The Top 5 Goth / Post-Punk 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 a celebration of darkness, and these bands are making substantial soundtracks for that. This year, there is more emphasis on post-punk than industrial, as that is what has been worth listening to this year so far.  Maybe by October, there will be more worthwhile industrial releases. 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 have included links to full reviews if you want to check these out, and with all that said, here are the top 10 Goth / Post-Punk albums of 2026 so far. 

10-KMFDM-"ENEMY"

They might be somewhat confused as to what the majority they have no pity for. Their mission statement is 40 years of conceptual continuity, but the concept expands in recent years, aside from the more rock n roll vibes the title track opens the album with, there does seem to be a similar vibe that checks off all the boxes you expect from the long-running electro-industrial band. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/kmfdm-enemy.html

9-Deeper Gaves- "Pull Me Toward the Dark"

 This serves as the third album from  Jeff Wilson's more dark wave-leaning project since. Where Chrome Waves has gradually drifted in a darker, more post-punk direction, this album bridges the gap where darkness becomes heavy. In some ways, it is closer to what a band like Cold Cave does, which is a fair comparison as it is forward-thinking rather than just paying homage to the 80s.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/deeper-graves-pull-me-toward-dark.html

8-Wailin Storms- "The Arsonist"

Here is a project that has improved over the past decade. Each album has been a little more impressive as it has morphed from a noisy cow-punk band into something more focused, serving songs rather than working on a sound. They have moved in the right direction, and this album si a testament to that; It is dark enough to appeal to fans of post-punk who work more of the kind of brooding summoned here.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/wailin-storms-arsonist.html

 

7-Shadowlands - "004"

The album opens with them threatening to take us down "Fascination Street" before the verse breaks things up into something more haunting and dark wave. They work with the required sounds of the genre without sounding like a stale tribute act. The choice of effects draping the atmosphere works in their favor to help solidify their identity. The Sabin sisters get props for not trying to be Siouxsie Sioux, another key element. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/shadowlands-004.html

6-Traitrs-"Possessor"

The Canadian post-punks are back. They open their newest album with the lead single "Burn in Heaven," which is grooving and dark enough to be in regular rotation at goth clubs everywhere.  It bridges the organic guitar focus of post-punk with the slinking slither of dark-wave to fit nicely into the goth paradigm. Even for all its Cure worship and ballads halting the momentum, it sounds great, and there is a depth to the melodies that makes you a believer in the moping going down here. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/traitrs-possessor.html

 

5-Astari Nite -' Medications in Bloom"

The Miami-based goth project continues their journey away from their death rock beginnings into somewhere new yet not far removed from the more new wave sound they expanded upon with  2024's "Resolution of Happiness." The excellent productions help put it toward the top of the heap when it comes to goth so far this year. I like that overall the mood is darker and more melancholy than the previous album. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/astari-nite-medications-in-bloom.html

 

4-Crucifera-"Exostential"

The creative force behind this project is Danielle Astraea, who combated the problem that the vast majority of new dark wave runs into by giving the music some sonic rock balls. In doing so, she invokes the spirit of 90s electro-tinged alternative. Highly recommended for fans of 90s goth who would like to hear it in the context of today's production values.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/crucifera-era-exostential.html

3-Crippled Black Phoenix: "Sceaduhelm"

I have enjoyed watching this band descend further into darkness with each album. This is an impressive display of refined and dynamic songwriting and is likely the band's best album yet, as it feels the most focused.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/crippled-black-phoenix-sceaduhelm.html

 

2-The Secrecty-"Pins and Needles"

 The first song blew me away as it's what I want from post-punk, taking inspiration from my favorite bands like Killing Joke and Fields of the Nephilim, but without sounding like a blatant tribute to any of them, as they have their own thing going on. From the darker rock vibes to a more hypnotic pulse, they can also shift into a dance beat that adopts a new wave touch.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-secrecy-pins-and-needles.html

1-Twilight Sad- "It's the Long Goodbye"

f there is any justice in the world, the 6th album from this Scottish band will find them getting the recognition they deserve. They have toured with the Cure multiple times, but also had some hardships in their daily lives, which led to their bass player and drummer being replaced with Arab Strap's drummer and Mogwai's bass player. Vocalist James Graham's distinct voice is centerstage, with guitarist Andy MacFarlane providing the needed backdrop.n some ways, it is more experimental and raw, but it holds up well against their legacy.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-twilight-sad-its-long-goodbye.html

pst260

Death is June- 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. It is not until the clean guitar leading into "Zombie" that it feels like we are getting to hear something outside of being in the vein of Death, which worked great for the first three songs, but it would have gotten old otherwise if they continued to churn in that direction without bringing anything new. There is more of a traditional metal feel when they go off into "Zombie".

