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

BACK 2 BASICS [feat LANDMVRKS]Rise of the North Star

RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR – Back 2 Basics [feat LANDMVRKS] (OFFICIAL)

This work by Rise of the Northstar—leaders of the French metal scene—and their allies Landmvrks is a soul-striking blow packed with a powerful message: ignore the noise around you and charge down the path you believe in.

Fusing their uniquely aggressive riffs—shaped by influences from Japanese manga and hip-hop—with catchy vocals, it stirs the listener’s spirit.

Following their 2023 album Showdown, this track was released in June 2025.

Put it on when you’re facing adversity or determined to stay true to yourself, and their indomitable spirit might just give you the courage you need.

The StormAlestorm

ALESTORM – The Storm (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Hailing from Scotland, Alestorm describe themselves as “true Scottish pirate metal,” expressing a boisterous and epic pirate world through their music.

Featured on the album The Thunderfist Chronicles, released in June 2025, this track can be called a thrilling number that distills the band’s appeal.

The storm-like barrage of fierce guitar riffs, the folk-tinged melodies that evoke a raucous feast, and the irresistibly sing-along, powerhouse chorus are nothing short of breathtaking.

There’s even an anecdote that the lead vocalist drew inspiration during production from “molten asphalt,” a detail that perfectly captures their humorous, chaotic worldview.

If you’re in the mood to make merry and raise a ruckus, this is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

So Help Me GodMalevolence

MALEVOLENCE – So Help Me God (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Malevolence, a band attracting attention as leaders of the UK heavy scene.

Rooted in beatdown hardcore and metalcore, their sound uniquely fuses the heft of sludge and groove metal.

Here, I’d like to introduce a ferocious track from their album “Where Only the Truth Is Spoken,” set for release in June 2025.

Vocalist Alex Taylor has said this song is a candid exploration of his own resentment and anger, and it brims with an energy that feels like pure emotion turned into sound.

Aggressive riffs, pummeling rhythms, and impassioned shouts merge into a sonic assault that’s sure to thrill fans of heavy music.

It’s the perfect listen when you want to blow away the frustrations of daily life.

In Stars We DrownFALLUJAH

In Stars We Drown

Fallujah, the stalwarts of technical/progressive death metal based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The opening track of their ambitious album “Xenotaph,” released in June 2025, is a superb piece that sparks the listener’s imagination.

The work unfolds a narrative world described by vocalist Kyle Schaefer—an SF-tinged afterlife realm woven with psychological traps where dreams and reality intersect.

While technically intricate, the fluid guitar work, along with the contrast between gentle clean vocals and powerful harsh vocals, vividly renders in sound a worldview that is complex yet beautiful.

For music fans seeking profound themes and innovative sound, this is a track not to be missed.

This Is TokyoHelloween

HELLOWEEN – This Is Tokyo (Official Music Video)

Helloween, the German power metal legends, have unleashed a long-awaited strike on the scene.

This track, released in June 2025, is a lead single from the album “Giants & Monsters,” scheduled for an August 2025 release.

It’s a true stadium-shaking anthem, dedicated to Japan—the place where vocalist Andi Deris first achieved major success.

As he puts it, the word “Tokyo” carries his feelings for all of Japan, and you can sense the passionate message behind it.

The band’s signature blend of lyricism and power, delivered by the twin vocals of Andi Deris and Michael Kiske, is as strong as ever, and the interplay between them is a highlight to watch for.

With “Live at Budokan” arriving in December 2024, their deep connection with Japan is unmistakable.

This track’s quintessential Helloween speed and dramatic development make it a gem that will thrill longtime fans while heralding a bold new chapter for the band.