DeadNote Weekend Release Desk – January 18, 2026

A quick collection of release announcements that landed in my inbox this week—a mix of new singles, new videos, tour news, and early album moves worth keeping an eye on. No hype, no rankings—just the core details and where to start.

Anthea unveil “Phantom in the Masquerade,” first single from Beyond the Dawn

Rockshots Records shared the first single from Anthea’s upcoming third album Beyond the Dawn, due April 17, 2026. “Phantom in the Masquerade” leans into the band’s theatrical symphonic metal side, framing themes of isolation and invisibility within a tightly structured, hook-forward track. An official music video accompanies the release, set within a masked ball motif that mirrors the song’s emotional distance.

Bloodstain release “Conspiracy” and confirm Hellfest 2026 appearance

Swedish thrash newcomers Bloodstain released their new single “Conspiracy,” continuing the momentum built from their debut EP I Am Death. The band also confirmed a slot at Hellfest 2026, marking a significant jump for a group formed in late 2023. Several European festival dates are scheduled across the summer.

Victorius share “Kingdom of the Strong” from World War Dinosaur

Power metal outfit Victorius dropped “Kingdom of the Strong,” the first single from their upcoming album World War Dinosaur, out April 17, 2026 via PERCEPTION. The track continues the band’s exaggerated fantasy narrative—dinosaurs, warfare, and heroic excess—paired with high-speed riffing and chant-ready choruses.

**The Eternal release Celestial EP and unveil “Celestial Veil” video**

The Eternal marked the release of their new EP Celestial with a video for “Celestial Veil.” The track highlights the band’s slow-burning approach to gothic and doom-leaning metal, built on atmosphere, restraint, and emotional weight. The EP follows their 2024 album Skinwalker and is available digitally and on limited vinyl.

Gravewitch unleash “Damnable Evil” lyric video

Blackened thrash duo Gravewitch released a lyric video for “Damnable Evil,” taken from their self-titled album released in June 2025. The track centers on early asylum horror and psychological collapse, pairing groove-heavy thrash with darker atmospheric elements. The band will appear as local support for Savage Master on February 12 in Eugene, Oregon.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com

Embrace Of Souls sign with Rockshots Records for new concept album

Rockshots Records announced the signing of Embrace Of Souls, who are preparing their next concept album The Battle of the Dead for release in 2026. The band also confirmed an updated vocal lineup, introducing soprano vocalist Martina Mazzeo alongside lead vocalist Giacomo Rossi. A new single titled “Desolate Lands” is expected ahead of the album.

Ravenmocker debut with “Infallible”

Melodic death metal newcomers Ravenmocker released their debut single “Infallible,” accompanied by a music video marking the band’s official launch. The track reflects a personal turning point for founder Tom Tierney and introduces a sound rooted in classic melodic death metal with modern emotional framing. Additional singles are planned throughout 2026.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com

Bell Witch and Aerial Ruin announce European tour

Bell Witch and Aerial Ruin—performing as Stygian Bough—announced a European tour beginning January 26, 2026 in Warsaw, with 40 Watt Sun supporting. The run stretches across Poland, Germany, France, the UK, and Benelux, continuing the collaborative material first explored on their joint release.

Riket announce debut album 2026

Swedish death metal act Riket confirmed their debut album 2026, due April 10 via Black Lion Records. Each track is written in Swedish and tied to historical moments of failure and catastrophe. The first single, “1868: Sommar vid Vinterviken,” is out now with an accompanying video.

Gotthard share “Smiling in the Pouring Rain”

Swiss rock veterans Gotthard released “Smiling in the Pouring Rain,” a stripped-down single from their upcoming mini-album More Stereo Crush, due March 13, 2026. The song focuses on resilience and perspective, trading arena-sized drive for a more reflective tone.

Black Lung present “Follow” visualizer

Heavy psych trio Black Lung shared “Follow,” the latest advance track from their forthcoming album Forever Beyond, arriving March 6, 2026 via Magnetic Eye Records. The song balances tighter, controlled verses with expansive, open choruses, reflecting themes of frustration and escape.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/

If something here sticks, chances are it’ll resurface later—either as a longer feature or when the release cycle really kicks in.