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It is a massive Friday for heavy music. Today, May 15, 2026, marks a rare alignment where thrash legends, modern metalcore giants, and brand-new supergroups have all decided to drop career-defining tracks at once.
From the long-awaited return of Anthrax to the debut of Alissa White-Gluz’s new powerhouse project, we’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the six essential songs that define the current state of metal. Whether you’re looking for technical prog mastery or raw, cinematic aggression, this week’s “Nuggs” deliver the goods.
1. Anthrax — “It’s For The Kids”
After a decade-long studio silence, the “Big Four” icons have finally returned. “It’s For The Kids” is the lead single from their upcoming album Cursum Perficio (due September 18 via Nuclear Blast/Megaforce). Guitarist Scott Ian describes the track as a throwback to the band’s first era—angry, fast, and featuring a massive chorus. Recorded at Dave Grohl’s Studio 666 with producer Jay Ruston, it’s a four-minute thrash clinic that proves Anthrax hasn’t lost a step in 10 years.
2. Beartooth — “Pure Ecstasy”
Caleb Shomo is officially in his “final boss” form. The title track from Beartooth’s newly announced sixth album (dropping August 28) is a collaborative monster featuring Misha Mansoor and Jordan Fish. “Pure Ecstasy” is the heaviest thing the band has done in years, trading the polished radio-rock of recent hits for “the dumbest, heaviest chugs” Shomo could find. It’s raw, vulnerable, and absolutely massive.
3. Five Finger Death Punch — “Eye of the Storm”
The “Battleship” has returned to Los Angeles to record their 10th studio album, and “Eye of the Storm” is our first taste. Zoltan Bathory promised a return to the grit of the band’s first two records, and this track delivers. It features a cinematic undertone that feels like a film score meeting a sledgehammer. With the band celebrating their 20th anniversary, this track proves they are still the undisputed heavyweights of modern arena metal.
4. Blue Medusa — “Flying Monkey”
If you haven’t heard of Blue Medusa yet, pay attention. This is the new project from former Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, and “Flying Monkey” is their sophomore single following the breakout success of “Checkmate.” It is a wickedly dark, layered, and emotionally charged piece of theatre. Alissa’s vocals are at their most “vicious yet vulnerable” here, establishing the trio as one of the most compelling new forces in modern heavy music.
5. Green Lung — “Evil In This House”
For the riff-worshippers, Green Lung has delivered the occult-rock anthem of the summer. “Evil In This House” is the lead single from their fourth studio album, Necropolitan (due September 11 via Nuclear Blast). It’s got that classic Hammer Horror aesthetic mixed with Sabbath-tier grooves. If you like your metal with a side of folk-horror and massive, fuzzy hooks, this is your new favorite song.
6. Periphery — “Heaven on High”
Culled from their brand-new album A Pale White Dot (released today via 3DOT Recordings), “Heaven on High” is a masterclass in progressive metal. This record marks the first time since 2015 that the band has strayed from their self-titled naming convention. “Heaven on High” shows off the band’s dynamic range—it’s technical, melodic, and serves as a centerpiece for what might be the band’s most ambitious record to date.
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FAQ: This Week In Metal (May 15, 2026)
When is the new Anthrax album coming out? The new Anthrax album, Cursum Perficio, is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, marking their first full-length effort in over a decade.
What is the new Alissa White-Gluz band? Alissa White-Gluz has formed a new trio called Blue Medusa. Their second single, “Flying Monkey,” was released today, May 15, 2026.
Who is the guest on the new Beartooth album? While the album features collaborations with Jordan Fish and Misha Mansoor, “Pure Ecstasy” is the title track of the 11-song album arriving August 28.
Is there a new Periphery album today? Yes. Periphery released their eighth studio album, A Pale White Dot, today via their own label, 3DOT Recordings.
STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of today’s stories on the Loaded Radio Daily Podcast with Scott Penfold, or crank the hard rock and metal 24/7 on our live digital stream at LoadedRadio.com.
TL;DR:
This week’s essential metal releases include the return of Anthrax, a heavy new era for Beartooth, and the debut of Alissa White-Gluz’s Blue Medusa.
Which of these six tracks is going into your permanent rotation, or did the Anthrax comeback just overshadow everyone else? Let us know in the comments.
The post This Week In Metal: New Anthrax, Beartooth, and 5FDP Lead 6 Essential Tracks appeared first on Loaded Radio.
