2026

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    Beyond the Black - Break the Silence (2026)

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    Continuing the rise in the Symphonic Metal/Rock scene, today we have Germany’s Beyond the Black with their sixth full-length release “Break the Silence”. Masterfully fronted by the charismatic and talented Jennifer Haben, this outfit moves one step closer to transitioning from traditional Symphonic Metal, to the more radio friendly and Within Temptation-esque Symphonic Rock/Alternative Metal territories. While this release is still pretty solid, the band’s shift is more evident than ever.

    Opening with the bombastic “Rising High”, the band sets a very dynamic and playful atmosphere that, at least for now, keeps things heavy thanks to powerful guitar riffs/leads and crafty drumming. Things get a bit more catchy and engaging with the dreamy “Break The Silence" showcasing the band’s heavier side. Things shift a bit into the Gothic Rock realm with “The Art of Being Alone”, a collaboration featuring Chris Harms of Lord of the Lost. This track is pretty engaging and explosive, but a slight shift is felt, especially coming after two very engaging opening tracks.

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    Iotunn - Waves over Copenhell (2026)

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    After blowing everybody away with their majestic 2024 release “Kinship”, Iotunn has been making the rounds playing their highly melancholic music to live audiences. Lucky for those of us that haven’t been close enough to catch them live, Metal Blade opens 2026 with the band’s “Waves over Copenhell” live album. Featuring five tracks and tons of energy, the band gives us a little glimpse of their live show.

    Opening with “Waves Below”, the band showcases fierce rawness and their signature emotive sound that oozes melancholy. Jón Aldará is a very talented vocalist and masterfully showcases his range as Jesper Gräs and Jens Nicolai Gräs guitars lead the way. The band’s live sound seems to be more organic and powerful, delivering tracks like “The Tower of Cosmic Nihility” and “Access All Worlds” with a vicious edge, while keeping things engaging and heavy.

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    Ellende - Zerfall (2026)

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    Starting 2026 with a bang, we have Ellende with their latest opus “Zerfall”. Featuring a distinctive and very fierce approach to Post-Black Metal, this Austrian one-man outfit delivers nine tracks and over 53-minutes of highly emotional and crushing music. Constantly improving and refining their sound since their breakthrough “Todbringer”, this release showcases poise and maturity while keeping their signature sound mostly intact.

    Opening with the mood setting “Nur”, the band quickly escalates their onslaughts with their fierce two part opener “Warheit”. In the first part we get the band at its finest with waves of crafty riffs alongside L.G’s punishing snarls and very crafty drumming. This nicely transitions into lush atmospheric passages and dramatic guitar leads as this blends into the second part. With both songs so well developed and connected, one only wonders why not have a very long song rather than two movements.

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