MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of June 2026
In June’s best metal, Warning return to full doom metal gloom, Brånd’s reach extends their outsider post-punk, and Thy Killing Hand produce a primal, pre-human ritual.
metal
My Heart an Inverted Flame Explore Psychedelic Mindscapes
My Heart, an Inverted Flame’s new record is pulled between eras and modes, its punishing side rooted in 2000s drone/doom and reaching back to krautrock.
Scimitar Reach New Heights with ‘Scimitarium II’
Beneath all the cacophony and chaos in Scimitarium II, Scimitar are always in control, harnessing these expressions rather than being consumed by them.
Spirit Adrift Blur Boundaries on ‘Infinite Illumination’
Spirit Adrift’s heavy metal core is set, unchanging, and fundamental, but around this origin point, the doom and thrash satellites can still orbit.
A.A. Williams’ Vocals and Tragic Persona Shine Brightly
With Solstice, A.A. Williams cements her status as one of her generation’s transcendent singers and further develops her persona as the tragic shero.
Godthrymm Expand Their Palette on ‘Projections’
Godthrymm’s willingness to expand their palette, particularly through the more ethereal and progressive leanings of “Jewels”, suggests new directions.
Pharmacist’s Thrash-Leaning of Their New Album Is Powerful
For Pharmacist, thrash is not solely defined by the frenzied lead work and lightning-fast approach of the 1980s. They are closer to a more modern interpretation of the genre.
MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of May 2026
In May’s best metal, Spirit Adrift close their heavy metal journey, Funebrarum return to cryptic death metal, and Godthrymm proceed with their epic doom/death.
Blood Countess Create a Generic Black Metal Masterpiece
Blood Countess’ Imperatrix Sanguinis is cold and sadistic fun; a reminder of why the black metal genre thrived in the first place.
Evil Warriors Travel the Entire Spectrum of Extreme Metal
The raison d’être for Evil Warriors is no longer to pay tribute to one particular expression of extreme metal, but multiple. Their new album does just that.
Master’s Ashes’ New LP Delivers with Valiant Force
Master’s Ashes’ debut, How the Mighty Have Fallen, is a strong reminder of a forgotten time and scene, and how brilliant that was.
MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of April 2026
In April’s nest metal, Iron Firmament return to lo-fi, Cascadian alchemy, Lividus set up progressive foundations, and Evil Warriors reach new heights.