Release Wave

Held., the trio featuring both Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano of The Sleeping and Josh Eppard from Coheed And Cambria, release their debut album, GREY, on May 15 via MNRK Heavy. The album is described as both fresh and fully realized, positioning these creative veterans as tornado chasers, ripping and tearing through an urgent, volatile, and surprising sonic storm. The introduction to the band arrives with 'NEW YOU ANTHEM,' featuring My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero, which serves as a powerful anthem about love and survival. Recorded at the inspiring Animal Farm studio in N.J. and masterfully produced by Jon Markson, GREY promises to be a standout release, showcasing Held.'s powerful sound that should appeal to fans of The Sleeping, Coheed and Cambria and My Chemical Romance but with a fresh take.

Aarhus, Denmark-based band indie/alt rock band Trader is set to release their new EP titled 'Hoodie' on May 8, 2026, with the latest single 'Buddy' serving as the first taste of this upcoming project. Produced by the skilled duo Commotion at Feedback Studio, Aarhus, this evolving sound draws from Weezer's 'Pinkerton' era, echoing the delicate vulnerability reminiscent of artist Alex G. The album explores themes of identity and societal pressures, encapsulated in poignant lines like 'If I could say it out loud, I’d brush my teeth with lies', offering a compelling narrative on self-discovery. Seamlessly blending indie and slacker rock with grunge elements and catchy pop hooks, 'Hoodie' promises to captivate listeners who enjoy the type of fuzzed out alt rock that would've dominated the radios in the 90s.

The Saddest Landscape, a Boston post-hardcore band with a 20-year legacy, will release their first full-length album in over a decade titled "Alone With Heaven" on April 24, 2026.The record, one of the final projects involving the late and legendary producer Steve Albini, showcases a blend of frantic hardcore and emotional depth. The album features guest appearances from Jeremy Bolm (Touché Amoré), Evan Weiss (Into it. Over it., Pet Symmetry), and Julien Baker, and into themes of survival and grief, while continuing perfect their balance of frantic and melodic hardcore and cathartic vulnerability

Death Lens, a punk band from Southern California, is set to release their new album "What's Left Now?" on April 24th, via Epitaph, and the follow up to their highly acclaimed LP Cold World. Writing stage-dive fist in the air anthems for the oppressed, the band's sound is described as a mix of urgency and celebration, similar to artists like Militarie Gun, Drug Church and Touché Amoré. Across 12 brand new tracks including latest singles "Monolith" and "Power" the new album reflects the band's gritty journey from hardship to strength, addressing personal struggles and societal issues with raw honesty and energy.

Jackson, Wyoming emo band Box Elder has announced their self titled LP, set for release on April 10, 2026 via Steadfast Records and Sweet Cheetah Records. Across 11 emotionally charged melodic rock songs, including the songs from their previously released EP, the band showcases the project's evolution from a solo effort into a collaborative band endeavor. The album delves into themes of mental health struggles, love lost, and the quest for belonging, offering anthems of vulnerability and resilience channeling the melodic urgency of The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. With input from all members shaping the songwriting, this album represents a significant step for Box Elder, appealing to fans of bands like Saves The Day, Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids, The Menzingers, The Wonder Years and Silversun Pickups.

Melodic punk rock band FakeYou's debut album, Promise To Disappear, will release on April 3, 2026 via 59 X Records. The album is a visceral punk offering that delves deep into themes of loss and emotional turbulence, capturing the tumultuous aftermath of all-consuming devotion. Infused with gritty melodies and driving rhythms, the album's raw intensity is balanced by moments of introspection that mirror the band's Montreal roots in the DIY punk scene. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Max Lajoie, the album's production amplifies FakeYou's raw edge, while poignant lyrics, notably showcased in singles like "All About You," spiral through memory and longing with urgency. With a drummer formerly of The Sainte Catherines, FakeYou's sound boasts a seasoned punk backbone that grounds their volatile energy, making Promise To Disappear an unapologetically loud and honest release that lingers long after the final chord. FFO: Leatherface, Hot Water Music, The Flatliners, Off With Their Heads, Jawbreaker

