Building on Chaoszine's preview of anticipated rock and metal albums for 2026, the metal and hard rock scene kicks off the year with a packed January schedule. This update details confirmed releases from veteran bands to emerging acts across subgenres, including additional titles and specifics.
The January 2026 calendar starts strong on January 2 with Ulver's Neverland via House Of Mythology and Wildhunt's Aletheia on Jawbreaker.
January 9 features Alter Bridge's self-titled album on Napalm (as previewed, in multiple formats), Beyond The Black's Break The Silence through Nuclear Blast, Kreator's Krushers Of The World on Nuclear Blast, Soen's Reliance via Silver Lining, and Ov Sulfur's Endless with Century Media. Additional highlights: The Funeral Portrait's live album Live From Suffocate City on Better Noise and Edenbridge's Set The Dark On Fire from Steamhammer/SPV.
On January 16: Megadeth's self-titled on Tradecraft, Poppy's Empty Hands via Sumerian, Alkaloid's Bach Out Of Bounds on Season Of Mist, The Damned's Not Like Everybody Else through earMusic, and Rotting Christ's re-recorded Aealo on Season Of Mist.
January 23 brings Crystal Lake's The Weight Of Sound on Century Media and Pelican's Ascending EP with Run For Cover.
January 30 closes with Therion's Con Orquesta on Napalm, Urne's Setting Fire To The Sky via Spinefarm, and Witch's The Hex Is On… And Then Some from Lost Realm.
Dominating labels include Napalm, Nuclear Blast, and Century Media, offering full-lengths, EPs, re-releases, and live recordings to sustain early-year excitement.
