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

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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. They do play at a more aggressive uptempo speed on 'This Moment the Life of a Memory, but there are few traces of the metallic roots of Gorgototh. Kjetil Moster, who played sax on the last album as a session musician, is now a full-fledged member of the band, and his presence can be felt muh more on this album. On this song, Gaahl just mutters his way through in a low voice, but the first two songs showcased his continued vocal growth, as he takes on higher, lighter tones. 

The title track takes a minute to churn through the dense atmosphere. The eerie ringing of the chords will appeal to black metal fans even without blast beats. There is an ominous rumble to it that is dynamically aggressive enough to get the point across. The saxophone adds to the din with its wails. Gaahl finds the space to put his voice in this storm of sound, which is a feat. "Folding the Mind" finds them reating more space. The vocals have a more solemn doning chant to them. It feels a little more like a jam, even with some restraint being applied here. 

On "The Word-Choose to Vanish," the drums hold the atmosphere together long enough for the guitar to take the reins. The vocals are more of a low texture, as things build like a free-jazz jam. Things get really murky with the ambiance it sinks into. They get more intense on the buzzing build of the last song. The depressive vocals have more purpose here. The saxophone seems intent on causing chaos, but it works for what they are doing here.I will give this a 9.5 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.  

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December's Top 10 Albums

 It's time for December's top 10 albums. Staying abreast of the month's highlights might help casual readers see what they missed and check these artists out. I am not writing little blurbs on them and just linking the reviews. Inclusion here does not mean that these albums have been released this month, but it is a list of new or upcoming albums I have enjoyed the most, I have albums in my in-box that are not coming out til next year so I am normally way ahead of the curve in this regard. They are ranked in order of what I have listened to the most. This month there is a wide variety from pop to black metal so you may find your new favorite among them. Here are the Top 10 albums of December.  

10-Justice - "Hyperdrama" 

Electronic / Pop / Dance

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/justice-hyperdrama.html

9- Lauren Mayberry - "Vicious Creature" 

Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature.html

8-Panzerfaust -'" Suns of Perdition IV :  To Shadow Zion" 

Black Metal- 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/11/panzerfaust-suns-of-perdition-iv-to.html

7-LEAVS - "Natura Universal" 

Shoe-gaze 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/leavs-natura-universal.html

6-Trelldom-"...By the Shadows..." 

Progressive Black Metal 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/trelldom-by-shadows.html

5- Hidden Mothers  - "Erosion / Avulsion" 

post-hardcore 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/11/hidden-mothers-erosion-avulsion.html

4-Boston Manor- "Sundiver"  

Rock

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/11/boston-manor-sundiver.html

3-Jerry Cantrell -"I Want Blood" 

Grunge 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/11/jerry-cantrell-i-want-blood.html

2-Pale Waves - "Smitten" 

Pop 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/pale-waves-smitten.html

1-Dax Riggs - "7 Songs For Spiders" 

Rock 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/dax-riggs-7-songs-for-spiders.html

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The Top 10 Progressive Albums of 2024

When it comes to prog, few bands actually progress. Most that claim to be a part of this genre just wank around with an overabundance of guitar solos that the songs are merely bookends for, rather than serving songs that go somewhere.  The bands that made this year's top 10 list are taking you places with their songs. There are some guitar solos here and there, but shredding is not the emphasis, nor is using odd time signatures for the sake of just doing so. Some of these bands are more metallic, and a few albums even flirt with pop at times. These are not the coolest prog albums, but the best, fuck what other blogs say,  

After sorting through the top 10 albums of all the respective genres, I use those lists to compile the top 10 albums of 2024. The fact that these bands made it on the list speaks to how great these albums are, so it's not a slight that the number 8 album is above the 9th album; there is something that just gives it an edge that makes me want to listen to it more. After all, we can try to look cool and pick the hippest bands for a list, but at the end of the day, what makes an album the best is that it makes you want more, and you look forward to listening to it again. You might find your next favorite on this list, and I have included links to reviews of these albums if you want to check out the audio on these guys. Anyway, here are the top 10 Progressive albums of 2024.

10- Blood Incantation- "Absolute Elsewhere" 

Sure combining Pink Floyd with Morbid Angel is a great idea. This album seems to have gotten enough hype due to it, and it certainly deserves an honorable mention here. But The rest of this list feels more original to me, and wears their influences less on their sleeves .

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/10/blood-incantation-absolute-elsewhere.html

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9-Trelldom- "...By the Shadows..." 

 It can be hard to keep up with all of Gaahl's varied project's over the years, despite him being one of my favorite Black Metal vocalists. This project is more diverse than Gorgoroth, and I think makes excellent use of his voice. The members of this band have also played in God Seed, with the drummer Kenneth Kapstad having covered the most ground. I would  not call this band black metal, though they are dark, but a flowing progressive sense flows through them. The shadowy drone they sweep you away in is very cool. This is the perfect mood for me. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/12/trelldom-by-shadows.html

8 Julie Christmas -""Ridiculous and Full of Blood" 

If you do not know Ms. Christmas from Made out of Babies then I am going to just go ahead and assume you know her from the album she did with Cult of Luna. The musicians she recruited to help her with this album provide a reasonable expectation of what sonic zip codes it's going take us in, as they include the guitarist from Cult of Luna, the drummer from Spotlights, KEN Mode's bassist, and John from Candiria adding guitars as well. So pretty every genre with post in front of it. Julie adds a playfully unhinged enthusiasm to her vocal performance, that reminds me a little of Rasputina. But with less baroque wistfulness. 

