UK brutal death metal / deathcore outfit Ingested have released their new single, “Watch You Fold”, ahead of their forthcoming album Denigration, set for release on May 8th via Metal Blade Records. The track features guest vocals from John Gallagher, frontman and founding member of Dying Fetus. Go check it out below. Read moreâŠ
After years of fronting some of rockâs most iconic acts, Erik Grönwall returns with his new solo album ‘Bad Bones‘, set for release on May 22nd, 2026. The albumâs title track and first single ‘Bad Bones‘, released earlier this year, has been warmly received by fans and media alike. The song has already been picked […]
Los Angeles thrash/death metal duo Whipworm return with their fifth full-length album, âDeath Beyond,â a conceptual journey that pushes the bandâs signature blend of aggression, intensity and storytelling even further. âDeath Beyondâ follows the story of a man who receives a mysterious letter describing future events that should be impossible to know. As the story unfolds, he soon realizes […]
What exactly do we expect from Immolation at this stage of their career? This is a band whose legacy was set in stone decades ago by their impeccable early run of albums; Iâm of the opinion that their first five records are as good a run as any death metal band has ever put out. Ever. But theyâve long since been a very high quality veteran act, no longer innovating but also refusing to release a bad song. Sometimes, as with the last couple records, they achieve a little late career bump in quality, sounding a bit more inspired and ferocious than your usual veteran act. And at other times, such as on new record Descent, things feel a little more, well, not exactly phoned in, but definitely a little more formulaic.
Release date: April 10, 2026. Label: Nuclear Blast Records.
Because of this, one word that keeps coming to mind when spinning Descent is predictable. Before you assume that is meant only as derogatory, know that itâs partly complimentary: Descent is a predictably very strong death metal record, as youâd expect from Immolation. However, never before has it seemed more possible to know where each song is headed, what beats are coming next, or when a churning death metal verse is about to be traded off for one of the bands twitch-a-thons.
Part of that is due to the sheer volume of Immolation music we have now â Descent is album number 12 â but part of that is due to the material within. Whereas both Atonement and Acts of God had at least a little bit of distinction about them, particularly for a band so experienced, Descent almost feels paint-by-numbers Immolation. Again, this isnât necessarily a bad thing, as Immolation is painting with some of the raddest numbers in death metal, but youâve definitely heard all these numbers before. The closing title track, for example, might be the best tune here, but much of the way it progresses calls back to certain songs from Unholy Cult. A pretty great place to mine, for sure, but experienced Immolation listeners will find moments like that throughout the record.
Of course, that could almost be said about every Immolation album going back to Harnessing Ruin (the first inessential but still quite good Immolation record), so the fans that have stuck around are obviously going to find plenty of fun within this latest offering. And like all of the albums of this period, the band remains absolutely beastly in sound. Ross Dolan still has more conviction in his vocal delivery than nearly all of his peers and Rob Vigna is still one of death metalâs greatest riffsmen and underrated lead players, helping to guide the narrative of each song with his solos as much as Dolan does with his words.
Immolation clearly meant to use their still-monstrous sound to make a more direct, universally aggressive record with Descent than they did with the expansive and (very relatively) melodic Acts of God, and to that end theyâve succeeded. Descent is certainly more direct (and 10 minutes shorter) than its predecessor, and certain songs emphasize brutality over just about everything else. âAdversaryâ isnât even three and a half minutes long, and spends its entirety pummeling the listener, right down to its dominant finish; âBend Towards the Dark,â meanwhile, blasts its way into existence but shows a touch more dynamics during the midpaced chorus and vicious build towards its climax; and the ensuing âHostâ is among the most restrained songs on the record, layering melodic lines with blasts and featuring a particularly great Vigna solo (also, thatâs either a guest spot, or Dolan introduced a high-pitched screech for the first time in his career). Again, this is a very good collection of songs, itâs just not a very original set of songs.
Overall, Descent probably compares most closely to Kingdom of Conspiracy in its more efficient form of violence, but also in the impression that itâs more a collection of songs than a cohesive album. Unfortunately, Steve Shalatyâs drums also sound like they did on that album: up in the mix and somewhat plastic. Not a deal breaker by any means, just a mystery that a band that has worked with the same producer (Paul Orofino) for decades canât find a more consistent drum tone. Even with this slight downside, Descent still sounds like it wants to hurt you, a trait achieved by everything else sounding positively massive.
