Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Metalheads, it’s time to clear some space in your budget and your schedule—2026 is absolutely stacked with album releases. Whether you’ve been waiting years for your favorite band’s follow-up or you’re ready to discover your next obsession, this year has something special in store. The release calendar is filling up fast with projects that span every genre imaginable, and the best part? We’re just getting started. Let’s dive into the albums that are going to define 2026. Just like we did last year, Chaoszine has compiled a list of international albums that the editorial team is particularly eager to experience.
Album name: Alter Bridge
Release: January 9th, 2026
Alter Bridge has finally announced their impending eighth studio album, much to everyone’s surprise. On January 9, 2025, the new self-titled record is expected to be released. Along with a CD and a few limited-edition vinyls, the record will also be accessible digitally.
Album name: Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye
Release: March 13th, 2026
Angus McSix (Hero Metal) will release their new epic masterpiece “Angus Mcsix And The All-Seeing Astral Eye” on March 13th, 2026 via Napalm Records. To celebrate the occasion, the band will embark on a full album-release tour!
Album name: Ghost Town
Release: March 20th, 2026
Axel Rudi Pell, a guitarist and composer based in Bochum, Germany, is scheduled to release his latest album, “Ghost Town.” The album is set to be available on March 20, 2026, through the SPV/Steamhammer label.
Album name: Concrete Throne
Release: April 8th, 2026
Attila has announced the release of their tenth studio album, titled “Concrete Throne.” The album is scheduled for release on April 8th and will be independently released by the band.
Album name: Too Fast To Die
Release: April 10th, 2026
Archspire will release their new album “Too Fast to Die”, due on April 10, 2026. The album was recorded in 2025 with producer Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Khemmis, Aborted). The band stayed inside his Denver studio for months and focused on building their most intense record yet.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Anthrax‘s highly anticipated forthcoming studio album, is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2026. The album will be distributed in North America through Megaforce and in Europe via Nuclear Blast.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In May 2025, the heavy metal band Armored Saint commenced recording their highly anticipated ninth studio album. The album is tentatively scheduled for release in the spring of 2026 via Metal Blade Records.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
August Burns Red is a metalcore band that has revealed in September 2025 that they were working on their tenth studio album. With more information to follow, the Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based band intends to release its full-length album in 2026.
Album name: “Break The Silence”
Release: January 9th, 2026
Symphonic metal sensation Beyond The Black will release their eagerly awaited upcoming studio album, “Break The Silence”, which is due to be released on January 9th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Black Label Society has dropped a couple of singles this year and the last, leading up to the much-anticipated new album scheduled for early 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In a recent interview, Matt Tuck, the lead vocalist of Welsh metal band Bullet For My Valentine, discussed the development of the songwriting process, and it looks like we’re getting new music in the first half of 2026.
Album name: The Weight of Sound
Release: January 26th, 2026
The Japanese metalcore ensemble Crystal Lake is preparing to launch their forthcoming album, titled “The Weight of Sound,” scheduled for release on January 23, 2026, via Century Media Records.
Album name: Love Is Not Enough
Release: February 13th, 2026
Converge‘s upcoming eleventh album “Love Is Not Enough,” which arrives on February 13 through Deathwish Inc. Although the record marks a milestone for them, the band approach it with the same restless drive that has shaped their catalog since “Jane Doe” changed the landscape of heavy music in 2001.
Album name: Before We All Die
Release: February 20th, 2026
Swedish-Norwegian rap-metal trailblazers Clawfinger are back with their long-awaited comeback album “Before We All Die”, their first studio offering in 18 long years! “Before We All Die” arrives February 20, 2026 on PERCEPTION – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Bobby Landgraf, the bassist for Corrosion Of Conformity, discussed some of the band’s 2026 plans in a recent interview. One of these plans includes live shows across the world. Landgraf also revealed that Corrosion Of Conformity will release a double album as a follow-up to 2018’s “No Cross No Crown”. Landgraf dived deep into the experience of recording the new songs with legendary percussionist Stanton Moore (Galactic).
