Deftones : "Eros"

This is the week of unshelved albums, as first I reviewed the Butthole Surfers, and now here we are with the mysterious shelved "Eros" album finding its way online. So it's not getting an official release like the Surfers did.   These are 80 percent finished demos, not sure what they still had left to do on them, as it sounds like I would expect an album from this era to sound.  There was a porn theme to this album, and all the songs are named after a woman, presumably a porn star.  Though the lyrics are typical abstract Chino metaphors crooned against a dreamy shoegaizing backdrop. The first two songs do not really hold much in the way of aggression from the drummer, building things. They do bring more punch to "Melanie," and he even screams. Though the rough edges come from Chino's voice cracking in places on this one, and little in the way of effects on them. 

"Smile" breaks the theme. It is a little more unique than the previous songs. The vocal melodies sound stronger. Earlier, when I was talking about the vocal production being the most obvious unfinished element, he did record his harmony tracks, which, since 'White Pony," has been one of the trademarks of their sound. "Margot" works off the moody, almost ballad-like formula that has been one of the dominant factors leading to the online name of the band being "horny Korn", though there is less Korn sound. This is the first moment I don't feel really measure up. It almsot feels like they are ripping off Far. "Candy" is more of this dreamy moaning. 

The second song that really shows some balls is "Sable". The palm muted groove is one of their best moments in some time. These are the kinds of grooves they need more of. "Electra" is another banger with rapped vocals and a spastic energy. There is a touch of auto-tuned magic added, which is the first effect I've heard. He even throws some screams in that needed post-production compression. 'Tempest" also brings a heavier tone with more screamed vocals. So far, this album has the heaviest songs that we have heard from them since "White Pony". This one is darker and more dissonant. "Diamond" is not heavy, but at least uses some interesting melodic elements that are not just shoegaze moans. The last song sounds like late 90s emo, but it works well enough. Given the nature of this release in its raw format, I will give this a 10 as it is better than some of their 2000s albums , 

pst275

Devildriver : "Strike and Kill"

 

Dez is surprisingly back with Devildriver, making new music in the wake of the Coal Chamber shows, which really surprised me as they blew Mudvayne off the stage when I saw them a couple of summers ago. He seems to have brought more of a nu-metal groove over with him on the opening track. Then, a more blasting thrash onslaught for "Dead In the Water". It is more pummelling, but his vocals retain purpose. Though the song itself might not be as original as the opener. Sonically, Slipknot is a fair comparison to what they are bringing, which is highlighted on "Sanctified In Scars". There are hooks even in the collision of ugliness. When the breakdown sections come, it's a little predictable, but still fun. 

There is a creepy mood underlying the title track that I enjoy. They are excelling at blending more aspects of what worked in Coal Chamber with the heavier sound that sets them apart from that band. There also seems to be more guitar solos than before. There is enough of a stomp to cross them over into younger metalcore audiences. There is a pretty mean riff in the middle of the title track that I hoped they would revisit. "In the Moonlight" starts off more melodic than I remember these guys getting through, they counterpoint it with racing spped infused thrash. I like it when it switches to the more sung vocal.

The blazing fast speed begins to get tiresome by "Ride or Die". I need more dynamics like they employed in the previous song, or it will all begin to sound the same to me. There are some well-assembled sounds gathered here, thanks to top-notch production, which helps "Headed For the Fall" establish more of its own personality despite the drummer being intent on going balls to the wall at all times. With the guitar solo, the breakdown formula is in place. There is a little more nu-metal to the groove of "Shut the Silence on," it's just tempered with some thrash riffs. Not the album's hookiest chorus. 

"Never Coming Home" should have held onto the opening groove rather than letting the drummer continue to rush things. It's the first song that feels like they are rushing things. There are some more melodic guitars for a few measures in the middle of the song. While I want them to be more melodic, I am not sure "Summoning Shadows" is the best manifestation of that. "Just a Ghost " works a little better in this regard as it's darker. It also works with the hammering metal thing they love to do."Oath of Iron" is more along the lines of Pantera, which is more familiar to their older work. 

