MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of September 2026
In September’s best metal, Godflesh dream dystopian industrial structures, Epitaphe connect death metal styles, and Archgoat carry on their death/black tradition.
heavy metal
Godflesh Refuse to Go Gently on ‘Decay’
The end of Godflesh is nigh, but with their first album for Relapse Records, the alpha and omega of industrial metal refuse to go gently.
Emma Ruth Rundle Releases a Brilliant Career-Defining Set
This is the album Emma Ruth Rundle has long wanted and been destined to make. These Killing Times marks the actualization of a signature artist.
Mastodon Find Blood in the Bone on ‘Marrow Deep’
The familiar Mastodon is still roaring on Marrow Deep, though there are some new gears slipped into the engine, discovering how strange the band can become.
MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of August 2026
In best metal, Vengeance Arsenal rely on tradition for extreme metal, Static Abyss produce hallucinogenic death/doom, and Hanternoz strip away folk for melody.
Beartooth Capture Aggression and Pop on ‘Pure Ecstasy’
Pure Ecstasy‘s highlight is Shomo’s undeniable talent for pop songwriting; however, it also pushes Beartooth’s heaviness into new directions.
Inferno’s ‘The Anthropic Sophisms’ Is Exciting and Well-Structured
Inferno’s The Anthropic Sophisms further tips the scales toward the psychedelic and atmospheric. Everything is subordinated to the ritual.
Emptiness Reinforce the Sense of Dread on ‘Nowhere Speaks’
Emptiness’ Nowhere Speaks carries the same bleakness, a dread that the ominous, towering vocal delivery interprets fantastically.
Witches Hammer’s ‘Final Storm’ Is How They Should Go Out
Final Storm‘s cleaner production casts Witches Hammer’s songwriting in a different light, bringing melodic and traditional heavy metal strains into focus.
Mortem’s ‘Mørketid’ Reconciles Black Metal’s Exhilarating Force
Mortem’s intricate songwriting and their balanced approach to traditional and majestic black metal have a clear goal.
Quicksand Embrace Positivity on ‘Bring on the Psychics’
Quicksand are still standing where peers have fallen off. Their patented sound is evergreen. Smart, upbeat lyrics and chugging riffs will always find an audience.
MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of July 2026
In July’s best metal, Witches Hammer deliver their final chapter, Emptiness return to their dark ways, and Sex Prisoner unleash powerviolence with heavy groove.