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
George Clarke hints that new musical material will be released sooner than anticipated by fans. He states, “I guess this is the first time I’ll have said this, and maybe it’s good [timing] because the year is concluding, but we will have new music next year.” This declaration underscores a definitive upcoming release. Fans can anticipate further influential blackgaze compositions from Deafheaven in 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Rob Cavestany stated last month: “[The new album] released in ’26? I’d have to say that might be wishful thinking. But it’s not impossible. And I’m dying, dying, dying to record these songs. So we’re really trying to make it happen.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In an interview conducted in October, the band’s guitarist Waclaw “Vogg” Kieltyka revealed that he is currently working on new songs for their upcoming ninth studio album. The band will start recording this album once their current European tour concludes in December. The band’s first album since 2022’s “Cancer Culture” is scheduled for release sometime in 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Roger Glover in September stated that “We’ve been writing and stuff, and there’ll probably be an album next year. And the last — actually, the last two or three years have been so busy. We haven’t stopped touring and working. So it’s good to have a little bit of a breather.”
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
The quintet — singer Joe Elliott, drummer Rick Allen, bassist Rick Savage, and guitarists Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen— is working on a new record that will be released the next year in addition to their already planned live shows. It will be the band’s first new album since 2022’s “Diamond Star Halos,” which honored the glam rock that influenced Def Leppard’s sound and put them back on the charts with the soaring rocker “Kick.”
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Back in September, the recording, mixing and mastering of the upcoming Dimmu Borgir‘s album was complete, as reported from Studio Fredman on their social media channel. This will be the first full-length since 2018’s “Eonian”.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Although fans are eager for its release, they will have to wait a little longer. Disturbed finished recording their new album back in May 2025.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
The new single “Warriors Of The Sea” by German metal icon Doro was released in May 2025. It’s her first song in two years, and it’s unknown if it will be on Doro‘s upcoming album, which she intends to tentatively release in the next year.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Kirk Windstein of Down stated in a recent interview: “Later than sooner, but I don’t really see why it can’t get out, say, by September, around September-ish.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Ian Haugland revealed in September that “But we now finally are gonna release a new album next year, and we’re gonna record it starting in October this year.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Amy Lee has announced that Evanescence‘s forthcoming studio album is scheduled for release in spring 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: March 20th, 2026
Gary Holt stated this month: “[The album] it’s fucking awesome. It’ll be out next March, I think — March 20 — and it’s fucking awesome. I mean, it’s so awesome. We’re so proud of this record.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Dino Cazares, last August, stated that new material from the band would arrive “Next year, for sure. Next year, 100%. Maybe a single this year, but for sure next year.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Gus G, this summer, revealed about the new album that “And we are aiming for next year release sometime. I don’t know when, but hopefully as soon as possible.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Flotsam And Jetsam’s work on their upcoming 16th studio album keeps the heavy momentum moving. Currently in production and slated for a 2026 release via Napalm Records, it’ll mark nearly 40 years since the band’s groundbreaking debut, “Doomsday For The Deceiver”.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In August 2025, Mario Duplantier stated that “For the new songs, we took so much time just to make sure everything is fine and powerful enough and — I don’t know — smart enough as well. But it’s on the way, it’s on the way. 2026, for sure.“
Album name: HOT TOPIC
Release: January 28th, 2026
Harajuku-core band Hanabie. have a new EP titled “HOT TOPIC” scheduled for release on January 28th, 2026. While the group is keeping the most of the release’s details under wraps for the time being, you can catch them on tour across North America in early 2026 to support it.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In October, Matt Byrne stated that “We have a new record that’ll be coming out next year — not sure when, but it’s about 90 percent, 85 percent done.”
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
During the Spring, Spencer Charnas recently shared a sarcastic update on social media, claiming that no new music has been made, no single is coming this summer, and no album will arrive in spring 2026. But seasoned INK fans know better. This kind of reverse psychology is par for the course with the band, and it’s a tongue-in-cheek tactic they’ve used before to tease upcoming releases.
Album name: New Day
Release: April 24th, 2026
Rock icon John Corabi is proud to announce his debut full-length solo album ‘New Day,’ due out on April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Album name: In Verses
Release: February 6th, 2026
Born out of relentless experimentation in their Perth studio with longtime collaborator Forrester Savell, the road to Karnivool’s fourth studio record has not been linear nor straightforward – just like the music they create. “In Verses” is a culmination of the last decade of life experiences that have brought Karnivool to this point.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In February, Kerry King got asked if fans can expect his second solo album in 2026, and he replied: “That’s a realistic goal, and I wanna achieve that, for sure.“
Album name: Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920
Release: 2026?
