#fortress โ Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #fortress, aggregated by home.social.
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๐๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ก๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐น๐ท๐ผ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฉ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ถรซ
Koning Willem-Alexander en koningin Mรกxima hebben woensdag officieel het Nederlands paviljoen op de 61e internationale kunstbiรซnnale van Venetiรซ geopend.
https://www.rtl.nl/boulevard/artikel/5598621/koning-ervaart-fortress-nederlands-paviljoen-venetie
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๐๏ธ Imagine a world without war, where the machines and structures of destruction fall silent.
Warplanes grounded and swallowed by vegetation, tanks seized in place. The waves reclaim coastal fortresses left behind. Bunkers forgotten below city streets. Propaganda fades and loses meaning
Some of my photos of #AbandonedPlaces in Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and England.
#Abandoned #History #War #History #Photography #Military #War #Decay #Bunker #Tank #Plane #Airplane #Fortress
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๐๏ธ Imagine a world without war, where the machines and structures of destruction fall silent.
Warplanes grounded and swallowed by vegetation, tanks seized in place. The waves reclaim coastal fortresses left behind. Bunkers forgotten below city streets. Propaganda fades and loses meaning
Some of my photos of #AbandonedPlaces in Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and England.
#Abandoned #History #War #History #Photography #Military #War #Decay #Bunker #Tank #Plane #Airplane #Fortress
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๐๏ธ Imagine a world without war, where the machines and structures of destruction fall silent.
Warplanes grounded and swallowed by vegetation, tanks seized in place. The waves reclaim coastal fortresses left behind. Bunkers forgotten below city streets. Propaganda fades and loses meaning
Some of my photos of #AbandonedPlaces in Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and England.
#Abandoned #History #War #History #Photography #Military #War #Decay #Bunker #Tank #Plane #Airplane #Fortress
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Braske - How to play Winger in TRON Fortress
https://multiverse.soulism.net/c/armagetron/p/116619/braske-how-to-play-winger-in-tron-fortress
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐ค*(I will give thanks to the Lord!*& I will recount all of your wonderful deeds!*I will be glad exulting you!*I will sing praise to your name O Most High!*When my enemies turn back!*they stumble!*& perish before your presence!*For you have maintained my just cause!*you have sat on the throne!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #Mighty #Fortress #God #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #LOVE
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐ค*(I will give thanks to the Lord!*& I will recount all of your wonderful deeds!*I will be glad exulting you!*I will sing praise to your name O Most High!*When my enemies turn back!*they stumble!*& perish before your presence!*For you have maintained my just cause!*you have sat on the throne!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #Mighty #Fortress #God #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #LOVE
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐ค*(I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!*I will recount all of your wonderful deeds!*I will be glad!*& exult in you!*I will sing praise to your name!*O Most High!)*[When my enemies turn back!*they stumble!*& perish before your presence!*For you๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #LOVE
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐ค*(I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!*I will recount all of your wonderful deeds!*I will be glad!*& exult in you!*I will sing praise to your name!*O Most High!)*[When my enemies turn back!*they stumble!*& perish before your presence!*For you๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #LOVE
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉท๐ค*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉท๐ค
๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฟโโ๏ธ*(I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!*I will recount all of your wonderful deeds!*I will be glad!*& exult in you!*I will sing praise๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #LOVE
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉท๐ค*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉท๐ค
๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฉท๐๐ฟโโ๏ธ*(I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!*I will recount all of your wonderful deeds!*I will be glad!*& exult in you!*I will sing praise๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #LOVE
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๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!
๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #LOVE
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๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!
๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #LOVE
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๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS IN THE FOLLOWING WRITING!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Unity #LOVE #ONE #ANOTHER
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๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS IN THE FOLLOWING WRITING!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Unity #LOVE #ONE #ANOTHER
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉท๐ค*Psalm 9:1-10*๐ค๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉทโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ค
๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS IN THE FOLLOWING WRITING!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Hope #Faith #Truth #LOVE #ONE #ANOTHER
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๐คโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉท๐ค*Psalm 9:1-10*๐ค๐๐ก๏ธ๐ก๏ธ๐ฐ๐๐ฏ๐ฉต๐ฉทโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๐๐คฒ๐๐ง๐ฟ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ค
๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS IN THE FOLLOWING WRITING!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #God #PRINCE #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #Pray #Hope #Faith #Truth #LOVE #ONE #ANOTHER
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*~*Psalm 9:1-10*~*
*~*๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS IN THE FOLLOWING WRITING!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #Is #Our #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Remember #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness
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*~*Psalm 9:1-10*~*
*~*๐๐๐๐ฉต๐โโ๏ธ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD THIS PSALM IS PART OF A Hebrew POEM THAT REMINDS US ALL TO KNOW ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR HELP!*& STRENGTH ALWAYS IN THE FOLLOWING WRITING!*& IT STARTS BY SAYING]*LORD!*I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds!๐
#LORD #I #Will #Recount #Your #Wonderful #Deeds #A #Mighty #Fortress #Is #Our #God #PRINCE #OF #PEACE #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #World #People #Remember #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness
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Sorcellerie matinale
#DuskVibes #OldTown #CobblestoneStreets #Twilight #Nightfall #Ramparts #LandscapePhotography #QuietMoments #MedievalTown #ArchitectureLovers #LoneWalker #UrbanExploration #Cloak #Wanderlust #StreetPhotography #NightPhotography #AtmosphericPhotography #HistoricTown #StoneWalls #Fortress #SunsetSky #StorytellingPhotography #TravelPhotography #EveningWalk #CityLights #RedCloak #Cinematic #MoodyGrams #EuropeTravel #BlueHour
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Sorcellerie matinale
#DuskVibes #OldTown #CobblestoneStreets #Twilight #Nightfall #Ramparts #LandscapePhotography #QuietMoments #MedievalTown #ArchitectureLovers #LoneWalker #UrbanExploration #Cloak #Wanderlust #StreetPhotography #NightPhotography #AtmosphericPhotography #HistoricTown #StoneWalls #Fortress #SunsetSky #StorytellingPhotography #TravelPhotography #EveningWalk #CityLights #RedCloak #Cinematic #MoodyGrams #EuropeTravel #BlueHour
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Sorcellerie matinale
#DuskVibes #OldTown #CobblestoneStreets #Twilight #Nightfall #Ramparts #LandscapePhotography #QuietMoments #MedievalTown #ArchitectureLovers #LoneWalker #UrbanExploration #Cloak #Wanderlust #StreetPhotography #NightPhotography #AtmosphericPhotography #HistoricTown #StoneWalls #Fortress #SunsetSky #StorytellingPhotography #TravelPhotography #EveningWalk #CityLights #RedCloak #Cinematic #MoodyGrams #EuropeTravel #BlueHour
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Sorcellerie matinale
#DuskVibes #OldTown #CobblestoneStreets #Twilight #Nightfall #Ramparts #LandscapePhotography #QuietMoments #MedievalTown #ArchitectureLovers #LoneWalker #UrbanExploration #Cloak #Wanderlust #StreetPhotography #NightPhotography #AtmosphericPhotography #HistoricTown #StoneWalls #Fortress #SunsetSky #StorytellingPhotography #TravelPhotography #EveningWalk #CityLights #RedCloak #Cinematic #MoodyGrams #EuropeTravel #BlueHour
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Sorcellerie matinale
#DuskVibes #OldTown #CobblestoneStreets #Twilight #Nightfall #Ramparts #LandscapePhotography #QuietMoments #MedievalTown #ArchitectureLovers #LoneWalker #UrbanExploration #Cloak #Wanderlust #StreetPhotography #NightPhotography #AtmosphericPhotography #HistoricTown #StoneWalls #Fortress #SunsetSky #StorytellingPhotography #TravelPhotography #EveningWalk #CityLights #RedCloak #Cinematic #MoodyGrams #EuropeTravel #BlueHour
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Stuck in the Filter: January 2026โs Angry Misses By KenstrosityFinally, the new year is upon us! A fresh start for some, same shit different year for others; mainly, my minions who toil in the mines ducts of the Filter. Since they donโt get any holidays, they probably donโt even fucking know itโs 2026 yet, but thatโs okay. As long as they come back to HQ with a substantial haul, their ability to know when it is is immaterial.
These are the sacrifices we (not me, though), make to ensure you get the goods relatively on time-ish. So say thank you!
Kenstrosityโs Freaky Foursome
Upiรณr // Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) [January 2nd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Featuring members of Gorod (Benoit Claus) and Xaoc (Kรฉvin Paradis), Upiรณr pinged my radar after a certain cosmic Discordian pinged me. A blistering combination of Fleshgod Apocalypse opulence and Wachenfeldt aggression, sophomore release Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) impressed me immediately as โThe Black Paintings ripped my face right off. โA Blessing or a Curseโ doubled down on speed, blasting rhythms, and eerie melodies to propel itself straight into my Song oโ the Year long-list. Even with three instrumental interludes, all of which are quite fluffy, Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) crams pummeling riffs, exuberant percussion, and dramatic lushness into its 51-minute runtime. โForefathersโ Eve (Part I),โ a fantastic companion to Fleshgod Apocalypseโs โCold As Perfectionโ without aping its features, conjures a similarly affecting character that draws me in completely. Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption)โs middle section continues to build personality and develop greater dynamics from that point, represented most clearly in melodic riffs and expressive leads/soloing (โThe Woman that Weepsโ). Leading into its conclusion, a tonal shift towards the dire at this junction foreshadows the imminent release of Upiรณrโs second act, Forefathersโ Eve (Damnation) (due in early April), charring songs like โForefatherโs Eve (Part II)โ and โBetween the Living and Deadโ with blackened rabidity and dissonant flourishes. All of this to say, Upiรณr launched this latest arc with a striking blow, and I can only imagine whatโs in store for Damnation.
๏ปฟForefathersโ Eve (Redemption) by Upiรณr
KadavriK // Erde666 [January 9th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Germanyโs melodic death metal quintet KadavriK have been cranking out records since 2007, but I only heard about them this year, once again, thanks to Discord. Erde666, their fifth outing, takes an unorthodox and progressive approach to melodic death metal, which makes comparisons difficult to draw. Stripped down and raw in some moments, mystical and lush in others, Erde666 is all about textures. Its opening title track explores that spectrum of sounds and philosophies to its fullest, even drawing heavy influence from blues, psychedelia, and sludge at times (โGetrรผmmerfreundโ), but it all coalesces seamlessly. Following up an opener as strong as that would be a tall order for anyone, but KadavriK are clever songwriters, and the long form served them well even compared to the more straightforward tracklists of previous installments (โNihilist,โ โDas Ende Des Anthropozรคnsโ). Off-kilter guitar melodies countered against twinkling Kalmah synths and sweeping strings do a lot of work to elevate and liven the crushing chords of their high-impact riffs as well, which adds a ton of interest into an already unconventional melodic death record (โWiderhallโ). All of this makes for a record that might not be as immediate or fast-paced as most aim for in this space, but, counterintuitively, significantly more memorable. Donโt sleep on this one, folks!
Luminesce // Like Crushed Violets and Linen [November 20th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Prolific at a scale I havenโt witnessed since Dรฉhร , Luminesce mastermind Alice Simard, based in Quรฉbec, piqued my curiosity for the first time with Like Crushed Violets and Linen, her sophomore effort under the Luminesce moniker. Boasting machine-gun rapidity (โExploited Monochromaticismโ), off-kilter rhythms (โSilverโ), and a downright romantic sense of melody (โLike Crushed Violets and Linen,โ โLamp of Fulgurationโ)โcountered by lyrical themes ranging from guilt complexes to gender identity (โTo Restoreโ)โLike Crushed Violets and Linen is a deeply personal record forged in a melodic technical death metal mold. And as such a record, it recalls the vicarious guitar pyrotechnics of Inferi and Obscura while securing a melodic sensibility more in line with neoclassical composition (โThe Covenant of Counterfeit Starsโ). Unlike many of her contemporaries, however, Alice is a master of editing. Filled with killer ideas and instrumental wizardry without involving a drop of bloat, each of these seven songs coalesce into a buttery-smooth 30-minute excursion that punches far above its feathery mass. The addition of delightful chiptune dalliances helps distinguish Luminesce further from the pack (โTo Restoreโ), though Iโm torn about how far forward they are in the mix. In fact, the mix is my main gripe, as Like Crushed Violets and Linen is muffled and a bit flat, despite boasting a much-appreciated meaty bass presence. Nonetheless, if youโre looking for an unlikely tech-death contender, Luminesce might be just what you need.
๏ปฟLike Crushed Violets and Linen by Luminesce
Bone Storm // Daemon Breed [January 30th, 2026 โ Self Released]
As the CEO of this Filter company, I withhold the right to break the rules and include a very cool bonus fourth option, Bone Stormโs cavebrained Daemon Breed. Do you like Bolt Thrower? Yes, you do. Do you like Bear Mace? Yes, you do. By proxy, then, you already like Connecticutโs Bone Storm as they draw from the same chunky, groove-laden school of death metal. At a somewhat overachieving 50 minutes, Daemon Breed pummels the listener beneath a veritable smorgasbord of neck-breaking riffs built upon a framework of triplet grooves, swaggering syncopations, and galloping double bass assaults. Their approach is simple and unburdened by blistering speed, fiddly technicality, or atmospheric deviation, and in that way recalls the undeniable immediacy and brutal effectiveness of records like Black Royalโs Firebride. With highlights โHeavenโs End (Burn Them All),โ โPlaguerider,โ โSanctimonious Morality,โ and above all โRitual Supremacy,โ Bone Storm use that approach with aplomb, proving that the spirit of classic, no-frills death metal is vital and vicarious. Delightfully cogent roars and gutturals allow the most difficult deliveries (see โDaemon Breedโ) to feel vicious and purposeful, while a subtle thread of melody (see โCursed Bornโ) affords the record a small measure of songwriting variety to break things up just when Daemon Breed needs it most. Heavy reliance on triplets and perhaps a zealous desire to put down every idea that seems good even if itโs placed immediately adjacent to much better one (โHalo of Diseaseโ and โHammer of Judasโ bookending โRitual Supremacyโ are tough positions to defend, as is โWrist Slitterโ next to the fun Frozen Soul-esque โBlood Priestโ), hold it back from higher praise only mildly. Moral of the story? Enter the bone zone, with haste!
Creeping Ivyโs Riffy Remainder
Lord Elephant // Ultra Soul [January 30th, 2026 โ Heavy Psych Sounds]
Sometimes, you donโt need dynamic songwriting, harmonic density, or even a vocalist. Sometimes, all you need are riffs. Okay, and maybe some psychedelic leads to go over those riffs. Ultra Soul, the sophomore album from Italian instrumental trio Lord Elephant, delivers 48 minutes of pure, mostly unadulterated stoner-doom. In the feudal jungle of heavy riff rock, Lord Elephant pays scutage to King Buffalo, similarly forming longish compositions where simple, bluesy figures reign supreme, stretching their limbs in grassy patches. Occasionally, guitarist Leandro Gaccione, bassist Edoardo De Nardi, and drummer Tommaso Urzino lock into some lively, head-bobbing grooves (โGigantiaโ). But mostly, Lord Elephant keeps things meditative, hypnotizing listeners with Earthless drones and lurches (โSmoke Tower,โ โBlack River Bluesโ). De Nardiโs bass often leads the way (โElectric Dunesโ), the underwater tone of which reminds me of falling for Isis.1 Lord Elephant arenโt reinventing any wheels here; the familiarity of their bluesy riffing simply wonโt interest those for whom such bluesiness is a staid marker of old-man rock. The absence of vocals, however, makes Ultra Soul work as pseudo-ambient music that can set the mood, or accompany tasks, or gateway a normie. Closer listening will reveal, though, a tight trio reveling in the rudiments of rock musicโa drummer, bassist, and guitarist vibing on a riff.
