The March 2026 music scene is a diverse and exciting affair, with a range of releases that showcase the creativity and innovation of modern metal. From blackened melodic thrash to stoner doom, industrial electronica, and death-doom, the month offers a plethora of unique and captivating sounds. Here's a closer look at some of the standout releases, along with my personal thoughts and commentary.
ClarkKent's Sci-Fi Soundbites - Epigram
Epigram's debut album, Obsolescent, is a thrilling fusion of melodic black metal, thrash, and symphonic elements. The trio from Los Angeles delivers a spirited performance, with Tim Cauley's dominant drumming and Luis Echevarria's lively vocals taking center stage. The album's 27-minute runtime is packed with blackened thrash, as evidenced by the song 'Wrath of Betrayed'. The symphonic instrumentation, including choral chants and strings, adds a layer of complexity, but the band's focus on the blackened melodic aspects is what truly shines. Shadi Absi's riffs on 'Empires' are a standout, showcasing a unique blend of black 'n roll. This debut is a promising start for an eager new band, and I'm eager to see what they do next.
Kal-El - Astral Voyager Vol. 2
Kal-El's latest album, Astral Voyager Vol. 2, is a laid-back stoner doom journey that will take you cruising through the cosmos. With a riff-centric approach reminiscent of Black Sabbath, the band delivers six songs and 42 minutes of fuzzy riffs. The vocal performance of Ståle Rodvelt, with its Ozzy-like delivery, adds to the Sabbath-like vibe. Longer tracks like 'Asteroid' and 'The Nine' showcase the band's exploratory nature, while still maintaining a sense of fun and head-bobbing rhythm. If you're in the mood for some chill stoner tunes without the risk of elevated blood pressure, Kal-El is the perfect choice.
Bong-Ra - Esoterik
Bong-Ra's Esoterik is an enigmatic doom album that explores the realms of industrial electronica and spiky soundscapes. The music is built on layers of dense atmosphere, bass, breakbeats, and distorted riffs, creating a unique and atmospheric experience. The saxophone adds a chilling eeriness, and the vocals, ranging from half-spoken snarls to tunefulness, provide a dynamic contrast. The album's opener, 'Harmony Cloak', sets the tone with its skittering electronic oddity, while 'Machine Halo' showcases the band's ability to balance industrialism with melodic elements. Esoterik is a dark diversion that earns its moniker and is a must-listen for those seeking something unique.
Surturian - II - Hessian Spears
Surturian's debut LP, II - Hessian Spears, is a German thrash masterpiece that fuses early Testament, Metallica, and Kreator influences. The band's sound is characterized by sticky riffs, bopping bass grooves, and a vocal style reminiscent of Mille from Voivod. The album navigates a varied landscape, with tracks like 'Cimmerians Wrath' and 'Night Stalker' showcasing anthemic melodies. The band's ability to maintain their core sound while exploring different styles is impressive, and the album has become a regular rotation in my collection. If you're in the mood for some Hessian aggression, Surturian is the band to listen to.
Barn - Crucibles
Barn's self-released album, Crucibles, is a tech death masterpiece that draws comparisons to Unquestionable Presence, Focus, and Decrepit Birth. The band's sound is characterized by staccato guitar bursts, pinch harmonics, and buttery fretless bass glissandos. The album's sixty-five-minute runtime is filled with sci-fi adventure, as evidenced by track names like 'Black Hole Lens' and 'Cymatics'. The fretless bass, in particular, adds a futuristic aesthetic, creating a unique and immersive listening experience. While the album runs a bit long, it's a barnburner that has kept me engaged and eager for more.
Dionysiaque - La Tourbe des Rêves
Dionysiaque's sophomore album, La Tourbe des Rêves, is a bizarre derivative of doom that draws inspiration from Cathedral, Black Sabbath, and Candlemass. The album features plaintive guitar wails, somber atmospheres, and rousing melodies, creating a captivating and divisive experience. The vocals of N.C., with their Mayhem-like delivery, add to the album's unhinged performance. While the album may be a bit overpowering at times, it's a testament to the band's commitment to their unique sound. La Tourbe des Rêves is an aphrodisiac that will leave you wanting more.
Mammon's Throne - My Body to the Worms
Mammon's Throne's third LP, My Body to the Worms, is a sludgy death-doom album that inflicts pleasurable pain upon metaldom. The band's sound draws comparisons to Hooded Menace, Temple of Void, and Worm, with their plodding tempos, swampy riffs, and gravely howls. The album also incorporates gothy croons, ascendant melodicism, and haunting piano, creating a sinister and captivating atmosphere. While the listener needs some endurance, the album flows fluidly across 42 minutes, offering a unique and immersive listening experience.