As for when “Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920” might see the light of day, Andy La Roque said in his interview with Chaoszine: “We have been talking about we have to have it recorded before Christmas. That’s the plan we have. Then if someone gets sick or whatever happens, then if that’s not the case, we’ll see. But that’s the plan we have. We have to record everything by Christmas. So that means it’s coming out next spring.”
Album name: Krushers of the World
Release: January 16th, 2026
Kreator‘s new album “Krushers Of The World”, will be out on January 16th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band has also announced some extensive touring plans for the coming year.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Korn is actively working on the sequel to “Requiem” released in 2022, with a probable release date to be next year.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In August, Lita Ford spoke about the timing for the new album. She said: “I’ve had some trouble trying to get it out or it would’ve been released already — problems with record label stuff, but I think we might have gotten that under control now. And so we should have the record out hopefully by the beginning of 2026.”
Album name: Song Of Darkness
Release: March 6th, 2026
Leaves’ Eyes are ready to return with a brand new EP, “Song Of Darkness”, on March 6th 2026 through Reigning Phoenix Music.
Album name: Metalmorphosis
Release: 2026?
Roland Grapow, a former guitarist for Helloween, discussed in an interview that the next Masterplan album “Metalmorphosis” is scheduled to be released by Frontiers Music Srl in early 2026.
Album name: Liturgy of Death
Release: February 6th, 2026
The most influential black metal band of all time is back with its seventh studio album, “Liturgy of Death”. With this new work, Mayhem reconfirms its status as the most uncompromising band in extreme metal music.
Four decades into their career, Mayhem turns its attention to the inescapable reality of death. “Liturgy of Death” examines loss, the fear of dying, powerlessness and the fragility of existence through a raw and relentless lens.
Album name: Megadeth
Release: January 23rd, 2026
Thrash metal icons Megadeth will release their final album on January 23rd, 2026. The band has planned some extensive farewell touring for the coming year.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
This year’s “Don’t Sell Your Soul” is the latest studio album by the Michael Schenker Groupand the second part of an album trilogy that began with 2024’s “My Years With UFO”. The last chapter should be released in 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In a press release, the band stated that “The Squirrely Years Revisited comes ahead of the final new studio album from Ministry in 2026, a record that has Jourgensen teaming up with Paul Barker once again.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Fernando Ribeiro stated in an interview in October that “We’re gonna record it in December. It’s coming out in the summer of 2026. I think in March you can already see the first single and the first video clip that we are gonna [film], I think, in January.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
The new single “Afraid Of The Dark” by Motionless In White will be available on January 28, 2026. The song will be the lead single off the hard rock band from Pennsylvania’s upcoming seventh studio album, which is anticipated to be released next year.
Album name: The Genghis Khan EP to End All Genghis Khan EPs
Release: January 7th, 2026
Parody metal masters Nanowar Of Steel are headed out on the road—and they packed some brand-new music! What better to support their upcoming tour with Mongolian rockers Uuhai than “The Genghis Khan EP to End All Genghis Khan EPs”? Out on January 7, 2026 via Napalm Records, the Italian jokesters once again display their fearlessly humorous, and compositionally vast repertoire, proving that no shoes are too big for them to fill—evidently, not even mongol gutals.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Tim Charles earlier this year stated about an upcoming release: “Yeah, it’ll be 2026 for sure. I don’t know when but that’s the plan. We want to have it written by the end of this year.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Robb Rivera stated this in an interview dated September this year: “We’ve taken our time with it. It’s been two years we’ve been writing this thing, maybe even more. We just got a bunch of ideas. And next year it’s gonna come out.”
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
This summer, Terry Butler stated that “We’re just kind of talking about, hey, maybe by ’26 or ’27 we’ll have another album out, possibly.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, back in 2024, stated that their album would be recorded during 2025 and then released in 2026, probably via Nuclear Blast Records.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
On instagram, Marcos Curiel wrote: “Always writing on the road. Ideas come and go. Some make the cut, some never see the light of day. New album drops 2026.“
Album name: The Wilted
Release: January 2nd, 2026
Paleface Swiss will release their new EP titled “The Wilted” on January 2nd, 2025. The band describe “The Wilted” as the next chapter in the world they started on their charting album “Cursed”. They wrote the new songs during long touring runs across Europe, the U.S., and Australia.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Jacoby Shaddix stated in an interview that ““Even If It Kills Me” is the first piece of music that we’re releasing to eventually be on our next album. The album will be out in 2026“.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In 2026, Paul Di’Anno, the late frontman of Iron Maiden, will posthumously release a new live album. Recorded while on tour in 2024, it will be the singer’s final live album.