Andy-War-Hallโs Salvaged Windfall
Juodvarnis // Tรฉkmรฉs [January 23rd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Lithuaniaโs Juodvarnis cooked for a long six years between albums for their fourth record Tรฉkmรฉs. With the confidence and sharpness displayed on all levels by Juodvarnis here, that was clearly time well spent in the kitchen. Sporting a brand of progressive black metal that blends the Enslaved framework of prog-black with the epic heft and melody of Iotunn and the crushing rhythms and harsh vocals of Gojira, Tรฉkmรฉs is tight, lively and achieves a remarkable level of melancholic thoughtfulness without neglecting the average listenerโs chronic need for riffs. Translated to โflowโ from Hungarian,2 Tรฉkmรฉs navigates inter-song and album-wide progressions of pummeling rhythms (โDvasios Ligosโ) and slow marches (โTamsiausias Nuลกvitimasโ), impassioned clean vocals (โPlatybฤsโ) and razor-throated screams (โJuodos Akysโ) to achieve a gradual, natural sense of advancement across its 42-minute journey. If progressive black metal that knows how to riff and can turn the reverb off 11 sounds like a good time to you, give Juodvarnisโ Tรฉkmรฉs a shot sometime.
Thus Spokeโs Obscure Offerings
Ectovoid // In Unrealityโs Coffin [January 9th, 2026 โ Everlasting Spew Records]
Normally, it takes copious amounts of reverb, wonkiness, melody, or turbo-dissonance for death metal to be palatable to me. Every once in a while, however, an album like Ectovoidโs In Unrealityโs Coffin comes along and shows me that there is another way. The musicโs stickiness has a lot to do with its boundary-straddling take on OSDM. Ostensibly, the battering, percussion, sawblade riffing, and gruff gurgling growls mark it as your everyday modern no-nonsense death metal, somewhere between Cryptopsy and Immolation. But In Unrealityโs Coffin is more like tech-death, disso-death, and brutal-death in a trench coat than it is any one of them, or another subgenre.3 Its arpeggios can be rhythmically snappy, sometimes combined with equally sharp vocal delivery (โIntrusive Illusions (Echoes from a Distant Plane)โ), but more often than not channel a churning chaos that resists punchiness for a darker unease I find addictive (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebula,โ โErroneous Birthโ). The music is constantly speeding up or slowing down, churning guitars collapsing with slides (โDissonance Corporeumโ) or pitching upwards in squeals (โIn Anguished Levitationโ), or evolving into mania as screams and growls fragment and layer (โFormless Seeking Formโ). Rather than being exhausting, itโs exhilarating, with expertly-timed releases of diabolically echoing melody (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebulaโ) or a new groove to latch onto (โIn Unrealityโs Coffinโ) coming to keep you afloat. Ectovoid keep you guessing without actually really pushing the boundaries, making In Unrealityโs Coffin both a lot of fun and straightforwardly br00tal enough to sustain a savage workout; or just a really intense 45 minutes.
In Unrealityโs Coffin by Ectovoid
Exxรปl // Sealed into None [January 15th, 2026 โ Productions TSO]
Phil Tougas has had an impressive start to the year. Before Wormโs Necropalace this February, came Sealed into None, the debut by Exxรปlโa genre-blending, kinda blackened epic-power-doom-heavy-metal group also comprising several of Philโs Atramentus band-mates. Several people brought up this album in the comments on my Worm review, often to the tune of โExxรปl better,โ and while I respectfully disagree on the quality ranking of the two, I canโt deny how fabulous Sealed into None is. Here again are genres of music Iโm usually unable to connect withโin this instance, power and classical heavy metalโbut shaped in a way that opens my eyes and ears. Yes, the high-pitched wail style of singing first took me a little off-guard when they first arose on โBlighted Deity,โ and they offend my usual tastes. But they are impressive, and work in a way I thought only harsh vocals could when following the trajectory of distorted keys and guitar (โWalls of Endless Darknessโ), or shouting into an atmospheric abyss (โThe Screaming Towerโ). Oh, and of course, the overall vibe of magnificent, melodramatic blackened doom that sets the scene, capped off withโpredictablyโphenomenal guitarwork, is just magic and enough for me to get past my knee-jerk vocal ick and love it not in spite of that, but because of what it can bring to the whole. I love the slow builds to dazzling solos (โBells of the Exxรปl through to โBlighted Deity,โ โThe Screaming Towerโ) and the way the camper, heavy-metal sides blur into something darker (โLabyrinthine Fateโ). I just love this album, to be honest.
ClarkKentโs Canadian Catch
Turpitude // Mordorรฉ [January 1, 2026 โ Self Released]
Since 2019, Alice Simard has been a prolific presence in Quebecโs underground metal scene. She consistently releases albums for several different projects, from the ambient atmoblack of Coffret de Bijoux to the tech death of Luminesce (also uncovered in this monthโs Filter by our Sponge Fren). Mordorรฉ, the fourth full-length for Turpitude, thrives on its riffs and carries a cheerful energy reminiscent of the carefree raw black metal of Grime Stone Records stalwarts Wizard Keep and Old Nick. Yet Simard opts for traditional instruments, no synths, though production choices make the drumsticks sound as if theyโre banging against blocks of wood, give the guitars a lofi reverb, and cause Simardโs voice to fade into the background in a cavernous growl. The riffs are the real star, with some terrifically catchy melodic leads and trems throughout (โLa Traverse Mordorรฉe,โ โAller de Lโavantโ). This combination of riffs, a raw sound, and often upbeat tunes draws comparison to Trhรค and To Escape. While Mordorรฉ keeps a mostly cheery tone, Turpitudeโs no one-trick pony. Thereโs a tinge of the melancholic on the moody, atmospheric โPeintra,โ as well as a successful stab at covering a non-metal song a lรก Spider God on โWashing Machine Heart.โ4 This is a worthwhile endeavor for those who like their black metal raw and energetic.
Grin Reaperโs Heavy Haul
Valiant Sentinel // Neverealm [January 16th, 2026 โ Theogonia Records]
Greek heavy metal heroes Valiant Sentinel dropped their sophomore platter Neverealm back in mid-January, unleashing forty-six minutes that reek of high fantasy. Galloping riffs, driving drums, and vocal harmonies aplenty supply a cinematic adventure that basks in fun. While the pacing of Neverealm mainly operates in high-energy bombast, Valiant Sentinel smartly weaves in mid-paced might, evidenced by how the controlled assault of โMirkwood Forestโ provides a breather after opening chest-thumpers โWar in Heavenโ and โNeverealm.โ Acoustic pieces โTo Mend the Ringโ and โCome What Mayโ further diversify Neverealmโs heavy metal holdings, and while Iโm usually keener on more aggressive numbers, these two tracks comprise some of my favorite moments on the album.5 Mostly, Valiant Sentinel summons comparisons to Germanyโs heavy/power sceneโchief among them Blind Guardianโgoing so far as to bring in BG drummer extraordinaire Frederik Ehmke. I also catch fleeting glimpses of Brainstorm and Mystic Prophecy in Valiant Sentinelโs DNA, though guitarist and composer Dimitris Skodras does a commendable job carving out a distinct identity for the band. Featuring skilled performances across the board and guest spots from Burning Witchesโ Laura Guldemond (โNeverealmโ) and Savatageโs Zak Stevens (โArch Nemesisโ), Valiant Sentinel packs loads of drama into a streamlined package. So what are you waiting for? Go grab your polyhedrals and a Spelljammer, and set sail for Neverealm.
Fili Bibianoโs Fortress // Death Is Your Master [January 30th, 2026 โ High Roller Records]
Does Shredphobia keep you away from metal? Does the sultry siren call of licks, riffs, and chugs make you break into a cold sweat? If so, I strongly urge you to stay away from Fortressโ sophomore album, Death Is Your Master. Channeling Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath and 80s Judas Priest, Fortress drops six-string shenanigans thatโll get your booty shaking and the floor quaking, offering a romping retro slab that goes down slow โnโ easy. The overt classic 80s heavy metal worship on tracks โFlesh and Daggerโ and โNight Cityโ delivers riff after riff recalling the glory days, giving Fortress an authenticity that expands what could have otherwise been a one-dimensional LP. Guitarist Fili Bibiano sizzles with axe-slinging abandon, occasionally conjuring the neoclassical debauchery of Yngwie (โSavage Sword,โ โMazeโ). Still, itโs not all about the guitar, and drummer Joey Mancaruso and vocalist Juan Aguila nail their contributions as Fortress wends their way through a trim thirty-four minutes. On a guitar-forward album featuring slick songwriting and singalong jams, Death Is Your Master bumps, dives, and wails in a slow-burn frenzy of classic heavy goodness. Dig in!
Death Is Your Master by Fili Bibianoโs Fortress
Baguetteโs Brutal Burglary
Skulld // Abyss Calls to Abyss [January 23rd, 2026 โ Time to Kill Records]
While last year was alright for death metal and notably starred Dormant Ordeal, I felt it was lacking in quantity of impressive releases for said cornerstone of the metal underground. Fortunately, Italian group Skulld is here to start off the year with a bang! Abyss Calls to Abyss takes Bolt Throwerโs tank-rolling grooves (โMother Deathโ) and Dismemberโs melodic buzzsaw action (โWear the Night as a Velvet Cloakโ) and adds in some crust punk influence as extra seasoning (โLe Diable and the Snakeโ). It feels like theyโve taken some influence from both Finnish and Swedish varieties of death metal as well, and Iโm here for it! The band is fluent in switching things up at the drop of a hat without sacrificing energy or cohesion. โMother Deathโ and โDrops of Sorrowโ go from heavy, dissonant chords to big lead guitar melodies, which in turn lead to a chunky and punky death metal groove thatโs bound to get your head moving. Teoโs drumming controls the mood in excellent fashion, adding fast blast beats or slow-pummelling stomps when called for. The vicious, varied growls of Pam further cement the violence contained within and add to the albumโs attitude. At a brief 34 minutes spread over eight songs, it wastes no time going for your throat in a multitude of ways. Get this album into your skull or get Skulld!
Total Annihilation // Mountains of Madness [January 16th, 2026 โ Testimony Records]
What would happen if you took Vader, Slayer and Sodom and threw them in a big olโ manic death/thrash blender? The answer is Mountains of Madness! While Swiss Total Annihilationโs earliest works were more in line with classic โ80s thrash metal, they have increasingly moved towards more aggressive and relentless pastures, and their songwriting is all the better for it. Fourth album Mountains of Madness channels records like Vaderโs Litany and Sodomโs Tapping the Vein in particular (โThe Art of Torture,โ โAge of Mental Suicideโ), taking advantage of a relentless, drum-forward groove and a furious vocal performance. The albumโs dual guitar attack weaves together thrashier tunes with parts that reach straight up Swedeath territory, be it melodic or not. In addition, tracks like โMountains of Madnessโ and โChoose the Dayโ throw some melodic thrash akin to Sodomโs self-titled album into the mix for that extra bit of variety and replay value. Mountains of Madness isnโt afraid to slow things down with a satisfying lead riff, but most of Mountains of Madness is at a respectful lightning-fast pace, as thrash should. Another brief but powerful addition to the January pile ov skulls!
Mountains Of Madness by Total Annihilation
Polaris Experience // Drifting Through Voids [January 2nd, 2026 โ Distant Comet Entertainment]
On the earliest days of the year, Japan delivered an awesome surprise drop of death metal-influenced progressive thrash! Polaris Experience features various Cynical riffs (โInterplanetary Funambulist,โ โBathyscapesโ) while sporting a similarly old-school guitar tone throughout. Being progressive thrash, the main focus is naturally on the oh-so-sweet instrumentation that balances melody and groove seamlessly. The instrumental โParvatiโ alone highlights how tight everything is, from the snappy drumming to the bouncy bass work. Most importantly, the music is catchy and memorable despite its relative complexity and lack of brevity. Additionally, Drifting Through Voids uses vocals sparingly but in all the right ways, complementing its technicalities with a traditional thrashy, harsh bark. The fact that itโs a two-man project and a debut makes it all the more impressive. Fans of similar recent progressive and technical shenanigans like Species should take notes post-haste. Considering weโve already had this and Cryptic Shift this early in the year, and how prog/tech thrash is usually only allowed one or two notable albums per year, we could be in for a banner year for the subgenre. It also marks the first time in ages that a Japanese album has genuinely good production. Welcome to the new millennium!
Drifting Through Voids by Polaris Experience
#2026 #AbyssCallsToAbyss #AmericanMetal #Atramentus #BearMace #BlackMetal #BlackRoyal #BlackSabbath #BlackenedDeathMetal #BlindGuardian #BoltThrower #BoneStorm #Brainstorm #BurningWitches #CalliopeCarnage #CanadianMetal #CoffretDeBijoux #CrypticShift #Cryptopsy #Cynic #DaemonBreed #DeathMetal #Dismember #DistantCometEntertainment #Doom #DoomMetal #DormantOrdeal #DriftingThroughVoids #Earthless #Ectovoid #Enslaved #EpicMetal #Erde666 #EverlastingSpewRecords #Exxรปl #FiliBibianoSFortress #FleshgodApocalypse #ForefatherSEveRedemption #Fortress #GallowglassGalas #GermanMetal #Gojira #Gorod #GreekMetal #Hardcore #HeavyMetal #HeavyPsychSounds #HighRollerRecords #Immolation #InUnrealitySCoffin #Inferi #InternationalMetal #Iotunn #ItalianMetal #Jan26 #JapaneseMetal #JudasPriest #Judovarnis #KadavriK #Kalmah #KingBuffalo #LikeCrushedVioletsAndLinen #LithuanianMetal #LordElephant #Luminesce #MelodicDeathMetal #Mitski #Mordorรฉ #MountainsOfMadness #Neverealm #Obscura #OldNick #PolarisExperience #PowerMetal #ProductionsTSO #ProgressiuveMetal #ProgressiveBlackMetal #ProgressiveDeathMetal #Punk #Review #Reviews #Savatage #SealedIntoNone #SelfRelase #SelfReleased #Skulld #Slayer #Sodom #Species #SpiderGod #StonerDoom #StonerMetal #StuckInTheFilter #StuckInTheFilter2026 #SwissMetal #SymphonicDeathMetal #TechnicalDeathMetal #Tรฉkmรฉs #TestimonyRecords #TheogoniaRecords #Therion #ThrashMetal #TimeToKillRecords #ToEscape #TotalAnnihilation #Trhรค #Turpitude #UltraSoul #Upiรณr #Vader #ValiantSentinel #Wachenfeldt #WizardKeep #Worm #Xaoc -
Stuck in the Filter: January 2026โs Angry Misses By KenstrosityFinally, the new year is upon us! A fresh start for some, same shit different year for others; mainly, my minions who toil in the mines ducts of the Filter. Since they donโt get any holidays, they probably donโt even fucking know itโs 2026 yet, but thatโs okay. As long as they come back to HQ with a substantial haul, their ability to know when it is is immaterial.
These are the sacrifices we (not me, though), make to ensure you get the goods relatively on time-ish. So say thank you!
Kenstrosityโs Freaky Foursome
Upiรณr // Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) [January 2nd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Featuring members of Gorod (Benoit Claus) and Xaoc (Kรฉvin Paradis), Upiรณr pinged my radar after a certain cosmic Discordian pinged me. A blistering combination of Fleshgod Apocalypse opulence and Wachenfeldt aggression, sophomore release Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) impressed me immediately as โThe Black Paintings ripped my face right off. โA Blessing or a Curseโ doubled down on speed, blasting rhythms, and eerie melodies to propel itself straight into my Song oโ the Year long-list. Even with three instrumental interludes, all of which are quite fluffy, Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) crams pummeling riffs, exuberant percussion, and dramatic lushness into its 51-minute runtime. โForefathersโ Eve (Part I),โ a fantastic companion to Fleshgod Apocalypseโs โCold As Perfectionโ without aping its features, conjures a similarly affecting character that draws me in completely. Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption)โs middle section continues to build personality and develop greater dynamics from that point, represented most clearly in melodic riffs and expressive leads/soloing (โThe Woman that Weepsโ). Leading into its conclusion, a tonal shift towards the dire at this junction foreshadows the imminent release of Upiรณrโs second act, Forefathersโ Eve (Damnation) (due in early April), charring songs like โForefatherโs Eve (Part II)โ and โBetween the Living and Deadโ with blackened rabidity and dissonant flourishes. All of this to say, Upiรณr launched this latest arc with a striking blow, and I can only imagine whatโs in store for Damnation.
