Los Angeles thrash/death metal duo Whipworm return with their fifth full-length album, “Death Beyond,” a conceptual journey that pushes the band’s signature blend of aggression, intensity and storytelling even further. “Death Beyond” 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; I’m of the opinion that their first five records are as good a run as any death metal band has ever put out. Ever. But they’ve 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 it’s partly complimentary: Descent is a predictably very strong death metal record, as you’d 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 – Descent is album number 12 – 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 isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Immolation is painting with some of the raddest numbers in death metal, but you’ve 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 metal’s 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 they’ve succeeded. Descent is certainly more direct (and 10 minutes shorter) than its predecessor, and certain songs emphasize brutality over just about everything else. “Adversary” isn’t even three and a half minutes long, and spends its entirety pummeling the listener, right down to its dominant finish; “Bend Towards the Dark,” 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 “Host” is among the most restrained songs on the record, layering melodic lines with blasts and featuring a particularly great Vigna solo (also, that’s 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, it’s 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 it’s more a collection of songs than a cohesive album. Unfortunately, Steve Shalaty’s 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 can’t 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 Immolation’s stratospheric pedigree as one of death metal’s 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 you’re 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 Blondie’s 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 Nâdiya, an R&B singer who is huge back home.
“Musical and lyrical motifs in Pick Your Fighter nod to Nâdiya’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 reste un bon souvenir.”
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 Blondie’s 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.
Today, ancient blackened death metallers Archaic Oath reveal the new track “Wrath of the Witches.” The track is the third to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Determined to Death and Beyond, set for international release on April 24th via AOP Records. Hear Archaic Oath‘s “Wrath of the Witches” in its entirety HERE at AOP Records‘ official YouTube channel. From a fleeting communion in 2005, Lykormas […]
Corrosion Of Conformity – Good God/Baad Man (Nuclear Blast)
Corrosion of Conformity is a band who has been with me for a majority of my music listening life. First, with the skate kids I hung with in high school blasting the first record alongside our Misfits tapes. Then, seeing the video for Vote With A Bullet on Headbanger’s Ball, which immediately required a drive to The Wiz with the hopes they had Blind (they did) and me proceeding to wear out the tape.
To the bluesy, stoner, amazing records like Deliverance and Wiseblood. Pepper leaving, Pepper back, so many riffs, and always just being fucking cool, COC has ruled for decades.
Here we are with the new COC record. Good God / Baad Man. I may be biased, but the fourteen tracks on this record may go down as one of the greatest COC records. It is that good. Seriously.
Why? First off, this is the sound of a band having fun on what they know is their last record as COC. Pepper and Woody are in top form and are seeing eye to eye as they work to put an exclamation mark on what is a band people love.
The album is split into two sides based on the title, with the Good God side starting with the absolute ripper Good God?/Final Dawn which could not be a more fitting opener for this record.
Stanton Moore plays drums on the album, and his contribution is felt right away on the first track. I can’t mention COC and drums without mentioning Reed Mullin, who was what COC is about through and through and it is impossible to not feel his presence on this record.
I love how they left all of the studio interaction on this track too, just giving it this raw, one take, live in the studio feel. It leads to You And Me, which is trademarked COC in such a raw form. Another reason why I love this record is how it sounds. It’s like four dudes playing amazing, heavy ass rock with zero pretence.
Woody’s solo on this track rips, and I love how the middle part just slams the brakes until the shotgun is loaded and the shit hits the fan. So awesome.
Gimme Some Moore is next, and whoa boy does it rip, leaning way more to the punk side of the band in the most wonderful way while also channeling Motorhead. Glorious. Oh, and when Pepper screams “Woody!” before his solo. Man oh man is this awesome.
The Handler is for those of you whose favorite COC record is Wiseblood, and would hang with any of the tracks from that amazing album. Another reason why I love this record; it is all over the COC map in the best possible ways.
Instrumental psych-leaning Bedouin’s Hand leads to the last track on the Good God side, Run for Your Life. This is a nine minute epic that is part Zeppelin, part Sabbath and all classic COC.
The Baad Man starts with this side’s title track, with some movie clips and whoos from Pepper that leads to COC going all ZZ Top on our assess. This is not the first time I am going to say this on side B.