The lyrics to "Witch of Hell" feel more like something Venom would have done, but the vocals have purpose and balance everything out. Not sure if this is the direction CChuck would have gone, but oh well, it works in this context, and perhaps it is how they feel they get their own identity. "Rise of Satan' has a more thrash approach, which makes sense as this music came out of the thrash scene. In fact, in early death metal, the lines between the two were blurred. They continue to pour on the speed for "Summoned to Die," which captures the spirit of this era more effectively. 

"Mantas" takes this in a more Venom-like direction, which shows Venom's influence on the genre. This also shows how the ovcals had more purpose back in the good old days. "Slaughterhouse" benefits from a more memorable chorus than verse, which racing along the typical tremolo-picked death metal riff.. One cool thing about this album is the compact, efficient style of writing songs that gets everything you need done in under three and a half minutes. The last song also chugs into the intersection of where thrash met death metal. Overall, 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. I will give it a 9. It drops on Relapse Records July 19th. 

pst259

Chalk Teeth : "s/t"

 On the experimental side of where post-punk meets darkwave, the Los Angeles-based band dances to their hypnotic drone in the shadows of obscurity. The depressive reverb-plucked guitar bolsters the musical backbone of hte opneing track as their vocalist, Karolina, utters the lyrics in her native Polish tongue. This is fitting as what they do might wink in the direction of New York bands like Swans, but holds little common ground with their current base of operations, leaving you to imagine they came from the smoky clubs of Eastern Europe. 

The second song carries less drone and more groove, with some No Wave tendencies. So if you are looking for darkwave that could be mixed in behind Clan of Xymox at your local goth night, this might not be the band for that. They did, however, align themselves with the indie scene who play vintage synths and tries to replicate the sound of dark electronic music coming from the late 70s. There is a darker pulse to the more foreboding "Oscillopsia. They return to more of the lo-fi beats and retro synths for "Floor It". Based on the name, I am surprised it shuffles along rather than busts into a dance floor banger, but I respect them more for the slow build of layers assembled here. 

"Casket Casino" is a bit of an oddity. A large part of this is due to the mix. The drum machine sits in the background rather than creating a groove; they amble along with a haunting accompaniment of the dissonant gathering of guitar parts. Not as melodramatic in their downtrodden expression, they hold some similar ground with a band like Xiu Xiu in this regard.'Old Mill' might be the album's best song because it is also the darkest. They bust out some interesting sounds on the last song. The vocals take on a more expressive quirk that recalls 80s post-punk. They can jam a groove which makes them seem like they would be fun live. I will give it an 8.5

pst258

The Top 10 Hardcore/ Punk Albums of 2026 ...so far

Hard-core is being lumped in here with punk, and its adjacent genres like noise rock and screamo. punk.   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 punk  / hardcore albums of 2026 so far. 

10- The Crosses -"Outlier"

Dan from Die Kruezen is back with this band, which started as a way to resurrect the songs of his classic band, before they began looking forward and making their own music. His voice has changed with age. The timbre is different from what it was with Die Kreuzen, but the spirit is there. It is more of an obvious scowl than what he was doing back in the day. Granted, he never sang the same on the Die Kruezen albums as he was allowing his voice to evolve with each album. This album helps to fill the void his old band left. https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-crosses-outlier.html

 

9-Gros Enfant Mort -"Le Sang Des Pierres" 

As genres shift and evolve over the years, it is easy to forget their origins. This French  band Gros surprised me as they hey remembered that screamo originated from emo, which was the more melodic and emotive version of hardcore that could be attributed to bands like Rites of Spring and Sunny Day Real Estate. This album opens more in that vein, though they build things into the explosive intensity of hardcore. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/gros-enfant-mort-le-sang-des-pierres.html

 