๏ปฟForefathersโ Eve (Redemption) by Upiรณr
KadavriK // Erde666 [January 9th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Germanyโs melodic death metal quintet KadavriK have been cranking out records since 2007, but I only heard about them this year, once again, thanks to Discord. Erde666, their fifth outing, takes an unorthodox and progressive approach to melodic death metal, which makes comparisons difficult to draw. Stripped down and raw in some moments, mystical and lush in others, Erde666 is all about textures. Its opening title track explores that spectrum of sounds and philosophies to its fullest, even drawing heavy influence from blues, psychedelia, and sludge at times (โGetrรผmmerfreundโ), but it all coalesces seamlessly. Following up an opener as strong as that would be a tall order for anyone, but KadavriK are clever songwriters, and the long form served them well even compared to the more straightforward tracklists of previous installments (โNihilist,โ โDas Ende Des Anthropozรคnsโ). Off-kilter guitar melodies countered against twinkling Kalmah synths and sweeping strings do a lot of work to elevate and liven the crushing chords of their high-impact riffs as well, which adds a ton of interest into an already unconventional melodic death record (โWiderhallโ). All of this makes for a record that might not be as immediate or fast-paced as most aim for in this space, but, counterintuitively, significantly more memorable. Donโt sleep on this one, folks!
Luminesce // Like Crushed Violets and Linen [November 20th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Prolific at a scale I havenโt witnessed since Dรฉhร , Luminesce mastermind Alice Simard, based in Quรฉbec, piqued my curiosity for the first time with Like Crushed Violets and Linen, her sophomore effort under the Luminesce moniker. Boasting machine-gun rapidity (โExploited Monochromaticismโ), off-kilter rhythms (โSilverโ), and a downright romantic sense of melody (โLike Crushed Violets and Linen,โ โLamp of Fulgurationโ)โcountered by lyrical themes ranging from guilt complexes to gender identity (โTo Restoreโ)โLike Crushed Violets and Linen is a deeply personal record forged in a melodic technical death metal mold. And as such a record, it recalls the vicarious guitar pyrotechnics of Inferi and Obscura while securing a melodic sensibility more in line with neoclassical composition (โThe Covenant of Counterfeit Starsโ). Unlike many of her contemporaries, however, Alice is a master of editing. Filled with killer ideas and instrumental wizardry without involving a drop of bloat, each of these seven songs coalesce into a buttery-smooth 30-minute excursion that punches far above its feathery mass. The addition of delightful chiptune dalliances helps distinguish Luminesce further from the pack (โTo Restoreโ), though Iโm torn about how far forward they are in the mix. In fact, the mix is my main gripe, as Like Crushed Violets and Linen is muffled and a bit flat, despite boasting a much-appreciated meaty bass presence. Nonetheless, if youโre looking for an unlikely tech-death contender, Luminesce might be just what you need.
๏ปฟLike Crushed Violets and Linen by Luminesce
Bone Storm // Daemon Breed [January 30th, 2026 โ Self Released]
As the CEO of this Filter company, I withhold the right to break the rules and include a very cool bonus fourth option, Bone Stormโs cavebrained Daemon Breed. Do you like Bolt Thrower? Yes, you do. Do you like Bear Mace? Yes, you do. By proxy, then, you already like Connecticutโs Bone Storm as they draw from the same chunky, groove-laden school of death metal. At a somewhat overachieving 50 minutes, Daemon Breed pummels the listener beneath a veritable smorgasbord of neck-breaking riffs built upon a framework of triplet grooves, swaggering syncopations, and galloping double bass assaults. Their approach is simple and unburdened by blistering speed, fiddly technicality, or atmospheric deviation, and in that way recalls the undeniable immediacy and brutal effectiveness of records like Black Royalโs Firebride. With highlights โHeavenโs End (Burn Them All),โ โPlaguerider,โ โSanctimonious Morality,โ and above all โRitual Supremacy,โ Bone Storm use that approach with aplomb, proving that the spirit of classic, no-frills death metal is vital and vicarious. Delightfully cogent roars and gutturals allow the most difficult deliveries (see โDaemon Breedโ) to feel vicious and purposeful, while a subtle thread of melody (see โCursed Bornโ) affords the record a small measure of songwriting variety to break things up just when Daemon Breed needs it most. Heavy reliance on triplets and perhaps a zealous desire to put down every idea that seems good even if itโs placed immediately adjacent to much better one (โHalo of Diseaseโ and โHammer of Judasโ bookending โRitual Supremacyโ are tough positions to defend, as is โWrist Slitterโ next to the fun Frozen Soul-esque โBlood Priestโ), hold it back from higher praise only mildly. Moral of the story? Enter the bone zone, with haste!
Creeping Ivyโs Riffy Remainder
Lord Elephant // Ultra Soul [January 30th, 2026 โ Heavy Psych Sounds]
Sometimes, you donโt need dynamic songwriting, harmonic density, or even a vocalist. Sometimes, all you need are riffs. Okay, and maybe some psychedelic leads to go over those riffs. Ultra Soul, the sophomore album from Italian instrumental trio Lord Elephant, delivers 48 minutes of pure, mostly unadulterated stoner-doom. In the feudal jungle of heavy riff rock, Lord Elephant pays scutage to King Buffalo, similarly forming longish compositions where simple, bluesy figures reign supreme, stretching their limbs in grassy patches. Occasionally, guitarist Leandro Gaccione, bassist Edoardo De Nardi, and drummer Tommaso Urzino lock into some lively, head-bobbing grooves (โGigantiaโ). But mostly, Lord Elephant keeps things meditative, hypnotizing listeners with Earthless drones and lurches (โSmoke Tower,โ โBlack River Bluesโ). De Nardiโs bass often leads the way (โElectric Dunesโ), the underwater tone of which reminds me of falling for Isis.1 Lord Elephant arenโt reinventing any wheels here; the familiarity of their bluesy riffing simply wonโt interest those for whom such bluesiness is a staid marker of old-man rock. The absence of vocals, however, makes Ultra Soul work as pseudo-ambient music that can set the mood, or accompany tasks, or gateway a normie. Closer listening will reveal, though, a tight trio reveling in the rudiments of rock musicโa drummer, bassist, and guitarist vibing on a riff.
Andy-War-Hallโs Salvaged Windfall
Juodvarnis // Tรฉkmรฉs [January 23rd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Lithuaniaโs Juodvarnis cooked for a long six years between albums for their fourth record Tรฉkmรฉs. With the confidence and sharpness displayed on all levels by Juodvarnis here, that was clearly time well spent in the kitchen. Sporting a brand of progressive black metal that blends the Enslaved framework of prog-black with the epic heft and melody of Iotunn and the crushing rhythms and harsh vocals of Gojira, Tรฉkmรฉs is tight, lively and achieves a remarkable level of melancholic thoughtfulness without neglecting the average listenerโs chronic need for riffs. Translated to โflowโ from Hungarian,2 Tรฉkmรฉs navigates inter-song and album-wide progressions of pummeling rhythms (โDvasios Ligosโ) and slow marches (โTamsiausias Nuลกvitimasโ), impassioned clean vocals (โPlatybฤsโ) and razor-throated screams (โJuodos Akysโ) to achieve a gradual, natural sense of advancement across its 42-minute journey. If progressive black metal that knows how to riff and can turn the reverb off 11 sounds like a good time to you, give Juodvarnisโ Tรฉkmรฉs a shot sometime.
Thus Spokeโs Obscure Offerings
Ectovoid // In Unrealityโs Coffin [January 9th, 2026 โ Everlasting Spew Records]
Normally, it takes copious amounts of reverb, wonkiness, melody, or turbo-dissonance for death metal to be palatable to me. Every once in a while, however, an album like Ectovoidโs In Unrealityโs Coffin comes along and shows me that there is another way. The musicโs stickiness has a lot to do with its boundary-straddling take on OSDM. Ostensibly, the battering, percussion, sawblade riffing, and gruff gurgling growls mark it as your everyday modern no-nonsense death metal, somewhere between Cryptopsy and Immolation. But In Unrealityโs Coffin is more like tech-death, disso-death, and brutal-death in a trench coat than it is any one of them, or another subgenre.3 Its arpeggios can be rhythmically snappy, sometimes combined with equally sharp vocal delivery (โIntrusive Illusions (Echoes from a Distant Plane)โ), but more often than not channel a churning chaos that resists punchiness for a darker unease I find addictive (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebula,โ โErroneous Birthโ). The music is constantly speeding up or slowing down, churning guitars collapsing with slides (โDissonance Corporeumโ) or pitching upwards in squeals (โIn Anguished Levitationโ), or evolving into mania as screams and growls fragment and layer (โFormless Seeking Formโ). Rather than being exhausting, itโs exhilarating, with expertly-timed releases of diabolically echoing melody (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebulaโ) or a new groove to latch onto (โIn Unrealityโs Coffinโ) coming to keep you afloat. Ectovoid keep you guessing without actually really pushing the boundaries, making In Unrealityโs Coffin both a lot of fun and straightforwardly br00tal enough to sustain a savage workout; or just a really intense 45 minutes.
In Unrealityโs Coffin by Ectovoid
Exxรปl // Sealed into None [January 15th, 2026 โ Productions TSO]
Phil Tougas has had an impressive start to the year. Before Wormโs Necropalace this February, came Sealed into None, the debut by Exxรปlโa genre-blending, kinda blackened epic-power-doom-heavy-metal group also comprising several of Philโs Atramentus band-mates. Several people brought up this album in the comments on my Worm review, often to the tune of โExxรปl better,โ and while I respectfully disagree on the quality ranking of the two, I canโt deny how fabulous Sealed into None is. Here again are genres of music Iโm usually unable to connect withโin this instance, power and classical heavy metalโbut shaped in a way that opens my eyes and ears. Yes, the high-pitched wail style of singing first took me a little off-guard when they first arose on โBlighted Deity,โ and they offend my usual tastes. But they are impressive, and work in a way I thought only harsh vocals could when following the trajectory of distorted keys and guitar (โWalls of Endless Darknessโ), or shouting into an atmospheric abyss (โThe Screaming Towerโ). Oh, and of course, the overall vibe of magnificent, melodramatic blackened doom that sets the scene, capped off withโpredictablyโphenomenal guitarwork, is just magic and enough for me to get past my knee-jerk vocal ick and love it not in spite of that, but because of what it can bring to the whole. I love the slow builds to dazzling solos (โBells of the Exxรปl through to โBlighted Deity,โ โThe Screaming Towerโ) and the way the camper, heavy-metal sides blur into something darker (โLabyrinthine Fateโ). I just love this album, to be honest.
ClarkKentโs Canadian Catch
Turpitude // Mordorรฉ [January 1, 2026 โ Self Released]
Since 2019, Alice Simard has been a prolific presence in Quebecโs underground metal scene. She consistently releases albums for several different projects, from the ambient atmoblack of Coffret de Bijoux to the tech death of Luminesce (also uncovered in this monthโs Filter by our Sponge Fren). Mordorรฉ, the fourth full-length for Turpitude, thrives on its riffs and carries a cheerful energy reminiscent of the carefree raw black metal of Grime Stone Records stalwarts Wizard Keep and Old Nick. Yet Simard opts for traditional instruments, no synths, though production choices make the drumsticks sound as if theyโre banging against blocks of wood, give the guitars a lofi reverb, and cause Simardโs voice to fade into the background in a cavernous growl. The riffs are the real star, with some terrifically catchy melodic leads and trems throughout (โLa Traverse Mordorรฉe,โ โAller de Lโavantโ). This combination of riffs, a raw sound, and often upbeat tunes draws comparison to Trhรค and To Escape. While Mordorรฉ keeps a mostly cheery tone, Turpitudeโs no one-trick pony. Thereโs a tinge of the melancholic on the moody, atmospheric โPeintra,โ as well as a successful stab at covering a non-metal song a lรก Spider God on โWashing Machine Heart.โ4 This is a worthwhile endeavor for those who like their black metal raw and energetic.
Grin Reaperโs Heavy Haul
Valiant Sentinel // Neverealm [January 16th, 2026 โ Theogonia Records]
Greek heavy metal heroes Valiant Sentinel dropped their sophomore platter Neverealm back in mid-January, unleashing forty-six minutes that reek of high fantasy. Galloping riffs, driving drums, and vocal harmonies aplenty supply a cinematic adventure that basks in fun. While the pacing of Neverealm mainly operates in high-energy bombast, Valiant Sentinel smartly weaves in mid-paced might, evidenced by how the controlled assault of โMirkwood Forestโ provides a breather after opening chest-thumpers โWar in Heavenโ and โNeverealm.โ Acoustic pieces โTo Mend the Ringโ and โCome What Mayโ further diversify Neverealmโs heavy metal holdings, and while Iโm usually keener on more aggressive numbers, these two tracks comprise some of my favorite moments on the album.5 Mostly, Valiant Sentinel summons comparisons to Germanyโs heavy/power sceneโchief among them Blind Guardianโgoing so far as to bring in BG drummer extraordinaire Frederik Ehmke. I also catch fleeting glimpses of Brainstorm and Mystic Prophecy in Valiant Sentinelโs DNA, though guitarist and composer Dimitris Skodras does a commendable job carving out a distinct identity for the band. Featuring skilled performances across the board and guest spots from Burning Witchesโ Laura Guldemond (โNeverealmโ) and Savatageโs Zak Stevens (โArch Nemesisโ), Valiant Sentinel packs loads of drama into a streamlined package. So what are you waiting for? Go grab your polyhedrals and a Spelljammer, and set sail for Neverealm.
Fili Bibianoโs Fortress // Death Is Your Master [January 30th, 2026 โ High Roller Records]
Does Shredphobia keep you away from metal? Does the sultry siren call of licks, riffs, and chugs make you break into a cold sweat? If so, I strongly urge you to stay away from Fortressโ sophomore album, Death Is Your Master. Channeling Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath and 80s Judas Priest, Fortress drops six-string shenanigans thatโll get your booty shaking and the floor quaking, offering a romping retro slab that goes down slow โnโ easy. The overt classic 80s heavy metal worship on tracks โFlesh and Daggerโ and โNight Cityโ delivers riff after riff recalling the glory days, giving Fortress an authenticity that expands what could have otherwise been a one-dimensional LP. Guitarist Fili Bibiano sizzles with axe-slinging abandon, occasionally conjuring the neoclassical debauchery of Yngwie (โSavage Sword,โ โMazeโ). Still, itโs not all about the guitar, and drummer Joey Mancaruso and vocalist Juan Aguila nail their contributions as Fortress wends their way through a trim thirty-four minutes. On a guitar-forward album featuring slick songwriting and singalong jams, Death Is Your Master bumps, dives, and wails in a slow-burn frenzy of classic heavy goodness. Dig in!
Death Is Your Master by Fili Bibianoโs Fortress
Baguetteโs Brutal Burglary
Skulld // Abyss Calls to Abyss [January 23rd, 2026 โ Time to Kill Records]
While last year was alright for death metal and notably starred Dormant Ordeal, I felt it was lacking in quantity of impressive releases for said cornerstone of the metal underground. Fortunately, Italian group Skulld is here to start off the year with a bang! Abyss Calls to Abyss takes Bolt Throwerโs tank-rolling grooves (โMother Deathโ) and Dismemberโs melodic buzzsaw action (โWear the Night as a Velvet Cloakโ) and adds in some crust punk influence as extra seasoning (โLe Diable and the Snakeโ). It feels like theyโve taken some influence from both Finnish and Swedish varieties of death metal as well, and Iโm here for it! The band is fluent in switching things up at the drop of a hat without sacrificing energy or cohesion. โMother Deathโ and โDrops of Sorrowโ go from heavy, dissonant chords to big lead guitar melodies, which in turn lead to a chunky and punky death metal groove thatโs bound to get your head moving. Teoโs drumming controls the mood in excellent fashion, adding fast blast beats or slow-pummelling stomps when called for. The vicious, varied growls of Pam further cement the violence contained within and add to the albumโs attitude. At a brief 34 minutes spread over eight songs, it wastes no time going for your throat in a multitude of ways. Get this album into your skull or get Skulld!
