Metal Hammer's Tracks of the Week: August 14, 2026
As summer wanes, the anticipation for autumn's spooky season builds. And what better way to embrace the chill than with some heavy metal tunes? This week's Metal Hammer's Tracks of the Week feature a diverse range of artists, from established legends to emerging talents, each bringing their unique brand of darkness and intensity.
Mastodon - In The Ruins
Mastodon's new single, In The Ruins, showcases their signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic passages. With tonal shifts that create a dynamic listening experience, this track explores the tension between heft and gentle melody, a hallmark of the band's sound. As we await their upcoming album, Marrow Deep, on August 28, In The Ruins serves as a tantalizing preview, reminding us why Mastodon is one of the 21st century's most critically acclaimed metal acts.
Noctule - Goddess Of Rot
Serena Cherry, formerly of Svalbard, unveils her solo project Noctule, a black metal venture with a video game-inspired aesthetic. Goddess Of Rot, the latest single, is a furious and majestic display of emotion, a sound that fans of Svalbard will instantly recognize. With the release of her second album, Extinguish Thy Flame, on September 25, Noctule promises to be a standout addition to the black metal scene.
Green Lung - Black Magick Radio
Green Lung, the London-based quartet, brings a touch of the late 60s and early 70s dark magic to the table with Black Magick Radio. The track is practically dripping with ectoplasm, showcasing the band's fun and playful approach to old-school keyboard sounds. Their new album, Necropolitan, is set for release on September 11, further cementing Green Lung's place in the spooky season's soundtrack.
The Cartographer - Griefworn
Derby-based newcomers The Cartographer deliver an oppressive and relentless aggression with Griefworn. The track builds pressure, hinting at an impending explosion, a testament to the band's modern metal prowess. Their debut album, The Collapse Of A Bitter End, is set to drop on September 18, marking a significant release in the metal community.
Godflesh - Living/Ending
Godflesh, the industrial metal pioneers, are set to release their latest work, Decay, on September 25. Living/Ending, a track from the album, reflects Justin Broadrick's personal struggles, offering a nihilistic vision of a future that may never come to pass. Despite Broadrick's retirement plans due to health issues, Godflesh's music continues to resonate with fans, leaving a lasting impact on the industrial metal genre.
Zilqy - World’s End
Zilqy, a Japanese group, brings a contemporary twist to the metal scene with World’s End. The track features a blend of industrial elements and radio-friendly sensibilities, showcasing the band's versatility. Their debut album, Birth Of Riot, is set for release on October 7, marking a significant entry into the metal community.
Battlesnake - Mud Apocalypse
Battlesnake, the colorful Aussies, have become festival mainstays in the UK, delivering their signature trad metal glory with Mud Apocalypse. The track, debuted at Bloodstock last weekend, embodies the band's unique style, combining po-faced attitude with heavy metal prowess.
Gradience - Undone
Gradience, a Danish band, showcases their genre-blending skills with Undone. The track starts as a post-black metal rager with blast beats, but seamlessly transitions into modern hip-hop flows and melodies. This contrast highlights the band's ability to fuse disparate elements, resulting in a captivating and innovative sound. Their debut album, Anomaly, is out on September 4, marking a significant release in the metal community.
Netherwilds - Helm Yeah
Netherwilds, a band with a New York early 90s vibe, embraces the renaissance fair dress-up with Helm Yeah. The track is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of cutting loose and aspiring for more, offering a unique and playful take on the metal genre. Their debut album, Peasant Rising, is set for release on October 9, marking a significant entry into the metal community.
Hippotraktor - Oblivion Walker
Hippotraktor, a band with a unique sound, blends the technicality of Tesseract with the cosmic melodies of Mastodon. Oblivion Walker, a track from their new album Annihilist, due October 2, showcases their remarkable ability to create a captivating and otherworldly atmosphere.
As a news editor for Metal Hammer, Rich covers a wide range of rock, punk, and metal genres, from emerging bands to world-conquering acts. His passion for music and diverse tastes make him a valuable asset to the publication, bringing a unique perspective to the world of heavy metal.
