What a whirlwind year it’s been so far. While the world is falling apart, at least we have music to keep us going. 2026 seems to be quite the year for so much new music. It’s a little overwhelming at times to keep up with everything but, lucky for you all, I’ve spent time listening to so much to pick out the best for your listening enjoyment. In this batch of new music you will find new songs from Ayva, Strata, ‘68, The Pretty Reckless, Evil Island, Saosin, The Owling, and of course the debut record from Nine Inch Noize! Enjoy!
Comeback albums are not easy to make. The pressure of trying to capture a time and place from years before is enough to make one throw a fit. Especially when people want something from that particular era. The great thing about a comeback album is taking all you’ve done before and molding that into everything else since to make a record that stands up with the rest of the discography. The very awesome Poison The Well have released their first new album since 2009’s, The Tropic Rot. Peace In Place is an uncompromising and direct shot to your gut and brain type of album. Notice too how I said “album.” That’s what this is! After first reuniting in 2015 and 2016, Poison The Well made their full on return in 2020. Since then they have been giving the fans joyous tours of landmark albums like The Opposite Of December and You Come Before You and then some. Taking the time over this era has given the members of PTW the chance to really capture the essence of the band before and now.
Peace In Place is an album not for the weak. The heaviness of the lyrics, music and melodies are razor sharp and cut deep. The way this album begins with “Wax Mask,” lets you know right away this is only the calm before the eruption. From there it’s just on. The way “Primal Blooms” push the controlled chaos into an atmospheric beatdown is seemles. In fact each song transitions perfectly into each other making for a very complete listening experience that is lost amongst so many bands and albums these days. The already released one two punch of “Thoroughbreds” and “Everything Hurts” stings even more in the context of the record. “Weeping Tones” though when you hear this song, the whole picture comes to light. This part of the album feels like the turning point as well as it seeps into the absolutely devastating “A Wake Of Vultures.” Which I can see becoming a fan favorite and live staple. “Bad Bodies” keeps the pace going and injects a heavy melodic sense that has become a signature for Poison The Well for years. “Drifting Without End” has some really interesting elements that go back to the Versions era making it one of those deep cuts that offers a bit of a breath amongst the heavy. “Melted” is another gem on the album. I love the way this song sways a bit then grabs you by the throat and shakes you a bit. Ending the album is “Plague Them The Most” which is epic and intense and a great way to end the record. That’s not all though, stay for a couple minutes after for a real treat!
Peace In Place is not just an album for now it’s a new blueprint for those that cop this style. Poison The Well is back and this album shows that not only do Chris Hornbrook, Jeffery Moreira, and Ryan Primack still deliver at a top level but, the time away really shows just how integral this band is to the music we love. The way this album sounds feels lively and in your face. Vocally, the screams and delicate moments are impassioned and mature. Lyrically there is a lot to delve into but, the poetic nature lets you feel it. The guitars are bright and crisp when needed and downright nasty heavy when it’s called for. The dynamics shifting throughout really shows the influence and inspiration Poison The Well has on so many bands of today. Then you get into the drums and it’s like listening to lightning strike. The way Chris Hornbrook plays just rains down inspiration. The snare sound is so signature to Poison The Well is alive and well here and cuts through like butter. Plus the fills and pulsating driving nature of the drums guide these songs through all the temperatures of the songs. New members Vadim Tavor and Noah Harmon add their own touches to the album in a way that pays homage to the past but, it their own. Producer Will Putney, was able to really capture what Poison The Well in 2026 is!
Poison The Well is an album that is confident and shows tremendous growth. There is no mistaking where they came from and it shows in here as well. The maturity of the members personally is a real bright spot throughout listening. To be able to come back and make an album that not only marks a return but, doesn’t rely on nostalgia is remarkable. The creative push on Peace In Place is heard on each song. As far as comeback albums go, this is definitely one of the best I’ve heard. I greatly look forward to seeing Poison The Well on tour for this album as well as what the future holds. Poison The Well stood out for a reason many years ago and this album is exactly why.