"All Bets are Off" finds the vocals using almost a more rapped cadance which works well here. When they moved from this, it's back to the breakdown feel that dominated this album. They do throw a creepy part in before the breakdown, so they switch it up a little. I will give this album a 9, it's a more solid, balanced effort from them. Out July 11th on Napalm Records. 

pst274

Death is June - The Top 10 Death Metal Albums of 2026... so far

Death metal is even more important as the Doomsday Clock races; time speeds up with 2026 at its midpoint. These lists serve as a decent snapshot of where the year is heading in terms of music. I have already received promos for albums dropping as far out as August in my inbox, so they are really going to need to bring it to compete with the top five albums on this list. No matter the genre,  darkness trumps speed when it comes to heavy, so these bands reflect that sentiment. These albums provide a fitting soundtrack to the demise of the US.  I have included links to full reviews if you want to check these out, and with all that said, here are the top 10 Death Metal albums of 2026 so far. 

10-Six Feet Under- 'Next to Die"

I go into Chris Barnes' albums with low expectations, bu I think switching things up worked out well for them, and this is the best album I have reviewed yet by them, on par with the first few albums from the 90s

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/six-feet-under-next-to-die.html

 

 

9-Left to Die- "Initium Mortis"

Two original Death members, Rick Rozz and Terry Butler, are joined by members of Gruemsome Matty Harvey and Gus Rios, who have been performing in this project as a tribute to their early "Lepersy" and "Spiritual Healing" days of the band, which is my favorite. This album does not try to have its own identity as it's clearly a tribute to a specific era, but it works well, and they nailed what they wanted to do. Death fans dying for new music should be appeased.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/death-is-june-left-to-die-initium-mortis.html

  

8-VOIDHAMMER - "Noxious Emissions"

Not knowing what to expect from this California trio, I got comfy with the opening riff that felt like crusty old school death metal, before things went into a blur of blast beats . They found their way back to more memorable riffing, so that plays into their favor. The vocals are a low death metal growl that is typically buried. There is also some punk-tinged thrash in the mix that leans in the direction of what we call crust now.  

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/voidhammer-noxious-emissions.html

 

7-Stabbing-"Eon of Obscuirty"

The first death metal album I reviewed this year. The  Texas foursome, which follows the path first tread by Cannibal Corpse when it comes to brutal death metal with low gurgling vocals, and grinding guitar that conjures images of gore within the dense riffage. This comes with some of the raw production trademarks of this brand of death metal, like the flat smack of the snare, which was something that took me a while to get used to in the early Cannibal Corpse albums when they were released. When you compare this to an album like the new Sanguisugabogg, it is clearly outclassed, but if you are just looking for brutal death metal that still cares about songwriting, then these guys are worth your time.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/stabbing-eon-of-obscurity.html

 

 

6-Temple of the Void -"the Crawl"

Temple of the Void's album "Summong the Slayer" made the 4 spot of our Top 10 Death Metal albums of 2022. Four years later, we are seeing if the band can still bring it like that against the death metal competition of 2026, which is still awaiting releases from Frozen Soul and 200 Stab Wounds. The kick things off with guitar solos blazing. It moves fast when called for to get your attention, but they are not about to sacrifice the song for the sake of speed. They no longer feel the need to prove who they are. The vocals are growled in a purposeful manner that is articulated enough to get the point across. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/temple-of-void-crawl.html

5-Immolation-"Descent"

Not sure why I never really gave these guys a shot, I'm sure they have played with bands like Morbid Angel, who I have seen countless times over the year, and they did not make that much of an impression on me or become background music. Perhaps it is because they are a New York band instead of a Tampa band. Whatever the case, I am impressed. It is so near perfect for what they do, and better than expected. I gained a great deal of respect for them here. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/death-is-june-immolation-descent.html

