Weekly Review Roundup: Monday 9th February 2026 – Friday 13th February 2026
From massive alt rock sounds to uncompromising death metal, to horror-laden heavy metal, chaotic nu-hardcore, elaborate progressive metal, 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!
TX2 – End of Us (Hopeless Records)
An unstoppable force in the alternative rock scene, TX2 is on world dominating form and all because the music he creates appeals to all. Poppy enough to appeal to the mainstream, filled with passionate power that will appeal to those who like their music to have feeling, heavy enough to make a head banger nod in approval, and so infectious that all sides will find themselves singing and dancing along.
Check out the full review here.
Extrinsic – Withered Soul (Self Released)
Withered Soul is a clever, tightly constructed debut that flows seamlessly from start to finish. It’s relentless and uncompromising in its heaviness, which may turn off casual listeners, but anyone drawn to darkness, dissonance, and old-school death metal will find plenty to admire. Extrinsic have crafted a debut that is both intelligent and punishing, marking them out as a band worth watching.
Check out the full review here.
Lesbian Bed Death – Satan’s Cellar (Psychophonic Records)
From the fact that it is the soundtrack to a horror film created by Dan, to the fact that it’s a brand-new Lesbian Bed Death album, there are a ton of reasons to be excited about Satan’s Cellar. While I’ll have to wait to cast judgement on the film (can’t wait to see it), what I can talk about is this banging new album that lives up to the Lesbian Bed Death promise of sinful, sleazy, heavy, horror-laden metal and then some.
Check out the full review here.
Death of Youth – Nothing Is The Same Anymore (Various Labels)
Post-hardcore/melodic hardcore blending modern virility with old-school intensity (particularly from a vocal perspective) and adding in dashes of emo to give the whole thing the feel of being on the verge of tears. It’s a sharp, but fluid combination that allows Death of Youth to really explore a wide range of sounds with one important guarantee for the listener and that is the guarantee that you will feel something.
Check out the full review here.
Convey – A Place In Hell For Us Both (Self Released)
A release that captures the manic energy of their live show, the fiery intensity of their nu-tainted hardcore sound, and the evolving nature of them as individuals and as a unit. This is an excellent showcase of who the band is and what they are capable of.
Check out the full review here.
Fossilization – Advent Of Wounds (Everlasting Spew Records)
A hammering assault of brutality wrapped up in a cocoon of dark nihilism, Fossilization are the masters of ugly, vitriolic noise and this new album perfectly encapsulates the intensity of their sound and style. Featuring seven horror-laden tomes of frenzied blackened death and doom, what we have here is a very early contender for the heaviest album of 2026.
Check out the full review here.
Forcefed Horsehead/Shaving the Werewolf – From Horrid To Worse (Self Released)
Two bands equally adept at delivering irrational noise that combines hardcore, punk, d-beat, mathcore, and more. From Horrid To Worse might be an apt title to describe the cacophony on offer here, but it’s not an apt summation of what you can expect and all because both bands are daringly infectious. While being undeniably intense, and downright idiotic (from a speed and heavy perspective) most of the times.
Check out the full review here.
Space of Variations – Poisoned Art (Napalm Records)
Delivering an explosive sound that has tons of appeal, especially if modern metalcore is your jam, Space of Variations return with a punchy, infectious, and evolved record that genre-bends in mostly pleasing fashion. Not everything works, personally, but what does, is memorable, interesting, and fresh sounding. A tough task in the world of metalcore these days, so credit to Space of Variations for creating music that stands out.
Check out the full review here.
Divided by Design – Stages to Osiris: Rebirth (Self Released)
A powerful progressive band finding new heavy depths to sink to, while buoying the mind and spirit with layers of clever melody, Divided by Design have hit a brand-new peak here. Revealing another huge step forward with this album, and proving again, that they are a name that shouldn’t be ignored.
Check out the full review here.
Frozen Ocean – Askdrömmar (Apocalyptic Witchcraft)
Askdrömmar is an album built on atmosphere and immersion, pulling the listener deep into its bleak, urban dreamscape and holding them there until the final moments. Frozen Ocean balance cold black metal aggression with layered melodies, electronic textures, and controlled shifts in pace, creating a cohesive journey that never feels repetitive. Each track contributes to the wider environment, strengthening the album’s sense of identity and purpose. As a result, Askdrömmar stands as a focused, emotionally resonant release that showcases Frozen Ocean at their most confident and fully realised, making it one of the project’s most compelling and complete statements to date.
Check out the full review here.
