Out Today & What I Missed for May 8th, 2026

Hey everybody and welcome back to Out Today & What I Missed, this time, for May 8th, 2026. On the positive side of things, my health is slowly but surely on the rebound, but it’s going to take a while to get to where I should be, but that also means that I should be able to keep going weekly for the foreseeable future (though I still may take July off to recharge, we’ll see). Today, I will be trying to make up for last week’s absence with 20 new albums, 10 that are out today and 10 that I missed (including everything I planned on covering last week. Though, I will hope if you forgive me if I am still very much on the mend and not able to go as deep into everything as I do not want to burn myself out as I am recovering. All that said, let’s get into the rules and the list proper.

1.) Out Today & What I Missed is my weekly Friday recap of Out Today, my reviews of albums I got the promo for, and What I Missed, my reviews of any albums I either didn’t get the promo for and/or discovered on my own. I will try to do this every Friday that I’m capable of doing it, but I will admit, I will probably be taking more 1-week breaks than I ever have before. The music will be on the heavy end of things, but I cover anything from Pop Punk to Goth Rock to Progressive Metal to Funeral Doom to the most Experimental or avant-garde music in the Rock and Metal genres.

2.) My reviews should be treated like teaser trailers for movies or games. They will say the band name, the album, the FFO (For Fans Of) Section, and a short review that is a paragraph or less. Why do I do it like this? I don’t want the first time experience with a band to be ruined by my thoughts going into every single detail. I want to show off why you should check something out. Every review is subjective, no matter how anyone wants to spin it. Your thoughts won’t be mine, but I want to show you the option of what’s out there.

3.) NO NEGATIVE REVIEWS! We live in a terrible enough place as it is; I don’t want to add to the trash heap. If I don’t cover something, it is because I haven’t heard of it, and I will most likely go check it out; it's not out yet, I didn’t have time or energy to cover it in the current week, or it’s not my bag...baby. There’s no place for me to yuck on someone’s yum. That said, all my thoughts are mine and mine alone. No Label, PR, Band, or Friendship will make me pick something to positively review. I have to like it and listen to it at least one time through. That will never change.

4.) I will be doing fewer reviews this year, as doing 1,021 reviews last year broke me. That’s not to say I won’t still do up to 20 reviews in a week, just don’t expect that to be the norm week after week. If I only have promos, time, and energy for 15, 10, and 5 reviews in a week, that’s just how it will be. It’s a one-man operation, and the operation needs to think about longevity, not being prolific. All of this leads to Heavy Debriefings' Top 100 Albums of 2026, which will happen at the end of the year.

5.) If I find out after I review an album that an artist, band, or members of said band are garbage people, go against what I find to be even the lowest level of human decency, or use AI for their music, I will remove my review no questions asked. Does that apply to AI art? I don’t know how to answer that; it’ll be on a case-by-case basis. Either I will ignore the album completely, or I will mention how much I hate that they used AI before talking about the rest. I will see what happens.

6.) For another controversial take, I use Spotify to make a playlist every week of coverage with a track off every album to make it easier for people to check out some new music. Is Spotify a good company? No. Is any streaming company in North America good? No. You either avoid all of it or pick your poison, as all of them do terrible things and hurt everyone, and it’s also a necessary evil in today’s world if you want to make any kind of impact. I don’t judge you one way or the other for streaming or not streaming. I hope I can get the same level or tolerance in return.

7.) CHECK OUT SOME NEW MUSIC! 

OUT TODAY

The Biscuit Merchant- Golden Age
FFO- Thrash Metal

The 10th album of 26 albums (one album representing every letter of the alphabet) in this Goliath of an endeavor by Justin Lawnchair is here with Golden Age. For the letter G, the album goes more into Thrashy territory, which may come as a shock to those who may have discovered the band last year with their more Progressive Death Metal side with Tempora, though there are still Proggy moments throughout. The album is more streamlined and focused rather than being broad and diverse and it works in it’s favor for it. The production is a fantastic display and allows for everything to shine while the songwriting has this Testament meets Exciter meets Strapping Young Lad feel that just puts a smile on my face. While this is just 1/26th of the whole concept, it’s a great starting point for the band if you are just jumping on now with some albums more proggy, more Death Metal, more bonkers, more subdued. There’s no telling what letter is coming for 2027, but I am eagerly waiting to see where The Biscuit Merchant goes next. Until then, this is one of the best Thrash albums I’ve heard so far this year, and when you listen, you just might agree.

Draconian- In Somnolent Ruin
FFO- Gothic Doom Metal

The 8th album in 23 years from this long running band sees the return of one of the best Gothic Doom Metal bands to ever exist. A lot has changed in the past 6 years just for the band alone, not including the world, but with that see’s ½ of a new lineup including a returning Lisa Johansson, and it makes for one of the most tearjerking and sorrowful albums of 2026. The power the band has always shown is on full display with the right kind of dynamics hitting in just the right spots. The production pounds away while the songwriting more than carries it’s weight in Doom gold. We have needed Draconian back for quite a while now and it’s great to see the band in absolute top form. This is easily some of the band’s best work and it’ll only take one listen to understand why.

Exploding Head Syndrome- Deathbeds
FFO- Melodic Punk, Hardcore

The 4th album from this Norwegian band hits a level of 90s Punk, Hardcore, and Alternative Rock that just hits right at home for me. Done with such finesse and care about making the best songs possible with no fluff or reinvention. It just needs to be solid, catchy, and memorable, and all 11 songs are full of that in spades (thought he final track does go past 7 minutes, it’s more than warranted). If you enjoy bands like Bouncing Souls, Bad Religion, Refused, and early day Rise Against, you need to hear what Exploding Head Syndrome is all about.

Iatt- Etheric Realms of the Night
FFO- Progressive Melodic Blackened Death Metal

To put it simply, this is album of the year worthy in every conceivable way. This is everything that I love about genrebending, a grand horror concept, spellbinding musicianship and the perfect blend of raw, but authentic production. The 4th album from this Philadelphia band combines Progressive, Black Metal, Death Metal, Avant Garde, and so much melody to create an atmosphere that is unlike any other, but still feels entrancing and memorable. While singles help, hearing the album as a whole makes this an experience that feels so needed. The fact the band can channel Akercocke, Opeth, Ihsahn, and Ne Obliviscaris into a band that feels not only fresh, but revolutionary is something to not take lightly. While their previous album is called Magnum Opus, they have more than outdid themselves here. This is the band’s finest work so far, and I can only imagine that trajectory will continue going forward. I can’t stress this enough, this is one of the best albums of the year, if you like your music exploratory and thought provoking, you NEED Iatt in your life.

idle threat- you'll forget the sun
FFO- Post Hardcore, Alternative Rock


The sophomore album from this Nashville band is such a killer mix of Post Hardcore, Alternative Rock, and the occasional Indie thrown in to feel like a modern throwback to the early 2000s, but still have enough spice and nuance to feel like 2026. It hits emotional levels that are peak Post Hardcore and 2000s Metalcore that you just had to be there to truly embrace all while making things their own and showing how it can be done for the modern day. The production on this one is bombastic and lets you feel every level. While you will have the most attachment if you enjoy bands like early day Thrice, Underoath, and Haste The Day; if you want an emotionally drawn out display of what can be done with this genre, idle threat are here to take you away.

Massive Ego- Symphony of Flies
FFO- Darkwave

The 4th album from this British outfit is just a rewarding display of Darkwave, Pop, and hints of Goth Rock that just feels truly needed right now. It feels like a throwback to the 80s and 90s display of the genres while being just modern enough to make it work for today. The production is off the charts and feels so satisfying coming out of your speakers while the songwriting will make you bob your head with every track. Even Boy George shows up for a song, which is a great thing to see. For the heavier music fans checking this out and not really familiar with the genre, if you enjoyed Host’s debut album IX a couple years ago but want it just a bit more Poppy, you should fall in love with this. This is an excellent display of what can be done in Darkwave and only gets more captivating with every replay.

Restless Spirit- S/T
FFO- Stoner Doom

What a fun album. The 4th album from this Long Island, New York band is just perfect combination of Black Sabbath, Mastodon, The Sword, and Baroness that reminds me of the late 2000s, but also is able to stand on it’s own creating a blend of fun, catchy, and riff-infused Stoner Doom with dynamics and flair. With a production style that couldn’t work better if they tried, this is an album that takes the fun of the genre and puts it on full display. As great as these songs are on the album, I can only imagine how much better they will sound in the live setting. If you like your Stoner Doom with personality and causing quite the ruckus, Restless Spirit is here to deliver the goods.

Rexoria- Fallen Dimension
FFO- Melodic Power Metal

The 4th album from this Swedish Melodic Power Metal band hits that fun filled, journey inspiring, and just plain fun that Melodic Power Metal is supposed to be. It’s some of the most rock solid and no frills display of the genre that I’ve heard in quite a while and it makes it that much more intriguing. The production is human and allows for everyone to shine while the songwriting is straightforward and hits you hard. If you dig bands like Metalite, Moonlight Haze, Elettra Storm and early day Battle Beast, this is required listening.

Sins of Shadows- The Last Frontier
FFO- Heavy Power Metal

The 3rd album from this French Heavy Power Metal band is an excellent display of the genre, hitting everything you want and still giving you more. Feeling like a triumphant mix of Symphony X, Kamelot, Iron Maiden, and Megadeth; this combines the best aspects of Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, and Power Metal to make for a heavy and pit-inducing display of music. The production is just raw enough and still hits you in the gut while the songwriting is refined but still gives just enough flair. If you want an album that feels like peak 2000s Heavy Power Metal, but done for the 2026 crowd, check out Sins Of Shadows

Torchia- They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness
FFO- Melodeath

A name I have always heard but never actually checked out until this album and oh, how I wish I would have checked them out sooner. The 4th album from this Finnish Melodeath band has such an intriguing and distinguished style of Melodeath in their style that’s layered in horror and gothic territories while finding ways to be both off the beaten path and ridiculously catchy. The production hits you at full force and the songwriting has so many unexpected twists and turns, leading for an eerie and captivating good time. If you dig the likes of Kalmah, As The Sun Falls, latter day Rotting Christ, and early day In Flames; Torchia is the band for you.

What I Missed

Bewitched- Diabolical Death Mass
FFO- Blackened Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

The 6th album in 30 years from this longtime Swedish band and their first in 20 years is a welcomed return. Hitting that blend of Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal and Speed Metal that has become even more popular since their last album. It pays tributes to those who helped start the genre like Venom, but hits right up there with those who have come after them like Midnight. It’s an absolutely no frills affair at 11 tracks, almost 34 minutes, and all the tracks are under the 4 minute mark. They come in, give you their unholy glory and leave you wanting more. The production is raw, but the kind of raw that simply works and the songwriting is simple, but so very effective. If you want a masterclass on how Blackened Thrash Metal works, Bewitched have returned and showing us all how it is done.


Catalano- Perfect Storm
FFO- Heavy Metal, Glam Metal, Hard Rock

The 3rd album from this Australian band is some of the most refreshing 80s inspired Heavy metal I’ve heard in quite some time. While, obviously, layered in so much glam and sleaze, the talent behind this band in mesmerizing and they lay it out all on the table on this one. The production is simply perfect and the songwriting is catchy as it can get, but still knows how to show the talent of the entire band no matter the tempo or distortion level. If you enjoy the likes of Black Swan, Temple Balls, Confess, and Stargazer, Catalano is helping delivering music that is more than worthy of your ears.

A Dream of Poe- Katabasis: A Marriage Among Ashes
FFO- Gothic Doom Metal

Considering this is this Portuguese band’s 5th album, I’m astounded I never heard of them until I randomly came across this one. That said, I am loving what I am hearing. A tragic concept album that pulls at your heartstrings and rips them apart with sheer haunting beauty. The production is simply what needs to be done in the Gothic Doom style with a glowing atmosphere behind it all and the songwriting is effective and tells it’s tale in a way that will call for replays. If you enjoy the likes of My Dying Bride, Grain of Pain, Draconian, and Woe Unto Me, A Dream of Poe will be your new, dark obsession.

Eveale- Enter the Woodland Realm
FFO- Black Metal

The debut album from this US/UK band featuring members of Ashenheart and Negative Bliss is an astounding display of Black Metal. While clearly having a love for the old school sound from it’s production value and dark atmosphere, there are new twists and turns to the music that the forefathers of the genre would have never dared to explore, making the music more dynamic and impactful. A short and sweet affair at 9 songs and 37 and a half minutes feels like the perfect length to give you a taste of what this band is all about and potentially what is to come in the future. If you like the more raw side of Darkthrone and Satyricon, but adding nuances of the proggier and folky sides of Enslaved and Borknagar, Eveale is making a truly impactful statement that deserves your attention.

Haste The Day- Dissenter
FFO- Metalcore

The 7th album from this Indiana band and first in 11 years is quite the statement. You can hear how much life has changed from the early days of the band, but also seeing this is truly the right path for them as well. While there is some of the heaviest aspects of the band still in check, the band is exploring more of their dynamic and genrebending sides as well going into more Alternative and mainstream sounds. It’s strange hearing moments that remind me of Thrice, I Prevail, August Burns Red, and latter day The Devil Wears Prada, but that is what’s on display and it’s done effectively. This feels like an evolution for the band that I remember from the early to mid 2000s, but one that shows that life truly changes and that can be for the best.

In Malice's Wake- The Profound Darkness
FFO- Death Thrash

The 5th album from this Melbourne, Australian band sees the band hitting their darkest and most brutal territories ever. They have clearly hit the Demonic and The Gathering era of the band putting out some of the most hard hitting and devastating riffs they have ever written in a blend of Death Thrash that would make even Chuck Billy blush. Hearing the assaults on this album from beginning to end feels like the absolute right choice for the band and it shows off what is possible in the band going forward. While there is still plenty of Thrash to go around, the Death and almost Black Metal elements makes this album shine and stand out amongst the rest. As of right now, this balance is peerfection and begs for repeats. For those that love the heaviest ends of Testament, Kreator, Sodom, and Toxic Holocaust, you must check this one out.

LOR3L3I- Peace By Proxy
FFO- Darkwave, Gothic Electronic

The sophomore album from Heike Langhans of Light Field Reveries, Remina and more is one of the most haunting pieces of this style of Darkwave I have ever heard. There is something about being so associated with Gothic Doom Metal and being able to create something like this that brings this nuance that you simply can’t get anywhere else from anyone else. If you took out the electronics and replaced with those tones, this would be one of the most devastating albums of Gothic Doom Metal ever created. But hearing it behind moments of Darkwave, EDM and ambient elements almost gives it this sense of calm and dare I say positivity? Of course some of the greatest moments of repeatability and catharsis comes from the saddest of music, and that’s what I am feeling here. If you want to hear a dark, deep, and therapeutic take on Darkwave, this is required listening.

Riverflame- Lunar Crusades
FFO- Epic Meloblack

The debut album from this international (Italy, France, Greece) band feels like what would happen if you mixed Keep of Kalessin and Hammerfall together, you read that right. A band that feels like Epic Power Metal done through the gaze of Epic Meloblack is such an odd mix, but that is what’s on display here. Granted, the Power Metal side of things has more to do with the themes and the occasional instrumentation and not in the vocal department, but I also love the combination of genrebending that’s going on here and it makes for an album that is a sheer wonder to behold. The production is a little on the raw side, but done so effectively and the songwriting is endlessly inspired. Considering this is just a debut album, it feels like something that band’s 10 albums into their career could never manage. What a monumental release. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

Silaera- An Abberation of the Void
FFO- Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Metal, Extreme Progressive Metal

The debut album from this Chicago band has hit me like a ton of bricks. Combining a mix of Black Metal, Post Metal, and Extreme Progressive Metal into this cacophony of sound that is endlessly engaging and only hits harder the more the album unlocks for you. With a production style that lets you hear every level recorded with ease (not always a thing in Black Metal) The songwriting shines on this album like nothing else and hearing this mix of bands like Keep of Kalessin, An Abstract Illusion, Blackbraid, and Cult of Luna is an incredible feat and an album I will keep going back to time and time again. This is how you take some of the most extreme genres in Metal and make them into a whirlwind of songwriting for all the world to hear. This is a band that can hit the stratosphere and I truly hope they do.

Spell- Wretched Heart
FFO- Heavy Metal, Occult Rock

The 5th album from this Canadian band is the band’s darkest, yet, catchiest album to date. Feeling like a mix of Ghost meets Unto Others in all of the best ways and more on the occult side of things is a winning combination. The production has a more vintage sound to it that works in it’s favor and the songwriting is so catchy and memorable. If you love Opus Eponymous from Ghost and want a little more of a 80s flair to it, this should be your new favorite band. I can’t get enough.


And there you go folks, another 20 albums down and 261 albums done in 2026 so far. I hope there is something here that is your bag and hopefully you’ll return next week for Out Today & What I Missed for May 15th, 2026. As long as my health keeps going in the right direction, I’ll be here every Friday I can to bring you as much new music as you can handle. Until next time, for Heavy Debriefings, this is Josh Rundquist saying, Embrace The Skullet!

- Josh Rundquist (Heavy Debriefings)