Total Annihilation // Mountains of Madness [January 16th, 2026 โ Testimony Records]
What would happen if you took Vader, Slayer and Sodom and threw them in a big olโ manic death/thrash blender? The answer is Mountains of Madness! While Swiss Total Annihilationโs earliest works were more in line with classic โ80s thrash metal, they have increasingly moved towards more aggressive and relentless pastures, and their songwriting is all the better for it. Fourth album Mountains of Madness channels records like Vaderโs Litany and Sodomโs Tapping the Vein in particular (โThe Art of Torture,โ โAge of Mental Suicideโ), taking advantage of a relentless, drum-forward groove and a furious vocal performance. The albumโs dual guitar attack weaves together thrashier tunes with parts that reach straight up Swedeath territory, be it melodic or not. In addition, tracks like โMountains of Madnessโ and โChoose the Dayโ throw some melodic thrash akin to Sodomโs self-titled album into the mix for that extra bit of variety and replay value. Mountains of Madness isnโt afraid to slow things down with a satisfying lead riff, but most of Mountains of Madness is at a respectful lightning-fast pace, as thrash should. Another brief but powerful addition to the January pile ov skulls!
Mountains Of Madness by Total Annihilation
Polaris Experience // Drifting Through Voids [January 2nd, 2026 โ Distant Comet Entertainment]
On the earliest days of the year, Japan delivered an awesome surprise drop of death metal-influenced progressive thrash! Polaris Experience features various Cynical riffs (โInterplanetary Funambulist,โ โBathyscapesโ) while sporting a similarly old-school guitar tone throughout. Being progressive thrash, the main focus is naturally on the oh-so-sweet instrumentation that balances melody and groove seamlessly. The instrumental โParvatiโ alone highlights how tight everything is, from the snappy drumming to the bouncy bass work. Most importantly, the music is catchy and memorable despite its relative complexity and lack of brevity. Additionally, Drifting Through Voids uses vocals sparingly but in all the right ways, complementing its technicalities with a traditional thrashy, harsh bark. The fact that itโs a two-man project and a debut makes it all the more impressive. Fans of similar recent progressive and technical shenanigans like Species should take notes post-haste. Considering weโve already had this and Cryptic Shift this early in the year, and how prog/tech thrash is usually only allowed one or two notable albums per year, we could be in for a banner year for the subgenre. It also marks the first time in ages that a Japanese album has genuinely good production. Welcome to the new millennium!
Drifting Through Voids by Polaris Experience
#2026 #AbyssCallsToAbyss #AmericanMetal #Atramentus #BearMace #BlackMetal #BlackRoyal #BlackSabbath #BlackenedDeathMetal #BlindGuardian #BoltThrower #BoneStorm #Brainstorm #BurningWitches #CalliopeCarnage #CanadianMetal #CoffretDeBijoux #CrypticShift #Cryptopsy #Cynic #DaemonBreed #DeathMetal #Dismember #DistantCometEntertainment #Doom #DoomMetal #DormantOrdeal #DriftingThroughVoids #Earthless #Ectovoid #Enslaved #EpicMetal #Erde666 #EverlastingSpewRecords #Exxรปl #FiliBibianoSFortress #FleshgodApocalypse #ForefatherSEveRedemption #Fortress #GallowglassGalas #GermanMetal #Gojira #Gorod #GreekMetal #Hardcore #HeavyMetal #HeavyPsychSounds #HighRollerRecords #Immolation #InUnrealitySCoffin #Inferi #InternationalMetal #Iotunn #ItalianMetal #Jan26 #JapaneseMetal #JudasPriest #Judovarnis #KadavriK #Kalmah #KingBuffalo #LikeCrushedVioletsAndLinen #LithuanianMetal #LordElephant #Luminesce #MelodicDeathMetal #Mitski #Mordorรฉ #MountainsOfMadness #Neverealm #Obscura #OldNick #PolarisExperience #PowerMetal #ProductionsTSO #ProgressiuveMetal #ProgressiveBlackMetal #ProgressiveDeathMetal #Punk #Review #Reviews #Savatage #SealedIntoNone #SelfRelase #SelfReleased #Skulld #Slayer #Sodom #Species #SpiderGod #StonerDoom #StonerMetal #StuckInTheFilter #StuckInTheFilter2026 #SwissMetal #SymphonicDeathMetal #TechnicalDeathMetal #Tรฉkmรฉs #TestimonyRecords #TheogoniaRecords #Therion #ThrashMetal #TimeToKillRecords #ToEscape #TotalAnnihilation #Trhรค #Turpitude #UltraSoul #Upiรณr #Vader #ValiantSentinel #Wachenfeldt #WizardKeep #Worm #Xaoc -
Stuck in the Filter: January 2026โs Angry Misses By KenstrosityFinally, the new year is upon us! A fresh start for some, same shit different year for others; mainly, my minions who toil in the mines ducts of the Filter. Since they donโt get any holidays, they probably donโt even fucking know itโs 2026 yet, but thatโs okay. As long as they come back to HQ with a substantial haul, their ability to know when it is is immaterial.
These are the sacrifices we (not me, though), make to ensure you get the goods relatively on time-ish. So say thank you!
Kenstrosityโs Freaky Foursome
Upiรณr // Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) [January 2nd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Featuring members of Gorod (Benoit Claus) and Xaoc (Kรฉvin Paradis), Upiรณr pinged my radar after a certain cosmic Discordian pinged me. A blistering combination of Fleshgod Apocalypse opulence and Wachenfeldt aggression, sophomore release Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) impressed me immediately as โThe Black Paintings ripped my face right off. โA Blessing or a Curseโ doubled down on speed, blasting rhythms, and eerie melodies to propel itself straight into my Song oโ the Year long-list. Even with three instrumental interludes, all of which are quite fluffy, Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) crams pummeling riffs, exuberant percussion, and dramatic lushness into its 51-minute runtime. โForefathersโ Eve (Part I),โ a fantastic companion to Fleshgod Apocalypseโs โCold As Perfectionโ without aping its features, conjures a similarly affecting character that draws me in completely. Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption)โs middle section continues to build personality and develop greater dynamics from that point, represented most clearly in melodic riffs and expressive leads/soloing (โThe Woman that Weepsโ). Leading into its conclusion, a tonal shift towards the dire at this junction foreshadows the imminent release of Upiรณrโs second act, Forefathersโ Eve (Damnation) (due in early April), charring songs like โForefatherโs Eve (Part II)โ and โBetween the Living and Deadโ with blackened rabidity and dissonant flourishes. All of this to say, Upiรณr launched this latest arc with a striking blow, and I can only imagine whatโs in store for Damnation.
๏ปฟForefathersโ Eve (Redemption) by Upiรณr
KadavriK // Erde666 [January 9th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Germanyโs melodic death metal quintet KadavriK have been cranking out records since 2007, but I only heard about them this year, once again, thanks to Discord. Erde666, their fifth outing, takes an unorthodox and progressive approach to melodic death metal, which makes comparisons difficult to draw. Stripped down and raw in some moments, mystical and lush in others, Erde666 is all about textures. Its opening title track explores that spectrum of sounds and philosophies to its fullest, even drawing heavy influence from blues, psychedelia, and sludge at times (โGetrรผmmerfreundโ), but it all coalesces seamlessly. Following up an opener as strong as that would be a tall order for anyone, but KadavriK are clever songwriters, and the long form served them well even compared to the more straightforward tracklists of previous installments (โNihilist,โ โDas Ende Des Anthropozรคnsโ). Off-kilter guitar melodies countered against twinkling Kalmah synths and sweeping strings do a lot of work to elevate and liven the crushing chords of their high-impact riffs as well, which adds a ton of interest into an already unconventional melodic death record (โWiderhallโ). All of this makes for a record that might not be as immediate or fast-paced as most aim for in this space, but, counterintuitively, significantly more memorable. Donโt sleep on this one, folks!
Luminesce // Like Crushed Violets and Linen [November 20th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Prolific at a scale I havenโt witnessed since Dรฉhร , Luminesce mastermind Alice Simard, based in Quรฉbec, piqued my curiosity for the first time with Like Crushed Violets and Linen, her sophomore effort under the Luminesce moniker. Boasting machine-gun rapidity (โExploited Monochromaticismโ), off-kilter rhythms (โSilverโ), and a downright romantic sense of melody (โLike Crushed Violets and Linen,โ โLamp of Fulgurationโ)โcountered by lyrical themes ranging from guilt complexes to gender identity (โTo Restoreโ)โLike Crushed Violets and Linen is a deeply personal record forged in a melodic technical death metal mold. And as such a record, it recalls the vicarious guitar pyrotechnics of Inferi and Obscura while securing a melodic sensibility more in line with neoclassical composition (โThe Covenant of Counterfeit Starsโ). Unlike many of her contemporaries, however, Alice is a master of editing. Filled with killer ideas and instrumental wizardry without involving a drop of bloat, each of these seven songs coalesce into a buttery-smooth 30-minute excursion that punches far above its feathery mass. The addition of delightful chiptune dalliances helps distinguish Luminesce further from the pack (โTo Restoreโ), though Iโm torn about how far forward they are in the mix. In fact, the mix is my main gripe, as Like Crushed Violets and Linen is muffled and a bit flat, despite boasting a much-appreciated meaty bass presence. Nonetheless, if youโre looking for an unlikely tech-death contender, Luminesce might be just what you need.
๏ปฟLike Crushed Violets and Linen by Luminesce
Bone Storm // Daemon Breed [January 30th, 2026 โ Self Released]
As the CEO of this Filter company, I withhold the right to break the rules and include a very cool bonus fourth option, Bone Stormโs cavebrained Daemon Breed. Do you like Bolt Thrower? Yes, you do. Do you like Bear Mace? Yes, you do. By proxy, then, you already like Connecticutโs Bone Storm as they draw from the same chunky, groove-laden school of death metal. At a somewhat overachieving 50 minutes, Daemon Breed pummels the listener beneath a veritable smorgasbord of neck-breaking riffs built upon a framework of triplet grooves, swaggering syncopations, and galloping double bass assaults. Their approach is simple and unburdened by blistering speed, fiddly technicality, or atmospheric deviation, and in that way recalls the undeniable immediacy and brutal effectiveness of records like Black Royalโs Firebride. With highlights โHeavenโs End (Burn Them All),โ โPlaguerider,โ โSanctimonious Morality,โ and above all โRitual Supremacy,โ Bone Storm use that approach with aplomb, proving that the spirit of classic, no-frills death metal is vital and vicarious. Delightfully cogent roars and gutturals allow the most difficult deliveries (see โDaemon Breedโ) to feel vicious and purposeful, while a subtle thread of melody (see โCursed Bornโ) affords the record a small measure of songwriting variety to break things up just when Daemon Breed needs it most. Heavy reliance on triplets and perhaps a zealous desire to put down every idea that seems good even if itโs placed immediately adjacent to much better one (โHalo of Diseaseโ and โHammer of Judasโ bookending โRitual Supremacyโ are tough positions to defend, as is โWrist Slitterโ next to the fun Frozen Soul-esque โBlood Priestโ), hold it back from higher praise only mildly. Moral of the story? Enter the bone zone, with haste!
Creeping Ivyโs Riffy Remainder
Lord Elephant // Ultra Soul [January 30th, 2026 โ Heavy Psych Sounds]
Sometimes, you donโt need dynamic songwriting, harmonic density, or even a vocalist. Sometimes, all you need are riffs. Okay, and maybe some psychedelic leads to go over those riffs. Ultra Soul, the sophomore album from Italian instrumental trio Lord Elephant, delivers 48 minutes of pure, mostly unadulterated stoner-doom. In the feudal jungle of heavy riff rock, Lord Elephant pays scutage to King Buffalo, similarly forming longish compositions where simple, bluesy figures reign supreme, stretching their limbs in grassy patches. Occasionally, guitarist Leandro Gaccione, bassist Edoardo De Nardi, and drummer Tommaso Urzino lock into some lively, head-bobbing grooves (โGigantiaโ). But mostly, Lord Elephant keeps things meditative, hypnotizing listeners with Earthless drones and lurches (โSmoke Tower,โ โBlack River Bluesโ). De Nardiโs bass often leads the way (โElectric Dunesโ), the underwater tone of which reminds me of falling for Isis.1 Lord Elephant arenโt reinventing any wheels here; the familiarity of their bluesy riffing simply wonโt interest those for whom such bluesiness is a staid marker of old-man rock. The absence of vocals, however, makes Ultra Soul work as pseudo-ambient music that can set the mood, or accompany tasks, or gateway a normie. Closer listening will reveal, though, a tight trio reveling in the rudiments of rock musicโa drummer, bassist, and guitarist vibing on a riff.
Andy-War-Hallโs Salvaged Windfall
Juodvarnis // Tรฉkmรฉs [January 23rd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Lithuaniaโs Juodvarnis cooked for a long six years between albums for their fourth record Tรฉkmรฉs. With the confidence and sharpness displayed on all levels by Juodvarnis here, that was clearly time well spent in the kitchen. Sporting a brand of progressive black metal that blends the Enslaved framework of prog-black with the epic heft and melody of Iotunn and the crushing rhythms and harsh vocals of Gojira, Tรฉkmรฉs is tight, lively and achieves a remarkable level of melancholic thoughtfulness without neglecting the average listenerโs chronic need for riffs. Translated to โflowโ from Hungarian,2 Tรฉkmรฉs navigates inter-song and album-wide progressions of pummeling rhythms (โDvasios Ligosโ) and slow marches (โTamsiausias Nuลกvitimasโ), impassioned clean vocals (โPlatybฤsโ) and razor-throated screams (โJuodos Akysโ) to achieve a gradual, natural sense of advancement across its 42-minute journey. If progressive black metal that knows how to riff and can turn the reverb off 11 sounds like a good time to you, give Juodvarnisโ Tรฉkmรฉs a shot sometime.
Thus Spokeโs Obscure Offerings
Ectovoid // In Unrealityโs Coffin [January 9th, 2026 โ Everlasting Spew Records]
Normally, it takes copious amounts of reverb, wonkiness, melody, or turbo-dissonance for death metal to be palatable to me. Every once in a while, however, an album like Ectovoidโs In Unrealityโs Coffin comes along and shows me that there is another way. The musicโs stickiness has a lot to do with its boundary-straddling take on OSDM. Ostensibly, the battering, percussion, sawblade riffing, and gruff gurgling growls mark it as your everyday modern no-nonsense death metal, somewhere between Cryptopsy and Immolation. But In Unrealityโs Coffin is more like tech-death, disso-death, and brutal-death in a trench coat than it is any one of them, or another subgenre.3 Its arpeggios can be rhythmically snappy, sometimes combined with equally sharp vocal delivery (โIntrusive Illusions (Echoes from a Distant Plane)โ), but more often than not channel a churning chaos that resists punchiness for a darker unease I find addictive (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebula,โ โErroneous Birthโ). The music is constantly speeding up or slowing down, churning guitars collapsing with slides (โDissonance Corporeumโ) or pitching upwards in squeals (โIn Anguished Levitationโ), or evolving into mania as screams and growls fragment and layer (โFormless Seeking Formโ). Rather than being exhausting, itโs exhilarating, with expertly-timed releases of diabolically echoing melody (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebulaโ) or a new groove to latch onto (โIn Unrealityโs Coffinโ) coming to keep you afloat. Ectovoid keep you guessing without actually really pushing the boundaries, making In Unrealityโs Coffin both a lot of fun and straightforwardly br00tal enough to sustain a savage workout; or just a really intense 45 minutes.
