Upcoming Metal Releases

Upcoming Metal Releases: 5/29/2022-6/4/2022


Here are the new (and recent) metal releases for the week of May 29th, 2022 to June 4th, 2022. Releases reflect proposed North American scheduling, if available. Expect to see most of these albums on shelves or distros on Fridays.

See something we missed or have any thoughts? Let us know in the comments. Plus, as always, feel free to post your own shopping lists. Happy digging.

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Upcoming/New Releases

GwarThe New Dark Ages | Pit Records | ??? | United States (Richmond, VA)

From Kelley Simms’ interview:

On The New Dark Ages, GWAR have grown into more of a traditional metal band with some of its trademark punk and thrash metal elements present as well. They stretch out a little bit more musically on this album by introducing new elements to the band’s sound with almost poppy passages, keyboard segments and melodic vocal harmonies. However, the band’s usual tongue-in-cheek humor is as boisterous as ever.

Terminal Nation + KrueltyThe Ruination of Imperialism | 20 Buck Spin | Death Metal + Hardcore + Doom Metal | United States + Japan

A global effort in death metal/hardcore destruction, with Terminal Nation’s politically-minded annihilation finding a peer in Japan’s Kruelty.

–Ted Nubel

Artificial BrainArtificial Brain | Profound Lore Records | Technical + Progressive Death Metal | United States (Long Island, NY)

Artificial Brain twists and irradiates technical death metal into an abstract, malicious entity from another dimension on their self-titled third release — sinister and imposing to an insane degree, mostly due to the balance they find between whirling technical insanity and simply maintaining a malevolent presence.

–Ted Nubel

AstronoidRadiant Bloom | Century Media Records | Post-Metal + Post-Rock + Shoegaze | United States

Astronoid is about as close to musical helium as you can get – just completely airborne post-rock, alight in clouds of hypnotic fancy.

–Ted Nubel

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kLpxhH8ZnZHGLMMNUNqV21NMiumxrSr_8

Las CrucesCosmic Tears | Ripple Music | Doom Metal | United States (San Antonio, TX)

Sizzling with desert heat and Southern flair while firmly rooted in the traditional doom of the 1990s, Las Cruces absolutely nail it on Cosmic Tears–Jason Kane’s soulful vocals and the band’s artful heaviness are a powerful combination.

–Ted Nubel

Temple of VoidSummoning the Slayer | Relapse Records | Death + Doom Metal | United States (Detroit, MI)

From Kelley Simms’ review:

Summoning the Slayer is a fantastic display of doom metal influences with some surprising melodic elements that elevates the band’s talent and encapsulates the album’s mesmerizing traits.

RibspreaderCrypt World | Xtreem Music | Death Metal | Sweden + United States

Crypt World‘s riffs rip out of the grave with buzzsaw malice, and while Rogga Johannson has a shit-ton of projects, Ribspreader is still one of his most unmistakable offerings.

–Ted Nubel

LuridFire Spell | Vendetta Records | Black Metal | United States (Chicago, IL)

This Chicago black metal band band draws together members from thrash and death metal projects, refocusing their dark potential on a majestic blast of black metal. Triumphant riffs meet hellish vocals, lashed together into an onrushing, unrelenting wave of sound.

–Ted Nubel

WitchfinderEndless Garden | Mrs Red Sound | Stoner Rock + Doom Metal | France

It’s probably evident from the band name that Witchfinder isn’t really trying to do anything super new, but their druggy riffs and hazy vibes are in top shape here.

–Ted Nubel

Malignant AuraAbysmal Misfortune is Draped Upon Me | Bitter Loss Records | Death + Doom Metal | Australia

From Ted Nubel’s track premiere of “In a Timeless Place Beneath the Earth”:

When Malignant Aura’s new album Abysmal Misfortune is Draped Upon Me wants to get low and slow, it does, stretching its phantasmal shroud of mournful harmonies over listeners so slowly time almost seems to stand still. However, the Australian five-piece group also has a keen grasp on visceral death metal, deploying gutter-scraping riffs with sharp edges and malicious twists.

Moribund DawnDark Mysteries of Time & Eternity | Carbonized Records | Black Metal | United States (Phoenix, AZ)

Wait, this band is American? Also, this is new? Surely you must be kidding, because this sounds like Sweden in the mid 90s, down to the Christophe logo.

–Jon Rosenthal