4-Monstrosity--" Screams From Beneath the Surface"

The 7th album from this long-running Floridian death metal band finds a blend of brutality and technical prowess being balanced. They are not just looking for the best riffs to solo over, but care about the songs. The riffs are ever shifting, but not so much that the hooks get lost in the shuffle. The vocal apporach is very simple, but articulated. They are not so technical that things get lost in the ever-changing time signature, but are beaten by an extensive riff arsenal. They know when to lock into a chug. The bass player is the secret weapon here as the bass lines are everflowing, but not rechnical for the sake of being so. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/monstrosity-screams-from-beneath-surface.html

  >

3-100 Demons-"Embrace the Black Light"

Not all metalcore is as bad as you assume it might be; in fact, some of it is much more metal than core, to the point that you can't tell the difference between something like the opening track from this band's album and the bulk of death metal that came out in the early 2000s. They have no shortage of ripping riffs to balance out the harsh bark of their vocals. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/death-is-june-100-demons-embrace-black.html

2-Jungle Rot- " Cruel Face of War"

Dave Matrise is the sole original member from this 90s death metal act. He has put together a denser, more modern-sounding band that still gets what he was doing in the band's earlier days. His growl still carries heft and resonance. He also benefits from excellent production, with effects and layering that fall in all the right places. This album delivers 90s death metal in a more meaningful way than even the new Six Feet Under.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/jungle-rot-cruel-face-of-war.html

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1-Frpzen Soul_ " A Place of No Warmth"

Frozen Soul's new album starts off with a bigger, and marginally darker though things are mixed in a manner that does not convey the cavernous cold of the last album, but you can't fault them for growing, and they are not making the same album twice, which is more than you can say for most, This grew on me and the rest of their fanbase gets another dose of the heavy slabs of sound that have been refined by staying on the road.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/frozen-soul-place-of-no-warmth.html

pst273

The Top 10 Heavy Metal Albums of 2026...so far

Metal here is an overarching banner to cover anything that is not one of the other sub-genres of metal. So everything from thrash, to power metal, to nu-metal.  I have already received promos for albums dropping as far out as August in my inbox, so they are really going to need to bring it to compete with the top five albums on this list. No matter the genre,  darkness trumps speed when it comes to heavy, so these bands reflect that sentiment. These albums provide a fitting soundtrack to the demise of the US.  I have included links to full reviews if you want to check these out, and with all that said, here are the Top 10 Metal albums of 2026 so far. 

10-Kreator - "Krushers of the World"

Before checking back in on the band for 2017's  "Gods and Monsters,"  the last album I liked by these guys was "Coma of Souls." In its day, this was a change for the band after "Extreme Aggression" had hooked me in. This time around, they are locked into a more rapid, furious form of modern thrash that works better than what they did on their last album. It sztill takes some getting used to when it comes to how Mille Petrozza approaches his vocal delivery that borders more on singing than his once scathing snarl. He also uses more anthem accents on the choruses

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/kreator-krushers-of-world.html

 

>9-Savage Master / Mystic Storm-"The Power / Wandering Time"

The split mini-album from these two bands is set firmly in the days of yesteryear. Savage Master is no stranger to us here, as I really enjoyed the last album, "Dark & Dangerous," that found them moving in a darker direction, but it was my first time checking out Mystic Storm. Who impressed me even more. They made me want to search out their other music and dive deeper into who they are.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/heavy-maytal-savage-master-mystic-storm.html

8-Evergray- "Architects Of A New Weave"

Swedish progressive power metallers Evergray have been at this for some time now. Their 2004 album "Inner Circle" was the last I gave a listen to, and it was a little too bogged down in the conventions of the genre to keep my interest, but things have changed. The guitar tone has grown denser to compete with the sound of modern metal. The singer and keyboardist are the only two members left over from those days as they now have the drummer from Shining, and Bassist from Therion in the fold, as well as the guitarist from Scar Symmetry. There is a heavier double bass attack bridging things, and the vocals might still be dramatic, but keep things in a more melodic and brooding direction.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/evergray-architects-of-new-weave.html