In Unrealityโs Coffin by Ectovoid
Exxรปl // Sealed into None [January 15th, 2026 โ Productions TSO]
Phil Tougas has had an impressive start to the year. Before Wormโs Necropalace this February, came Sealed into None, the debut by Exxรปlโa genre-blending, kinda blackened epic-power-doom-heavy-metal group also comprising several of Philโs Atramentus band-mates. Several people brought up this album in the comments on my Worm review, often to the tune of โExxรปl better,โ and while I respectfully disagree on the quality ranking of the two, I canโt deny how fabulous Sealed into None is. Here again are genres of music Iโm usually unable to connect withโin this instance, power and classical heavy metalโbut shaped in a way that opens my eyes and ears. Yes, the high-pitched wail style of singing first took me a little off-guard when they first arose on โBlighted Deity,โ and they offend my usual tastes. But they are impressive, and work in a way I thought only harsh vocals could when following the trajectory of distorted keys and guitar (โWalls of Endless Darknessโ), or shouting into an atmospheric abyss (โThe Screaming Towerโ). Oh, and of course, the overall vibe of magnificent, melodramatic blackened doom that sets the scene, capped off withโpredictablyโphenomenal guitarwork, is just magic and enough for me to get past my knee-jerk vocal ick and love it not in spite of that, but because of what it can bring to the whole. I love the slow builds to dazzling solos (โBells of the Exxรปl through to โBlighted Deity,โ โThe Screaming Towerโ) and the way the camper, heavy-metal sides blur into something darker (โLabyrinthine Fateโ). I just love this album, to be honest.
ClarkKentโs Canadian Catch
Turpitude // Mordorรฉ [January 1, 2026 โ Self Released]
Since 2019, Alice Simard has been a prolific presence in Quebecโs underground metal scene. She consistently releases albums for several different projects, from the ambient atmoblack of Coffret de Bijoux to the tech death of Luminesce (also uncovered in this monthโs Filter by our Sponge Fren). Mordorรฉ, the fourth full-length for Turpitude, thrives on its riffs and carries a cheerful energy reminiscent of the carefree raw black metal of Grime Stone Records stalwarts Wizard Keep and Old Nick. Yet Simard opts for traditional instruments, no synths, though production choices make the drumsticks sound as if theyโre banging against blocks of wood, give the guitars a lofi reverb, and cause Simardโs voice to fade into the background in a cavernous growl. The riffs are the real star, with some terrifically catchy melodic leads and trems throughout (โLa Traverse Mordorรฉe,โ โAller de Lโavantโ). This combination of riffs, a raw sound, and often upbeat tunes draws comparison to Trhรค and To Escape. While Mordorรฉ keeps a mostly cheery tone, Turpitudeโs no one-trick pony. Thereโs a tinge of the melancholic on the moody, atmospheric โPeintra,โ as well as a successful stab at covering a non-metal song a lรก Spider God on โWashing Machine Heart.โ4 This is a worthwhile endeavor for those who like their black metal raw and energetic.
Grin Reaperโs Heavy Haul
Valiant Sentinel // Neverealm [January 16th, 2026 โ Theogonia Records]
Greek heavy metal heroes Valiant Sentinel dropped their sophomore platter Neverealm back in mid-January, unleashing forty-six minutes that reek of high fantasy. Galloping riffs, driving drums, and vocal harmonies aplenty supply a cinematic adventure that basks in fun. While the pacing of Neverealm mainly operates in high-energy bombast, Valiant Sentinel smartly weaves in mid-paced might, evidenced by how the controlled assault of โMirkwood Forestโ provides a breather after opening chest-thumpers โWar in Heavenโ and โNeverealm.โ Acoustic pieces โTo Mend the Ringโ and โCome What Mayโ further diversify Neverealmโs heavy metal holdings, and while Iโm usually keener on more aggressive numbers, these two tracks comprise some of my favorite moments on the album.5 Mostly, Valiant Sentinel summons comparisons to Germanyโs heavy/power sceneโchief among them Blind Guardianโgoing so far as to bring in BG drummer extraordinaire Frederik Ehmke. I also catch fleeting glimpses of Brainstorm and Mystic Prophecy in Valiant Sentinelโs DNA, though guitarist and composer Dimitris Skodras does a commendable job carving out a distinct identity for the band. Featuring skilled performances across the board and guest spots from Burning Witchesโ Laura Guldemond (โNeverealmโ) and Savatageโs Zak Stevens (โArch Nemesisโ), Valiant Sentinel packs loads of drama into a streamlined package. So what are you waiting for? Go grab your polyhedrals and a Spelljammer, and set sail for Neverealm.
Fili Bibianoโs Fortress // Death Is Your Master [January 30th, 2026 โ High Roller Records]
Does Shredphobia keep you away from metal? Does the sultry siren call of licks, riffs, and chugs make you break into a cold sweat? If so, I strongly urge you to stay away from Fortressโ sophomore album, Death Is Your Master. Channeling Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath and 80s Judas Priest, Fortress drops six-string shenanigans thatโll get your booty shaking and the floor quaking, offering a romping retro slab that goes down slow โnโ easy. The overt classic 80s heavy metal worship on tracks โFlesh and Daggerโ and โNight Cityโ delivers riff after riff recalling the glory days, giving Fortress an authenticity that expands what could have otherwise been a one-dimensional LP. Guitarist Fili Bibiano sizzles with axe-slinging abandon, occasionally conjuring the neoclassical debauchery of Yngwie (โSavage Sword,โ โMazeโ). Still, itโs not all about the guitar, and drummer Joey Mancaruso and vocalist Juan Aguila nail their contributions as Fortress wends their way through a trim thirty-four minutes. On a guitar-forward album featuring slick songwriting and singalong jams, Death Is Your Master bumps, dives, and wails in a slow-burn frenzy of classic heavy goodness. Dig in!
Death Is Your Master by Fili Bibianoโs Fortress
Baguetteโs Brutal Burglary
Skulld // Abyss Calls to Abyss [January 23rd, 2026 โ Time to Kill Records]
While last year was alright for death metal and notably starred Dormant Ordeal, I felt it was lacking in quantity of impressive releases for said cornerstone of the metal underground. Fortunately, Italian group Skulld is here to start off the year with a bang! Abyss Calls to Abyss takes Bolt Throwerโs tank-rolling grooves (โMother Deathโ) and Dismemberโs melodic buzzsaw action (โWear the Night as a Velvet Cloakโ) and adds in some crust punk influence as extra seasoning (โLe Diable and the Snakeโ). It feels like theyโve taken some influence from both Finnish and Swedish varieties of death metal as well, and Iโm here for it! The band is fluent in switching things up at the drop of a hat without sacrificing energy or cohesion. โMother Deathโ and โDrops of Sorrowโ go from heavy, dissonant chords to big lead guitar melodies, which in turn lead to a chunky and punky death metal groove thatโs bound to get your head moving. Teoโs drumming controls the mood in excellent fashion, adding fast blast beats or slow-pummelling stomps when called for. The vicious, varied growls of Pam further cement the violence contained within and add to the albumโs attitude. At a brief 34 minutes spread over eight songs, it wastes no time going for your throat in a multitude of ways. Get this album into your skull or get Skulld!
Total Annihilation // Mountains of Madness [January 16th, 2026 โ Testimony Records]
What would happen if you took Vader, Slayer and Sodom and threw them in a big olโ manic death/thrash blender? The answer is Mountains of Madness! While Swiss Total Annihilationโs earliest works were more in line with classic โ80s thrash metal, they have increasingly moved towards more aggressive and relentless pastures, and their songwriting is all the better for it. Fourth album Mountains of Madness channels records like Vaderโs Litany and Sodomโs Tapping the Vein in particular (โThe Art of Torture,โ โAge of Mental Suicideโ), taking advantage of a relentless, drum-forward groove and a furious vocal performance. The albumโs dual guitar attack weaves together thrashier tunes with parts that reach straight up Swedeath territory, be it melodic or not. In addition, tracks like โMountains of Madnessโ and โChoose the Dayโ throw some melodic thrash akin to Sodomโs self-titled album into the mix for that extra bit of variety and replay value. Mountains of Madness isnโt afraid to slow things down with a satisfying lead riff, but most of Mountains of Madness is at a respectful lightning-fast pace, as thrash should. Another brief but powerful addition to the January pile ov skulls!
Mountains Of Madness by Total Annihilation
Polaris Experience // Drifting Through Voids [January 2nd, 2026 โ Distant Comet Entertainment]
On the earliest days of the year, Japan delivered an awesome surprise drop of death metal-influenced progressive thrash! Polaris Experience features various Cynical riffs (โInterplanetary Funambulist,โ โBathyscapesโ) while sporting a similarly old-school guitar tone throughout. Being progressive thrash, the main focus is naturally on the oh-so-sweet instrumentation that balances melody and groove seamlessly. The instrumental โParvatiโ alone highlights how tight everything is, from the snappy drumming to the bouncy bass work. Most importantly, the music is catchy and memorable despite its relative complexity and lack of brevity. Additionally, Drifting Through Voids uses vocals sparingly but in all the right ways, complementing its technicalities with a traditional thrashy, harsh bark. The fact that itโs a two-man project and a debut makes it all the more impressive. Fans of similar recent progressive and technical shenanigans like Species should take notes post-haste. Considering weโve already had this and Cryptic Shift this early in the year, and how prog/tech thrash is usually only allowed one or two notable albums per year, we could be in for a banner year for the subgenre. It also marks the first time in ages that a Japanese album has genuinely good production. Welcome to the new millennium!
Drifting Through Voids by Polaris Experience
#2026 #AbyssCallsToAbyss #AmericanMetal #Atramentus #BearMace #BlackMetal #BlackRoyal #BlackSabbath #BlackenedDeathMetal #BlindGuardian #BoltThrower #BoneStorm #Brainstorm #BurningWitches #CalliopeCarnage #CanadianMetal #CoffretDeBijoux #CrypticShift #Cryptopsy #Cynic #DaemonBreed #DeathMetal #Dismember #DistantCometEntertainment #Doom #DoomMetal #DormantOrdeal #DriftingThroughVoids #Earthless #Ectovoid #Enslaved #EpicMetal #Erde666 #EverlastingSpewRecords #Exxรปl #FiliBibianoSFortress #FleshgodApocalypse #ForefatherSEveRedemption #Fortress #GallowglassGalas #GermanMetal #Gojira #Gorod #GreekMetal #Hardcore #HeavyMetal #HeavyPsychSounds #HighRollerRecords #Immolation #InUnrealitySCoffin #Inferi #InternationalMetal #Iotunn #ItalianMetal #Jan26 #JapaneseMetal #JudasPriest #Judovarnis #KadavriK #Kalmah #KingBuffalo #LikeCrushedVioletsAndLinen #LithuanianMetal #LordElephant #Luminesce #MelodicDeathMetal #Mitski #Mordorรฉ #MountainsOfMadness #Neverealm #Obscura #OldNick #PolarisExperience #PowerMetal #ProductionsTSO #ProgressiuveMetal #ProgressiveBlackMetal #ProgressiveDeathMetal #Punk #Review #Reviews #Savatage #SealedIntoNone #SelfRelase #SelfReleased #Skulld #Slayer #Sodom #Species #SpiderGod #StonerDoom #StonerMetal #StuckInTheFilter #StuckInTheFilter2026 #SwissMetal #SymphonicDeathMetal #TechnicalDeathMetal #Tรฉkmรฉs #TestimonyRecords #TheogoniaRecords #Therion #ThrashMetal #TimeToKillRecords #ToEscape #TotalAnnihilation #Trhรค #Turpitude #UltraSoul #Upiรณr #Vader #ValiantSentinel #Wachenfeldt #WizardKeep #Worm #Xaoc -
Stuck in the Filter: January 2026โs Angry Misses By KenstrosityFinally, the new year is upon us! A fresh start for some, same shit different year for others; mainly, my minions who toil in the mines ducts of the Filter. Since they donโt get any holidays, they probably donโt even fucking know itโs 2026 yet, but thatโs okay. As long as they come back to HQ with a substantial haul, their ability to know when it is is immaterial.
These are the sacrifices we (not me, though), make to ensure you get the goods relatively on time-ish. So say thank you!
Kenstrosityโs Freaky Foursome
Upiรณr // Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) [January 2nd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Featuring members of Gorod (Benoit Claus) and Xaoc (Kรฉvin Paradis), Upiรณr pinged my radar after a certain cosmic Discordian pinged me. A blistering combination of Fleshgod Apocalypse opulence and Wachenfeldt aggression, sophomore release Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) impressed me immediately as โThe Black Paintings ripped my face right off. โA Blessing or a Curseโ doubled down on speed, blasting rhythms, and eerie melodies to propel itself straight into my Song oโ the Year long-list. Even with three instrumental interludes, all of which are quite fluffy, Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) crams pummeling riffs, exuberant percussion, and dramatic lushness into its 51-minute runtime. โForefathersโ Eve (Part I),โ a fantastic companion to Fleshgod Apocalypseโs โCold As Perfectionโ without aping its features, conjures a similarly affecting character that draws me in completely. Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption)โs middle section continues to build personality and develop greater dynamics from that point, represented most clearly in melodic riffs and expressive leads/soloing (โThe Woman that Weepsโ). Leading into its conclusion, a tonal shift towards the dire at this junction foreshadows the imminent release of Upiรณrโs second act, Forefathersโ Eve (Damnation) (due in early April), charring songs like โForefatherโs Eve (Part II)โ and โBetween the Living and Deadโ with blackened rabidity and dissonant flourishes. All of this to say, Upiรณr launched this latest arc with a striking blow, and I can only imagine whatโs in store for Damnation.
๏ปฟForefathersโ Eve (Redemption) by Upiรณr
KadavriK // Erde666 [January 9th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Germanyโs melodic death metal quintet KadavriK have been cranking out records since 2007, but I only heard about them this year, once again, thanks to Discord. Erde666, their fifth outing, takes an unorthodox and progressive approach to melodic death metal, which makes comparisons difficult to draw. Stripped down and raw in some moments, mystical and lush in others, Erde666 is all about textures. Its opening title track explores that spectrum of sounds and philosophies to its fullest, even drawing heavy influence from blues, psychedelia, and sludge at times (โGetrรผmmerfreundโ), but it all coalesces seamlessly. Following up an opener as strong as that would be a tall order for anyone, but KadavriK are clever songwriters, and the long form served them well even compared to the more straightforward tracklists of previous installments (โNihilist,โ โDas Ende Des Anthropozรคnsโ). Off-kilter guitar melodies countered against twinkling Kalmah synths and sweeping strings do a lot of work to elevate and liven the crushing chords of their high-impact riffs as well, which adds a ton of interest into an already unconventional melodic death record (โWiderhallโ). All of this makes for a record that might not be as immediate or fast-paced as most aim for in this space, but, counterintuitively, significantly more memorable. Donโt sleep on this one, folks!
Luminesce // Like Crushed Violets and Linen [November 20th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Prolific at a scale I havenโt witnessed since Dรฉhร , Luminesce mastermind Alice Simard, based in Quรฉbec, piqued my curiosity for the first time with Like Crushed Violets and Linen, her sophomore effort under the Luminesce moniker. Boasting machine-gun rapidity (โExploited Monochromaticismโ), off-kilter rhythms (โSilverโ), and a downright romantic sense of melody (โLike Crushed Violets and Linen,โ โLamp of Fulgurationโ)โcountered by lyrical themes ranging from guilt complexes to gender identity (โTo Restoreโ)โLike Crushed Violets and Linen is a deeply personal record forged in a melodic technical death metal mold. And as such a record, it recalls the vicarious guitar pyrotechnics of Inferi and Obscura while securing a melodic sensibility more in line with neoclassical composition (โThe Covenant of Counterfeit Starsโ). Unlike many of her contemporaries, however, Alice is a master of editing. Filled with killer ideas and instrumental wizardry without involving a drop of bloat, each of these seven songs coalesce into a buttery-smooth 30-minute excursion that punches far above its feathery mass. The addition of delightful chiptune dalliances helps distinguish Luminesce further from the pack (โTo Restoreโ), though Iโm torn about how far forward they are in the mix. In fact, the mix is my main gripe, as Like Crushed Violets and Linen is muffled and a bit flat, despite boasting a much-appreciated meaty bass presence. Nonetheless, if youโre looking for an unlikely tech-death contender, Luminesce might be just what you need.