Nashville-based emo-punk quintet Free Throw have announced their new album, Moments Before The Wind, which will be released on March, 27 2026 via Wax Bodega. The first single, A Hero’s Grave, juxtaposes a serpentine guitar line and buoyant ’90s groove against vocalist Cory Castro’s gruff vocals, showcasing the band's signature sound. Drawing inspiration from their own experiences, including the dissolution of a long-term relationship and impending fatherhood, this release is described as a powerful exploration of life's fragile structures. The new LP will contain 11 brand new tracks with distinctive sonic qualities and poignant lyricism, and will hopefully be a standout addition to Free Throw's discography. Ben Quad, Hot Mulligan, Mom Jeans.

Koyo is releasing their second album, "Barely Here," on May 8th via Pure Noise Records, featuring ten anthemic punk tracks in 28 minutes. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Movielife, Silent Majority and Taking Back Sunday, Koyo's sound shines through in their latest release, characterized by massive guitars and catchy melodies. The album's focused refinement showcases the band's strengths, produced by Jon Markson and with guest appearances from Sammy Ciaramitaro (Drain) and Marisa Shirar (Fleshwater), promising a confident and energetic new chapter for Koyo that will surely please old fans and make new ones.

Nashville post-hardcore quintet idle threat have announced their new album "you'll forget the sun", out May 8 via Tooth & Nail. With guest appearances from heavyweights like Haste the Day's Stephen Keech and Silent Planet's Garrett Russell, the band's sonic evolution shines through in each meticulously crafted track. From cathartic energy to heartfelt lyrics, this record not only captures the band's growth but also offers listeners a glimpse into their unwavering resolve to find light in the midst of darkness.

Influential 90's LA space rockers Failure have announced their upcoming album "Location Lost" set for release on April 24, via Failure Records/Arduous Records/Virgin Music Group. Along with the announcement, the band has released lead off single 'The air's on Fire'. The new album is described as a testament to the band's journey of self-discovery and reinvention, following their 17-year hiatus and reformation in 2014. With nine new tracks, the LP presents a modern and evolving sonic landscape that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. Noteworthy collaborations, such as with Paramore's Hayley Williams on 'The Rising Skyline,' add layers of emotion and depth to the album, making "Location Lost" a standout release under their new label. Expect a captivating blend of introspective themes, disorienting yet cathartic sonic elements, and a raw, authentic exploration of where Failure stands in the present music landscape.

Chief State's upcoming album, "Keep Your Friends Closer," Set for release on April 17, 2026 via Mutant League Records, produced by Tim Creviston and mastered by Stu McKillop, encapsulates the band's high-energy pop-punk essence with a newfound sense of urgency and vulnerability. Through a blend of gritty instrumentals and introspective lyrics, Chief State delves into themes of friendship, hardship, and the complexities of human connection, urging listeners to embrace authenticity and understanding in their relationships. This release, born out of a tumultuous period for the band, showcases their resilience and growth, promising an emotionally charged and sonically dynamic listening experience for fans of the genre.

Nerd-Core-Mid-West-Emo is back better than ever, with Columbus, Ohio 3-piece Palette Knife announcing the release of their upcoming LP 'Keyframe' due on April 10th, 2026 via Take This To Heart Records. Their new single and music video for 'Sleep Paralysis' is now available across all platforms along with the previously released single Prototype V.2. Mixed by Billy Mannino, known for his work with Oso Oso, Ben Quad and Macseal, the album offers a blend of PUP's pop punk in your face songwriting decisiveness and Hot Mulligan's explosive choruses, appealing to fans of early 2000s pop punk and riff-heavy midwest emo. Critics highlight the band's ability to connect nerdy passions with relatable songwriting, creating anthemic, addictive music also reminiscent of Charmer, Ben Quad, Good Sleepy, Arm's Length and the like.