8-Chalk Hands-" The Line That Shapes the Coast of Us"

This British screamo band brings a great deal of sonic space and dynamics to their explosive gnashing of teeth. It takes you back to 1999, when this sort of thing was evolving into the force that would take over Myspace. These guys are able to not just scream but also emote. This is a reminder of how these bands carried shoegaze into the scene we have today. Bands like Mineral can be heard in what they are doing here.This hit all the heartstrings it needed to and kept the flame alive

 

7-Oakwood- "Blurred Away"

This Texas band is well-versed in late-90s emo and brings it in a powerfully dynamic and moving manner. This was a time when melancholic introspection was more blue-collar than dressed in marketed darkness. It was steeped in suburban punk angst with no political motivation. All but one song clocks in at under thirty minutes, proving they follow a less-is-more punk formula while still allowing the guitar to linger in jangling melody. They nailed this era I have fond memories of, but still wrote songs that give them their own identity for 2026

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/oakwood-blurred-away.html

 

6-Truck Violence-"The Weathervane is my Body"

These Canadian hard-core kids are venturing further into noiserock in their sophomore release, which finds a more angular dissonance steering the songs. The vocals are monaded and howled, as they steer the boozy sonics with a precise ugliness to create something beautiful. Some moments might not be as overtly metal as where a band like Chatpile, who crosses over into sludge, goes, but could have a similar appeal.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/truck-violence-weathervane-is-my-body.html

 

5-Terror-"Still Suffer"

This is the 10th album from this long-running hardcore band whose origins trace back to Buried Alive from the late 90s. They deliver what you expect from this brand of hardcore. They are in your face and more on the metallic side, which makes plenty of sense considering their origins and influences. Even with the metallic elements the guitar riffs embrace, the dominant presence of gang vocals and attitude of the lead vocal are clearly hardcore, in fact, more hardcore than most bands these days.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/terror-still-suffer.html

 

4-Final Gasp-"New Day Symptoms"

 liked their last album a great deal, but was unsure why it was being called death rock when it was old school metallic hardcore that owed more to Die Kreuzen. Sure, there is more of a hint of old AFI on this album. It's the more aggressive elements that have been refined with some more outright metal playing captured here. It is easy to get swept away in the album's momentum.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/final-gasp-new-day-symptoms.html

3-Converge -" Love is Not Enough"

I've seen some people say this album is just as chaotic as their other work, and I am here to tell you it's not, and that is a sign of growth. It feels more like "You Fail Me" if you had to compare this to other albums. The biggest improvements lie in the mature songwriting and stellar production. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/converge-love-is-not-enough.html

 

2-Poison Ruin-"Hymns From the Hills"

Philly punks Poison Run continue to improve with each album. This one finds them settling into some of their catchiest and most melodic songwriting yet. This does not make them any less punk; in fact, it connects them more closely to the classic punk of the late 70s. The vocals show the most improvement. Despite theming the songs around the Middle Ages, there is an almsot more Western feel. One of the best punk albums I've heard in some time. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/poison-ruin-hymns-from-hills.html

 

1-Converge - the Hum of Hurt

These guys have been working overtime as it's their second album of the year. The buzz made it seem like this was going to be their noise rock albun, but that was not the case. In some ways in picks up where they left off on  "Love is Not Enough", but Jacobs' vocals are less snarled and chaotic, giving the songs a greater sense of deliberate purpose that finds it beating out the heavier nature of their previous release. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/converge-hum-of-hurt.html

pst257

crucifera : era "Exostential"

 

The creative force behind this project is Danielle Astraea, who combatted the problem that the vast majority of new dark wave runs into by giving the music some sonic rock balls. In doing so, she invokes the spirit of 90s electro-tinged alternative and puts her in a similar musical zip code as artists like Kidney Thieves and Snake River Conspiracy, though darker than the latter. But wait, that is not the best part; she actually uses her voice more like an instrument to color the songs, rather than try to emulate pop vocal hooks, yet proves herself capable of drawing you in. 

The paino is her primary instrument, but she does not relegate that to center stage and instead allows a mix of brooding and sensual grooves to keep her songs slithering through the dark corners of your d  dreams. This is perhaps best epitomized in the song "Better". Sometimes the ambiance woven around the songs carries more of the creepy ambiance of  Switchblade Symphony, but it's balanced out by hefty beats. Lyrically their a range from what might be personal torment to addressing social issues on songs like "Martyr Box", which addresses the rising tide of victim self-identification. It's hard not to appreciate someone who goes against the lowest-common-denominator narrative here. 

