It is a massive Friday for new heavy music releases. From sleazy Paris rock to crushing British doom and theatrical arena hooks, we have compiled a breakdown of the most essential records dropping today, 3rd July 2026. Crank the volume and dive into the latest transmissions from the metal underground and its reigning royalty (and upcoming underground kings).
Deep Purple – SPLAT!
Rock royalty Deep Purple have unleashed their 24th studio album, SPLAT!, out worldwide today via earMUSIC. Working once again alongside iconic producer Bob Ezrin, the lineup of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride have crafted a conceptual record focusing on the transformation and metamorphosis of humanity beyond physical boundaries.
Despite the grand nature of the concept, the music remains classic, high-octane Purple. Frontman Ian Gillan notes that the songwriting, dynamics, and sheer fun of tracks like “Arrogant Boy” and “Guilt Trippin'” map directly to the timeless energy of their 1969–1973 golden era. If you are eager to catch these pioneers live on home soil, they have locked in a massive arena tour for late autumn.
Catch the band live at the following dates:
- 18th Nov – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
- 19th Nov – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
- 21st Nov – BP Pulse Arena, Birmingham
- 22nd Nov – AO Arena, Manchester
- 24th Nov – Eventim Apollo, London
- 25th Nov – Royal Albert Hall, London
Deep Purple: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | youtube
Harsh – Feels
Paris hard rockers Harsh have officially returned with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Feels, out now via Fireflash Records. Following the massive success of their 2022 debut Out Of Control and over 300 shows across Europe supporting the likes of Anvil and Chris Holmes, the French four-piece have delivered a record packed with massive choruses, melodic flair, and traditional rock energy refined with a distinctly modern twist.
The new album was mixed and mastered by Hannes Braun, lead vocalist of Kissin’ Dynamite, a collaboration that guitarist Albert Arnold describes as a dream come true. Musically, the record tackles personal experiences ranging from the simplicity of falling in love to complex strings of guilt, grief, and identity. A prime example is the stadium-sized anthem “All I Ever Wanted”, which the band describes as a song built around raw obsession and designed to be shouted at the top of your lungs.
The band are supporting the release with an upcoming run of summer dates across the country.
Catch the band live at the following dates:
- 31st Jul – The Garage, Glasgow
- 1st Aug – The Auld Gambling Hoose, Alloa
- 15th Aug – Savfest, Coalville
Harsh: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | tiktok | youtube
Witchsorrow – The Devil And All His Works
Hampshire doom stalwarts Witchsorrow have ended an eight-year recording hiatus with the release of their monolithic fifth studio album, The Devil And All His Works, out today via Church Road Records. For two decades, the core duo of Necroskull and Emily Witch have served as proud disciples of Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Saint Vitus, carrying the torch for old-school British doom metal with fanatical dedication.
With new drummer Scott “Doom” Taylor settling behind the kit, the record is an uncompromising masterclass in pure, unadulterated heaviness. Tracks like “In Triumph We Rot!!!” serve as a definitive statement of intent, celebrating a life completely consumed by the genre. A major highlight is the colossal centerpiece “A Quintessence Of Dust”, which features a searing guest guitar solo courtesy of Sammy Urwin of Employed To Serve.
To celebrate the sermon, the band have lined up an extensive run of autumn dates across the UK and Ireland alongside a prominent festival appearance later this summer.
Catch the band live at the following dates:
- 23rd Jul – The Scala, London
- 20th Aug – ArcTanGent Festival, Bristol
- 10th Sep – Zephyr’s, Sheffield
- 11th Sep – The Classic Grand, Glasgow
- 12th Sep – Arc:Hive, Liverpool
- 26th Sep – Abyssal Festival, Southampton
- 5th Dec – Bloodstock Winter Gathering, Wolverhampton
Witchsorrow: facebook | instagram | spotify | bigcartel
Dominum – Night is Calling
Fast-rising alternative power metal outfit Dominum are back with their third full-length album, Night is Calling, arriving today via Napalm Records. After breaking into the Top 10 of the German album charts with their previous record The Dead Don’t Die, the project helmed by mastermind Felix Heldt – better known as Dr. Dead – retains its distinctive blend of classic horror aesthetics and stadium-sized storytelling.
