Upcoming Metal Releases

Upcoming Metal Releases: 8/16/20—8/22/20


Here are the new (and recent) metal releases for the week of August 16th to August 22nd, 2020. 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.

Send us your promos (streaming links preferred) to: [email protected]. Do not send us promo material via social media.


Surprise Releases + Things We Missed


MesarthimPlanet Nine EP | Black Metal | Australia

Another week, another new Mesarthim album! Once again finding themselves in more aggressive territory, this Australian duo’s void worship offers a bit of light in the overwhelming darkness of space.

–Jon Rosenthal


Upcoming Releases


Silver KnifeUnyielding / Unseeing | Amor Fati Productions | Black Metal | Belgium

From Jon’s premiere of Unyielding / Unseeing:

Though the music is atmospheric, which can in most cases be a dilution in sound, Silver Knife remains sharp and hostile. The vocals are piercing, the guitars are cutting, the bass rumbling, the drums bombastic — it’s all there, and in a way which is atypical for “atmospheric black metal.” This international four-piece’s take on black metal is invigorating, for not only is the performance solid and the songwriting on a higher tier, but the music itself is memorable. There are many melodies which are proper “earworms,” and riffs which make the listener want more of it. Given its pedigree, it isn’t surprising that Silver Knife’s album is good, but to be this good involves a greater sense of purpose and intent.

Tӧxik DeathSepulchral Demons | High Roller Records | Thrash | Norway

Ripping its way out of the bowels of 1980s speed and thrash metal, Tӧxik Death haunts the present like a bloodied spectre of heavy metal’s past. Furious tupa-tupa beats and gratuitously reverbed tom drums accompany riffs as furious as the winged monstrosities on the cover art.

— Ted Nubel

AtramentusStygian | 20 Buck Spin | Doom | Canada

A masterclass in funeral doom. Somber and crushing, Atramentus’s debut album will likely be the finest funeral doom album released this year. Check back tomorrow for a full review, interview, and album premiere.

— Jon Rosenthal

ExpanderNeuropunk Boostergang | Profound Lore | Punk + Thrash | United States (Texas)

Get melty and Cronenberg-y with the finest in sci-fi crossover thrash this side of the multiverse. Much like the neon chrome of Neuropunk Boostergang‘s album cover, Expander’s interdimensional rippage spares no living creature.

— Jon Rosenthal

Vicious RumorsCelebration Decay | Steamhammer | Heavy/Power Metal | United States (California)

Over 40 years and 13 studio albums — an impressive track record, and Vicious Rumors, despite not quite attaining absolute stardom, has proved to be a longstanding institution for American heavy metal. Celebration Decay, while it’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, is a solid effort with a mid-tempo thrashy feel to it.

— Ted Nubel

Ars Magna UmbraeApotheosis | I, Voidhanger Records | Black Metal | Poland

There is something oddly comforting about this album; though there are twists and turns which make Ars Magna Umbrae more than just your average black metal band, there are melodicisms found within which just feel… familiar. Not in a plagiaristic way or anything like that, but rather melodies which feel inherent to the human soul. I know this album somehow, even with only listening to it once or twice.

— Jon Rosenthal


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