XCOMM ARE THE REAL DEAL! I’ve been stoked on this band since I heard them a couple years ago. Already they’ve hit the ground hard with two banger releases in “Reasons” and “Fake I.D.” Now here we go with more and one in particular that is damn good! That’s right two songs in one! The video for them as well is fun, inquisitive, and very much them. Way to hit another one out of the park Dean Karr! The first song “Hot Pursuit” continues their hardcore/punk style with gritty vocals and charging riffs. The second song though is the one that’s going to put them over. “One And Nothing” is one hell of a great post-hardcore song. Not only does this show that each member has chops but, it shows they can write! Ross Robinson really got great things to come out of XCOMM. Really look forward to what is to come for these lads! Enjoy XCOMM!!
I’ve been impatiently waiting for new music from Futurelust and it’s finally here! Futurelust has been hard at work on new songs for an upcoming release. This new song “Stray” continues on their cinematic rock style with soaring melodic vocals. There’s something really cool and intriguing about this band. It’s really great to hear a band that cares so much about writing great songs. Their debut album is chock full of stellar songs. As well as the couple stand alone singles. I’ve had the pleasure of booking Futurelust on a couple shows over the last few years and they fast became one of my favorite new bands. Though they recently relocated to the Nashville area, I don’t doubt, they will be leaving their mark on the music scene out there! And if you are out in their are when they are playing a show, go see them! I personally can’t wait to hear more! Way to go gents!
The evolution of a side project into a full fledged band is quite something to witness. As I’ve stated in other articles pertaining to Puscifer, what started out as a side project and tongue in cheek has truly blossomed into a band. Normal Isn’t, their latest offering and fifth studio album, is truly a remarkable record. It’s also the first album of theirs that I’ve truly been excited about. What Maynard James Keenan, Carina Round and Mat Mitchell have composed and created with Normal Isn’t feels visceral and direct.
Normal Isn’t is an album that evokes as much emotion as it does thought. Lyrically throughout, the themes of the songs illuminate different concepts be it political, sociological, or psychological. Musically, the way the post-punk elements are the foundation thus making all the other parts be it the electronics, guitars, bass and drums stand out on their own merit. It’s interesting to listen and feel the inspiration of other bands be it Nine Inch Nails and Killing Joke to something more in the electronic realm. The dark undertones contrast really well against the glistening of the vocals. Carina and Maynard have really found a stride on this album both solo and together that feels more uplifting than haunting.
The songs themselves are captivating and compelling. As much fun as it would be to go into each song, it’s better to just listen without any preconceived notions. There are though, certain songs here that need to be highlighted without giving anything away. As of this review and writing, “A Public Stoning” is my favorite song here. The epic nature of this one along with all the intensity is truly remarkable. And to have a song like this smack dab in the middle, what a treat! Then you get into “The Quiet Parts” and it’s sprawling yet melodic aspects make that one/two punch repeatable. I do find myself gravitating to the back half of this album more. There’s an eclecticism to this album that is rich in its delivery and pseudo-minimalism.
Puscifer has produced quite possibly their best album yet. This is their most meticulously put together album that stays cohesive throughout. There is still all the artistic aspects of the root of the project but, everything that is here is in service of the song. The end result of Normal Isn’t shows that this “project” is now a full fledged band that has found it’s stride. Seriously, this album is one of the best of 2026 (and it’s only February 06) and I’m here for it all!
I keep saying this because it’s true, 2026 is off to the races in terms of new album announcements, new music, new tours and who knows what else is to come in the next eleven months! That being said, this past week has seen a barrage of new singles from some of your favorites as well as some you might not know yet! In this batch for New Music Friday, I present new music from Lamb Of God, Filth Is Eternal, Nothing, Fotocrime, Gaerea, Metal Allegiance, clubdrugs . Give these a spin and let me know what you are into! Listening eclectically is much more fun than you’ve ever thought!
I love albums that you can put on and let them just take you on a ride. Then there is that feeling you get when that right chord, melody or rhythm strikes. Also, it’s really refreshing to hear a band make an actual “album” and not just a collection of songs! Let me introduce you to, The Owling! This two piece Los Angeles based band is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Their sound is the perfect mix of 90’s Rock, Doom and Sludge with a very cinematic/poetic approach. The Owling’s debut album, You Don’t Bow You Will Learn, is a of righteous slab of riffs, and driving rhythms with vocals that soar. Think about driving down an open desert highway at sunset or sunrise with the windows down and this album blasting. Are you there yet? That’s exactly how this album feels. With each listen you find a different song to be your favorite. One other aspect about You Don’t Bow You Will Learn that I really enjoy is the use of space/ambience. When you listen, at certain moments, it’s almost like the fog machine is on and you get lost in the epic nature of the song. I very much look forward to what 2026 will bring for The Owling! Check out this band and be sure to buy a copy of their debut album and see them live! Also, quick shout out to Dean Karr for his badassery of great photo’s of the band and album cover. Talk about nailing an essence in a photo!
