without turning into a total pirate parody. There are plenty of folk elements tossed into the blender, making parts of the album feel like a dark tavern song played by an orchestra. It is a massive wall of sound that captures the danger of the sea, even if some of the operatic parts feel a bit heavy-handed for a metal album.

This is a solid listen that stays true to the Coronatus formula. It delivers the sirens and the storms that fans expect, and the addition of more rock vocals helps balance out the theater-kid energy of the sopranos. While the maritime concept is laid on thick, the melodies are strong enough to keep you listening. It is a reliable, seaworthy slab of symphonic metal that doesn't need to do anything fancy to get the job done.

Score: 7.0