๏ปฟLike Crushed Violets and Linen by Luminesce
Bone Storm // Daemon Breed [January 30th, 2026 โ Self Released]
As the CEO of this Filter company, I withhold the right to break the rules and include a very cool bonus fourth option, Bone Stormโs cavebrained Daemon Breed. Do you like Bolt Thrower? Yes, you do. Do you like Bear Mace? Yes, you do. By proxy, then, you already like Connecticutโs Bone Storm as they draw from the same chunky, groove-laden school of death metal. At a somewhat overachieving 50 minutes, Daemon Breed pummels the listener beneath a veritable smorgasbord of neck-breaking riffs built upon a framework of triplet grooves, swaggering syncopations, and galloping double bass assaults. Their approach is simple and unburdened by blistering speed, fiddly technicality, or atmospheric deviation, and in that way recalls the undeniable immediacy and brutal effectiveness of records like Black Royalโs Firebride. With highlights โHeavenโs End (Burn Them All),โ โPlaguerider,โ โSanctimonious Morality,โ and above all โRitual Supremacy,โ Bone Storm use that approach with aplomb, proving that the spirit of classic, no-frills death metal is vital and vicarious. Delightfully cogent roars and gutturals allow the most difficult deliveries (see โDaemon Breedโ) to feel vicious and purposeful, while a subtle thread of melody (see โCursed Bornโ) affords the record a small measure of songwriting variety to break things up just when Daemon Breed needs it most. Heavy reliance on triplets and perhaps a zealous desire to put down every idea that seems good even if itโs placed immediately adjacent to much better one (โHalo of Diseaseโ and โHammer of Judasโ bookending โRitual Supremacyโ are tough positions to defend, as is โWrist Slitterโ next to the fun Frozen Soul-esque โBlood Priestโ), hold it back from higher praise only mildly. Moral of the story? Enter the bone zone, with haste!
Creeping Ivyโs Riffy Remainder
Lord Elephant // Ultra Soul [January 30th, 2026 โ Heavy Psych Sounds]
Sometimes, you donโt need dynamic songwriting, harmonic density, or even a vocalist. Sometimes, all you need are riffs. Okay, and maybe some psychedelic leads to go over those riffs. Ultra Soul, the sophomore album from Italian instrumental trio Lord Elephant, delivers 48 minutes of pure, mostly unadulterated stoner-doom. In the feudal jungle of heavy riff rock, Lord Elephant pays scutage to King Buffalo, similarly forming longish compositions where simple, bluesy figures reign supreme, stretching their limbs in grassy patches. Occasionally, guitarist Leandro Gaccione, bassist Edoardo De Nardi, and drummer Tommaso Urzino lock into some lively, head-bobbing grooves (โGigantiaโ). But mostly, Lord Elephant keeps things meditative, hypnotizing listeners with Earthless drones and lurches (โSmoke Tower,โ โBlack River Bluesโ). De Nardiโs bass often leads the way (โElectric Dunesโ), the underwater tone of which reminds me of falling for Isis.1 Lord Elephant arenโt reinventing any wheels here; the familiarity of their bluesy riffing simply wonโt interest those for whom such bluesiness is a staid marker of old-man rock. The absence of vocals, however, makes Ultra Soul work as pseudo-ambient music that can set the mood, or accompany tasks, or gateway a normie. Closer listening will reveal, though, a tight trio reveling in the rudiments of rock musicโa drummer, bassist, and guitarist vibing on a riff.
Andy-War-Hallโs Salvaged Windfall
Juodvarnis // Tรฉkmรฉs [January 23rd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Lithuaniaโs Juodvarnis cooked for a long six years between albums for their fourth record Tรฉkmรฉs. With the confidence and sharpness displayed on all levels by Juodvarnis here, that was clearly time well spent in the kitchen. Sporting a brand of progressive black metal that blends the Enslaved framework of prog-black with the epic heft and melody of Iotunn and the crushing rhythms and harsh vocals of Gojira, Tรฉkmรฉs is tight, lively and achieves a remarkable level of melancholic thoughtfulness without neglecting the average listenerโs chronic need for riffs. Translated to โflowโ from Hungarian,2 Tรฉkmรฉs navigates inter-song and album-wide progressions of pummeling rhythms (โDvasios Ligosโ) and slow marches (โTamsiausias Nuลกvitimasโ), impassioned clean vocals (โPlatybฤsโ) and razor-throated screams (โJuodos Akysโ) to achieve a gradual, natural sense of advancement across its 42-minute journey. If progressive black metal that knows how to riff and can turn the reverb off 11 sounds like a good time to you, give Juodvarnisโ Tรฉkmรฉs a shot sometime.
Thus Spokeโs Obscure Offerings
Ectovoid // In Unrealityโs Coffin [January 9th, 2026 โ Everlasting Spew Records]
Normally, it takes copious amounts of reverb, wonkiness, melody, or turbo-dissonance for death metal to be palatable to me. Every once in a while, however, an album like Ectovoidโs In Unrealityโs Coffin comes along and shows me that there is another way. The musicโs stickiness has a lot to do with its boundary-straddling take on OSDM. Ostensibly, the battering, percussion, sawblade riffing, and gruff gurgling growls mark it as your everyday modern no-nonsense death metal, somewhere between Cryptopsy and Immolation. But In Unrealityโs Coffin is more like tech-death, disso-death, and brutal-death in a trench coat than it is any one of them, or another subgenre.3 Its arpeggios can be rhythmically snappy, sometimes combined with equally sharp vocal delivery (โIntrusive Illusions (Echoes from a Distant Plane)โ), but more often than not channel a churning chaos that resists punchiness for a darker unease I find addictive (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebula,โ โErroneous Birthโ). The music is constantly speeding up or slowing down, churning guitars collapsing with slides (โDissonance Corporeumโ) or pitching upwards in squeals (โIn Anguished Levitationโ), or evolving into mania as screams and growls fragment and layer (โFormless Seeking Formโ). Rather than being exhausting, itโs exhilarating, with expertly-timed releases of diabolically echoing melody (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebulaโ) or a new groove to latch onto (โIn Unrealityโs Coffinโ) coming to keep you afloat. Ectovoid keep you guessing without actually really pushing the boundaries, making In Unrealityโs Coffin both a lot of fun and straightforwardly br00tal enough to sustain a savage workout; or just a really intense 45 minutes.
In Unrealityโs Coffin by Ectovoid
Exxรปl // Sealed into None [January 15th, 2026 โ Productions TSO]
Phil Tougas has had an impressive start to the year. Before Wormโs Necropalace this February, came Sealed into None, the debut by Exxรปlโa genre-blending, kinda blackened epic-power-doom-heavy-metal group also comprising several of Philโs Atramentus band-mates. Several people brought up this album in the comments on my Worm review, often to the tune of โExxรปl better,โ and while I respectfully disagree on the quality ranking of the two, I canโt deny how fabulous Sealed into None is. Here again are genres of music Iโm usually unable to connect withโin this instance, power and classical heavy metalโbut shaped in a way that opens my eyes and ears. Yes, the high-pitched wail style of singing first took me a little off-guard when they first arose on โBlighted Deity,โ and they offend my usual tastes. But they are impressive, and work in a way I thought only harsh vocals could when following the trajectory of distorted keys and guitar (โWalls of Endless Darknessโ), or shouting into an atmospheric abyss (โThe Screaming Towerโ). Oh, and of course, the overall vibe of magnificent, melodramatic blackened doom that sets the scene, capped off withโpredictablyโphenomenal guitarwork, is just magic and enough for me to get past my knee-jerk vocal ick and love it not in spite of that, but because of what it can bring to the whole. I love the slow builds to dazzling solos (โBells of the Exxรปl through to โBlighted Deity,โ โThe Screaming Towerโ) and the way the camper, heavy-metal sides blur into something darker (โLabyrinthine Fateโ). I just love this album, to be honest.
ClarkKentโs Canadian Catch
Turpitude // Mordorรฉ [January 1, 2026 โ Self Released]
Since 2019, Alice Simard has been a prolific presence in Quebecโs underground metal scene. She consistently releases albums for several different projects, from the ambient atmoblack of Coffret de Bijoux to the tech death of Luminesce (also uncovered in this monthโs Filter by our Sponge Fren). Mordorรฉ, the fourth full-length for Turpitude, thrives on its riffs and carries a cheerful energy reminiscent of the carefree raw black metal of Grime Stone Records stalwarts Wizard Keep and Old Nick. Yet Simard opts for traditional instruments, no synths, though production choices make the drumsticks sound as if theyโre banging against blocks of wood, give the guitars a lofi reverb, and cause Simardโs voice to fade into the background in a cavernous growl. The riffs are the real star, with some terrifically catchy melodic leads and trems throughout (โLa Traverse Mordorรฉe,โ โAller de Lโavantโ). This combination of riffs, a raw sound, and often upbeat tunes draws comparison to Trhรค and To Escape. While Mordorรฉ keeps a mostly cheery tone, Turpitudeโs no one-trick pony. Thereโs a tinge of the melancholic on the moody, atmospheric โPeintra,โ as well as a successful stab at covering a non-metal song a lรก Spider God on โWashing Machine Heart.โ4 This is a worthwhile endeavor for those who like their black metal raw and energetic.
Grin Reaperโs Heavy Haul
Valiant Sentinel // Neverealm [January 16th, 2026 โ Theogonia Records]
Greek heavy metal heroes Valiant Sentinel dropped their sophomore platter Neverealm back in mid-January, unleashing forty-six minutes that reek of high fantasy. Galloping riffs, driving drums, and vocal harmonies aplenty supply a cinematic adventure that basks in fun. While the pacing of Neverealm mainly operates in high-energy bombast, Valiant Sentinel smartly weaves in mid-paced might, evidenced by how the controlled assault of โMirkwood Forestโ provides a breather after opening chest-thumpers โWar in Heavenโ and โNeverealm.โ Acoustic pieces โTo Mend the Ringโ and โCome What Mayโ further diversify Neverealmโs heavy metal holdings, and while Iโm usually keener on more aggressive numbers, these two tracks comprise some of my favorite moments on the album.5 Mostly, Valiant Sentinel summons comparisons to Germanyโs heavy/power sceneโchief among them Blind Guardianโgoing so far as to bring in BG drummer extraordinaire Frederik Ehmke. I also catch fleeting glimpses of Brainstorm and Mystic Prophecy in Valiant Sentinelโs DNA, though guitarist and composer Dimitris Skodras does a commendable job carving out a distinct identity for the band. Featuring skilled performances across the board and guest spots from Burning Witchesโ Laura Guldemond (โNeverealmโ) and Savatageโs Zak Stevens (โArch Nemesisโ), Valiant Sentinel packs loads of drama into a streamlined package. So what are you waiting for? Go grab your polyhedrals and a Spelljammer, and set sail for Neverealm.
Fili Bibianoโs Fortress // Death Is Your Master [January 30th, 2026 โ High Roller Records]
Does Shredphobia keep you away from metal? Does the sultry siren call of licks, riffs, and chugs make you break into a cold sweat? If so, I strongly urge you to stay away from Fortressโ sophomore album, Death Is Your Master. Channeling Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath and 80s Judas Priest, Fortress drops six-string shenanigans thatโll get your booty shaking and the floor quaking, offering a romping retro slab that goes down slow โnโ easy. The overt classic 80s heavy metal worship on tracks โFlesh and Daggerโ and โNight Cityโ delivers riff after riff recalling the glory days, giving Fortress an authenticity that expands what could have otherwise been a one-dimensional LP. Guitarist Fili Bibiano sizzles with axe-slinging abandon, occasionally conjuring the neoclassical debauchery of Yngwie (โSavage Sword,โ โMazeโ). Still, itโs not all about the guitar, and drummer Joey Mancaruso and vocalist Juan Aguila nail their contributions as Fortress wends their way through a trim thirty-four minutes. On a guitar-forward album featuring slick songwriting and singalong jams, Death Is Your Master bumps, dives, and wails in a slow-burn frenzy of classic heavy goodness. Dig in!
Death Is Your Master by Fili Bibianoโs Fortress
Baguetteโs Brutal Burglary
Skulld // Abyss Calls to Abyss [January 23rd, 2026 โ Time to Kill Records]
While last year was alright for death metal and notably starred Dormant Ordeal, I felt it was lacking in quantity of impressive releases for said cornerstone of the metal underground. Fortunately, Italian group Skulld is here to start off the year with a bang! Abyss Calls to Abyss takes Bolt Throwerโs tank-rolling grooves (โMother Deathโ) and Dismemberโs melodic buzzsaw action (โWear the Night as a Velvet Cloakโ) and adds in some crust punk influence as extra seasoning (โLe Diable and the Snakeโ). It feels like theyโve taken some influence from both Finnish and Swedish varieties of death metal as well, and Iโm here for it! The band is fluent in switching things up at the drop of a hat without sacrificing energy or cohesion. โMother Deathโ and โDrops of Sorrowโ go from heavy, dissonant chords to big lead guitar melodies, which in turn lead to a chunky and punky death metal groove thatโs bound to get your head moving. Teoโs drumming controls the mood in excellent fashion, adding fast blast beats or slow-pummelling stomps when called for. The vicious, varied growls of Pam further cement the violence contained within and add to the albumโs attitude. At a brief 34 minutes spread over eight songs, it wastes no time going for your throat in a multitude of ways. Get this album into your skull or get Skulld!
Total Annihilation // Mountains of Madness [January 16th, 2026 โ Testimony Records]
What would happen if you took Vader, Slayer and Sodom and threw them in a big olโ manic death/thrash blender? The answer is Mountains of Madness! While Swiss Total Annihilationโs earliest works were more in line with classic โ80s thrash metal, they have increasingly moved towards more aggressive and relentless pastures, and their songwriting is all the better for it. Fourth album Mountains of Madness channels records like Vaderโs Litany and Sodomโs Tapping the Vein in particular (โThe Art of Torture,โ โAge of Mental Suicideโ), taking advantage of a relentless, drum-forward groove and a furious vocal performance. The albumโs dual guitar attack weaves together thrashier tunes with parts that reach straight up Swedeath territory, be it melodic or not. In addition, tracks like โMountains of Madnessโ and โChoose the Dayโ throw some melodic thrash akin to Sodomโs self-titled album into the mix for that extra bit of variety and replay value. Mountains of Madness isnโt afraid to slow things down with a satisfying lead riff, but most of Mountains of Madness is at a respectful lightning-fast pace, as thrash should. Another brief but powerful addition to the January pile ov skulls!
Mountains Of Madness by Total Annihilation
Polaris Experience // Drifting Through Voids [January 2nd, 2026 โ Distant Comet Entertainment]
On the earliest days of the year, Japan delivered an awesome surprise drop of death metal-influenced progressive thrash! Polaris Experience features various Cynical riffs (โInterplanetary Funambulist,โ โBathyscapesโ) while sporting a similarly old-school guitar tone throughout. Being progressive thrash, the main focus is naturally on the oh-so-sweet instrumentation that balances melody and groove seamlessly. The instrumental โParvatiโ alone highlights how tight everything is, from the snappy drumming to the bouncy bass work. Most importantly, the music is catchy and memorable despite its relative complexity and lack of brevity. Additionally, Drifting Through Voids uses vocals sparingly but in all the right ways, complementing its technicalities with a traditional thrashy, harsh bark. The fact that itโs a two-man project and a debut makes it all the more impressive. Fans of similar recent progressive and technical shenanigans like Species should take notes post-haste. Considering weโve already had this and Cryptic Shift this early in the year, and how prog/tech thrash is usually only allowed one or two notable albums per year, we could be in for a banner year for the subgenre. It also marks the first time in ages that a Japanese album has genuinely good production. Welcome to the new millennium!