Album name: Portals
Release: 2026?
After a recent lineup change, Pestilence will release their tenth studio album “Portals” sometime in 2026 via Agonia Records.
Album name: Empty Hands
Release: January 23rd, 2026
Metal / avant-pop artist Poppy announces her seventh album, “Empty Hands”, led by the bold and muscular new single “Bruised Sky.” Just two months after her mega-collaboration with Amy Lee and Courtney LaPlante, Poppy caps off a career-defining year with the reveal of “Empty Hands”, the follow-up to her acclaimed album “Negative Spaces”—launching on the anniversary of last year’s LP release date. It was produced by Jordan Fish (Bring Me the Horizon, Poppy).
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Power Trip guitarist Blake Ibanez indicated in a recent interview that the band may record and release new music in 2026, nearly two years after ending their break due to the passing of original vocalist Riley Gale.
Album name: Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle)
Release: March 6th, 2026
Chart-topping German metal titans Powerwolf will release their brand-new live release, “Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle)”, on March 6, 2026 via Napalm Records! This tremendous offering captures the magic, energy and theatrical brilliance of Powerwolf’s biggest headline tour to date. Recorded during the breathtaking sold out show of their Wolfsnächte Tour 2024 in Munich’s Olympiahalle, “Wildlive (Live at Olympiahalle)” is not just a live release – it is a grandiose cinematic experience and a sacred celebration of metal, filled with fire, emotion, and boundless creativity.
Album name: Live And Uncleansed – TBA
Release: 2026?
Tommy Victor in October stated in an interview that Prong‘s live album, titled “Live And Uncleansed,” will be released sometime in late February. It’s from their most recent tour. However, the record is brief. There will only be one CD and one vinyl. Their studio album will be released in October of 2026 after they signed with Napalm Records.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In a recent interview with Metal-Rules.com, Queensrÿche guitarist Michael Wilton said that the group has been writing and rehearsing new songs for the sequel to 2022’s “Digital Noise Alliance”, which is expected to be released in 2026.
Album name: The Great Satan
Release: February 27th, 2026
Rob Zombie, a multi-platinum industrial shock rocker, is set to release his brand-new studio album, “The Great Satan,” on February 27th through Nuclear Blast.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Rolf “Rock N’ Rolf” Kasparek wrote in November on his social media that “The goal is to release the album before our gig at the Wacken Open Air next summer.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In an interview with Chaoszine, Vorph mentioned that “So our plan is to release one song this year at least, and most probably the album next year then. It’s not in the stone, but, yeah, that’s the plan so far.“
Album name: Curtain Call
Release: 2026?
Savatage members confirmed in an interview back in 2024 that they have been working on at least eight or nine new songs for the band’s much anticipated upcoming album. The follow-up to 2001’s “Poets and Madmen”, tentatively named “Curtain Call”, is anticipated to be released sometime in 2026. Despite his current health problems, frontman Jon Oliva is reportedly active in the recording process.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Back in February, Biff Byford of Saxon revealed the intention of the band to release new music. “We’ll probably start rehearsing the new album maybe June, maybe recording in January, February. So we’ll probably have a new album out in late 2026.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Andreas Kisser, back in the summer, revealed some plans about the upcoming EP by Sepultura. “We recorded four new songs with Greyson on drums. I don’t think nobody knows that, but there we go. We have four new songs, and we have the intention, next year, to release an EP, just to celebrate this momentum. “
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Sevendust is finalizing the content for their upcoming studio album, which is expected to be released by Napalm Records in early 2026. The follow-up to 2023’s “Truth Killer” was once again written at the farmhouse of Sevendust singer Lajon Witherspoon and his wife Ashley in Kansas.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Brent Smith, this summer, stated a timeline for a possible release by Shinedown. “I can tell you there’ll be two more songs that come out this year, and you will get a record next year, probably, I would imagine, within — we’re hoping for March.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Chris Barnes, the frontman of Six Feet Under, has revealed on the band’s Facebook page that he and guitarist Jack Owen have completed writing new songs for their upcoming album, which they will begin recording in June. The band’s impending 15th studio album, which will follow last year’s “Killing For Revenge”, is tentatively scheduled for release in 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
John Cooper a few days ago stated that the possibility of new releases in 2026 is very likely. “So I’m kind of hoping that next year will be the release of new music that will be a nice 30-year kind of… I don’t know… Starting over — let’s start over again, release new music.“
Album name: You Got This
Release: April 17th, 2026
Skindred will release their new album on April 17 via Earache Records titled “You Got This”. Long regarded as one of the world’s greatest live bands, they won tens of thousands of new fans while touring the globe and playing their biggest headline show to date at Wembley Arena.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Todd Kerns stated back in the beginning of 2025 about the new album: “It could very easily be ’26 at this point, so who knows? But it’s happening. That’s the important thing.“
Album name: Look Outside Your Window
Release: 2026?
