PERTURBATOR (James Kent) has dropped ‘Mors Ultima Ratio,’ the fourth single from his upcoming album Age of Aquarius (out October 10 via Nuclear Blast). A menacing instrumental inspired by industrial and black metal, the track builds from a tense intro to a synth-driven crescendo, embodying the apocalyptic atmosphere Kent explores throughout the record.

Slow Crush return with Thirst, their first album on Pure Noise Records. A cascade of heavy riffs, dreamy vocals and fuzz-laden textures, it explores fragility, love and self-identity. Produced by Lewis Johns, Thirst pushes their shoegaze grit further, cementing Slow Crush as torchbearers of the genre while inviting listeners into a transformative, immersive soundscape.

Melbourne post-hardcore outfit Post Heaven have signed with Greyscale Records and announced their sophomore EP The Space That’s In Between, out October 3. The band have dropped new single ‘Exit Wound’, a heavy mix of alt-metal, hardcore and electronics exploring cycles of self-destruction.

California heavyweights KINGDOM OF GIANTS drop their new EP Burning Chrome via SharpTone Records. Blending the Bleeding Star and Burning Chrome worlds, the release is a fierce, streamlined showcase of their evolution, packed with intensity and focus.

Melbourne blackened nu-metal act Mélancolia unleash their sophomore album ‘random.access.misery’ via Greyscale Records and Nuclear Blast, alongside the new video for ‘Lithia’. The band will tour nationally this September on the ‘access.all.misery’ headline run.

The Hives Forever Forever The Hives explodes with swagger, attitude and raw energy. Across thirteen tracks of explosive riffs, distortion and cheeky punk mischief, the band prove they’re still rock royalty. From the fiery opener ‘Enough Is Enough’ to the stadium-ready closer, it’s a swaggering celebration of chaos, humour and ferocious rock ’n’ roll spirit.

Runnner’s 'A Welcome Kind of Weakness', is a gorgeous indie-rock reflection on healing, vulnerability, and the emotional fog of recovery. With intricate songwriting and layered production, Noah Weinman dissects life’s fractures and stitches them into a beautifully melancholic, high-fidelity soundscape that’s both tender and raw.

Vocalist Ben Beddick says: “When we were writing this record, one of the things that kept coming up was the idea of death and rebirth through fire… killing off the old and dead parts of ourselves in order to give birth to something new and maybe even a truer version of who we all are.”

Chinese-Mongolian progressive metal outfit Nine Treasures will release their fifth album Seeking The Absolute on October 24 via Metal Blade Records, marking their first worldwide release. “On Seeking The Absolute, we tried to capture those unforgettable moments when your mind swings wide open to infinite possibilities,” says founder Askhan.

Bay Area thrash legends Testament return on October 10 with their fourteenth album Para Bellum via Nuclear Blast. Marking five years since Titans of Creation, the record delivers a sharp, urgent reflection of modern chaos. Lead single ‘Infanticide A.I.’ showcases new drummer Chris Dovas and the band’s blistering speed, power, and fury.

Blackbriar’s A Thousand Little Deaths is a gothic symphonic metal triumph exploring heartbreak, myth and emotional decay. Zora Cock’s haunting voice floats over lush strings, heavy guitars and controlled chaos. From “Bluebeard’s Chamber” to “Harpy,” every track cuts deep. This is a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich album that captures Blackbriar’s dark elegance and songwriting at its peak.

"Flowers is 20 years into a journey," DePoyster explains. "The highs, the lows, a reckoning with what it means be a human catapulting through the chaos that life throws at us continually. This is us at our peak, in songwriting, in raw and authentic lyricism and introspection, and a desperate attempt to connect with anyone else who feels the same way that we do."

Kittie honour 25 years of their groundbreaking debut with Spit XXV, out September 19 via Sumerian Records. “It’s hard to believe our debut is still resonating with people and finding new audiences. Revisiting these songs was a fun way to pay homage to the past while updating them with a modern sound,” says Morgan Lander.

Sydney’s Justice For The Damned return with Stay Relentless, a hard-hitting new chapter that leans into their roots while pushing their sound heavier than ever. “We’re not reinventing the wheel, but we’re making sure it rolls smoother and heavier,” the band says.

Incite’s Savage New Times is a battle-scarred manifesto delivering thirty-three minutes of thrash-laced fury aimed at a fractured world. From the jackhammer opener “Lies” to the haunting “Dolores,” the Phoenix crew channel raw rage into ten tightly wound tracks. Richie Cavalera’s venomous vocals lead the charge as the band sounds sharper, heavier, and more defiant than ever.

Canadian deathcore pioneers Despised Icon return with Shadow Work, their first album in six years, out October 31 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band also drop new single ‘Over My Dead Body’ featuring Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX — a crushing anthem of self-belief, pain, and purpose.

Babymetal’s fifth album Metal Forth is a whirlwind of hyperactive J-pop meets crushing metal, charging through 10 tracks in just over 30 minutes. Packed with guest appearances from Poppy, Electric Callboy, Polyphia, Bloodywood, and Tom Morello.

XMusic’s signing of Blvd Of Eyes marks a bold step for the label as they expand their roster with international talent. "So excited to be on the BLVD of Eyes Team" says XMusic CEO, Tim McLean-Smith. "and this new music is Next level!

Bad Juju dive into darker, grungier territory on new single Simulacra, exploring identity, perception and the blurred line between reality and simulation. The EP lands October 24 via Thirty Two Records.

AFI announce their new album Silver Bleeds the Black Sun, out October 3, along with the single Behind the Clock. “We wanted the video to feel like you’re seeing something you shouldn’t,” says director Gilbert Trejo. “In effect you are, because that’s how Davey writes lyrics.”