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7-Moonspell- "Far From God"

 The Portuguese band's newest album finds themalmost dropping the metal altogether with a more organic rock sound, and the sung baritone vocals being the dominant. That said, it's also a great song, so I am not complaining about it. There is a more Sisters of Mercy-like bass line to the title track. Though the vocals try to capture more of a Peter Steele-like resonance.  

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/moonspell-far-from-god.html

 

6-Lex Legion- "s/t"

When the King is away, the kids will play. This vocal is comprised of the top tier of King Diamond's band members. Pete Blakk and Andy LaRocque on guitars is worth the price of admission alone. But wait, there is more. Mikkey Dee took a break from the Scorpions to play on this album. Hal Pinto is covering the bass duties as well. Pagan's Mind vocalist Nils K LaRue joins the Swedes, bringing some Norse vocal power to things. His power metal style of vocals works well over things; there is clearly a King Diamond influence on what he is doing as he leaps up into falsetto. He is not King Diamond, but this will at least hold over even die-hard fans like myself. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/lex-legion-st.html

5-Metal Church- "Dead to Rights" 

The 14th album from the legendary thrash project helmed by Kurt Vanderhoof, who is the sole original member, now features an all-new line-up, including former Flotsam & Jetsam drummer Ken Mary, who also played on Alice Cooper's "Raise Your Fist and Yell" album, along with Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson. For what they are doing, you can't ask for a better backbone to drive these songs. The opening track is pretty impressive and delivers what you want from them. This is the 6th album that guitarist Rick Van Zandt has played alongside Kurt, so he knows the deal. Wayne and Howe are dead, so this sounds as muh like Metal Church as we are going to get, so they excelled at keeping it going

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/heavy-maytal-metal-church-dead-to-rights.html

4-Dimmu Borgir- "Grand Serpent Rising"

One of Norway's biggest bands, and one of my faves, they have picked up where they left off with the last album. This is better than the last album and delivers what they know fans want. Even if it feels a little formulaic in this regard,This one grew on me with each listen. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/heavy-maytal-dimmu-borgir-grand-serpent.html

3-Megadeth- "s/t"

Here we are at the last Megadeth album. Better to hang it up than besmirch their legacy.  I used to love these guys, but "Youthanasia" was the last album I got into. The opening track feels like they are pretty focused on the kind of thrash that works best for them. I think they are the epitome of a band who struggle to find themselves when the creative head of the band got sober. Let's face it, these guys are pretty much just the Dave Mustaine show. He knocks it out of the park almost 100 percent of the time here.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/megadeth-st.html

2- Venom - "Into Oblivion"

The 16th album in the career of this project, which now counts Cronos as the sole original member. Things have not changed a great deal thanks to Cronos's voice that finds him belting it out with the same throaty zeal that drove their earlier. In fact, this album is more metal and less punk than what people would call Venom's most classic work.  https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/heavy-maytal-venom-into-oblivion.html

 

1-Rob Zombie - "The Great Satan"

It has taken me a decade to resign myself to the fact their is little difference between where Rob left off with White Zombie and his solo work, which is almost as good. It seems he is eager to recapture his more classic sound, as this album opens with a heavier edge. his album is fucking fantastic, and shows that just because you came out in the 90s it does not mean you have to forsake your sound when you can just perfect it.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/rob-zombie-great-satan.html

pst272

The Top 10 Indie Rock Albums of 2026...so far

 

As the Doomsday Clock races, time speeds up, as 2026 is at its midpoint. With the impending end of times comes the need to get high, and these bands are making substantial soundtracks for that. These lists serve as a decent snapshot of where the year is heading in terms of music. I have already received promos for albums dropping as far out as August in my inbox, so they will need to bring it to compete with the top five albums on this list. For the mid-year report card list, I'm combining shoegaze with its close cousin, indie rock.  They are all more surreal than post-punk, not punk, and left of center when it comes to rock n roll.  I have included links to full reviews if you want to check these out, and with all that said, here are the top 10 indie-rock / shoegaze albums of 2026 so far. 

