June 2026 has brought a diverse range of albums, each with its own unique charm and appeal. From the return of cult classic prog metal acts to the emergence of new talents, this month's releases showcase the depth and breadth of the music scene. As an expert editorial writer, I'm here to guide you through the highlights, offering my insights and commentary on each album, and perhaps even revealing a few surprises along the way.
Fires in the Distance - Circadian Promise
Fires in the Distance has delivered yet another captivating album with 'Circadian Promise'. The departure of founding vocalist Kristian Grimaldi has brought a subtle shift in the band's sound, but the quality remains unwavering. Brendan Hayter, the replacement vocalist, seamlessly blends harsh delivery with clean singing, adding a new layer of depth to the music. The album's mix has been meticulously crafted, allowing the guitars to shine and contribute to the overall heaviness. Each track is a masterpiece, with small stylistic flourishes and clean vocals enhancing the overall atmosphere. 'Circadian Promise' is a cold, dreary, and haunting journey, marking a new chapter in Fires in the Distance's evolution.
In my opinion, this album is a testament to the band's adaptability and creativity. The shift in lineup has brought a fresh perspective, and the result is a captivating listen. The use of clean vocals and the reworked mix add a new dimension to the band's signature sound. I find it particularly fascinating how the album manages to maintain its consistency while incorporating these new elements. It's a must-listen for fans of the band and a great introduction for those new to their music.
Deathspiral of Inherited Suffering, Elysian Blaze, Panegyrist, & Maerund - Sunthema
'Sunthema' is a black metal split album that transcends the boundaries of the genre. Each band brings its own unique style and sound, creating an ambitious and epic listening experience. Deathspiral of Inherited Suffering delivers classic, Dissection- and Necrophobic-inspired riffs, while Elysian Blaze takes a cosmic approach with heavenly blackened funeral doom metal. Maerund embraces the new school of avant-garde, and Panegyrist delivers two of the best songs of 2026. This album is a testament to the diversity and creativity within the black metal scene.
What makes this album truly remarkable is the collaboration between these four distinct bands. Each track showcases a different style, yet they seamlessly blend together to create a cohesive and captivating whole. The use of Neoplatonic tradition as a thematic thread adds a layer of depth and intrigue. I find it fascinating how the album manages to be both diverse and unified, creating a unique listening experience. It's a must-listen for any fan of black metal, and it might just transcend the corporeal world for its duration.
Sans Froid - Back Into the Womb
'Back Into the Womb' is a top-tier art rock album with a touch of British indie prog. Sans Froid delivers a svelte thirty-five-minute record built on jagged riffing and mathy drumming, with contemplative, melodic piano sections. The album is a delightful blend of early Bent Knee and Squid, with a song for every mood. Frontwoman Aisling Trafford's vocal range is impressive, switching between belting and beseeching over the band's wonky grooves and credentialised rock rhythms. The consistent quality and catchy hooks make this album a standout release.
In my opinion, this album is a testament to the band's versatility and creativity. The blend of art rock and indie prog is refreshing and captivating, with a song for every mood. The vocal range of Aisling Trafford is impressive, and the band's ability to create a cohesive and engaging listen is commendable. I find it particularly fascinating how the album manages to be both accessible and experimental, creating a unique listening experience.
Entropist - The Vision
Entropist's debut album, 'The Vision', is a progressive metal masterpiece. The Denver five-piece shares their love of progressive metal, delivering a maximalist aesthetic with BTBAM and Meshuggah-like harshness. The album is technically advanced, with lively sound and dynamic basslines. The vocals tear and soar, alternating between deathcore screams and complex vocal choirs. The album is a melting pot of progressive metal elements, showcasing the band's ability to write technically advanced yet fun music.
What makes this album truly remarkable is the band's ability to balance technicality with accessibility. The maximalist aesthetic and maximalist vocal layers add a layer of depth and intrigue. I find it fascinating how the album manages to be both technically advanced and engaging, creating a unique listening experience. It's a must-listen for fans of progressive metal, and it might just become a new favorite for many.
Artificial Silence - Hollow Drift
'Hollow Drift' is a dense and overstuffed neo-prog album, bursting at the seams with massive vocal layering, absurdly busy arrangements, and manic twists and turns in its compositions. Artificial Silence has taken eight years to complete this album, and the result is absolutely glorious. The album combines the maximalist theatricality of Native Construct with the heart-on-sleeve melodies and tight vocal harmonies of Transatlantic and the neo-prog keyboard shredding of Frost. It's a frisson-inducing dopamine rush on a level few albums this year can top.
In my opinion, this album is a testament to the band's dedication and creativity. The maximalist approach and dense arrangements create a unique and captivating listening experience. The vocal layering and manic twists and turns add a layer of depth and intrigue. I find it particularly fascinating how the album manages to be both goofy and overstuffed, creating a unique and engaging listen.
Ok Goodnight - Stop/Go
'Stop/Go' is an album so captivating that two reviewers formed a prog Voltron to highlight it. The Boston four-piece delivers a suite of rhythmically energized tunes, with Augusto Bussio's drums and Peter de Reyna's bass powering an entire city grid. Vocalist Casey Lee Williams underpins her bandmates' electric, jazzy performances with a powerful, emotive, yet measured vocal attack. The album is a standout release, with no filler tracks.
In my opinion, this album is a testament to the band's energy and creativity. The rhythmically energized tunes and powerful vocals create a captivating listening experience. The band's ability to deliver a suite of engaging tracks is commendable. I find it particularly fascinating how the album manages to be both energetic and measured, creating a unique and engaging listen.
Muse - The WOW! Signal
'The WOW! Signal' is a richly endowed album with Queen-like campy glam, pulsating synths evocative of Carpenter Brut, paunchy, fleshy bass and drums, and tenderly bittersweet lyrical themes inspired by band leader Matt Bellamy's divorce. The album is unabashedly maximalist and wears its heart on its sleeve, with enough gravitas and panache to overflow an arena. As a first impression, it's irresistible.
In my opinion, this album is a testament to the band's creativity and versatility. The blend of Queen-like glam and pulsating synths creates a unique and captivating listening experience. The lyrical themes add a layer of depth and intrigue. I find it particularly fascinating how the album manages to be both maximalist and accessible, creating a unique and engaging listen.
Non-Subway Picks
W.M.D. - 'Against All Warnings' (Thrash Metal): A must-listen for fans of old-school thrash metal, with scorching riffs and a blistering tempo. It's the best straightforward thrash metal album of 2026 so far.
Khemmis - 'Khemmis' (Epic Doom Metal, Heavy Metal): A honing of the battle-tested steel, with big, grooving riffs and a sorcery and sword-slinging theme. It's a testament to the band's enduring presence in the metal scene.
Fief - 'VII' (Dungeon Synth, Neo-Medieval Folk): An enchanting and seemingly authentic medieval folk album, with multilayered and delicate sounds. It's the perfect soundtrack for any fantasy world.
