Metal Injection

Four-fifths of King Diamond's classic late-'80s lineup have reunited under a new banner – Lex Legion – and they're wasting no time proving the chemistry is still very much alive. The group, featuring bassist Hal Patino, drummer Mikkey Dee, guitarists Andy La Rocque and Pete Blakk alongside vocalist Nils K. Rue, have dropped their debut single "Sleep Eternally," complete with a cinematic video directed by Patric Ullaeus.

Oakland death metal trio Necrot have officially signed to Metal Blade Records, marking a major milestone for one of the underground's most consistently revered acts. The announcement signals a new chapter for the band, who have spent the past 15 years carving out their own path in death metal – and arrives just ahead of their appearance on the Decibel Magazine Tour 2026.

Former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen has revealed there's one album from his back catalogue he'd most like to revisit, and it's a fan-favorite from the band's early era. Speaking in a new interview with Spain's Made In Metal, Owen pointed to 1991's Butchered At Birth as the record he'd consider re-recording, citing both production issues and the pressure surrounding its creation: "Maybe the Cannibal Corpse album Butchered At Birth that came out in 1991.

London experimental heavy outfit Troy The Band have unveiled their latest single "Journey's End" – a sprawling, collaborative cut taken from their upcoming second album (des), due for full release on July 3, 2026. Blending doom, shoegaze, noise rock and metal into a fluid, ever-evolving sound, the track showcases the band's continued push into more expansive territory.

Rising metal force Balmora have announced their long-awaited debut album These Graven Halls, set for release on May 29 via DAZE. Three years in the making, the record blends metalcore with melodic black metal, while pulling in unexpected influences ranging from Requiem for a Dream and Silent Hill to minimalist composer Philip Glass and avant-pop figure Bladee. The result, the band say, is a forward-thinking take on heaviness that balances brutality with atmosphere and introspection.

'68 are preparing to bid farewell, but that's not without one more record. '68 has announced their final album They Are Survived due out May 28, with the first single "ALWAYS LOVE" streaming below. Pre-orders are available here. '68 is also set to embark on their farewell tour in May.

If you need to get yourself a little roughed up by riffs today, you're in luck! We're streaming "Valley of The Wolf" by Üga Büga, from their record of the same name due out on June 5. Just try not to break your neck while you're listening to this. Pre-orders for Valley of The Wolf are available here. You can also catch Üga Büga at one of their handful of tour dates listed below.

Brazilian metal pioneers Sepultura are preparing to bring their four-decade career to a close, with their farewell activities continuing throughout the year on the Celebrating Life Through Death tour and culminating in final releases that mark the end of the band's recording legacy. As part of that closing chapter, the group previously announced a final EP titled The Cloud of Unknowing, set for release on April 24, 2026.

Jack Osbourne has finally weighed in on one of the most persistent rumors surrounding the 2025 Back To The Beginning – the all-star tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath that also served as a charitable sendoff in Birmingham. Speaking on Jamie Kennedy's Hate To Break It To Ya Podcast, Jack addressed speculation about a mysterious band that was allegedly removed from the bill after a financial dispute.

Testament, Overkill, and Destruction brought the thrash-related ruckus to the Roseland Theater on March 14, and our photographer Alison Webster was there to capture all the action! Testament Overkill Destruction Want More Metal? Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.