In the world of metal, March 2026 brought a diverse array of releases, each with its own unique flavor and style. From blackened melodic thrash to stoner doom and industrial electronica, the month's offerings showcase the incredible creativity and innovation within the genre. Here's a deep dive into some of the most intriguing releases, each with its own distinct character and appeal.
Epigram: Obsolescent
Epigram's debut album, Obsolescent, is a thrilling fusion of melodic black metal, thrash, and symphonic elements. The trio from Los Angeles delivers a spirited performance, with Tim Cauley's dominant drumming and Luis Echevarria's lively vocals taking center stage. The album showcases a strong influence from Thulcandra, Dissection, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and SepticFlesh, creating a captivating blend of blackened melodic thrash. Shadi Absi's riffs, especially on the track 'Empires', are a standout, and the album's 27-minute runtime ensures a thorough exploration of this unique sound.
Kal-El: Astral Voyager Vol. 2
Kal-El's latest album, Astral Voyager Vol. 2, is a stoner doom masterpiece. With a riff-centric approach reminiscent of Black Sabbath, the band creates a laid-back atmosphere perfect for cruising. Ståle Rodvelt's vocal performance, with its Ozzy-like delivery, adds to the album's charm. Tracks like 'Juno' and 'The Prophecy' showcase the band's fun and energetic approach, while longer cuts like 'Asteroid' and 'The Nine' offer a more exploratory journey. This album is a must-listen for fans of stoner doom and those seeking a chill yet engaging experience.
Bong-Ra: Esoterik
Bong-Ra's Esoterik is an enigmatic doom album that blends dense atmosphere, bass, breakbeats, and distorted riffs. The shapeshifting nature of the band is evident, as they shift between blunt tunefulness and gargling venom. The saxophone adds a chilling eeriness, and the album's efficiency in establishing new grooves is impressive. 'Harmony Cloak' and 'Machine Halo' are standout tracks, showcasing the band's ability to balance melody and dissonance. Esoterik is a dark diversion that earns its moniker and is a must-listen for those seeking a unique and atmospheric experience.
Surturian: II - Hessian Spears
Surturian's debut LP, II - Hessian Spears, is a German thrash album with a legendary fire giant's name. The band fuses thrash with early Testament, Metallica, and Kreator's epic melodies. Tim Krogull's vocals, reminiscent of Mille from Voivod, add to the album's intensity. The album navigates a varied landscape, from hard-hitting offensives to slinky licks, and oddball songwriting. Tracks like 'Cimmerians Wrath' and 'Night Stalker' showcase the band's anthemic melodies, making this album a must-listen for thrash fans.
Barn: Crucibles
Barn's Crucibles is a tech death album that draws comparisons to Unquestionable Presence, Focus, and Decrepit Birth. The album features staccato bursts of guitar, pinch harmonics, and buttery, fretless bass glissandos. The sci-fi adventure theme, supported by track names like 'Black Hole Lens' and 'Cymatics', adds to the album's futuristic aesthetic. The fretless bass, in particular, contributes to the album's unique sound, making it a standout release in the tech death genre.
Dionysiaque: La Tourbe des Rêves
Dionysiaque's La Tourbe des Rêves is a bizarre derivative of doom, influenced by Cathedral, Black Sabbath, and Candlemass. The album features classic rock-inspired leads and firecracker songcraft, showcasing the band's balance of somber atmospheres and rousing melodies. L.B. and Bruno Penserini's guitar wails, Lethal's absorbing countermelodies, and T.H.'s potent fills create a captivating and enthralling experience. N.C.'s unorthodox vocals, reminiscent of Mayhem's Attila Csihar, add to the album's unique and unhinged performance.
Mammon's Throne: My Body to the Worms
Mammon's Throne's My Body to the Worms is a sludgy death-doom album that draws comparisons to Hooded Menace, Temple of Void, and Worm. The album features plodding tempos, swampy riffs, and gravely howls, creating a pleasurable pain experience. The band's labor of love for classic death-doom, with gothy croons and haunting piano, adds depth to the album. The album's fluid flow and endurance-testing nature make it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