Drifting Through Voids by Polaris Experience
#2026 #AbyssCallsToAbyss #AmericanMetal #Atramentus #BearMace #BlackMetal #BlackRoyal #BlackSabbath #BlackenedDeathMetal #BlindGuardian #BoltThrower #BoneStorm #Brainstorm #BurningWitches #CalliopeCarnage #CanadianMetal #CoffretDeBijoux #CrypticShift #Cryptopsy #Cynic #DaemonBreed #DeathMetal #Dismember #DistantCometEntertainment #Doom #DoomMetal #DormantOrdeal #DriftingThroughVoids #Earthless #Ectovoid #Enslaved #EpicMetal #Erde666 #EverlastingSpewRecords #Exxรปl #FiliBibianoSFortress #FleshgodApocalypse #ForefatherSEveRedemption #Fortress #GallowglassGalas #GermanMetal #Gojira #Gorod #GreekMetal #Hardcore #HeavyMetal #HeavyPsychSounds #HighRollerRecords #Immolation #InUnrealitySCoffin #Inferi #InternationalMetal #Iotunn #ItalianMetal #Jan26 #JapaneseMetal #JudasPriest #Judovarnis #KadavriK #Kalmah #KingBuffalo #LikeCrushedVioletsAndLinen #LithuanianMetal #LordElephant #Luminesce #MelodicDeathMetal #Mitski #Mordorรฉ #MountainsOfMadness #Neverealm #Obscura #OldNick #PolarisExperience #PowerMetal #ProductionsTSO #ProgressiuveMetal #ProgressiveBlackMetal #ProgressiveDeathMetal #Punk #Review #Reviews #Savatage #SealedIntoNone #SelfRelase #SelfReleased #Skulld #Slayer #Sodom #Species #SpiderGod #StonerDoom #StonerMetal #StuckInTheFilter #StuckInTheFilter2026 #SwissMetal #SymphonicDeathMetal #TechnicalDeathMetal #Tรฉkmรฉs #TestimonyRecords #TheogoniaRecords #Therion #ThrashMetal #TimeToKillRecords #ToEscape #TotalAnnihilation #Trhรค #Turpitude #UltraSoul #Upiรณr #Vader #ValiantSentinel #Wachenfeldt #WizardKeep #Worm #Xaoc -
Stuck in the Filter: January 2026โs Angry Misses By KenstrosityFinally, the new year is upon us! A fresh start for some, same shit different year for others; mainly, my minions who toil in the mines ducts of the Filter. Since they donโt get any holidays, they probably donโt even fucking know itโs 2026 yet, but thatโs okay. As long as they come back to HQ with a substantial haul, their ability to know when it is is immaterial.
These are the sacrifices we (not me, though), make to ensure you get the goods relatively on time-ish. So say thank you!
Kenstrosityโs Freaky Foursome
Upiรณr // Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) [January 2nd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Featuring members of Gorod (Benoit Claus) and Xaoc (Kรฉvin Paradis), Upiรณr pinged my radar after a certain cosmic Discordian pinged me. A blistering combination of Fleshgod Apocalypse opulence and Wachenfeldt aggression, sophomore release Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) impressed me immediately as โThe Black Paintings ripped my face right off. โA Blessing or a Curseโ doubled down on speed, blasting rhythms, and eerie melodies to propel itself straight into my Song oโ the Year long-list. Even with three instrumental interludes, all of which are quite fluffy, Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption) crams pummeling riffs, exuberant percussion, and dramatic lushness into its 51-minute runtime. โForefathersโ Eve (Part I),โ a fantastic companion to Fleshgod Apocalypseโs โCold As Perfectionโ without aping its features, conjures a similarly affecting character that draws me in completely. Forefathersโ Eve (Redemption)โs middle section continues to build personality and develop greater dynamics from that point, represented most clearly in melodic riffs and expressive leads/soloing (โThe Woman that Weepsโ). Leading into its conclusion, a tonal shift towards the dire at this junction foreshadows the imminent release of Upiรณrโs second act, Forefathersโ Eve (Damnation) (due in early April), charring songs like โForefatherโs Eve (Part II)โ and โBetween the Living and Deadโ with blackened rabidity and dissonant flourishes. All of this to say, Upiรณr launched this latest arc with a striking blow, and I can only imagine whatโs in store for Damnation.
๏ปฟForefathersโ Eve (Redemption) by Upiรณr
KadavriK // Erde666 [January 9th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Germanyโs melodic death metal quintet KadavriK have been cranking out records since 2007, but I only heard about them this year, once again, thanks to Discord. Erde666, their fifth outing, takes an unorthodox and progressive approach to melodic death metal, which makes comparisons difficult to draw. Stripped down and raw in some moments, mystical and lush in others, Erde666 is all about textures. Its opening title track explores that spectrum of sounds and philosophies to its fullest, even drawing heavy influence from blues, psychedelia, and sludge at times (โGetrรผmmerfreundโ), but it all coalesces seamlessly. Following up an opener as strong as that would be a tall order for anyone, but KadavriK are clever songwriters, and the long form served them well even compared to the more straightforward tracklists of previous installments (โNihilist,โ โDas Ende Des Anthropozรคnsโ). Off-kilter guitar melodies countered against twinkling Kalmah synths and sweeping strings do a lot of work to elevate and liven the crushing chords of their high-impact riffs as well, which adds a ton of interest into an already unconventional melodic death record (โWiderhallโ). All of this makes for a record that might not be as immediate or fast-paced as most aim for in this space, but, counterintuitively, significantly more memorable. Donโt sleep on this one, folks!
Luminesce // Like Crushed Violets and Linen [November 20th, 2026 โ Self Released]
Prolific at a scale I havenโt witnessed since Dรฉhร , Luminesce mastermind Alice Simard, based in Quรฉbec, piqued my curiosity for the first time with Like Crushed Violets and Linen, her sophomore effort under the Luminesce moniker. Boasting machine-gun rapidity (โExploited Monochromaticismโ), off-kilter rhythms (โSilverโ), and a downright romantic sense of melody (โLike Crushed Violets and Linen,โ โLamp of Fulgurationโ)โcountered by lyrical themes ranging from guilt complexes to gender identity (โTo Restoreโ)โLike Crushed Violets and Linen is a deeply personal record forged in a melodic technical death metal mold. And as such a record, it recalls the vicarious guitar pyrotechnics of Inferi and Obscura while securing a melodic sensibility more in line with neoclassical composition (โThe Covenant of Counterfeit Starsโ). Unlike many of her contemporaries, however, Alice is a master of editing. Filled with killer ideas and instrumental wizardry without involving a drop of bloat, each of these seven songs coalesce into a buttery-smooth 30-minute excursion that punches far above its feathery mass. The addition of delightful chiptune dalliances helps distinguish Luminesce further from the pack (โTo Restoreโ), though Iโm torn about how far forward they are in the mix. In fact, the mix is my main gripe, as Like Crushed Violets and Linen is muffled and a bit flat, despite boasting a much-appreciated meaty bass presence. Nonetheless, if youโre looking for an unlikely tech-death contender, Luminesce might be just what you need.
๏ปฟLike Crushed Violets and Linen by Luminesce
Bone Storm // Daemon Breed [January 30th, 2026 โ Self Released]
As the CEO of this Filter company, I withhold the right to break the rules and include a very cool bonus fourth option, Bone Stormโs cavebrained Daemon Breed. Do you like Bolt Thrower? Yes, you do. Do you like Bear Mace? Yes, you do. By proxy, then, you already like Connecticutโs Bone Storm as they draw from the same chunky, groove-laden school of death metal. At a somewhat overachieving 50 minutes, Daemon Breed pummels the listener beneath a veritable smorgasbord of neck-breaking riffs built upon a framework of triplet grooves, swaggering syncopations, and galloping double bass assaults. Their approach is simple and unburdened by blistering speed, fiddly technicality, or atmospheric deviation, and in that way recalls the undeniable immediacy and brutal effectiveness of records like Black Royalโs Firebride. With highlights โHeavenโs End (Burn Them All),โ โPlaguerider,โ โSanctimonious Morality,โ and above all โRitual Supremacy,โ Bone Storm use that approach with aplomb, proving that the spirit of classic, no-frills death metal is vital and vicarious. Delightfully cogent roars and gutturals allow the most difficult deliveries (see โDaemon Breedโ) to feel vicious and purposeful, while a subtle thread of melody (see โCursed Bornโ) affords the record a small measure of songwriting variety to break things up just when Daemon Breed needs it most. Heavy reliance on triplets and perhaps a zealous desire to put down every idea that seems good even if itโs placed immediately adjacent to much better one (โHalo of Diseaseโ and โHammer of Judasโ bookending โRitual Supremacyโ are tough positions to defend, as is โWrist Slitterโ next to the fun Frozen Soul-esque โBlood Priestโ), hold it back from higher praise only mildly. Moral of the story? Enter the bone zone, with haste!
Creeping Ivyโs Riffy Remainder
Lord Elephant // Ultra Soul [January 30th, 2026 โ Heavy Psych Sounds]
Sometimes, you donโt need dynamic songwriting, harmonic density, or even a vocalist. Sometimes, all you need are riffs. Okay, and maybe some psychedelic leads to go over those riffs. Ultra Soul, the sophomore album from Italian instrumental trio Lord Elephant, delivers 48 minutes of pure, mostly unadulterated stoner-doom. In the feudal jungle of heavy riff rock, Lord Elephant pays scutage to King Buffalo, similarly forming longish compositions where simple, bluesy figures reign supreme, stretching their limbs in grassy patches. Occasionally, guitarist Leandro Gaccione, bassist Edoardo De Nardi, and drummer Tommaso Urzino lock into some lively, head-bobbing grooves (โGigantiaโ). But mostly, Lord Elephant keeps things meditative, hypnotizing listeners with Earthless drones and lurches (โSmoke Tower,โ โBlack River Bluesโ). De Nardiโs bass often leads the way (โElectric Dunesโ), the underwater tone of which reminds me of falling for Isis.1 Lord Elephant arenโt reinventing any wheels here; the familiarity of their bluesy riffing simply wonโt interest those for whom such bluesiness is a staid marker of old-man rock. The absence of vocals, however, makes Ultra Soul work as pseudo-ambient music that can set the mood, or accompany tasks, or gateway a normie. Closer listening will reveal, though, a tight trio reveling in the rudiments of rock musicโa drummer, bassist, and guitarist vibing on a riff.
Andy-War-Hallโs Salvaged Windfall
Juodvarnis // Tรฉkmรฉs [January 23rd, 2026 โ Self Released]
Lithuaniaโs Juodvarnis cooked for a long six years between albums for their fourth record Tรฉkmรฉs. With the confidence and sharpness displayed on all levels by Juodvarnis here, that was clearly time well spent in the kitchen. Sporting a brand of progressive black metal that blends the Enslaved framework of prog-black with the epic heft and melody of Iotunn and the crushing rhythms and harsh vocals of Gojira, Tรฉkmรฉs is tight, lively and achieves a remarkable level of melancholic thoughtfulness without neglecting the average listenerโs chronic need for riffs. Translated to โflowโ from Hungarian,2 Tรฉkmรฉs navigates inter-song and album-wide progressions of pummeling rhythms (โDvasios Ligosโ) and slow marches (โTamsiausias Nuลกvitimasโ), impassioned clean vocals (โPlatybฤsโ) and razor-throated screams (โJuodos Akysโ) to achieve a gradual, natural sense of advancement across its 42-minute journey. If progressive black metal that knows how to riff and can turn the reverb off 11 sounds like a good time to you, give Juodvarnisโ Tรฉkmรฉs a shot sometime.
Thus Spokeโs Obscure Offerings
Ectovoid // In Unrealityโs Coffin [January 9th, 2026 โ Everlasting Spew Records]
Normally, it takes copious amounts of reverb, wonkiness, melody, or turbo-dissonance for death metal to be palatable to me. Every once in a while, however, an album like Ectovoidโs In Unrealityโs Coffin comes along and shows me that there is another way. The musicโs stickiness has a lot to do with its boundary-straddling take on OSDM. Ostensibly, the battering, percussion, sawblade riffing, and gruff gurgling growls mark it as your everyday modern no-nonsense death metal, somewhere between Cryptopsy and Immolation. But In Unrealityโs Coffin is more like tech-death, disso-death, and brutal-death in a trench coat than it is any one of them, or another subgenre.3 Its arpeggios can be rhythmically snappy, sometimes combined with equally sharp vocal delivery (โIntrusive Illusions (Echoes from a Distant Plane)โ), but more often than not channel a churning chaos that resists punchiness for a darker unease I find addictive (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebula,โ โErroneous Birthโ). The music is constantly speeding up or slowing down, churning guitars collapsing with slides (โDissonance Corporeumโ) or pitching upwards in squeals (โIn Anguished Levitationโ), or evolving into mania as screams and growls fragment and layer (โFormless Seeking Formโ). Rather than being exhausting, itโs exhilarating, with expertly-timed releases of diabolically echoing melody (โCollapsing Spiritual Nebulaโ) or a new groove to latch onto (โIn Unrealityโs Coffinโ) coming to keep you afloat. Ectovoid keep you guessing without actually really pushing the boundaries, making In Unrealityโs Coffin both a lot of fun and straightforwardly br00tal enough to sustain a savage workout; or just a really intense 45 minutes.
In Unrealityโs Coffin by Ectovoid
Exxรปl // Sealed into None [January 15th, 2026 โ Productions TSO]
Phil Tougas has had an impressive start to the year. Before Wormโs Necropalace this February, came Sealed into None, the debut by Exxรปlโa genre-blending, kinda blackened epic-power-doom-heavy-metal group also comprising several of Philโs Atramentus band-mates. Several people brought up this album in the comments on my Worm review, often to the tune of โExxรปl better,โ and while I respectfully disagree on the quality ranking of the two, I canโt deny how fabulous Sealed into None is. Here again are genres of music Iโm usually unable to connect withโin this instance, power and classical heavy metalโbut shaped in a way that opens my eyes and ears. Yes, the high-pitched wail style of singing first took me a little off-guard when they first arose on โBlighted Deity,โ and they offend my usual tastes. But they are impressive, and work in a way I thought only harsh vocals could when following the trajectory of distorted keys and guitar (โWalls of Endless Darknessโ), or shouting into an atmospheric abyss (โThe Screaming Towerโ). Oh, and of course, the overall vibe of magnificent, melodramatic blackened doom that sets the scene, capped off withโpredictablyโphenomenal guitarwork, is just magic and enough for me to get past my knee-jerk vocal ick and love it not in spite of that, but because of what it can bring to the whole. I love the slow builds to dazzling solos (โBells of the Exxรปl through to โBlighted Deity,โ โThe Screaming Towerโ) and the way the camper, heavy-metal sides blur into something darker (โLabyrinthine Fateโ). I just love this album, to be honest.
ClarkKentโs Canadian Catch
Turpitude // Mordorรฉ [January 1, 2026 โ Self Released]
Since 2019, Alice Simard has been a prolific presence in Quebecโs underground metal scene. She consistently releases albums for several different projects, from the ambient atmoblack of Coffret de Bijoux to the tech death of Luminesce (also uncovered in this monthโs Filter by our Sponge Fren). Mordorรฉ, the fourth full-length for Turpitude, thrives on its riffs and carries a cheerful energy reminiscent of the carefree raw black metal of Grime Stone Records stalwarts Wizard Keep and Old Nick. Yet Simard opts for traditional instruments, no synths, though production choices make the drumsticks sound as if theyโre banging against blocks of wood, give the guitars a lofi reverb, and cause Simardโs voice to fade into the background in a cavernous growl. The riffs are the real star, with some terrifically catchy melodic leads and trems throughout (โLa Traverse Mordorรฉe,โ โAller de Lโavantโ). This combination of riffs, a raw sound, and often upbeat tunes draws comparison to Trhรค and To Escape. While Mordorรฉ keeps a mostly cheery tone, Turpitudeโs no one-trick pony. Thereโs a tinge of the melancholic on the moody, atmospheric โPeintra,โ as well as a successful stab at covering a non-metal song a lรก Spider God on โWashing Machine Heart.โ4 This is a worthwhile endeavor for those who like their black metal raw and energetic.