"saVior" finds the vocals sitting back against a more sexual slink that possesses the drum programming, which also refuses to conform to the expectations of most dark wave fans that have been trained to think production value that is stuck in the nostalgia for the early 80s is true goth. A silly notion considering all of those bands progressed beyond that era. She pushes further into darkness with the pulse of "Pity" that drips with sardonic snarl of its own amid well-layered vocals and synths. "The Empty" is more rooted in a haunting piano line with vocals that carry the dream-laden nature of Kate Bush. Much like Kate, the sense of melodrama is balanced with a more honest emotional current. While Kate Bush is one of my favorite artists, I find that when other singers try to tread similar water, they end up doing the Nightwishy washy thing I don't care for, but this seems to be rooted in a longing I connect with more.

"Burning to Death" moves off a more rock-centric beat, with the vocals following a more 90s flavored path until midway into the song, as they follow the music into a darker shift. Earlier, I noticed an inflection in her voice that made me think of Cyndi Lauper, and I hear it again on the last song, "Black Tongues," which is the album's most driving rock moment. I will round this one up to a 10 as I think the moments that might not have grabbed me will grow on me and are balanced by the more powerful moments. Hihgly recommended for fans of 90s goth who would to hear it in the context of today's production values. 

 

pst256

Oakwood : "Blurred Away"

 

This Texas band is well-versed in late-90s emo and brings it in a powerfully dynamic and moving manner. This was a time when melancholic introspection was more blue-collar than dressed in marketed darkness. It was steeped in suburban punk angst with no political motivation. All but one song clocks in at under thirty minutes, proving they follow a less-is-more punk formula while still allowing the guitar to linger in jangling melody. The vocals mainly sit in a shouted declaration, which in the first three songs works well enough, but I might need more vocals before this thing is over. 

This album is well produced, as it captures a great deal that is going on and employs tasteful overdubs while maintaining a very organic quality to what is going on here. They even use samples effectively without compromising what they are doing. There is a brighter jangle to "Fall Apart" that finds him making more of an effort to sing. There is a slight Taking Back Sunday feel to what is going down here. There is a more bouyant punk energy to the title track. If this came out back when I was listening to this sort of thing in the late 90s, I would have been blown away. 

"The Color of Caring" finds the sample sitting in the song in a way that makes me think of the Smiths. It is one of the album's more melodic moments so far. This is the song that is over three minutes, and, weirdly, this is the song that is instrumental. But it sounds good, so not complaining. If you can sell me on an instrumental, you are doing something right. They come out swinging harder for "Serpentine".It races off in an angrier punk direction.  I understand this is a side of who they are, but I think I prefer the previous song to it despite the dynamics employed. 

There is a catchier riff to "Distance/ Silence" that makes up for the more screamed vocals that begin to bore me a little at this juncture in the album. There is more melodic purpose to "Deepest Green". This also gives the vocals more space to come closer to singing. In fact, they keep trying til they hit the mark here. They close the album with "Fields Behind the House," which is another more melodic moment that might bring the Get-up Kids' early work to mind. I will give this one a 9.5, as they nailed this era I have fond memories of, but still wrote songs that give them their own identity for 2026.

pst255

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

This was set in motion three years ago when too many journalists tried to erroneously hail hot garbage as the best black metal album of the year. This compelled me to set things straight, as such a claim is disrespectful to the genre; therefore, I decided to uphold this mid-year tradition. Just sounding good from a production standpoint is not going to make the cut, since studio magic alone is not what black metal is about. Though I am not looking for something to sound like trash in the name of being cvlt either. I am also not paying homage to bands that are just press darlings for whatever social reason of the day might be. I want bands who are effective at creating darkness, so with that said, here are the top 10 Black Metal Albums of 2026 ...so far.