Catchy as hell and super fun, Baad Man is killer stuff that also reminds me of a way more positive version of Monster Magnet’s Bummer.
Lose Yourself sounds exactly like that is what they are doing as they rip it up for four minutes. Instrumental interlude Mandra Sonos leads to another ripper, Asleep On The Killing Floor, that is the aggressive, vintage COC that people love and has a killer instrumental breakdown and harkens back to some of their punk roots too.
Remember how I mentioned ZZ Top? Handcuff County. So great. That wasn’t enough for you? Then how about Swallowing The Anchor? The stoner version of War’s Low Rider. Amazing one-two punch, showing the band’s bluesy side and how that trio from Texas inspired COC, even if it is not always evident.
Brickman fits perfectly next. An acoustic driven folky track that continues to show the range of this band now and throughout the years. Closing with Forever Amplified is so perfect. Reminding me of how Faith No More closed out King For A Day with Just A Man, this one is the coda on an incredible journey.
The track is a gigantic celebration, with a gospel-like big voice added to the mix, leaving us with a huge statement, and the best way to say goodbye to this record, as the heartbeat flatlines…
Good God / Baad Man rules. 66:46? Sure, but I will take every second of it, as a band many of us have loved for a long time delivered one of their best so late in their career. Thank you for everything Corrosion Of Conformity. 10/10
Thirty years after its initial emergence from the Polish underground, Sacrilegium’s seminal debut, “Wicher”, is set for a reissue via Pagan Records. Originally released in 1996, “Wicher” is one of the most influential and atmospheric works of Polish black metal, a record that captured the freezing, pagan spirit of the era with a raw, melodic grandeur that […]
Norwegian Black Metal force Mork return with their new album Monolitt, set for release on 19 June via Peaceville. Founded by Thomas Eriksen, the project continues its relentless rise with a record that promises to set a new benchmark in modern Black Metal.
The first single Ødelagt is now available, delivering a dark, oppressive and intensely heavy atmosphere. Built on slow, crushing riffs and bleak introspection, the track explores themes of self-destruction and disillusionment, capturing the cold spirit of Norwegian Black Metal.
“A stark monument to the unrelenting brutality of reality, the monolith looms above us, immovable, indifferent, eternal,” Eriksen says. “Its crushing presence bears down on the spirit, suffocating hope and testing the limits of endurance. It is an experience carved in stone, unyielding.”
Mork – Monolitt will be released on Peaceville on 19 June 2026
Monolitt features contributions from Asgeir Mickelson and Oyvind Kaslegard, with production handled by notable names across the Metal scene. Mork will support the release with an extensive European tour, further cementing their position within the global Metal landscape.
Monolitt will be released on Peaceville on 19 June 2026 on limited marble vinyl LP, black vinyl LP, CD and digitally. Pre-orders are available from mork.lnk.to/MONOLITT.
Mork On Tour
Spain Tour With Bewitched
01.10.2026 – Sala Groove, Portugalete, Spain 02.10.2026 – Sala Lennon’s, Barcelona, Spain 03.10.2026 – Sala Zulu, Valencia, Spain 04.10.2026 – Sala Silikona, Madrid, Spain
Mork Headline European Tour
Special guest Soulburn
09.10.2026 – Iduna, Drachten, Netherlands 10.10.2026 – Hafenklang, Hamburg, Germany 11.10.2026 – From Hell, Erfurt, Germany 12.10.2026 – Live Club, Bamberg, Germany 13.10.2026 – Barak Club, Ostrava, Czech Republic 14.10.2026 – MTS Records, Oldenburg, Germany 15.10.2026 – Trompete, Bochum, Germany 16.10.2026 – Garage Rock Fest, Ronse, Belgium 17.10.2026 – UG Remains, Göttingen, Germany 18.10.2026 – MK Bar, Luxembourg 19.10.2026 – Valhalla Bar, Basel, Switzerland 20.10.2026 – Slaughter Club, Milano, Italy 21.10.2026 – Rockhouse Bar, Salzburg, Austria 22.10.2026 – Mostavna, Nova Gorica, Slovenia 23.10.2026 – VAZ, Burglengenfeld, Germany 24.10.2026 – Rock n Eat, Lyon, France 25.10.2026 – Samhain Fest, Maastricht, Netherlands
