Metal Hammer's Tracks of the Week: August 14, 2026
As the summer sun begins to wane, we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the crisp autumn air and the spooky season that comes with it. And what better way to embrace the changing seasons than with some new music to get us in the mood? This week's Tracks of the Week from Metal Hammer features a diverse range of artists and genres, from doom metal to industrial rock, and everything in between. So, let's dive into the top picks and explore what makes each of these songs so captivating.
Mastodon - In The Ruins
Mastodon's new single, In The Ruins, is a haunting and atmospheric track that showcases the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic passages. With the release of their upcoming album, Marrow Deep, just around the corner, this song serves as a perfect preview of what's to come. What makes In The Ruins particularly fascinating is the way it plays with tonal shifts, creating a sense of unease and anticipation. The song's heavy sections are accompanied by moments of gentle melody, making it a dynamic and engaging listen. Personally, I think this track is a testament to Mastodon's ability to evolve while staying true to their core sound. It's a reminder that they are one of the most critically acclaimed metal bands of the 21st century for a reason.
Noctule - Goddess Of Rot
Noctule, the solo project of Svalbard vocalist Serena Cherry, delivers a powerful and emotional track with Goddess Of Rot. The song taps into a familiar sound for fans of Svalbard, with its furious and majestic blackened post-hardcore style. What makes this song interesting is the way it incorporates video game themes, adding a unique and modern twist to the genre. From my perspective, Noctule's ability to blend the familiar with the unexpected is what makes this track so captivating. It's a testament to the band's versatility and their willingness to push the boundaries of their sound.
Green Lung - Black Magick Radio
Green Lung's Black Magick Radio is a catchy and fun track that takes us back to the late 60s and early 70s with its old-school keyboard sounds. The song's dark magical appeal is evident from the start, and the band clearly had a lot of fun with the production. In my opinion, this track is a perfect example of how metal bands can draw inspiration from the past while still creating something fresh and exciting. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the classics and adding a modern twist.
The Cartographer - Griefworn
The Cartographer's Griefworn is an oppressive and aggressive track that packs a punch. The song's relentless energy and sense of mounting pressure create a sense of anticipation that builds to a climax. What makes this track interesting is the way it combines modern metal aggression with a sense of impending explosion. From my perspective, The Cartographer's ability to create a sense of tension and release is what makes this song so compelling. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the raw and unfiltered.
Godflesh - Living/Ending
Godflesh's Living/Ending is a nihilistic vision of a future that is both crushing and claustrophobic. The song's industrial metal sound is a perfect fit for the band's signature style, and the track's dark and brooding atmosphere is a testament to the band's ability to create a sense of unease and despair. Personally, I think this track is a perfect example of how Godflesh has become the epitome of crushing, claustrophobic industrial metal over the years. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the darker side of life.
Zilqy - World’s End
Zilqy's World’s End is a contemporary take on industrial metal, with a clattering low-end and clear radio sensibilities. The song's industrial influences are balanced with a radio-friendly sound, making it a perfect blend of old and new. What makes this track interesting is the way it combines industrial metal with a more accessible sound. From my perspective, Zilqy's ability to create a song that is both heavy and radio-friendly is what makes this track so compelling. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the unexpected.
Battlesnake - Mud Apocalypse
Battlesnake's Mud Apocalypse is a fun and energetic track that delivers the band's signature po-faced, trad metal glory. The song's colorful and vibrant production is a perfect fit for the band's unique style, and the track's sense of humor and self-awareness is a refreshing change of pace. In my opinion, Battlesnake's ability to create a song that is both fun and heavy is what makes this track so captivating. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the absurd.
Gradience - Undone
Gradience's Undone is a post-black metal rager that starts out with blast-beats and hip hop flows. The song's stark contrast of styles is what makes it so compelling, and the band's ability to blend two disparate elements together is a testament to their skill. What makes this track interesting is the way it plays with genre boundaries, creating a sense of surprise and excitement. From my perspective, Gradience's ability to create a song that is both heavy and accessible is what makes this track so captivating. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the unexpected.
Netherwilds - Helm Yeah
Netherwilds' Helm Yeah is a tongue-in-cheek track that takes us back to the early 90s with its New York sound and 16th-century influences. The song's sense of fun and self-awareness is a refreshing change of pace, and the band's ability to blend different eras and styles together is a testament to their skill. What makes this track interesting is the way it plays with historical references and modern influences, creating a sense of nostalgia and surprise. From my perspective, Netherwilds' ability to create a song that is both fun and thought-provoking is what makes this track so captivating. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the past while still creating something new.
Hippotraktor - Oblivion Walker
Hippotraktor's Oblivion Walker is a brilliant track that bridges the technicality of Tesseract with the cosmic melodies of Mastodon. The song's ability to create a sense of otherworldly beauty and technical precision is a testament to the band's skill. What makes this track interesting is the way it plays with different genres and styles, creating a sense of surprise and excitement. From my perspective, Hippotraktor's ability to create a song that is both technical and melodic is what makes this track so captivating. It's a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from embracing the unexpected.
In conclusion, this week's Tracks of the Week from Metal Hammer features a diverse range of artists and genres, each with their own unique style and approach to music. From doom metal to industrial rock, and everything in between, these songs are sure to get you in the mood for the spooky season. So, whether you're a fan of heavy riffs, melodic passages, or something in between, there's something for everyone here. And don't forget to cast your vote in the poll below to let us know which song excites you the most. Stay hydrated and cool out there, and happy listening!
