Weekly Review Roundup: Monday 26th January 2026 – Friday 30th January 2026
From blackened death metal, to groove and heavy metal, blackgaze, and progressive metal, to alternative rock, and even Harajuku-Core, we’ve reviewed some great releases this week, and here’s our reminder of what has been covered.
Kanonenfieber – Soldatenschicksale (Century Media)
Kanonenfieber are clearly a hugely talented outfit, and Soldatenschicksale showcases that perfectly. Whether in new songs, or older ones, it feels fresh and exciting. It’s consistently aggressive and intense, bordering on brutal at times, yet remains engaging throughout, delivering levels of catchiness it has no right to in music this heavy.
Check out the full review here.
Urne – Setting Fire to the Sky (Spinefarm Records)
They’ve evolved their sound without compromising who they are and found new creative directions to explore without isolating those who have been along for the ride since day one.
Check out the full review here.
HANABIE. – HOT TOPIC (Sony Music)
Dismiss HANABIE. at your peril, the Tokyo-based “Harajuku-Core” band is on fire, and this five-track EP is another strong entry in their catalogue. Although considering it has several previously released singles on it, that’s no surprise.
Check out the full review here.
MØL – DREAMCRUSH (Nuclear Blast Records)
It’s an album that gets better the more you hear it, the more you understand it, and the more open-minded you become. MØL are one of the most forward-thinking bands in the world and this album showcases, perfectly, just how creative they are.
Check out the full review here.
The Hirsch Effekt – Der Brauch (Long Branch Records)
You don’t have to love, or even like progressive metal to take something away from this album, such is the appealing expressive nature of what is on offer.
Check out the full review here.
Softcult – When a Flower Doesn’t Grow (Easy Life Records)
Beautifully morose, Softcult have expanded their musical palette across the record, but it is the refinement of their expressive ways that makes this album so special.
Check out the full review here.
Scared Little Toaster – Scared of the Manual (Self Released)
It is extremely creative and undeniably experimental. It’s not for everyone, but for every person who falls in love with what it offers, another will likely hate it.
Check out the full review here.
Sick Joy – More Forever (Self Released)
An album filled to the brim with alternative potency, punk-infused spirit, deep melodies, punchy garage rock vibes, and infectious choruses. Wrapped up in reflective lyrical themes that showcase the maturity within.
Check out the full review here.
