[2026] A Must-See for Western Metal Fans! A Roundup of the Latest Popular and Notable Tracks

At Journey’s End (feat. Chiara Tricarico)MORTEMIA

MORTEMIA – At Journey’s End (feat. Chiara Tricarico)

This work by Mortemia, the solo project of Norwegian luminary Morten Veland, was released in August 2025.

As the finale to the single series “The Covid Aftermath Sessions,” which began in 2022, this track solemnly portrays the end of a long journey.

The crystalline vocals of Italian singer Chiara Tricarico intertwine with the weighty soundscapes crafted by Morten, unfolding an epic story before your eyes.

The protagonist’s emotions—relief at completing a difficult journey mingled with a faint sense of loneliness—come through with aching clarity.

From this long-awaited collaboration between the two, one can sense a deep mutual trust.

It’s a perfect listen for a night when you’ve accomplished something and feel inclined to reflect.

What I’ve BecomeONI

ONI – What I’ve Become (Official Music Video)

This piece is included on the EP “Genesis Pt.

II” released by the Canadian metal band ONI in August 2025.

ONI is a formidable act that has continued to evolve on a foundation of progressive metal since their formation in 2014.

In recent years, they’ve shifted toward a more melodic style that makes extensive use of clean vocals, drawing even greater attention.

The theme of this work is the emotion described by vocalist Jake Oni—being unable to accept how he himself has changed.

Its wistful melodies and earnest vocals seem to portray the pain of confronting self-loathing.

There’s also an anecdote that the music video was filmed during the tour, with a live show just three hours later.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you’re troubled by the desire to change but find yourself unable to.

NEVER FAIR (feat. Lena Scissorhands)SEAS ON THE MOON

SEAS ON THE MOON (feat. Lena Scissorhands) – NEVER FAIR (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO 2025)

She’s On The Moon is a project by the Valentin brothers, based in Moldova.

Collaborating with musicians from around the world, their track featuring Lena Scissorhands of Infected Rain is progressive metal that voices a piercing cry: “the world is never fair.” The contrast between Lena’s ferocious screams and her beautiful clean vocals seems to embody both rage against senseless fate and the single ray of light found within it.

Even among the collaborations the two acts have pursued since 2016, the emotional depth of this piece is exceptional.

When you need courage to face the absurdities you can’t control, this song might just stir your heart.

CellophaneDON BROCO

DON BROCO – CELLOPHANE (Official Music Video)

This song by Don Broco boldly pivots away from their pop-leaning side, putting intense heaviness front and center.

Hailing from the UK and active since 2008, they’re a proven force who hit No.

1 on the UK charts with their album “Amazing Things.” Released in July 2025, this track is their first single after moving to a major label and is said to symbolize a new chapter for the band.

The fusion of lyrics that depict a heart that looks strong but is actually fragile—so weak it can’t even ask for help—with an aggressive nu-metal sound is superb.

With a star producer on board—who has also worked with Bring Me The Horizon—the sonic impact is absolutely devastating.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to unleash pent-up emotions or blast away your worries with heavy, punishing sound.

I’ll Know You’re Not AroundDying Wish

Dying Wish – I’ll Know You’re Not Around (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

From clean vocals that slice through the silence to ground-crawling roars, this track dramatizes a vast emotional range.

Released in July 2025 by Portland, Oregon melodic metalcore band Dying Wish, it serves as the lead single from their album “Flesh Stays Together,” out in September the same year.

The lyrics grapple with the pain and betrayal of mutual dependency, and a deep regret over being abandoned.

Produced by a team that has also worked with Knocked Loose, the sound fuses brutal riffs with majestic melodies—an embodiment of inner turmoil.

It’s a song to play when you’re ready to accept inexorable sorrow yet still long to face forward.

Destroy MePRESIDENT

PRESIDENT – Destroy Me

President is a mysterious masked band that just debuted in May 2025.

With a heavy sound that fuses metalcore and hard rock, and an aura of mystery, they’ve dominated the conversation across the scene.

The piece they released ahead of their debut EP, “King of Terrors,” is this very track.

It makes a ferocious impact, shifting from an emotive, emo-rap–tinged verse into a searing breakdown reminiscent of 2000s post-hardcore.

Lyrically, it depicts a cry from within a destructive relationship—having lost everything and yearning to be freed from hellish agony—shaking listeners to their core.

When they performed it at Download Festival in June 2025, its sheer energy overwhelmed the crowd.

If you’re looking for a cathartic track that engulfs you in a whirlwind of emotion, this is one you need to experience.

depletedTallah

Tallah – depleted (Official Video)

The heavy metal band Tala from Pennsylvania was formed by the son of Mike Portnoy, best known as the drummer of Dream Theater, and is known for its unique sound dubbed “nu-core.” This track comes from their album “Primeval: Obsession // Detachment,” released in September 2025.

Vocalist Justin Bonitz has described it as “the weirdest song on the album,” and it delivers an unpredictable, chaotic sound.

The album itself is built around a sci-fi narrative, and this song seems to sonically portray the wavering moral compass of its characters.

The raw, unedited performance—free of clicks and heavy editing—further accentuates the madness.

For those who crave Slipknot-level intensity with an experimental edge, this track is irresistible.