The dilemma for anyone writing about this record (or deciding whether or not to shell out cash for it), is deciding how much Immolationâs stratospheric pedigree as one of death metalâs all-time greats outweighs the impression that things might be a little formulaic. Ultimately, your need for this record is really based on what you expect from Immolation at this stage. If you love this band and have continued to love this band, buy this record. If youâre a little more emotionally tied to the early stuff, Descent might not be on your list of essentials for 2026.
Dissonant Blackened Death Metal quartet, Voidthrone, have released a lyric video for “Surfing The Abyss,” the second single from forthcoming album, Dreaming Rat. In the band’s own words: “Surfing the Abyss is our first song to feature a vibraslap (!), and, well, a honky-tonk section? You be the judge. It’s black-death metal with absurd genre touchstones, a few Tom G. […]
“Watch You Fold” is the latest single from UK technical death metal practitioners INGESTED. The track features guest vocals from John Gallagher of Dying Fetus and comes by way of the band’s Denigration full-length, set for release on May 8th via Metal Blade Records. For nearly two decades, Manchester’s INGESTED has stood as one of the UK’s most uncompromising forces in extreme […]
UK Heavy Metal band Cage Fight recently unleashed their new single Pick Your Fighter, featuring Julien Truchan of Benighted, ahead of their album launch show at Blondieâs on 1 May 2026. The band’s second album, Exuvia, is released via Spinefarm.
Fronted by Rachel Aspe, the track delivers a punch of groove-driven aggression paired with a playful, nostalgic edge. Inspired by classic 8-bit beat ’em up video games, the accompanying video captures the spirit of combat and determination that fuels the song.
“We wanted to write a fun, sing-along party song with themes of determination and fighting spirit,” Rachel Aspe said, “and the result is Pick Your Fighter. I also wanted to pay tribute to a French artist who marked my teenage years, and my dad suggested NĂądiya, an R&B singer who is huge back home.
“Musical and lyrical motifs in Pick Your Fighter nod to NĂądiya’s hit Et C’est Parti, a motivational party song that was a huge hit. The crowning touch is some very heavy guest vocals from my French friend Julien Truchan of the band Benighted. And there are pig squeals, many pig squeals.”
The track is further elevated by the ferocious guest vocals of Julien Truchan, adding extra intensity to an already explosive release.
Cage Fight collaborated with Enemy Of Boredom Academy on the video, giving video game design students hands-on experience creating the visual concept. Drummer Nick Plews, who works with the academy, described the project as a special moment and praised the students’ achievements.
Exuvia promises to expand the band’s sonic scope while retaining their hardcore roots. Recorded by Sam Bloor and mixed by Jim Pinder, the album blends heavy grooves, layered atmospheres and raw emotional weight.
Lyrically, the album explores deeply personal themes including grief, anxiety and resilience. The title track connects to the idea of shedding an outer layer, symbolising healing and transformation.
Cage Fight – Exuvia – Out 1 May 2026 via Spinefarm
Pick Your Fighter follows on from the single Un Bon Souvenir. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds,” Rachel Aspe said. “This song is a reference to a previous experience in a band controlled by a toxic, manipulative person.
“It’s a reminder that bringing people down won’t elevate you. A challenging experience, but as he once said, it’s still a good memory, ça resteâŻunâŻbonâŻsouvenir.”
Cage Fight will celebrate the album’s release with a launch show at Blondies in London on 1 May, where fans can also sample a special Pick Your Fighter beer brewed for the occasion.
The band continue to build momentum with high-energy live shows, having previously toured with Sepultura and Napalm Death, and now hitting the road across the UK with Employed To Serve.
Cage Fight release Exuvia on 1 May 2026 via Spinefarm. Pre-orders are available from cagefight.lnk.to/exuvia.
Blondies, London205A Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 8EG
UK Heavy Metal band Cage Fight recently unleashed their new single Pick Your Fighter, featuring Julien Truchan of Benighted, ahead of their album launch show
Event Details
UK Heavy Metal band Cage Fight recently unleashed their new single Pick Your Fighter, featuring Julien Truchan of Benighted, ahead of their album launch show at Blondieâs on 1 May 2026. The band’s second album, Exuvia, is released via Spinefarm.
Exuvia promises to expand the band’s sonic scope while retaining their hardcore roots. Recorded by Sam Bloor and mixed by Jim Pinder, the album blends heavy grooves, layered atmospheres and raw emotional weight.
Cage Fight will celebrate the album’s release with a launch show at Blondies in London on 1 May, where fans can also sample a special Pick Your Fighter beer brewed for the occasion.
