A look into the crystal ball: the most anticipated Finnish rock and metal albums of 2026

Author Arto Mäenpää - 29.12.2025

The year 2025 is not even over yet, but eyes are already firmly set on what the future holds. When it comes to Finnish rock and metal, 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptionally interesting year, featuring long-awaited comeback albums, major follow-ups and completely new beginnings. During the Christmas holidays, we at Chaoszine gathered together a list of Finnish albums that are well worth keeping an eye on in 2026. For the international top 100 most anticipated releases check out our article here.

Beast In Black

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026 (Nuclear Blast Records)

Beast In Black were originally expected to release their next album already last year, but extensive touring — including shows with Helloween — pushed the schedule back. As of now, the band has not revealed any concrete details about the album, suggesting a release no earlier than autumn 2026. One of the most anticipated Finnish metal releases of the year.

Bloody Falls

Kai Lukander

Album title: “IV”
Release: May 2026 (Art Gates Records)

Known for their relentless energy and brutal sound, Bloody Falls will release their fourth full-length album via Art Gates Records in May. A must-check release for fans of melodic death and black metal.

Chamber Of Unlight

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Tampere-based black metal band Chamber Of Unlight are set to release the follow-up to their 2021 debut album “Realm of the Night” in 2026. While the exact release date is still unknown, the album is expected to arrive later in the year.

Charon

Photo by AJ Johansson

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

One of Finland’s most influential gothic metal bands of the 2000s returned to the stage recently and released a new song titled “Fall of Angels.” Could 2026 finally bring a brand-new full-length album from Charon?

Dawn Of Solace

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026 (Noble Demon Records)

After releasing their fourth album “Affliction Vortex” in February 2025, Dawn Of Solace — led by Tuomas Saukkonen together with Mikko Heikkilä — are already rumored to be working on new material for 2026.

Diablo

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Finnish metal mainstays Diablo will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album “Mimic47” with a major tour in spring 2026. The band has also hinted at new material, raising hopes for a full album next year.

Fear Of Domination

Album title: “KATHARSIS”
Release: January 9, 2026 (Out Of Line Music)

Industrial metal veterans Fear Of Domination will kick off 2026 with the release of their new album “KATHARSIS.” One of the most anticipated Finnish industrial metal releases of the year.

For My Pain…

Album title: “Buried Blue”
Release: January 30, 2026 (Rainheart Productions)

After returning to the stage in 2024 following a 20-year hiatus, For My Pain… will release their long-awaited comeback album “Buried Blue” at the end of January.

Gladenfold

Album title: “Soulbound”
Release: February 27, 2026 (Reaper Entertainment)

Turku-based power metal band Gladenfold will release their new album “Soulbound” via Reaper Entertainment. A strong recommendation for fans of classic power metal.

HOKKA

Natalie Pastakeda

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Former Blind Channel vocalist Joel Hokka’s new band HOKKA will release their debut album via Nuclear Blast Records. One of the most intriguing Finnish rock debuts expected in 2026.

Ismo Alanko

Album title: “Kevyt ja kohtuuton”
Release: February 13, 2026

Finnish music legend Ismo Alanko will release his new album in February. One of the most anticipated Finnish rock albums of the year.

Insomnium

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Three years have passed since Insomnium’s “Anno 1696,” making 2026 a very plausible time for new material from the band.

Kalmah

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Kalmah guitarist Antti Kokko revealed earlier that the band already has plenty of demo material ready. New melodic death metal from Kalmah in 2026 feels very likely.

King Satan

Album title: TBA
Release: Autumn / Winter 2026 (Noble Demon Records)

Industrial metal outfit King Satan are rumored to have spent much of 2025 writing new material, with a new album planned for late 2026.

Kiuas

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

After celebrating the anniversary of “Spirit of Ukko” on tour, fans are hoping 2026 will finally bring new music from Kiuas.

Lillmåns

Album title: “Remains”
Release: January 2, 2026 (Stormbound Records)

Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns releases his most extensive solo collection to date, spanning three decades of early musical history.

Lost Society

AJ Johansson

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026 (Nuclear Blast Records)

Lost Society teased new material in 2025, including the track “Dead People Scare Me (But The Living Make Me Sick).” Their sixth album is expected in 2026.

Marianas Rest

Album title: “The Bereaved”
Release: January 16, 2026 (Noble Demon Records)

One of Finland’s leading melodic death/doom bands returns with “The Bereaved,” already previewed through singles like “Diamonds in the Rough.”

Marsh Tea

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

After a strong debut, progressive heavy music specialists Marsh Tea are expected to release new material during 2026.

Michael Monroe

Album title: “Outerstellar”
Release: February 20, 2026

Finnish rock icon Michael Monroe will release his 11th solo studio album, described as a mix of classic rock’n’roll, glam influences and tight band chemistry.

Moon Shot

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026 (Reaper Records)

Following their “Broken Bones” EP, Moon Shot may be gearing up for a full-length release in 2026.

Moonlight Sorcery

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

After the acclaimed “Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle,” expectations are high for Moonlight Sorcery’s next symphonic black metal opus.

Nicole

Album title: “Entropia”
Release: 2026

Nicole released new material in 2025, but the full album was delayed. 2026 may finally see “Entropia” released in full.

Noumena

Noumena Ravintola Torvi 2024

Album title: TBA
Release: August 2026

Noumena are rumored to be targeting August 2026 for their next album, with more details expected early in the year.

Noora Louhimo Experience

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

After leaving Battle Beast, Noora Louhimo plans to focus fully on her solo career in 2026.

Nyrkkitappelu

Album title: “Nyrkkitappelu. Nyt!”
Release: February 20, 2026

Finnish punk rock favorites Nyrkkitappelu return with a new album following multiple chart-topping releases.

Ruoska

Album title: “Kade”
Release: February 2026 (Inverse Records)

Industrial metal veterans Ruoska will release their sixth studio album after years of careful songwriting.

Stam1na

Album title: “Apnea”
Release: February 20, 2026 (Sakara Records)

One of Finland’s biggest metal bands returns with their 11th studio album.

Stratovarius

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026?

Four years after “Survive,” fans are hoping Stratovarius will return to the studio in 2026.

Tarja Turunen

Dario De Marco

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Tarja Turunen spent late 2025 recording vocals for her next solo album, expected to arrive in 2026.

The Solitude

Album title: TBA
Release: Spring 2026 (Reaper Entertainment)

Gas Lipstick’s doom metal band will release their debut album ahead of summer festival appearances.

Tiisu

Album title: “Kuuluisat viimeiset sanat”
Release: February 20, 2026

Tiisu’s new album tackles climate crisis and societal polarization across 16 tracks.

To/Die/For

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

With new vocalist Sanna Solanterä on board, To/Die/For finalized their next album in late 2025.

Tuomas Holopainen

Benedetta Baldin

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026?

With Nightwish touring on hold and Auri not being so active next year, 2026 could bring either a new solo album or a new Darkwoods My Betrothed album from Holopainen? Let’s have our fingers crossed.

Turmion Kätilöt

Album title: TBA
Release: Winter 2026

Studio updates suggest work on the band’s 12th album may already be underway.

Ville Valo

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026?

Following 2023’s “Neon Noir,” fans are eagerly awaiting VV’s next move.

Whispered

Whispered SaariHelvetti 2017

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

After ending their hiatus, Whispered are expected to follow up 2016’s “Metsutan – Songs of the Void.”

Wintersun

Album title: TBA
Release: 2026

Following “Time II,” hopes are high that one of Jari Mäenpää’s many ongoing projects will finally see release — and perhaps even the band return to the stage.