Weekly Review Roundup: Monday 23rd February 2026 – Friday 27th February 2026
From psychedelic post-metal to extreme sludge and death metal, to thrash metal, punk, speed, alternative 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!
Matador – Above, Below and So (Church Road Records)
Having evolved significantly since becoming a trio and putting out their sophomore album, ‘Surge’, Matador’s new album can be simply summed up as a triumph. Not just because it is so effortlessly extravagant, but because it is so delightfully unique. This isn’t just genre-bending, it’s genre-defying and the end result leaves such an impression.
Check it out here.
Mývalyĭr – The Past Tales (Self Released)
What really stands out is how engaging the album is from start to finish. Whether it’s the longer, evolving tracks that constantly change and surprise, or the more straightforward moments that just hit hard, there’s always something happening to pull you in and keep your attention. It’s creative, inspired, and genuinely exciting, and a very strong debut.
Check it out here.
Phoenix Lake – Seraphina: The Fall From Eden (Self Released)
Spectacular. Phoenix Lake have arrived and brought an epic with them. A fourteen-track epic that shows just how strong the band’s alternative metal sound is. The concept is interesting, and across the album’s runtime, Phoenix Lake showcase it in style. Really drawing the listener into the world and the experience of its character.
Check it out here.
Legionary – Never-Ending Quest for Purpose (Self Released)
It’s comfortable listening, firmly rooted in familiar melodic death/thrash territory. While it doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre, it adds clear quality and craft. The songwriting is strong, the structures flow naturally, and the pacing keeps the record engaging without ever feeling forced.
Check it out here.
Hamarr – Necrotic Rituals (Iron Fortress Records)
Across ten tracks, Hamarr smash faces. They also smash knees, feet, hands, and just about every other part of the body that has bones in it. This is death metal at its ripest, and while little will surprise here, it’s still thoroughly enjoyable extreme noise.
Check it out here.
Necrosexual – Road To Rubble (Black Metal Archives)
Road to Rubble is a very strong release, featuring nine head banging, gurn-inducing, tongue-in-cheek party-punk and metal anthems that will appeal to all the deviants of the world.
Check it out here.
Blunt Knife Castration – Blood & Oil (Self Released/Remorseless Records)
A really interesting and compelling listen. Blunt Knife Castration rises above the extreme moniker to be something everyone should take note of.
Check it out here.
