Weekly Review Roundup: Monday 12th January 2026 – Friday 16th January 2026
From head-banging heavy and thrash metal to confrontational crossover metal, to groove metal, blackened deathcore, alternative rock, and d-beat punk-infused noise, we’ve reviewed some great releases this week, and here’s our reminder of what has been covered.
Kreator – Krushers of the World (Nuclear Blast Records)
Sixteen albums in and not just sounding stronger than ever but sounding more relevant than ever. Kreator needs no introduction (for most, I imagine), and on this new album, they show just why their name is synonymous with quality metal.
Check out the full review here.
My Ruin – Declaration of Resistance (Magick Room Recordings)
It’s not just the fact that new My Ruin music comes with such potency, it’s the fact it expertly combines metal, punk, hardcore, and more in a whirlwind of confrontational heaviness and groove, while also showing off evolved elements that plays to the duo’s strengths.
Check out the full review here.
Virtue In Vain – Nothing Is All I Am (Self Released)
Nothing Is All I Am is a tightly written, emotionally charged EP that wastes no time making its impact. Across five tracks, Virtue In Vain balance brutality, groove, and atmosphere with confidence, delivering songs that hit hard, stay focused, and linger long after they end.
Check out the full review here.
Ov Sulfur – Endless (Century Media Records)
What it shows is personality and authenticity, and across ten immense efforts, there’s a surprising emotive vein running through the music. There’s also some cinematic flair, dramatic melodies, blackened ferocity, and crushing breakdowns, because this is modern deathcore, none the less.
Check out the full review here.
Mother Vulture – Cartoon Violence (Self Released)
Fiery and full of high-powered anthemic rock energy, Mother Vulture’s new album kicks a ton of ass. Exciting, interesting, and filled with passion, it’s the sound of a band in a very creative place and unwilling to let any of that go to waste.
Check out the full review here.
Blanket – True Blue (Adventure Cat Records)
Is this Blanket at their most exposed and raw? It sure feels like it, but it also comes with effervescent dreaminess, deep melodies, vivid atmosphere, and a ton of polish.
Check out the full review here.
Anti-Sapien – At The Mercy Of The Merciless (Terminus Hate City)
As ugly, harsh, crusty, and heavy as ever, Anti-Sapien are back with a six-track, twenty-two-minute blast of sweat-drenched, knuckle-dragging noise.
Check out the full review here.
HyperioN – Cybergenesis (Fighter Records)
Cybergenesis is a confident and engaging release that shows HyperioN firing on most cylinders. Rooted firmly in traditional heavy metal, the album keeps things fresh through smart shifts in pace, tone, and structure, while the sci-fi concept gives everything a strong sense of purpose.
Check out the full review here.
