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Spring was in full swing for a while there, but now I have the heat back on and I’m bringing my plants indoors every other night. I sure wish I had some sick name-your-price releases that could save me some money AND help me work through my ineffectual annoyance with the weather…

As luck would have it, that’s exactly what we have in store for this edition of Cheap Thrills. These albums won’t solve your first-world problems, but you’ll probably feel better about yourself after supporting underground metal! 

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Moon Wisdom – Let Water Flow (January 16, 2026)

There’s plenty of heavy metal influence on this hard-riffing debut from Italian black metal trio Moon Wisdom, making it a surprisingly fun and diverse listen. “As Rain” leads the charge with a series of galloping melodies that plunge into the fray with swords held aloft. I usually don’t like my black metal to be particularly clean and/or catchy, but I found it hard to argue with that earworm main riff and how the band keeps finding new ways to recontextualize it throughout the track. Then we have the album’s centerpiece: the mid-paced blackened ballad “Frozen Soul” (not to be confused with Texan death metal band of the same name), which draws equally from the epic Hellenic sound of the 90s and the misty neofolk textures that ruled the Cascades in the 00’s. Among the releases in this month’s column, Let Water Flow is probably the furthest outside my wheelhouse, but maybe it’s a sign that I should try to have more fun with my black metal. 

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Hostile – Anhédonie à perte de vue (January 20, 2026)

Stop me if you’ve heard me say this before, but there’s a new one-man project worth following! Hostile’s debut LP is a misanthropic, blackened maelstrom that really means business. Hell, the very first track on this thing clocks in at 13:37, and while this relentless opener won’t make you any better at Counterstrike 1.6, it may flay the skin right off your bones–and that’ll probably make your hands that much lighter and more aerodynamic, right? One of my favorite tracks, “Knives of the Night,” dials back the tempo and cranks up the gain on damn near every instrument to create a crackling haze laced with haunting guitar melodies and indecipherable chants. Mr. Hostile, AKA Sommeil, really has something special going on with this project.

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Powerplant – Bridge of Sacrifice (March 13, 2026) 

Wouldn’t you know it—this is also the work of a solo musician. But what sets Bridge of Sacrifice apart from the rest of the releases in this month’s column is that it’s absolutely baffling. Theo Zhykharyev initially conceived Powerplant as a synth-punk band, and while this release is very much built upon that punky foundation, Bridge of Sacrifice also sees Zhykharyev experimenting with black metal in a serious way. Well, maybe serious is the wrong word, as there is definitely an endearing campiness to the whole package, similar to what you might find on an unrelated label whose name is synonymous with “muck rock.” But it’s that cheese-factor that keeps me coming back to tracks like “Bad Moon Motel,” which opens with languid, warbly singing shadowed by drunken slide guitar and vampiric rasps that hint at the coming darkness. Halfway through, you’re suddenly teleported from the counter of a dingy lobby bar to a Castlevania level, complete with flying Gorgon heads and fire-breathing dragon statues. The paintings on the wall are trying to kill you and these tiny hunchbacks are leaping about maddeningly. Then, before you know it, you’re back to nursing your drink, blinking in the dim light of the bar, unsure if that was all a dream. 

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Slave Agent – Silent Universe (March 22, 2024) 

I swear this one isn’t from a solo musician, but our story starts with one. Hear me out!

The other day, I was sitting around and idly thinking to myself, “What happened to Autonoesis: that one-man tech-y blackened thrash band from a few years back?” I got to Googling, and it turned out that Tyler Lidstone, the lone member of Autonoesis, had since joined up with a merry band of fellow sci-fi thrashers to form Slave Agent. Silent Universe is their second album, and despite the relentless tempos and wanton shredding that drive each track into hyperspace, there is an impressive amount of melody—enough to catch your ear just before you are atomized in the event horizon. 

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Potion – Split w/ Failure Addict (October 20, 2023)

Speaking of projects that I forgot about, why did no one tell me that Potion released new material—a few years ago? Damn it, I’m even later to this one! 

Anyway, this is as good an excuse as any to introduce you to Potion. The California trio plays some of the most insane grindcore you’re likely to hear on this plane of reality. The combination of agonized howls, knifelike atonality, and firecracker percussion is utterly nonsensical and, to be honest, somewhat headache-inducing, but it makes for such a unique auditory experience that I can’t help but respect it. The folks in Failure Addict ain’t chumps either—over on side B, their note avalanches are slightly less manic but still unhinged and ear-splitting in the best (worst) ways. Blast from your car stereo or backyard Bluetooth speaker and you are guaranteed to ruin someone’s day. 