Grin Reaperโs Heavy Haul
Valiant Sentinel // Neverealm [January 16th, 2026 โ Theogonia Records]
Greek heavy metal heroes Valiant Sentinel dropped their sophomore platter Neverealm back in mid-January, unleashing forty-six minutes that reek of high fantasy. Galloping riffs, driving drums, and vocal harmonies aplenty supply a cinematic adventure that basks in fun. While the pacing of Neverealm mainly operates in high-energy bombast, Valiant Sentinel smartly weaves in mid-paced might, evidenced by how the controlled assault of โMirkwood Forestโ provides a breather after opening chest-thumpers โWar in Heavenโ and โNeverealm.โ Acoustic pieces โTo Mend the Ringโ and โCome What Mayโ further diversify Neverealmโs heavy metal holdings, and while Iโm usually keener on more aggressive numbers, these two tracks comprise some of my favorite moments on the album.5 Mostly, Valiant Sentinel summons comparisons to Germanyโs heavy/power sceneโchief among them Blind Guardianโgoing so far as to bring in BG drummer extraordinaire Frederik Ehmke. I also catch fleeting glimpses of Brainstorm and Mystic Prophecy in Valiant Sentinelโs DNA, though guitarist and composer Dimitris Skodras does a commendable job carving out a distinct identity for the band. Featuring skilled performances across the board and guest spots from Burning Witchesโ Laura Guldemond (โNeverealmโ) and Savatageโs Zak Stevens (โArch Nemesisโ), Valiant Sentinel packs loads of drama into a streamlined package. So what are you waiting for? Go grab your polyhedrals and a Spelljammer, and set sail for Neverealm.
Fili Bibianoโs Fortress // Death Is Your Master [January 30th, 2026 โ High Roller Records]
Does Shredphobia keep you away from metal? Does the sultry siren call of licks, riffs, and chugs make you break into a cold sweat? If so, I strongly urge you to stay away from Fortressโ sophomore album, Death Is Your Master. Channeling Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath and 80s Judas Priest, Fortress drops six-string shenanigans thatโll get your booty shaking and the floor quaking, offering a romping retro slab that goes down slow โnโ easy. The overt classic 80s heavy metal worship on tracks โFlesh and Daggerโ and โNight Cityโ delivers riff after riff recalling the glory days, giving Fortress an authenticity that expands what could have otherwise been a one-dimensional LP. Guitarist Fili Bibiano sizzles with axe-slinging abandon, occasionally conjuring the neoclassical debauchery of Yngwie (โSavage Sword,โ โMazeโ). Still, itโs not all about the guitar, and drummer Joey Mancaruso and vocalist Juan Aguila nail their contributions as Fortress wends their way through a trim thirty-four minutes. On a guitar-forward album featuring slick songwriting and singalong jams, Death Is Your Master bumps, dives, and wails in a slow-burn frenzy of classic heavy goodness. Dig in!
Death Is Your Master by Fili Bibianoโs Fortress
Baguetteโs Brutal Burglary
Skulld // Abyss Calls to Abyss [January 23rd, 2026 โ Time to Kill Records]
While last year was alright for death metal and notably starred Dormant Ordeal, I felt it was lacking in quantity of impressive releases for said cornerstone of the metal underground. Fortunately, Italian group Skulld is here to start off the year with a bang! Abyss Calls to Abyss takes Bolt Throwerโs tank-rolling grooves (โMother Deathโ) and Dismemberโs melodic buzzsaw action (โWear the Night as a Velvet Cloakโ) and adds in some crust punk influence as extra seasoning (โLe Diable and the Snakeโ). It feels like theyโve taken some influence from both Finnish and Swedish varieties of death metal as well, and Iโm here for it! The band is fluent in switching things up at the drop of a hat without sacrificing energy or cohesion. โMother Deathโ and โDrops of Sorrowโ go from heavy, dissonant chords to big lead guitar melodies, which in turn lead to a chunky and punky death metal groove thatโs bound to get your head moving. Teoโs drumming controls the mood in excellent fashion, adding fast blast beats or slow-pummelling stomps when called for. The vicious, varied growls of Pam further cement the violence contained within and add to the albumโs attitude. At a brief 34 minutes spread over eight songs, it wastes no time going for your throat in a multitude of ways. Get this album into your skull or get Skulld!
Total Annihilation // Mountains of Madness [January 16th, 2026 โ Testimony Records]
What would happen if you took Vader, Slayer and Sodom and threw them in a big olโ manic death/thrash blender? The answer is Mountains of Madness! While Swiss Total Annihilationโs earliest works were more in line with classic โ80s thrash metal, they have increasingly moved towards more aggressive and relentless pastures, and their songwriting is all the better for it. Fourth album Mountains of Madness channels records like Vaderโs Litany and Sodomโs Tapping the Vein in particular (โThe Art of Torture,โ โAge of Mental Suicideโ), taking advantage of a relentless, drum-forward groove and a furious vocal performance. The albumโs dual guitar attack weaves together thrashier tunes with parts that reach straight up Swedeath territory, be it melodic or not. In addition, tracks like โMountains of Madnessโ and โChoose the Dayโ throw some melodic thrash akin to Sodomโs self-titled album into the mix for that extra bit of variety and replay value. Mountains of Madness isnโt afraid to slow things down with a satisfying lead riff, but most of Mountains of Madness is at a respectful lightning-fast pace, as thrash should. Another brief but powerful addition to the January pile ov skulls!
Mountains Of Madness by Total Annihilation
Polaris Experience // Drifting Through Voids [January 2nd, 2026 โ Distant Comet Entertainment]
On the earliest days of the year, Japan delivered an awesome surprise drop of death metal-influenced progressive thrash! Polaris Experience features various Cynical riffs (โInterplanetary Funambulist,โ โBathyscapesโ) while sporting a similarly old-school guitar tone throughout. Being progressive thrash, the main focus is naturally on the oh-so-sweet instrumentation that balances melody and groove seamlessly. The instrumental โParvatiโ alone highlights how tight everything is, from the snappy drumming to the bouncy bass work. Most importantly, the music is catchy and memorable despite its relative complexity and lack of brevity. Additionally, Drifting Through Voids uses vocals sparingly but in all the right ways, complementing its technicalities with a traditional thrashy, harsh bark. The fact that itโs a two-man project and a debut makes it all the more impressive. Fans of similar recent progressive and technical shenanigans like Species should take notes post-haste. Considering weโve already had this and Cryptic Shift this early in the year, and how prog/tech thrash is usually only allowed one or two notable albums per year, we could be in for a banner year for the subgenre. It also marks the first time in ages that a Japanese album has genuinely good production. Welcome to the new millennium!
Drifting Through Voids by Polaris Experience
#2026 #AbyssCallsToAbyss #AmericanMetal #Atramentus #BearMace #BlackMetal #BlackRoyal #BlackSabbath #BlackenedDeathMetal #BlindGuardian #BoltThrower #BoneStorm #Brainstorm #BurningWitches #CalliopeCarnage #CanadianMetal #CoffretDeBijoux #CrypticShift #Cryptopsy #Cynic #DaemonBreed #DeathMetal #Dismember #DistantCometEntertainment #Doom #DoomMetal #DormantOrdeal #DriftingThroughVoids #Earthless #Ectovoid #Enslaved #EpicMetal #Erde666 #EverlastingSpewRecords #Exxรปl #FiliBibianoSFortress #FleshgodApocalypse #ForefatherSEveRedemption #Fortress #GallowglassGalas #GermanMetal #Gojira #Gorod #GreekMetal #Hardcore #HeavyMetal #HeavyPsychSounds #HighRollerRecords #Immolation #InUnrealitySCoffin #Inferi #InternationalMetal #Iotunn #ItalianMetal #Jan26 #JapaneseMetal #JudasPriest #Judovarnis #KadavriK #Kalmah #KingBuffalo #LikeCrushedVioletsAndLinen #LithuanianMetal #LordElephant #Luminesce #MelodicDeathMetal #Mitski #Mordorรฉ #MountainsOfMadness #Neverealm #Obscura #OldNick #PolarisExperience #PowerMetal #ProductionsTSO #ProgressiuveMetal #ProgressiveBlackMetal #ProgressiveDeathMetal #Punk #Review #Reviews #Savatage #SealedIntoNone #SelfRelase #SelfReleased #Skulld #Slayer #Sodom #Species #SpiderGod #StonerDoom #StonerMetal #StuckInTheFilter #StuckInTheFilter2026 #SwissMetal #SymphonicDeathMetal #TechnicalDeathMetal #Tรฉkmรฉs #TestimonyRecords #TheogoniaRecords #Therion #ThrashMetal #TimeToKillRecords #ToEscape #TotalAnnihilation #Trhรค #Turpitude #UltraSoul #Upiรณr #Vader #ValiantSentinel #Wachenfeldt #WizardKeep #Worm #Xaoc -
Another morning in Antibes โ๏ธ
#ProvenceAlpesCotedAzur #Seascape #ExploreFrance #MediterraneanSea #OldTown #CoastalTown #VacationVibes #AntibesFrance #BlueHour #LandscapePhotography #CoastalViews #CotedAzur #ArchitecturePhotography #OceanView #Cliffside #StoneWalls #Wanderlust #MoodySkies #NatureLovers #SeaView #Fortress #Travel #FrenchRiviera #Mediterranean #EuropeTravel #HistoricArchitecture #Antibes #SouthOfFrance #Cloudscape #TravelPhotography
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Another morning in Antibes โ๏ธ
#ProvenceAlpesCotedAzur #Seascape #ExploreFrance #MediterraneanSea #OldTown #CoastalTown #VacationVibes #AntibesFrance #BlueHour #LandscapePhotography #CoastalViews #CotedAzur #ArchitecturePhotography #OceanView #Cliffside #StoneWalls #Wanderlust #MoodySkies #NatureLovers #SeaView #Fortress #Travel #FrenchRiviera #Mediterranean #EuropeTravel #HistoricArchitecture #Antibes #SouthOfFrance #Cloudscape #TravelPhotography
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Another morning in Antibes โ๏ธ
#ProvenceAlpesCotedAzur #Seascape #ExploreFrance #MediterraneanSea #OldTown #CoastalTown #VacationVibes #AntibesFrance #BlueHour #LandscapePhotography #CoastalViews #CotedAzur #ArchitecturePhotography #OceanView #Cliffside #StoneWalls #Wanderlust #MoodySkies #NatureLovers #SeaView #Fortress #Travel #FrenchRiviera #Mediterranean #EuropeTravel #HistoricArchitecture #Antibes #SouthOfFrance #Cloudscape #TravelPhotography
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Another morning in Antibes โ๏ธ
#ProvenceAlpesCotedAzur #Seascape #ExploreFrance #MediterraneanSea #OldTown #CoastalTown #VacationVibes #AntibesFrance #BlueHour #LandscapePhotography #CoastalViews #CotedAzur #ArchitecturePhotography #OceanView #Cliffside #StoneWalls #Wanderlust #MoodySkies #NatureLovers #SeaView #Fortress #Travel #FrenchRiviera #Mediterranean #EuropeTravel #HistoricArchitecture #Antibes #SouthOfFrance #Cloudscape #TravelPhotography
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Another morning in Antibes โ๏ธ
#ProvenceAlpesCotedAzur #Seascape #ExploreFrance #MediterraneanSea #OldTown #CoastalTown #VacationVibes #AntibesFrance #BlueHour #LandscapePhotography #CoastalViews #CotedAzur #ArchitecturePhotography #OceanView #Cliffside #StoneWalls #Wanderlust #MoodySkies #NatureLovers #SeaView #Fortress #Travel #FrenchRiviera #Mediterranean #EuropeTravel #HistoricArchitecture #Antibes #SouthOfFrance #Cloudscape #TravelPhotography
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๐ The foreboding and collapsing ruins of Doftana Prison, Romania
This 19th-century fortress once held political dissenters in brutal conditions within the Prahova Valley. Abandoned since the fall of the communist regime in 1989, it is now a collapsing relic of history being slowly reclaimed by the Carpathian landscape.
https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/military/doftana-prison-romania/
#Romania #Doftana #Ruins #Photography #Prison #Fortress #Abandoned #Communist
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For #MeerMittwoch here's Fort de lโOuest on the western end of one of the breakwaters protecting the harbour of Cherbourg, France.
#Photography #Travel #SeaWednesday #Fort #Fortress #Castle #Sea #Cherbourg #France #Harbour
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For #MeerMittwoch here's Fort de lโOuest on the western end of one of the breakwaters protecting the harbour of Cherbourg, France.
#Photography #Travel #SeaWednesday #Fort #Fortress #Castle #Sea #Cherbourg #France #Harbour
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For #MeerMittwoch here's Fort de lโOuest on the western end of one of the breakwaters protecting the harbour of Cherbourg, France.
#Photography #Travel #SeaWednesday #Fort #Fortress #Castle #Sea #Cherbourg #France #Harbour
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For #MeerMittwoch here's Fort de lโOuest on the western end of one of the breakwaters protecting the harbour of Cherbourg, France.
#Photography #Travel #SeaWednesday #Fort #Fortress #Castle #Sea #Cherbourg #France #Harbour
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๐ฐ A huge abandoned "fortress" in the desert, #Jordan
Rising from the sands of the Wadi Rum desert, this fortress is not an ancient ruin but an abandoned TV set. Built for the short-lived gameshow Les Forges du Dรฉsert (2001), designed to mimic a historic stronghold. If you know what Crystal Maze is, it was very much like that!
https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/other/french-fortress-desert-forges-jordan/
#Fortress #Abandoned #Photography #Desert #WadiRum #AbandonedPlaces #Explore
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๐ฐ A huge abandoned "fortress" in the desert, #Jordan
Rising from the sands of the Wadi Rum desert, this fortress is not an ancient ruin but an abandoned TV set. Built for the short-lived gameshow Les Forges du Dรฉsert (2001), designed to mimic a historic stronghold. If you know what Crystal Maze is, it was very much like that!
https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/other/french-fortress-desert-forges-jordan/
#Fortress #Abandoned #Photography #Desert #WadiRum #AbandonedPlaces #Explore
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๐ฐ A huge abandoned "fortress" in the desert, #Jordan
Rising from the sands of the Wadi Rum desert, this fortress is not an ancient ruin but an abandoned TV set. Built for the short-lived gameshow Les Forges du Dรฉsert (2001), designed to mimic a historic stronghold. If you know what Crystal Maze is, it was very much like that!
https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/other/french-fortress-desert-forges-jordan/
#Fortress #Abandoned #Photography #Desert #WadiRum #AbandonedPlaces #Explore
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๐ฐ A huge abandoned "fortress" in the desert, #Jordan
Rising from the sands of the Wadi Rum desert, this fortress is not an ancient ruin but an abandoned TV set. Built for the short-lived gameshow Les Forges du Dรฉsert (2001), designed to mimic a historic stronghold. If you know what Crystal Maze is, it was very much like that!
https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/other/french-fortress-desert-forges-jordan/
#Fortress #Abandoned #Photography #Desert #WadiRum #AbandonedPlaces #Explore
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El fuerte Darnet, en el rรญo Medway, fue una de las defensas del Astillero Real de Chatham, donde se construรญan barcos de la Royal Navy. En su construcciรณn entre 1870-1872, se planeaba que tuviera una cadena conectada con el fuerte Hoo. A pesar de todo, fue decomisionado antes de la Primera Guerra Mundial. ๐ทSavills #fortress #fortaleza #reinounido #unitedkingdom #uk
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#Scientists Spotted #Rare #Coins on the #BlackMarketโAnd Traced Them to a 3,200-Year-Old #Fortress
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a69440889/black-market-coins/
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Minecraft Gruppe, Jat Ismail #Fb
Eine Festung auf dem Wasser, ein Paradies an Land.
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Minecraft Gruppe, Jat Ismail #Fb
Eine Festung auf dem Wasser, ein Paradies an Land.
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Out for a Call by Bunaro
https://tmblr.co/Z7VXvxiTZZO_Gi00
#out #call #suomenlinna #viapori #fortress #island #helsinki #finland #suomi #nordic #scandinavia #europe #visitfinland #urban #architecture #street #photography #streetphotography #blackandwhite #black #white #monochrome #summer #day #strong #shadows #industrial #hall #art #exhibition
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#AlphabetChallenge
#WeekUforUnloved
Hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress in #Kotor #Montenegro for spectacular views over the city.https://careyontravels.com/best-things-to-do-in-kotor/
#fortress #abandoned #ruins #travel #traveladdict -
Ripple Lands $500M Power Move as Fortress and Citadel Back $40B Valuation - TLDR:
Ripple closed a $500 million investment led by Fortress and Citadel at a $40 billi... - https://blockonomi.com/ripple-lands-500m-power-move-as-fortress-and-citadel-back-40b-valuation/ #citadelsecurities #ripplepayments #stablecoins #fortress #fintech #crypto #ripple #rlusd #xrp