If you’ve been reading Audioeclectica for a while now, you know that I’m quite fond of the band Better Lovers. Their debut EP, God Made Me An Animal as well as debut album, Highly Irresponsible, are in constant rotation still. The excitement from listening to them and then the exhilaration of their live show is untamable. The infectiousness of the ferocity has only gotten better now as Better Lovers have released the Deluxe Edition of Highly Irresponsible. On this edition there are 2 new songs added to the record. “Don’t Forget To Say Please” came out a couple months back and now “The Impossible End” has been delivered. I really dig on the twists and turns this song inhabits. If you get a chance to see Better Lovers on this November through Mid December tour they are doing (dates below), GO!!!! If you don’t, you must be allergic to having fun! Really looking forward to what 2026 holds for these gents!
The Impossible End:
Don’t Forget To Say Please:
Better Lovers Tour Dates:
11/13 Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 11/14 Athens, GA – 40 Watt (feat. Atomic Rule) 11/15 Jacksonville, FL – Albatross (feat. Atomic Rule) 11/16 Orlando, FL – Vans Warped Tour (Better Lovers only) 11/18 Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall 11/19 New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s 11/21 Austin, TX – Come & Take It Live 11/22 Houston, TX – Bad Astronaut 11/23 Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City 11/25 Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep 11/26 Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre 11/28 Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s 11/29 Madison, WI – Majestic 11/30 Joliet, IL – The Forge 12/01 Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme 12/03 Columbus, OH – A&R Bar 12/04 Harrisburg, PA – Capital City Music Hall 12/05 Long Island, NY – Amityville Music Hall 12/06 Hampton Beach, NH – Wally’s
Better Lovers:
12/13 Buffalo, NY – Riverworks (‘Blissmas‘) (feat. Glassjaw, Saves The Day, Terror, etc.)
There’s always so much music being released these days it’s hard to keep up with it all at times. Luckily, you all have me to sort through it all and deliver the good stuff! As always, this batch of bands and albums is quite the eclectic one. This New Music Friday has all sorts of rock, metal, hardcore, electronic, and indie. Do check out all these bands and if they are playing near you, go see them and support your scene! At the end of the day there is no scene if there are no people there! Enjoy these picks and remember to always, Listen Eclectically! – Brian
01) The Anti-Groupies- Pretty Vicious: The Anti-Groupies are the real deal! I’ve been a fan for quite a bit now and it’s been a blast to watch their growth not just as a live band but as songwriters. Their debut album, Pretty Vicious, is out now and it’s a righteous slab of rock. It’s got the attitude and charisma of the 90’s, a fun playfulness that has a late 70’s early 80’s glam/punk rock vibe a la Blondie and Joan Jett and a style that is bombastic. The Anti-Groupies are one of those bands that will kick you in the teeth when you see them. The fun aspect of seeing this band is there along with the feeling of wanting to mosh. Give Pretty Vicious a spin!! And on November 15 come out to The Cobalt Presents show at Bar10 at Corbin Bowl and see The Anti-Groupies live for the Highwire Daze Magazine 35th Anniversary Show!
02) Au Jus- Very Well, Then: I find myself at times being quite intrigued with what the kids are doing musically these days. It’s been fun to watch a new generation of kids get into the things I grew up on. Sometimes there are a few bands that can capture a certain artsy essence of that time. With that in mind, let me introduce you to Au Jus and their album, Very Well, Then. This album is very much in the 90’s alternative vein with that introspective touch to it. It’s got a sort of The Smashing Pumpkins vibe mixed with Blind Melon. So it’s sort of whimsical and spacey with some sprinkles of psychedelia and shoegaze. Give Very Well, Then a spin and see where it takes you! You can catch Au Jus live Saturday October 25 at The Cobalt Presents Show at Hotel Ziggy!!
03) The Barbarians Of California- Pseudo Intellectuals Are Hating On My Band (Pure Power): Ever since I heard The Barbarians Of California I’ve been hooked. It’s been great to hear Aaron Bruno back in the hardcore realm of things. I grew up in the same area as Aaron and watching his old band Insurgence along with a slew of others like Counterveil, Homemade and others was a blast. So it’s been really fun and a bit nostalgic to have this band around. The Barbarians released a new song recently that also features Keith Buckley of Many Eyes/ex Every Time I Die. This is just one of those really fun sing along hardcore songs. It’s infectious! That’s the word I was trying to come up with. Enjoy this one!!
