IoMP 110: Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2026 (so far)
Welcome to 2026, metalheads—and the Influencers of Metal Podcast wastes absolutely no time kicking the door in.
In the first episode of the year, Collin & Tom break down the stacked early-2026 metal release calendar, with January alone threatening to emotionally devastate thrash fans worldwide. The conversation opens with the universal dad-joke law of the universe (“we haven’t talked to you since last year”), before quickly escalating into real problems—like missing an Amon Amarth headline show because of college responsibility. Yes, it still hurts.
The duo dives deep into Megadeth’s self-titled album, widely seen as the band’s final release. With early singles already exceeding expectations, the discussion turns to whether Dave Mustaine is truly going out with a bang—or if hype is a dangerous drug.
From there, the thrash torch passes to Kreator’s Krushers of the World, an album that proves once again that some bands age like fine wine soaked in gasoline. The episode explores how Kreator may end up battling Megadeth not just for January dominance, but possibly for album-of-the-year conversations.
Things pivot hard (as they always do) into Poppy’s Empty Hands, examining her full evolution into a legitimate metal force and what her next step might look like after Negative Spaces. Then, the chaos truly begins with NanowaR of Steel’s Genghis Khan EP to End All Genghis Khan EPs — EP, a parody-fueled descent into metal absurdity involving feet, Sabaton jokes, and weaponized comedy.
The tone shifts again with Gaerea’s Loss, a highly anticipated follow-up to Coma that could redefine the band’s blackened sound with modern metal influences. Rounding things out, Tom makes a surprising but logical pick with Rob Zombie’s The Great Satan, proving that industrial groove metal still has plenty of life left in it.
It’s a loud, ridiculous, and surprisingly insightful start to the year—one that makes it very clear: 2026 is already shaping up to be a monster year for metal.
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