Produced by Heldt and mixed by the legendary Jacob Hansen, Night is Calling pushes the band into a more dramatic, cinematic direction without losing their signature knack for massive arena hooks. Openers like “The Circus Is In Town” establish a twisted, carnivalesque tone, while the title track features a stunning vocal collaboration with Marina La Torraca of Battle Beast. The album also boasts a heavy-metal reimagining of Michael Jackson’s classic “Thriller”.
The undead spectacle will hit the road this winter for a comprehensive European and UK touring schedule supporting The Night Flight Orchestra.
Catch the band live at the following dates:
- 8th Dec – O2 Ritz, Manchester
- 9th Dec – Bristol Electric, Bristol
- 10th Dec – Electric Brixton, London
Dominum: official | facebook | instagram | spotify | youtube | myshopify
Hex Divided – Hex Divided I
Emerging from the Landes region of France, compelling new alternative metal solo venture Hex Divided has officially arrived with the release of a self-titled debut EP, Hex Divided I. The project marks the creative rebirth of multi-instrumentalist Vincent Mery, who returns to active duty following a ten-year hiatus that began after the dissolution of his former post-metal outfit, Apollonia.
The six-track offering delivers a sophisticated and heavy masterclass in 1990s alternative rock nostalgia, bolstered by modern production values and a distinct power-pop sensibility. Mery relies exclusively on clean, passionate vocal deliveries to create a stark and captivating contrast against a backdrop of driving, distorted guitar riffs and dark, atmospheric soundscapes. The EP also features a highly imaginative and somber interpretation of The Smiths‘ timeless classic, “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”.
The release has already begun picking up serious momentum across European alternative circles, drawing favorable comparisons to genre icons like Katatonia and Life Of Agony. It serves as a brief but deeply moving statement of intent that sets a very high bar for the future of the project.
Hex Divided: facebook | instagram | spotify | bandcamp | youtube
Solace – Fading Failing Ruin
New Jersey stoner doom legends Solace are celebrating their incredible 30th anniversary in the heaviest way possible with the global release of their fifth studio album, Fading Failing Ruin, via Magnetic Eye Records (grab all the avalable formats here). Emerging at the absolute dawn of the modern stoner rock movement, the master craftsmen have built an enduring legacy out of hardcore-infused heavy metal, classic doom underbellies, and raw sludge grooves.
The core lineup remains a tight-knit family affair, with guitarist Tommy Southard and drummer Tim Schoenleber having played music together since they were teenagers. The apocalyptic, end-times concept permeating the nine tracks on the record perfectly captures a sense of modern dread, combining classic transatlantic metal sensibilities with contemporary sonic weight. The record also serves as a poignant nod to the band’s rich history, arriving a year after the passing of their original frontman, Jason L., who was commemorated with a special reissue of their seminal 2000 debut, Further.
The expansive production handled by Eric Rachel at Bulletproof Music Studios adds pristine depth to the heavy instrumentation, which features guest keyboard textures from Pelle Andersson of Lowrider. For those who appreciate classic rock structures delivered with an unapologetically dirty, grinding edge, check out our review of Crobot’s previous groove-heavy release to see how the modern scene is keeping those low-end riffs alive.
Solace: facebook | instagram | youtube
Die Entweihung – Worldwide Terror
Correction: the album is out in August, today sees the release of the title video which you can see below!
Prolific Belarusian multi-instrumentalist Denis Tereschenko has officially unleashed Worldwide Terror, the extraordinary twelfth studio album from his solo avant-garde metal project, Die Entweihung. Originally established in 2007 as a raw black metal entity following Tereschenko’s relocation to Israel, the project has gradually metamorphosed over the years, leaning heavily into a complex amalgamation of thrash, progressive metal, and classic heavy rock.
Released via Morbid And Miserable Records, the new record is a confrontational and fiercely political commentary on modern global hardships. The project achieves incredible new creative heights by fully utilizing the powerful, venomous vocal talents of guest singer Alena 7, known for her exceptional work fronting Nocturnal Pestilence. The harsh, biting reality of the lyrics is complemented by unique instrumental choices, with Tereschenko weaving intricate layers of saxophone, cello, and violin into the crushing guitar motifs.
The record culminates in “The Darkest Morning”, a deeply affecting and sorrowful finale that masterfully navigates a labyrinth of shifting emotions from melancholic reflection to technical, blazing anger. Visually completed by the striking cover art of traditional designer Olga Kann, the album stands as a definitive and uncompromising triumph for the underground veteran.
Die Entweihung: facebook | instagram | spotify | bandcamp | youtube