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It’s been a little while since we’ve heard from Hey, ily. The off-kilter emo-pop project of Montana-bred, Twin Cities-based Caleb Haynes released their sophomore album Hey, I Loathe You! back in 2024, and today they’ve returned with a new pair of singles. “Ugly On The Inside (& Out)” is probably the biggest-sounding song we’ve heard…

The post Hey, ily – “Ugly On The Inside (& Out)” & “anendlesslistofnamesburnedintomyphonescreen” appeared first on Stereogum.

– April 30th, 2026 –

New Video/Single Now Playing + Pre-Orders Available

Photo by Florian Lübke

Watch/stream ENDSEEKER’s “Enemies Of Peace” HERE

After twelve years of seeking, German death metal hellraisers ENDSEEKER have finally found the end. The fiery Coffin Born EP, set for release on June 19th via Metal Blade Records, will mark the final chapter as a band.

“We’ve accomplished more than we have ever imagined in our wildest dreams,” reflects the band, in a celebratory mood. “We played with fantastic bands, played super-cool festivals, and released four albums and two EPs of which we are extremely proud. We were blessed with great and loyal fans and managed to stay a consistent lineup throughout our whole career. But after grinding for more than a decade and dedicating so much time and energy to this band, we feel like it’s time to move on to other projects. We wanted to end this band like we started – as very good friends. We started with an EP and we end it with an EP. It just feels right to do this now, while we still have the power to deliver a great farewell performance as well in the studio as on stage.”

Since their 2015 debut EP Corrosive Revelation, each release has hoisted the Hamburg quintet further up the death metal mountain, with Mount Carcass (2021) and Global Worming (2023) receiving widespread acclaim. Their soft spot for novelty cheese recurs on Coffin Born in a glorious David Hasselhoff cover, “True Survivor.”

In advance of the record’s release, today ENDSEEKER presents the EP’s opening track and first single, “Enemies Of Peace.” The band comments, “This is a straight banger with some hardcore and crust vibes. This song grooves like hell and has a very raw and kinda punk attitude. Not only the anti-fascist lyrics, but also musically. It’s very powerful by any means with a strong and bold message.“

Watch ENDSEEKER‘s “Enemies Of Peace” video HERE.

Produced by the band with drums engineered by Eike Freese, Coffin Born stands as ENDSEEKER‘s swan song, shaped by the intense bond of a lineup that remained together throughout their whole career.

Coffin Born will be released on digipak CD (w/ 12-page booklet) and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

180g Black (EU)
Silver Black Merged (EU/US – Ltd.250)
“Royalty Metallic” Vintage Gold Marble (EU – Ltd. 250)

Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/endseeker

Coffin Born Track Listing:
01. Enemies of Peace
02. No After. No Before.
03. Coffin Born
04. Life Breeds Death
05. True Survivor (David Hasselhoff Cover)

ENDSEEKER Live:
07/10/2026 M.U.R. Open Air – Königsee, DE
07/11/2026 Pure Fucking Metal FestEvil – Laberweinting, DE
07/24/2026 Burning Q – Osterholz-Scharmbeck, DE
11/06/2026 Club From Hell – Erfurt, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine
11/07/2026 Live Music Hall – Weiher, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine
11/13/2026 Helvetic – Oberhausen, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine
11/14/2026 Urban Spree – Berlin, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine
11/27/2026 LA Cham – Cham, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine
11/28/2026 Backstage – München, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine
12/12/2026 Knust – Hamburg, DE w/ Stillbirth, Slaughterday

ENDSEEKER:
Lenny Osterhus – vocals
Ben Liepelt – guitar
Jury Kowalczyk – guitar
Torsten Eggert – bass
André Kummer – drums

https://www.instagram.com/endseeker_official
https://www.facebook.com/endseekermusic
https://endseeker.bandcamp.com/music

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Terminator death metal is a surprisingly sparse field. There are tenfold more Warhammer 40,000-themed bands than there are those who tackle the dystopian Skynet-controlled future. D.C.’s Immortal Form take a more inspired approach and embody an unflinching killing machine on their latest EP, Exterminatus Extremis, which we’re premiering today before it releases this Friday. Listen to it below and try not to get caught in the trash compactor.