10-Darkthrone-"Pre-Historic Metal" 

It seems these guys are now transfixed on their Celtic Frost phase. They are still black metal if you are talking about how that genre was defined in the 80s. There is a rawer sound to this album than their previous one, but it does not hinder the head-banging, fist-pumping riffs. The vocals croaked with a Tom Warrior-like anguish, sitting back further into the guitars. Mercyful Fate's influence seeks to move them from their obsession with Celtic Frost, which makes for interesting listening. 

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/heavy-maytal-darkthrone-pre-historic.html

 

9-Egregore- 'It Echoes in the Wild" 

This Canadian band gets it. They are bringing a blizzard of sound that is equally dark and heavy in its intensity when it hits your ears. The other strength Egregore finds on this album is that the vocals should not be an afterthought, no matter how they are delivered. They draw from more than just black metal, with thrash hooks in the guitar riffs and the aggression of death metal in the way it hits. It almsot sounds like an album from the early 90s in this regard, and the production helps solidify this aspect. It's not underproduced like an old Mayhem album, but it sounds more organic than most of the stuff coming out these days. It is atmospheric without any post anything

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/black-metal-history-month-egregore-it.html

 

8-Bringers of Death-"Sulphur"

Jeff Wilson of Chrome Waves has a blackened death metal project with the drummer from Acid Bath/Goatwhore, that is as ripping as you might expect, given Jeff's prior work in Nachtmystium and Wolvhammer. After the opening assault, things get into a more purposeful throb, and a darker mood is created that carries ample atmosphere.I like the mood it creates and appreciate the darkness invoked here, rather than just a bunch of blast beats beating you in the ears.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/bringers-of-death-sulphur.html

7-Bizarrekult-"Alt Somme Finnes"

This Norwegian band does not feel the need to preserve their heritage by sticking to the second wave blast beats, and instead uses a very dynamic perspective on songwriting. The emotional range of this album marries elements of Enslaved to Deafheaven.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/black-metal-history-month-bizarrekult.html

 

6-Mayhem-"Liturgy of Death"

Moving in a bigger and more symphonic direction for their new album, Norway's black metal icons Mayhem keep things dark even if it means crossing over into a marginally more accessible style that feels more like Dimmu Borgir in its epic scope. Hellhammer is behind the drum kit, so that brings a larger-than-life flurry of double bass. Obviously, Necrobutcher and Atilla are crafting these songs with guitarists who have been with them for well over a decade now. You might be surprised that this album is not ranked higher, but it takes fewer chances than the bands in the top 5. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/mayhem-liturgy-of-death.html

 

5-Unverkalt- ""Héréditaire"

Setting the stage with a deceptive sense of melody before blasting into you. The melodic vocals are perhaps more intersting, but they work a delicate balance of playing to both sides of the band's dynamic range. Depressive more than it's blackened, the sonic weight of their songwriting impresses right from the first song. Overall, this album is an impressive marriage of sound into well-balanced songs.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/unverkalt-hereditaire.html

 

4- Trelldom-"...by the Word..."

This project steps even further into a bleak sea of chaos and further from their black metal beginnings, which is fine. It's more dynamic than black metal tends to be, so much like Ulver, they outgrew the bounds of the sub-genre.Despite it not being as song-focused as the previous album, as I respect what they have created here and their willingness to explore new places

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/trelldom-by-word.html

3-Ellende-"Zerfall"

They are atmospheric, with stunning guitar work and a haze of melancholy, lending their waves of scathing picking an edge. The wrathful vocals are perhaps more scornful this time around. This willingness to experiment is one of the things that makes this one of their best releases so far. They have doubled down on their commitment to melody and great guitar playing.

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/ellende-zerfall.html

2-Worm -"Necropalace"

This Florida-based band shifted into blackened doom, which earned their place here thanks to their dynamic songwriting that finds its more progressive moments of this album will appeal to Emperor fans. This is a creative high mark for the band, so if you are a fan or like progressive black metal with darkly epic tendencies, then this album is for you.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/black-metal-history-month-worm.html

1-Ponte Del Diavolo -"De Venom Natura"

This is not the heaviest or most cvlt black metal album on this list. It is, however, an album that thinks outside of the box and follows its own path while bringing a shade of darkness that is unique to what they are doing. There is not just blast metals and screaming, but a balanced range of dynamics that serve hooky songs worth repeat listens, which is what puts you atop the heap when it comes to this genre.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/ponte-del-diavolo-de-venom-natura.html

pst254