10-Voxtrot- "Dreamer's In Exile" 

The brand of indie pop this band deals in is more organic than, say, the 1975. Lead singer Ramesh's vocals anchor this in a more conventional pop vibe. He is emotive but plays it safe. Devoid of any punk tension, they jangle peacfully along and write some catchy songs in the process. As far as indie pop goes, they are doing the best so far. It's better than the new Modest Mouse. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/voxtrot-dreamers-in-exile.html

"

9-Nothing -  "a short history of decay" 

Nothing's 5th album is a more organic excursion, with strummed acoustic guitar and vocals stepping out from behind the indifferent haze of effects. This is not to say Domenic has shed the idea of being a shoe-gaze, in fact, after some experimentation, the album begins to align itself even clsoer with conventional shoe-gaze losing some of the grungey edge.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/nothing-short-history-of-decay.html

 

8-Basement-"Wired"

The band's new album brings a late 90s sound that blends indie rock, pop-tinged hooks, and some post-hardcore grit; the vocals add needed grit to belt it out. I like that you can still hear the punk that is in the DNA of this kind of music that originally merged in the 90s. It takes you back to a time when songwriting mattered, as things evolved from the grunge explosion and began to form their own identity. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/basement-wired.html

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7- Xiu Xiu "Xiu Mutha Fuckin' Xiu: Vol. 1"

Cover albums can be hit or miss unless the band doing them is adventurous, as Xiu Xiu. They find the perfect balance of being true to who they are and honoring the song even amid the filter of weirdness they subject the song to; it captures the mood needed while staying true to who they are. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/xiu-xiu-xiu-mutha-fuckin-xiu-vol1.html

6-Bad Stuff- "s/t"

Former members of True Widow are some of the founding members of this project, so it obviously has to be worth a listen. 'm sure someone will try to throw some kind of doom tag on this because it is slow and melancholy, something like "doom noir,"  but I am not hearing the sense of loss, and the darkness is there, but in light mysterious ocean-side haze. They create a unique mood with familiar sounds, and they captured what they intended here in a very endearing manner.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/bad-stuff-st.html

 

5-Iceage-" For the Love Of Grace & the Hereafter"

The Danish punks are back to rock n roll after 5 years. Elias's voice is not as sullen, and the more Rolling Stones direction they were heading in is more subtle on some songs than others, with a rowdy jangle possessing some songs. With some pretty great songs on this album amid this more upbeat 90s indie rock vibe, I prefer them a little more downtrodden, but their talent still shines through.  

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/iceage-for-love-of-grace-hereafter.html

4-AA Williams - "Solstice"

Right from the start of this album, she makes it clear that she is not just another haunted folk crooner by locking into solid grooves and building the depressive vibes up into shimmering post-rock grandeur. At times, her voice has to carry the more minimal droning sections, which she builds back into dynamic crashes, making this an album full of twists and turns.  

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/aa-williams-solstice.html

 

3-Soft cult-"When a Flower Doesn't Grow"

This band took the number three spot in the top 10 Shoegaze albums of 2024. Their new full-length is even more polished, and songwriting is on point. Here they continue to prove themselves to be very consistent, and the full-length show off more musical range as a band. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/softcult-when-flower-doesnt-grow.html

 

2-Tori Amos-"In Times of Dragons"

This is a concept album in which Tori uses allegory to convey a political message. Nothing new for her, but it's done in an even more deliberate fashion. For a double album, she manages to be very consistent when it comes to songwriting, leaving little filler, so the sound of Tori aging gracefully and not fading away.

