Metal fans should brace for a massive January 16 release day, with KREATOR's "Krushers Of The World" (Nuclear Blast) and SOEN's "Reliance" (Silver Lining Music) headlining an exceptionally stacked slate. KREATOR deliver their sixteenth album of Teutonic thrash produced by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, while SOEN continue their progression toward heavier territory on their seventh LP, further distilling the progressive metal sound that has earned them comparisons to TOOL and OPETH.
KREATOR's offering arrives with massive anticipation following the announcement of their European tour with CARCASS, EXODUS, and NAILS. Advance singles have showcased the German thrash institution at their most relentless, with Mille Petrozza's vocals carrying a renewed sense of urgency and venom. The album reportedly features some of the fastest material the band has recorded since "Coma Of Souls," balanced with the melodic sensibility that defined their more recent work.
SOEN's "Reliance" promises to be equally compelling, with the Swedish progressive metal outfit pushing further into darker, heavier sonic terrain. Frontman Joel Ekelöf has described the album as the band's most emotionally raw work, tackling themes of dependency, human connection, and societal disillusionment. The band's rhythm section — featuring drummer Martin Lopez (ex-OPETH) — continues to provide the intricate foundation that sets SOEN apart in the progressive metal landscape.
Additional releases rounding out the week include MARIANAS REST's "The Bereaved," a melodic doom metal offering on Napalm Records, and OV SULFUR's "Endless," which pushes deathcore into increasingly blackened territory. Coming hot on the heels of last week's ALTER BRIDGE and BEYOND THE BLACK releases, January 2026 is shaping up as one of metal's strongest months in recent memory. The sheer volume and quality of releases reflects a thriving global metal scene entering the new year with unprecedented momentum.