Metal Hammer's Tracks of the Week: August 14, 2026
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean the music has to. This week's edition of Metal Hammer's Tracks of the Week features a diverse range of releases, from doom metal to industrial rock, and everything in between. Here's a breakdown of some of the most intriguing tracks and albums on our radar.
Mastodon - In The Ruins
Mastodon's new single, In The Ruins, showcases their signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic passages. With the release of their upcoming album, Marrow Deep, just around the corner, this track is a taste of what's to come. The band's ability to shift tones and create a dynamic listening experience is a testament to their skill and artistic evolution.
Noctule - Goddess Of Rot
Serena Cherry, formerly of Svalbard, unveils her solo project Noctule with the hauntingly beautiful track Goddess Of Rot. This single taps into a familiar sound for fans of Svalbard's blackened post-hardcore, while also showcasing Cherry's impressive vocal range and emotional depth. The video game-themed project adds an intriguing layer to Noctule's sound.
Green Lung - Black Magick Radio
Green Lung's Black Magick Radio is a catchy, spooky tune that pays homage to the dark magic of the late 60s and early 70s. The London-based band's use of old-school keyboard sounds and fun, eerie lyrics makes this track a standout. Their upcoming album, Necropolitan, promises to be a trip back in time to the golden age of heavy metal.
The Cartographer - Griefworn
The Cartographer's Griefworn is an oppressive, relentless track that exudes a sense of impending explosion. The band's debut album, The Collapse Of A Bitter End, is set for release on September 18, and this single is a taste of the aggressive, modern metal they bring to the table. The sense of mounting pressure in this track is a testament to their unique sound.
Godflesh - Living/Ending
Godflesh, the industrial metal pioneers, deliver a nihilistic vision with their new single, Living/Ending. Frontman Justin Broadrick's hernia surgery has temporarily impacted their performance, but the band's upcoming albums, Decay, are sure to be a powerful statement. The track's dark and claustrophobic atmosphere reflects the challenges Broadrick has faced, making it a compelling listen.
Zilqy - World’s End
Zilqy, a new Japanese group, brings a contemporary twist to the industrial metal scene. Their track, World’s End, features clattering low-end sounds balanced with clear radio sensibilities. The band's debut album, Birth Of Riot, is set for release on October 7, and this single is a promising glimpse into their unique sound.
Battlesnake - Mud Apocalypse
Battlesnake's Mud Apocalypse is a colorful, trad metal track that showcases their unique style. The Aussies have become festival mainstays in the UK, and this single is a testament to their ability to deliver a fun, po-faced performance. Their music is a delightful blend of traditional metal glory.
Gradience - Undone
Gradience's Undone is a genre-blending masterpiece. Starting as a post-black metal rager with blast beats, it transitions into modern hip hop flows and melodies. The band's ability to fuse disparate elements seamlessly is impressive, and their debut album, Anomaly, is set for release on September 4. This track is a must-listen for fans of experimental metal.
Netherwilds - Helm Yeah
Netherwilds bring a unique blend of New York 90s vibes and 16th-century aesthetics with Helm Yeah. Their tongue-in-cheek approach to music and dress-up adds a layer of fun to their sound. The band's debut album, Peasant Rising, is set for release on October 9, and this single is a playful introduction to their unique style.
Hippotraktor - Oblivion Walker
Hippotraktor's Oblivion Walker is a technical, cosmic track that bridges the gap between Tesseract's djenty style and Mastodon's melodic passages. The band's new album, Annihilist, is set for release on October 2, and this single showcases their remarkable ability to create a captivating and diverse sound.
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.