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Pragmatism and apathy play a large role on Exterminatus Extremis, musically speaking. Immortal Form cultivate their stiff upper lip and aren’t concerned with the toll it takes on human life. It’s as if the intoxicating bassline on “The Abjuration of Human Existence” is the byproduct of cogs turning in a contraption, though it’s evident throughout Exterminatus Extremis. The guitar pedals are partially responsible, posessing an HM-2-like sharpness. The other piece of the equation is Immortal Form’s dour disposition, the cold and calculated manner in which they perform, acting as if the snapping of human shinbones is rote and rudimentary for them.

Vocalist Nate Falger countersbalances that with a cruel performance. He stands out in contrast to the modest (by death metal standards) instrumentation, never chewing scenery but clearly welcoming the spotlight, evident on “Butchered by Machines.” While the rest of Immortal Form are strict, Falger delights in the gore. He injects color into the silver and grey of Exterminatus Extremis, spicing up the already-impressive EP by putting a face to the murder machine. Not that it makes the punisher any more human.

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Exterminatus Extremis releases May 1.

Southern roots-rock alumni Warren Haynes has revealed a sweepingly majestic version of the Gov’t Mule favourite, ‘Banks Of The Deep End‘. The song is released on Provogue/Artone, and you can listen to it here. The track is taken from his upcoming new live album ‘Dreams & Songs‘, with more information on the release to follow. It […]

The post Warren Haynes Reveals ‘Banks Of The Deep End (live),’ With 64-piece Asheville Symphony Orchestra appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.

The hugely popular UK dance DJ and producer Fred again.. has a very, very long video up on his YouTube right now. That clip has the title “USB002 EVERY SHOW,” and it runs for 108 hours, or about four and a half days. It’s a live recording of every DJ set that Fred again.. played between Oct. 3, 2025, and Feb. 27 of this year. In that time, he played a ton of sets with other big names around the world. The Elijah-designed art for the video features the names of all the other acts on those bills.

The post Fred again.. Says He’s Uploaded The Longest YouTube Video Ever — But Did He? appeared first on Stereogum.

The post DETACH THE ISLANDS: Metal Injection Premieres Concrete Jungle EP By Brooklyn Mathcore/Hardcore Band Which Includes Poison The Well And Death Grips Covers; Record Out This Friday May 1st appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

Heavy horror punk icon Wednesday 13 is officially bringing the “Shocktober Blood” tour to the United States this fall, embarking on a grueling 31-date trek that spans the entire month of October. The Murderdolls frontman will hit the road starting September 23, joined by support acts Dead On A Sunday and Above Snakes, marking a major return to the stage following the massive success of his tenth studio effort.

TL;DR:

Wednesday 13 has unveiled the “Shocktober Blood” Fall 2026 U.S. tour, a 31-city run kicking off in late September. Tickets for the horror-punk extravaganza go on sale Friday, May 1, at 10 a.m. local time, as the icon continues to support his critically acclaimed 2025 release, Mid Death Crisis.

Wednesday 13 Unleashes 31-Date Horror Punk Invasion

The Duke of Spook is back. Wednesday 13 has solidified his 2026 plans with the announcement of the “Shocktober Blood” tour, a meticulously timed run designed to dominate the Halloween season. Kicking off at The Ritz in San Jose, California on September 23, the tour snakes through the Pacific Northwest and the Mountain West before descending into a heavy run of Southern and East Coast dates.

This tour represents a significant victory lap for the artist, who spent the last few years revisiting the legacy of Murderdolls. That nostalgic energy has clearly translated into his solo output, and fans can expect a setlist that balances his storied past with the high-octane energy of his latest material. Dead On A Sunday and Above Snakes will provide direct support on most dates, ensuring a night of diverse, high-energy rock and roll.

Mid Death Crisis: A Return to Hard Rock Roots

The “Shocktober Blood” trek serves as the primary touring vehicle for Wednesday 13’s latest full-length album, Mid Death Crisis, which arrived in April 2025 via Napalm Records. The album was a pivot point for the frontman, who intentionally moved away from the more metal-centric sounds of his recent past to embrace a punk, glam, and hard rock aesthetic.