Clown this month stated: “I know I told everyone it would be this year. I’m very sorry it hasn’t been. Things come to play that change things all the time with the art we create. I want you to know 2026 is the year. It’s just simply time and I’m just getting tired of waiting myself. Have faith. I promise.“
Album name: Reliance
Release: January 16th, 2026
SOEN will release their seventh studio album, “Reliance” on January 16th through Silver Lining Music. The band will follow the album’s release with a tour in Europe and festival appearances too.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In an interview conducted in the summer, SOiL bassist Tim King revealed that the group will begin recording their eagerly anticipated sequel to 2013’s “Whole” in September, with a likely release date of 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Back in January, Soilwork vocalist Björn “Speed” Strid talked about the plans for the new album. He said “And I guess we should be able to release a new album in — I don’t know — spring of ’26, I’m guessing.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Tommy Decker in September stated this: “So we got a few songs. We’ll see what happens. [It will arrive] probably sometime next year.”
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Michael Starr, at the beginning of 2025, stated this: “We’re working on a new record right now. It should be out sometime next year. No nailed date, ’cause you can’t really put a timeline on creativity, and if you do, it sounds like it.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Michael Sweet stated in an interview in October taht the new album by Stryper would be potentially released in 2026.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Mike Muir this September stated that “So we’re always recording, but whether there will be a new record — I actually, at this point, think there probably will next year.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Mike LePond stated at the beginning of 2025 this: “I’m gonna take a guess. I’m gonna think that by the end of the year, we’ll be finished writing it. It’s just a guess. And then in 2026, probably get it recorded and out.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In April and May of 2026, the legendary German thrash metal band Tankard will embark on a five-date Latin American tour. The announcement of this tour coincides with the band’s probable release of new songs in the upcoming year.
Album name: Con Orquesta
Release: January 30th, 2026
Swedish symphonic metal legends Therion reveal a new live video for “To Mega Therion”, offering the second taste of the upcoming live album “Con Orquesta”, out as a physical release on January 30, 2026, via Napalm Records!
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In an interview at the start of 2025, Tool bassist Justin Chancellor confirmed that the band will finally go into the studio within the next three months to work on new material for the follow-up to 2019’s “Fear Inoculum”. This suggests that the album may be released in 2026 rather than after another 13-year hiatus between releases.
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Corey Beaulieu in an interview that was conducted in February 2025, stated this: “And then, obviously, 2026 will be new record, touring, festivals and stuff like that. So, it’ll be another busy year, just like this year, but it’ll be kind of flipping the page to kind of the next chapter, new music and moving forward and go from nostalgia to new stuff.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
In June, Udo Dirkschneider stated in an interview that “Maybe [the new] U.D.O. album is coming at the end of 2026 or maybe in the beginning of ’27. It depends how the tour stuff goes.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Whitfield Cane this summer stated that “We’ll have a new album out, let’s say within a year. And then hopefully we’ll get some cool tours. And we’ll share new music.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Earlier in July, Tony Dolan stated that “And so I’ve been doing some rewrites, and at the minute I think we’re about probably a mix away from the EP, which will be the lead-up to the new album, which should go out in March of 2026.“
Album name: TBA
Release: 2026?
Vio-lence singer Sean Killian revealed in an interview in April 2025 that the group will start recording new songs for their much anticipated fourth studio album, which is scheduled for release in 2026.