04) God Alone- The Beep Test: I love when I get sent things that I have zero about and I just put it on and then it’s game on! That’s what happened when I checked out Cork, Ireland’s, God Alone and their album, The Beep Test. It’s this crazy amalgamation of math rock, hardcore, punk, electronics and dance. I know, what? But seriously it all works quite well. The experimental nature of the album leaves you really wanting to delve into it more and more. There is so much to unpack in a glorious way, like opening presents on your birthday. I don’t want to say too much of it will give away the fun. Just put this album on and dance your feet off!
05) Jet Black Iris- How Sweet Is The Taste Of Your Infection?: A while back a band hit me up about playing a show with The Cobalt Presents. As I always do, I checked out the band and could definitely hear something I liked. So I booked them and DAMN! Jet Black Iris really captured my attention. Firstly, the sound of the band is chock full of things I love. There’s the 90’s quiet/loud vibe but more so in the Failure way, then you add in a really cool Post-Punk element a la Joy Division as well as Interpol (mainly their first 2 albums), and then a punk vibe that sits in that metallic/melodic spot. Put all that together and you really do have one hell of a sound and Jet Black Iris definitely takes flight! Their debut album, How Sweet Is The Taste Of Your Infection?, is ten songs of pure passion poured out onto tape (well the computer these days). Jet Black Iris has fast become one of my favorite new bands. Come see them live Saturday October 25 at The Cobalt Presents Show at Hotel Ziggy!!
06) Motherless- Do You Feel Safe?: More often than not, I’m usually in a heavy music mood. Depending on my mood depends on the level of heavy. The other day I wanted something that was HARD! So I went through my list of things to check out and put on the album Do You Feel Safe? by Motherless. After listening the eight song album, I knew I found what I was looking for and I put it on again. Punishing! That’s what this album is. It’s Metal, its got Hardcore sprinkled all over as well as dashes of Black Metal, Sludge and Doom! Motherless features members of The Atlas Moth (if you haven’t heard their album Coma Noir, you really should) and Without Waves. This album is quite intense and like I said, punishing (in the best way possible)!
07) Puscifer- Self Evident: I’ll admit, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Puscifer. There are songs I do like a lot but, for some reason it jus wasn’t connecting with me. Then a few months ago, I sat down to do some other work and put all the Puscifer albums on and found myself enjoying it a lot more than before. So when the news came out the other day that after five years, come February 6, 2026 via Alchemy Recordings, we will get a new Puscifer album called, Normal Isn’t. This new album is supposed to align more with the Post-Punk/Goth side of the bands collective influences. The first single “Self Evident” is just that, it’s dipped and swirled in post-punk. I’m sure Beavis and Butthead would be happy with one of the lyrics too!
08) Trace Amount Featuring Fatboi Sharif- Seeing God On The L Train: Over the past few years, I’ve been interested in where all the electronic music is going. There are so many sub-genres to it now that it almost seems made up. There are certain ones though that I’ve taken a liking too. The apocalyptic/atmospheric soundscapes with what seems like post-industrial beats has caught my ear. One artist that I’ve really enjoyed that does this style is Trace Amount (aka Brandon Gallagher). I got to see Trace Amount a few years ago open for Greg Puciato’s solo tour and Brandon’s set was one of those that set a tone sort of foreshadowed the craziness of the night. This new track though is pretty rad in that the sparce sound accompanied by the vocal deliver of Fatboi Sharif makes this a trippy song!
Lots of new music came out today and this week and I thought, I’d put them all in one article to share with you all. As usual, it’s a very eclectic mix of things for you to delve into! In this batch there’s new music from Mike Shinoda, Lived-In, Lamb Of God, Myrkur, Health, Prong, Eighteen Visions, and Fake Figures. Dig into these and let me know what you think! ENJOY!
Mike Shinoda- Already Over:
Lived In- Something In The Way (Nirvana) & Videotape (Radiohead):
Lamb Of God- Evidence (Omen’s Album B-Side):
Myrkyr- Valkyriernes Sang:
Health- Children Of Sorrow & Sicko (feat Godflesh):
