Greetings, Decibel readers!
Man, if 2026 goes at the rate of the last couple weeks, it might be a landmark year for heavy music. I mean, Converge and Mayhem are two top-tier favorite bands of mine, so I’ll never complain about new music from them. Meanwhile, children of the night are spoiled for riches, with Night of the Vampire and Worm both releasing works of bloody romanticism for us to enjoy (alone, by candlelight, brooding). And any death metal that even vaguely recalls Onward to Golgotha is a winner in my book, so Fossilization is a welcome addition to this week’s list.
It may be Friday the 13th, but I’m feeling lucky to listen to the five records below.
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Converge – Love Is Not Enough
Converge always cuts deep. It’s music that’s sorrowful, furious, hopeful, and triumphant all at once. On Love Is Not Enough, the songs have a very direct, straightforward aspect. The riffs and arrangements feel muscular and groovy, retaining the signature qualities that made the band legends while moving forward on a record that stands on its own. It’s chaos, it’s catharsis, it’s Converge. By the way, the band is featured on the latest edition of the magazine, pick it up to learn more about Love Is Not Enough.
Stream: Apple Music
Love Is Not Enough by Converge
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Fossilization – Advent of Wounds
Cavernous death metal that’s positively dripping with devastation. Has similar vibes as bands like Ritual Necromancy and Mortiferum, but creates an atmosphere that’s akin to Spectral Voice or even Ulcerate in the right moments. The band put a variety of influences into this album, and you can tell and appreciate it as you listen. There’s something for every class of dungeon dweller on Advent of Wounds.
Stream: Apple Music
Advent Of Wounds by Fossilization
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Mayhem – Liturgy of Death
2019’s Daemon was Mayhem‘s best album since the legendary early days, as it showed the band deftly applying the varied skills they’d gained since then to conjure the spirits of old once more. I was hopeful they’d continue on that trajectory with Liturgy of Death, and they do not disappoint. This album shows the band perhaps taking a less theatrical approach and relying more power and brute force to paint the stage with blood and carnage. In this way, it stands in line with Mayhem’s recent work while recalling the aural assault of the Maniac-era. The point is, Mayhem has delivered another sonic success with this album. I think “Despair” is my personal favorite so far.
Stream: Apple Music
Liturgy of Death (24-bit HD audio) by Mayhem
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Night of the Vampire – The Enchanting Winds of the Dreamweaving Masquerade
In a just world, this is what bars would play when they host “goth nights.” Oh well, at least we have the record to enjoy on our own time. With Night of the Vampire, you basically have a union of the sad loner trinity of post-punk, darkwave and raw black metal. Kind of like the triptych that adorns the album cover. If you’re the type that doesn’t like those worlds crossing over, lest your chosen art form never move forward or do anything interesting — your loss. Otherwise, if this sounds like a party to you, better grab that eyeliner and close the shades. No smiling allowed!
Stream: Apple Music
The Enchanting Winds of the Dreamweaving Masquerade by NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE
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Worm – Necropalace
And when you’re ready to take said party to the next level of heaviness, put this beast of a record on. It’s been great to witness Worm‘s evolution over time from the death-doom excellence of the early days to this work of gothic heavy black metal mastery. The use of synths here is tasteful and measured while the guitar work is allowed to flourish in all directions, recalling early Cradle of Filth, the violet hues of Dissection and Unanimated, and the towering sorrow of Desire. It’s also incredibly cool they got Marty Friedman to join up on “Witchmoon.” It’s not a collaboration I would have expected but somehow it makes perfect sense! The record smashes styles together in just the right way so that Friedman’s always-brilliant soloing fits like a black velvet glove.
Stream: Apple Music
Necropalace (24-bit HD audio) by Worm
The post Five For Friday: February 13, 2026 appeared first on Decibel Magazine.