2026 has been stacked with nasty releases from such misery merchants as Sugar Horse, Chat Pile and Shearling, it would seem almost foolish then for relative newcomers Moni Jitchell to wade in to the conversation.

After forming in Stockholm in 2012, God Mother have taken their exuberant metallic hardcore across the world, garnering praise and devotion for their chaotic live shows and uncompromisingly hostile sound. With two prior albums and five EPs to their name, the stage is set for the Swedish quartet’s much-awaited third full-length album, KÖTTVÄRLD.

Standing opposed to the machismo and toxic masculinity that permeates the hardcore and alternative music scenes, Parisian Alt-Hardcore outfit LUGOSi have built a reputation for themselves on queer representation, integrity and a desire to make the world a better place. 

On Engine Of Hell, Emma Ruth Rundle perfectly chronicled the wakeful sense of isolation and despair millions felt as they navigated a global pandemic. On These Killing Times, her sixth solo studio album, she strives to capture and convey a sense of hope and community.

Norwich two-piece Kulk don't mess about. Asked, at the drop of a hat, to fill a slot at the prestigious ArcTanGent festival recently, they were ready and waiting when the call came in.

The world is ablaze, wild fires are raging and political leaders have lost the plot. It's hard to reconcile with anyone ignoring the total catastrophe of the hottest year on record, but for Canada's favourite DIY darlings, silence was never an option.

Nigh on a decade into their career, Chicago psych-rockers REZN delve deep into the dreamworld on this, their sixth album, Cycles In The Infinite Dream.

Extremity descends upon Birmingham with Plague Pit, Vacuous and Dragged Into Sunlight at The Asylum. Photos by Kevin Ashburn.

Do you lie awake at night, unsettled by the notion that something is deeply wrong with the world? Do you feel powerless in the face of the capitalist industrial war-machine? Do you despair at the apathy of the masses? Well, then the new Sugar Horse album might be for you.

Never one's to rest on their heels, Model/Actriz are back with another EP. Does this collection of songs stand as a worthy follow up to Pirouette?