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/06/julie-christmas-ridiculous-and-full-of.html

7- Chapel of Disease- "Echoes of Light" 

The German band is a fairly interesting progressive death metal band, that wacky time changes aside and a penchant for rock n roll riffs are not too far out in left field. They are at times like a less gothy Tribulation. The guitarists are calling the shots here are the guitar is the centerpiece of the songs, often wandering f pocket very tastefully until things explode with the climax. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/03/chapel-of-disease-echoes-of-light.html

6-Xiu Xiu - " 13" Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips"

My thoughts on Jamie Stewarts' experimental art vehicle range from respect to love to wishing he would stop fucking around and write songs as great as what was on "Dear God I Hate Myself". Here the band proves that they do not have to abandon their weird to write songs and launch into some genuine prog, enough to earn this a space on this list and not the post-punk list or the electronic list which both sub-genres the share common ground with. 

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/08/xiu-xiu-13-frank-beltrame-italian.htm

 

5 -Mamaleek - "Vida Blue" 

These guys are going further down the Tom Waits rabbit hole. The guitar is carried with a jazzier tone. There is a jammy abstract element that gets broken up by their heavier tendencies. As far as musicianship goes their game has really been stepped up. It's a weird collision of prog with punk. In fact, this album leans toward jazz more often than not with the gruff vocals the only thing anchoring it to the sound you are used to, which is progress, thus their place here. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/09/mamaleek-vida-blue.html

4-Crippled Black Pheonix - "'The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature"

I gained a new appreciation for this band since the darker turn their past few albums have taken.  This time around they sprawl out from a creeping post-rock, into a more grandiose throb. Not as dark as what I expected after the last album but it works. Excellent production brings all the sounds into focus for this sonic adventure.  

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/09/crippled-black-phoenix-wolf-changes-its.html

3-David Gilmour - "Luck and Strange" 

You might not know that Pink Floyd is one of my favorite bands,  which created a high bar for this album,. At 78  guitarist David Gilmour, is not fading away. The title track of his new album rivals almost any Pink Floyd song that is not on "Animals". It's some of Gilmour's best guitar work. Even his voice sounds great, he's not afraid to reach up into his head register for a few notes here and there. This is the last recording keyboardist Richard Wright appears on before his death. This album is almost as much Pink Floyd as the 'Division Bell' is

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/11/david-gilmour-luck-and-strange.html

 

2-Opeth - "The Last Will and Testament"

14 Albums later Akerfeldt is the only original member but I am willing to count anyone who has been playing since "Deliverance" so that makes two. The return of the growl, is not the best part as that feels like they are dialing it in, they are never going to be a death metal band again, and this album is not on the level of  "Blackwater Park", but it works thanks do some strong jamming grooves. Plenty of prog chaos, but more focused songwriting. , 

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/11/opeth-last-will-testament.html

1-Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - "Of the Last Human Being" 

When I place one of my favorite bands on the pedestal of what other bands should aspire to, said band must then meet these exalted expectations. If they are one of the best bands I have ever seen live then expectations are even higher. If they are coming back 17 years later, after you lived thinking their last album was the final chapter, then you can only hope for the best album ever. Sleepytime Gorilla Museum reopened in an attempt to make their best album yet. 2007's "In Glorious Times" is a perfect album, so they were wise not to take it head on but in a more mature step forward with the emphasis on more of the chamber music side, while employing all the creepy dissonance they are known for. It's not just the best prog album of the year, but perhaps the best album of the year. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/02/sleepytime-gorilla-museum-of-last-human.html

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Trelldom : "...By the Shadows..."

 It can be hard to keep up with all of Gaahl's varied project's over the years, despite him being one of my favorite Black Metal vocalists. This project is more diverse than Gorgoroth, and I think makes excellent use of his voice. The members of this band have also played in God Seed, with the drummer Kenneth Kapstad having covered the most ground. I am not sure I would even call this band black metal, though they are dark, but a flowing progressive sense flows through them. The shadowy drone they sweep you away in is very cool. This is the perfect mood for me. 

"Return the Distance' finds the saxophone taking a more prominent and chaotic role in creating a dissonance backdrop to the song's pulse. It's almost an interlude but enough of a complete thought for me to count it as a song. The more Swans-like "Between the World" is a darker heavier sonic monument. Though "I Drink Out of My Head"  it is not metal the drumming leans on their past in the genre. It is the song most Gorgoroth fans are most likely to connect with. Gaahl sings with a Jello Biafra-like vibrato to his voice. 

"Hiding Invisible" is more like a simmering cauldron of free jazz for Halloween. Interesting sounds not so much on songwriting. There is more of a Swans-like jangle for the more driving uptempo closing song. It's a big sonic swell and more punk than what Swans typically do in the pace with which it hammers at your ears.     While it does drift off into some chaotic sounds at times when they do lock into the songs it's dark and powerful, so I will give this album a 9. 

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