Weekly Review Roundup: Monday 16th February 2026 – Friday 20th February 2026
From melancholic metal to savage death metal, to exciting modern metalcore, powerful alternative rock, highly experimental progressive rock, and so much more, we’ve reviewed some great releases this week, and here’s our weekly reminder of what was covered. All these releases are out now!
Atlas – Sunder (Odyssey Music)
Any time Atlas release new music is reason to celebrate as their unique combination of emotion, cinema, Northern atmosphere, and heaviness always delights. Yet, this third album feels different and a major component of that feeling is the refinement of all the elements that make Atlas special. They’ve really thought about every aspect of this album, and it has paid off.
Check out the full review here.
Worm Shepherd – Dawn of the Iconoclast (Unique Leader Records)
While the sound won’t feel wildly unfamiliar to anyone deep into the genre, the execution is consistently high and the EP lands with real impact.
Check out the full review here.
Bayonet Dismemberment – Skull Crushed by A Tank (Iron Fortress Records)
Well, isn’t this a delightful slice of savagery? Bayonet Dismemberment’s new EP comes with four tracks of unrelenting noise and heaviness drawn from the brutality of 21st century warfare and will surely leave those unaccustomed to this kind of extreme metal with a bit of shell shock.
Check out the full review here.
Foreword – Exposition (Seek & Strike)
Showcasing a sharp intensity that comes blended with layers of synth, melody, and atmosphere. Putting it simply, it’s metalcore that has beastly qualities, but it’s also metalcore with purpose and focus.
Check out the full review here.
Consolers – Deep Breaths (Self Released)
A creative listen with tons of interesting elements, driven by powerful vocals that come with heartfelt depth, Deep Breaths proves to be an apt title. All because you’ll have to take some as you might find you end up holding yours several times throughout.
Check out the full review here.
Necronomicon Ex Mortis – Zombie Blood Nightmare (Self Released)
Necronomicon Ex Mortis deliver a delightfully garish, grim, and gory showcase of raw horror infused death metal. Featuring six tracks that will leave you with nightmares.
Check out the full review here.
St. Barbe. – Shoal (Bridge the Gap)
Funky, groovy, fun, weird, and very addictive. All of that sums up St. Barbe’s new EP. Few bands are capable of being this inventive, while also being this nonsensical.
Check out the full review here.
