I am so grateful Friday comes a day early this week.

• Let’s start with some underground black metal. Nocturnal Departure are releasing their third album, Spiritual Cessation, on May 8th through Hells Headbangers. The title track for that one is streaming here.
• Melodic dark metal band Soulfallen shared the second single from their upcoming fourth studio album. “Flesh Unearthed” can be heard through pretty much any streaming service, but the lyric video can be found here.
• Progressive heavy rock outfit Karcius are releasing Black Soul Sickness on May 8, and right now they have two singles available as a preview. Give “Out of Nothing” and “Darkest Heir” some love.
• Wait. Converge are releasing another album this year?? Holy Hell 2026 is going to be one for the books. Indeed, Hum of Hurt will be out on June 5th through Deathwish / Epitaph. Check out the video for the title track below.

“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb