Greetings, Decibel readers!
We’ve got an extra theatrical set of records for you today. If your taste is more on the well-produced, well-polished side of the ledger, then you’re definitely in luck. But don’t let that fool you, the selections below are still outrageously heavy enough to clear a room of innocent, well-adjusted bystanders.
Enjoy!
—
Carrion Vael – Slay Utterly
Epic, pulverizing melodic death metal that takes the speed and ferocity of Archshpire, the vibes of The Black Dahlia Murder at their most brutal, and an ear for the theatrical that recalls bands like Ne Oblivcaris. In other words, it’s fast and wild stuff that still takes enough care to build some drama and keep things interesting.
Stream: Apple Music
—
Kreator – Krushers Of The World
The extreme aggression continues unabated. Mille and company continue on their modern course, fueled by their Teutonic thrash legacy, but delivered with a melodic energy that makes for natural anthems and singalongs. Thrash metal build for big festivals!
Stream: Apple Music
Krushers Of The World by Kreator
—
Ov Sulfur – Endless
Blackened deathcore — a sound that will be satisfying for fans of modern, polished deathcore that adds some of the atmosphere of Dimmu Borgir at their most accessible.
Stream: Apple Music
Endless (24-bit HD audio) by Ov Sulfur
—
Viserion – Fire and Blood
New York City’s new black metal heroes have arrived from their latest journey through Westeros to bring tales of glory, carnage, and destruction. Having seen these guys several times, I can report that these songs absolutely tear it up live, and it’s great to get them on a proper record. Pay particular attention to the scorching title track, and the absolute triumph of “Harrenhal” — amazing song, shame about the castle, tho.
Stream: Apple Music
—
Void Monuments – Posthumous Imprecation
Ominous, powerful black metal in the vein of bands like Incantation, Ashpyx and Vader. This is the Russian act’s debut album and leaves a promising impression of riffs, growls and blasts yet to come.
Stream: Apple Music
Posthumous Imprecation by VOID MONUMENTS
The post Five For Friday: January 16, 2026 appeared first on Decibel Magazine.