We Also Recommend – The Duke of Spook Speaks: WEDNESDAY 13’s Top 3 Halloween Horror Movies Revealed in Exclusive Video

The Influence of Murderdolls on New Music

In a deep-dive discussion regarding the creative process, Wednesday 13 admitted that touring with Murderdolls material in 2023 and 2024 heavily influenced the DNA of his tenth album. By revisiting the “punk-glam” sensibilities of his early career, he crafted a record that feels more in league with his first three solo outings than the heavier industrial-metal leanings of his middle era. The album also marked a 20-year milestone, arriving exactly two decades after his solo debut, adding a layer of historical weight to the current tour cycle.

Production Pedigree and Guest Appearances

Mid Death Crisis wasn’t just a solo effort; it was a collaborative rager produced by Alex Kane and mixed by the legendary Steve Evetts. This production duo managed to capture the “leave-your-brain-at-the-door” campy energy that Wednesday 13 is famous for, while maintaining a modern, punchy sonic floor.

Collaborative Energy and Featured Tracks

One of the most talked-about moments on the new record is the appearance of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe, who lends his signature grit to the track “No Apologies.” This song has quickly become a standout in the setlist, embodying the 1980s sleaze metal vibe that permeates the record. From the industrial-tinged “Decease And Desist” to the theatrical “Decapitation”—which plays like a sinister 1960s sock hop anthem—the variety of tracks ensures the 2026 tour will be a visual and sonic spectacle.

Check This Out – WEDNESDAY 13 Unleashes ‘No Apologies’ With Sleaze Rock Icon TAIME DOWNE

Loaded Radio’s Final Take on the Shocktober Return

There is something inherently right about Wednesday 13 owning the month of October. While many artists try to lean into the “spooky” aesthetic, he lives it with a level of authenticity and camp that few can replicate. This 2026 tour feels like a full-circle moment; by leaning back into his rock and roll roots and shedding the self-seriousness of pure heavy metal, he has found a second wind that is both infectious and undeniably fun.

The pairing with Dead On A Sunday and Above Snakes is a smart move, bridging the gap between legacy horror punk fans and a newer generation of alternative listeners. If you’re looking for a tour that captures the true spirit of “Shocktober,” this 31-date run is the definitive choice for the 2026 season. Tickets are expected to move fast when they drop this Friday, especially for the coveted Halloween night show at The Federal Theater in Denver.

Get your tickets here.

Tour dates:

Sep. 23 – San Jose, CA – The Ritz (no Dead On A Sunday)
Sep. 25 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Sep. 26 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
Sep. 27 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social
Sep. 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
Sep. 30 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar (no Dead On A Sunday)
Oct. 01 – Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues (Parish)
Oct. 02 – Pomona, CA – Glass House
Oct. 03 – Fresno, CA – Sanctuary
Oct. 04 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom (no Dead On A Sunday)
Oct. 05 – Mesa, AZ – Rosetta Room (no Dead On A Sunday)
Oct. 06 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
Oct. 08 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theater
Oct. 09 – McHenry, IL – The Vixen (no Dead On A Sunday)
Oct. 10 – Flint, MI – Machine Shop (no Dead On A Sunday)
Oct. 11 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge (no Dead On A Sunday)
Oct. 13 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom
Oct. 14 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall
Oct. 15 – Harrisburg, PA – Capitol City Music Hall
Oct. 16 – Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance
Oct. 17 – Bensalem, PA – Broken Goblet
Oct. 18 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
Oct. 20 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho
Oct. 22 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel Of Bones
Oct. 23 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club
Oct. 24 – Columbus, OH – The Kings Of Clubs
Oct. 26 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
Oct. 27 – Sauget, IL – Pops
Oct. 28 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
Oct. 30 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep
Oct. 31 – Denver, CO – The Federal Theater (no Dead On A Sunday)

The post SHOCKTOBER BLOOD: Wednesday 13 Announces Massive Fall 2026 U.S. Tour Dates appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Def Leppard, one of Britain’s greatest arena rock band, release two new editions of ‘Greatest Hits‘… an album of the band’s biggest songs from their illustrious career. The newly mastered set is being made available on 1LP, and across 2 formats: Standard black vinyl and special edition blood red marbled vinyl featuring exclusive 2026 tour […]

The post Def Leppard Announce ‘Greatest Hits’ Out On 12th June 2026 appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.