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/tori-amos-in-times-of-dragons.html

1-Morrissey-"Make Up Is a Lie"

There is a reason Morrissey has a fanatical cult following outside of the Smiths. He is one of my favorite singers, even as his croon has aged. It's been six years since "I am Not a Dog on a Chain." E Moz is almost 67 rather than the 58 years he was when he recorded his last album. He keeps things at more of a reserved croon, which is pushed up further in the mix than the 2017 album, which sounded more like he does live. Overall, this album holds up his legacy in the manner expected.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/morrissey-make-up-is-lie.html

pst271

THE NOCTAMBULANT : "Revival"

 

This Florida blackened metal act incorporates a wide range of sonic colors into what they do. The album opens with a creepy goth feel working off electronic beats and a sample of a church service.  This might give some fans of actual black metal pause, so go into this knowing they are not trying to be Mayhem. They almost focus too much on speed, but hyper-aggression is part of what they do. Cradle of Filth might be a good reference point for the direction they are heading in. The last song might be six minutes, but these tunes are fairly compact most of the time. Not as refined or symphonic as Dimmu Borgir

There is more of a traditional metal gallop to "Dark Dawn," but this works much better than the hyper thrashing. The lyrics are not great, but at least they are articulated enough to understand them. I can detect a hint of Dissection on "Macabre". A great deal in the interplay of guitar andd vocals."Skeleton Key" is not the most original thing, but I appreciate that they are not just throwing a bunch of balst beats at you and care about the songs. The vocals get a little boring midway through the album for me. "Killing Tree" does not change my opinion.

"Hell Ride" works off more of a groove, giving it more purpose, before speeding up. The grooves and samples give them the edge they need to employ more often."Sna Martino" works well as it has more of a defined groove in the riffs. They close the album with a cover of Nick Cave's "Red Right Hand," which is the msot typical choice. You can't tell what it is until the chorus. I will give this album an 8, not my thing, but I like their influences and how deliberate they are msot of the time. Being released on Terminus Hate City.

pst270

The Butthole Surfers : "After the Astronaut"

 

Here is the record the Butthole Surfers intended to release after "Electric Larryland", but their record label deemed it not commercial enough. While it dubiously coincided with the band's Capitol Records signing, Paul Leary claims they were just influenced by trip-hop at the time and organically shifted away from noise rock. The electronic elements from their hit album are still present, and "Intelligent Guy" is not a far cry from what put them on the radio in the first place.  In fact, it still feels pretty mainstream to me when compared to even "Independent Worm Saloon. Fi

"Jet Fighter" was intended to be the single from this album, and it also holds some similarities to "Pepper.".. It's weird but not dark. "Mexico' is a little darker, with a surreal feel than the previous song, yet finds the band embracing 90s electronica. "Imbuya'"  works off a more of a break beat. Gibby's vocals are more spoken than rapped. "Venus" is the first slight mistep that doesn't connect to me, as it feels silly and less like who they are than the previous songs. Paul Leary does pick his guitar back up at some point. The title track is more of a sound collage than a song, which is fine with me, as it makes me think of their earlier work, but with better production. 

"Yentel" finds the drugs kicking into high gear. It's less of a song than the title track. It is more of a simmering interlude that leads to another piece of weirdness in "Junkie Jenny in Gaytown" that does not sound like the title. They do begin to jam a bit in the middle of the song, which is fun. There is more groove to the electronic pulse of "They Came to". The guitars also come in on this, and Gibby returns to a more familiar vocal approach, letting all the pieces click into place to make this the best song thus far. "Not a Problem" works off cool samples with a lurid droning. Then they close the album with "Turkey and Dressing' which finds them reminding you of their punk roots. I like this album better than "Electric Larryland," and the fact that Capitol Records wanted something more commercial from them is why the record industry is in the place it's at now. I will give this a 9.5. Prop to Sunset Blvd Records for relasing this.

pst269