Moodring is releasing their new album "Death Fetish" on March 27 via SharpTone Records, characterized by nu metal, heavy alt rock, and industrial influences. The band's founder, Hunter Young, sees this album as a reflection of survival and metamorphosis, with the video for their single "Masochist Machine" emphasizing themes of addiction and escapism. With a history of evolving sound and personal challenges, Moodring's latest release has been described as the sound of transcendence—an artist refusing to disappear, even as the light fades. For all its darkness, death fetish is not a surrender. It's a reclamation."I just wanted to make a dark, honest record," Young says. "And if people don't like it, I don't really care. I had to do it for myself."

Snail Mail — the project of Lindsey Jordan — announces her highly anticipated third album, Ricochet, due out March 27 on Matador Records. The new LP dives deep into themes of time, mortality, and the quiet terror of loss, showcasing Lindsey Jordan's growth as a generational songwriter. Produced by Aron Kobayashi Ritch, the album features ornate string arrangements and hypnotic textures that evoke '90s alternative rock with a modern twist. Recorded in North Carolina and Brooklyn, Ricochet marks a poignant shift for Jordan, who crafted its 11 introspective tracks as she faced personal challenges. With a renewed focus on her vocals following surgery, she delivers poignant melodies and piercing lyrics that capture the heart of emotional turbulence and acceptance.

The Flatliners' will release their new album, 'Cold World', on May 8th via Equal Vision Records / Dine Alone Records. The LP delves into the aftermath of clarity with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that feel like a ghostly memory. Reflecting on themes of nostalgia and legacy, the band's urgent punk energy is met with intricate guitar work, exemplified in tracks like 'Inner Peace' and 'Burn'. With a music video paying homage to '90s style and a focus on collaboration and shared vision, this release marks a distinctive chapter in the band's 24-year musical journey, inviting listeners to navigate the complexities of a 'cold world' alongside them.

SUGAR, the 90s alternative rock trio, led by Bob Mould, announces second single 'Long Live Love' as part of their 2026 reunion World Tour, following the acclaimed 'House of Dead Memories' single which was released in 2025. The single's origins date back to 2007, blending Mould's DJ influences with pop songwriting, a nostalgic yet innovative fusion of grinding guitar riffs and lush synth textures with big melodies and hooks that Sugar is known for.The band's reunion after almost 30 years has been met with excitement, with sold-out shows in New York and London and a forthcoming world tour across North America and Europe.

From Ashes To New's upcoming album "Reflections" is a powerful blend of alt metal that delves deep into the anxieties and desires of their generation. Set to release on April 17 via Better Noise Music, this album features 12 tracks that showcase the band's newfound confidence and raw energy. Particularly noteworthy is the track 'Villain,' where vocalist Matt Brandyberry explores the magnetic pull between two individuals who are drawn to each other despite knowing it may lead to chaos. With a fresh creative approach and a tour alongside Black Veil Brides on the horizon, "Reflections" promises to be a standout release that pushes boundaries and resonates with listeners on a visceral level.

I AM THE AVALANCHE, the celebrated New York punk band lead by Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife), is set to release their first new album in six years, titled 'THE HORROR SHOW', on April 10 via Equal Vision Records. The new LP serves as a poignant return for the New York punk outfit, delving into themes of loss, resilience, and friendship. Reflecting frontman Vinnie Caruana's personal journey through grief, the album offers an expansive and textured sonic landscape, showcasing the band's evolution over their six-year hiatus. Featuring deeply personal tracks like the title song, 'THE HORROR SHOW' which is now streaming, this release stands out for its raw emotion and fearless exploration of new musical territories, making it a powerful companion for listeners navigating their own struggles. RIYL: The Movielife, Crime In Stereo, Polar Bear Club, The Descendents, Lagwagon

From Worcester, MA, Hedge's new EP Freeze Frame High Five will release on March 27, 2026, described as a gritty pop-punk blitz that pays homage to '90s alt-rock legends like Dinosaur Jr., Sugar, The Lemondheads and Guided By Voices. With speedy power chords, raw vocals, and infectiously catchy hooks, the band's sound is a nod to the golden age of indie rock while staying fresh and urgent. Collaborating with an array of Boston-area college rock influences, Hedge's latest release is a short burst of lo-fi energy that proves polished production isn't necessary when the music is this raw and exciting.