2026 has been a really great year for new albums. Not just new albums but, bands returning and giving us new music that is just as good as their previous work, as well as a bunch of independent bands that are really coming into their own. This is one of my favorite posts of the year. It’s a great way to catch up on everything that’s come out that yo might have missed and check out something new. Audioeclectica, while mainly focused on rock music, is all about exploring new musical avenues. Why not start with these! Enjoy!
THIS LIST IS IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER!!!
AUDIOECLECTICA’S BEST OF 2026… SO FAR:
01) Held- Grey 02) Puscifer- Normal Isn’t 03) Converge- Hum Of Hurt 04) Converge- Love Is Not Enough 05) Poison The Well- Peace In Place 06) Lamb Of God- Into Oblivion 07) Blackwater Holylight- Not Here Not Gone 08) The Owling- Intravenous Flow 09) Neurosis- An Undying Love For A Burning World 10) Failure- Location Lost 11) Monolord- Neverending 12) Corrosion Of Conformity- Good God/Baad Man 13) Nine Inch Noize- Nine Inch Noize 14) Sevendust- One 15) At The Gates- The Ghost Of A Future Dead 16) XCOMM- Time To Burn 17) Exodus- Goliath 18) Rob Zombie- The Great Satan 19) Genghis Tron- Signal Fire 20) A Place To Kill- A Place To Kill 21) Gaerea- Loss 22) Final Gasp- New Day Symptoms 23) Trauma Ray- Carnival 24) Carpenter Brut- Leather Temple 25) The Smashing Pumpkins- Zodeon At Crystal Hall
When you ignite the future with the right bands, there is a good chance you can see where music is headed. For too long, modern heavy music has gotten too overproduced and frankly generic. Granted that sounds like a blanket statement, when there are bands out there that don’t fall into that trap. Instead what’s happening is a bands full of youngsters are providing a resurgence of a more raw and invigorating sound. There is one band in particular that has caught my attention for some time and has chosen the punk and hardcore route, XCOMM.
XCOMM have released their debut album, Time To Burn, and just like its title, that statement rings very true in a multitude of ways. Across eleven songs and thirty minutes, this unrelenting five piece band, rip through the gamut of the best of what hardcore punk is. While influences like Minor Threat, Black Flag and Bad Brains are the foundations of the genre and can certainly be heard here, Xcomm don’t rest on that. What you hear is part homage and the rest is pure and full of promise.
Kicking things off is “Reasons” a shotgun blast right out of the gate. This is just that start of the boiling tension that starts this album. Also the video for this song was directed by Dean Karr and perfectly executed that feeling. Check it out! Next is “Hot Pursuit/One and Nothing” a two for one song that shows that promise I mentioned earlier. Just listen. “Fake ID” is a fun barnburner of a track. And again, a fun video worth watching. “Borrowed Happiness” is a thrashy punk song that hits at the right melodic tinges. The title track “Time To Burn” is a to the point statement. “Pirates” continues the onslaught with guest vocals from Ghostmane. “Running Zeros” is a departure from the frantic frenzy. In fact this standout is song that shows another side of the band. There’s some great little subtle nods in this song as well towards those inspiring bands. “Relevance” returns to the punk sound with a snarl and crashing backdrop. “No Teeth” will definitely get circle pits going. It has that vibe right from the beat drop. “Purity” is eighty seconds of a a slamming good time. Closing out the album is “Negativity.” Don’t get that twisted though, this song packs a ton of optimism for what’s to come from XCOMM.
What Ross Robinson was able to get from XCOMM on Time To Burn is exquisite. The raw prowess of the production combined with ferocity of the songs really makes for a great listening experience. Having seen the band live, a good amount of their live energy is here in a way that only Ross can capture. Each band member has their own moments through that shows not just their musical abilities but, shows how each member plays a dynamic role in these songs.
XCOMM are without a doubt legit. They have the live show, songs and energy to make you a fan. Time To Burn is a great debut and one hell of a way to get your attention. There is a definite throwback element to this album too that, if you came of age at certain points, will remind you of that time in the best of ways. It’s worth noting too that for all the seriousness on this album, it’s also a fun record. And who can’t use a little fun in their life?!!
