Metal Reviews

Seven hours of psychedelic magic at Cambridge Corn Exchange celebrate Syd Barrett’s enduring legacy, with Kula Shaker, Soft Machine and a show-stealing performance from Diana Silvera.

French instrumental quartet Could Seed deliver sweeping soundscapes, shimmering guitars and crushing heaviness on Terminal. Paul Hutchings explores an album whose emotional depth and majestic compositions demand another listen.

Ukrainian metallers Ignea deliver a remarkable surprise with Monumental, an ambitious and deeply layered album that moves effortlessly between melodic metal, industrial aggression, jazz and orchestral passages. Paul Hutchings explores a bold, adventurous release that pushes the band's creativity to new heights.

Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir and Dark Funeral joined forces at O2 Academy Brixton for a spectacular night of Black Metal. With breathtaking stage productions, fiery performances and a crowd in full voice, the In League With Satan tour delivered an evening that was truly epic and blasphemous.

UFO - Mechanix may not rank among their greatest albums, but 44 years on, its quality still shines through. With Phil Mogg in fine voice, Paul Chapman delivering outstanding guitar work and a superb 1982 Hammersmith Odeon recording, this remastered edition is a reminder of just how good UFO were.

Like a beast that refuses to die, Cirith Ungol return with All The Shadows, their seventh studio album and another defiant statement of Heavy Metal intent. With Tim Baker's unmistakable vocals, crushing riffs, brooding epics and the band's trademark darkness, these legendary veterans prove their fire is far from extinguished. Paul Hutchings discovers an album worthy of standing alongside their finest work.

Eivør takes listeners on a mesmerising journey with Tungl, an album where haunting vocals, trip-hop rhythms and Nordic atmosphere replace crushing guitars and blast beats. Daryl Soar discovers a powerful, emotionally rich release that proves music doesn't need to be heavy to leave a lasting impact.

Butcher Babies return with Nightbloom, an album shaped by survival, heartbreak and reinvention. With Heidi Shepherd taking centre stage, the band explore a more melodic, radio-ready sound without completely abandoning their heavier roots. Rhys Tagg examines whether this bold new direction delivers.

Sixteen years after Omega Wave, Bay Area Thrash veterans Forbidden return with a self-titled album packed with razor-sharp riffs, progressive twists and unexpected experimentation. Paul Hutchings finds a record that takes time to reveal its strengths but offers plenty beyond traditional Thrash Metal.

Finnish Melodic Death Metal masters Insomnium return with Netherworlds, their tenth album and a glorious celebration of everything that makes the band special. Crushing riffs, soaring melodies and rich northern melancholy combine with fresh ideas to deliver a powerful, beautifully balanced record that gets better with every listen.

Italian melodic Death/Doom Metal outfit Shores Of Null return with their fifth album, Homesick, a deeply atmospheric journey through loss, longing and belonging. With gothic influences, soaring melodies and crushing growls, the band deliver an emotionally powerful release. Jools Green reviews.

Wales-based Bulgarian Post-Metal quartet Thrakian deliver a stunning debut with The Way, combining crushing riffs, haunting melodies and immersive soundscapes. Jools Green discovers an underrated band whose studio work matches the immense power of their live performances.

Danish Thrash veterans HateSphere return with Guillotine, their 12th studio album. Packed with stomping riffs, tempo shifts and old-school aggression, it's a fierce, no-nonsense release that delivers exactly what it promises. Daryl Soar reviews.

Werewolves return with album number seven, You're Weak And You Know You're Weak, delivering 33 minutes of brutal, blackened Death Metal with zero interest in restraint.

Athens Thrash Metal outfit Eternal make no attempt to reinvent the genre on Conspiracy Of Warheads, but their debut is raw, energetic and proudly old-school.

AVRAK. Self-titled debut is a dark, powerful and deeply compelling listen, blending Heavy Metal, Black Metal and Doom across nine atmospheric tracks.

Black Water Redemption make a powerful first impression with a self-titled debut that moves beyond the Southern rock roots of Western Sand into something bigger, bolder and heavier.

Far And Wide finds The Pineapple Thief stripping things back without losing any of their power. Across nine carefully crafted tracks, the band turn space, atmosphere and restraint into one of their most complete albums yet.