With 2025 behind us, we turn our attention forward to some of what 2026 will hold. The news below isn’t based on rumors or wishful thinking, but on posts or statements from the artists or bands themselves. As much as may appear in this post, it’s likely there are upcoming releases, tours, etc, that have been missed, and in that case, post them below in the comments, so we can see what else we have to look forward to in the upcoming year. What are you looking forward to most??
1. Paul Meany recently shared that a re-issue of “The Rise Of Modern Simulation” by Earthsuit would drop in January. Earthsuit is pre-Mutemath and “The Rise Of Modern Simulation” is the independently released followup to the commercially release “Kaleidoscope Superior”.
2. Grave Robber have announced the release of their next EP, “Black Roses”. The 4 song EP has a release date of March 13th and promises to continue strongly in the vein of the classic Grave Robber sound. Pre-order yours HERE.
3. This past holiday season Skillet released their first Christmas song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, which was very well received (mostly 🙄). When the rubber met the road and the breakdown came, many were blown away by how heavy the part went, which, in my own opinion, was actually the heaviest I’ve heard the band. In recent interviews, not only has singer John Cooper said new music would be coming from the band in 2026, but further expressed that if we loved the heavy breakdown in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, there’s more of that on the way. The next Skillet release promises to quite possibly be the band’s heaviest offering to date.
4. Thumper Punk Record’s have shared that Reliance is currently in the studio working on an upcoming release. The band’s last full release was back in 2020, but based on the latest single, “Take Cover”, that dropped this past July, they sound as good as ever and are sure to give us an amazing album. Check out “Take Cover” HERE.
5. Back in March of 2025, Blindside released a new single, “Dead Weight” with the promise of an upcoming full length album. Since then, it’s been fairly quiet…Will 2026 be the year?
6. The Letter Black announced the upcoming release of two full length albums, “Paper” and “Ink”. The band further stated that the two albums would be two different sounds as well, and “coming soon”.
7. Chasing Victory dropped two incredible new singles back in October and December of 2025 and are heading back into the studio, per their most recent Instagram post, so it looks like we can expect more where that came from. If youve yet to check out “Unrequited Love II” and “Renegade“, get on it!
8. A name that may come as a surprise here, is none other than Sevendust. In the past year and change, guitarist/vocalist Clint Lowery has come to faith in Christ and following along with his posts about it on social media is always inspiring. Regarding the upcoming Sevendust album, while it will certainly not be dubbed a “Christian” release, there’s will surely be a number of songs reflecting Clint’s newfound faith and I, for one, am eager to see just how that comes out. Check out a recent interviews with Clint regarding this HERE.
9. Sent By Ravens last album “Mean What You Say” released in 2012. Based on recent posts by the band, something over there may be stirring and we’re eager to see what it is. Whatever they’ve got planned, it seems likely we’ll find out in 2026.
10. Project 86 is currently crowdfunding for their upcoming release, “OMNI Part 3”. In the pre-order links that are available, it appears this release will drop sometime around November of 2026, but knowing Project 86, the wait will be well worth it.
11. Nu metal band Relent is poised to release their new EP “Suffer” in the near future. Two singles, “Holy Forever” and “Remember Me” have already been released from this one and if they’re any indication, they’re upcoming EP is going to be one we won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow the band on their socials and also check out some of their newly listed tour dates with Upon A Burning Body.
12. Diamonds to Dust already dropped a scorcher of an album with “Echoes of Grace and Strife” just two weeks ago, and already the guys are looking towards the future. In a post by the band just yesterday, the band appears to be looking to release another album this summer.
13. In Europe? Flatfoot 56 have just announced they’ll be embarking on a small tour across the pond this July 9-19. Keep an eye out on the band’s socials for more details as the time gets closer.
14. In a post by Glasslands, the band looks to be releasing new music in 2026. The recent singles have all been pretty great, so it’ll be great to see what they have up their sleeve for the coming year.
15. Haste the Day have a new album planned and are looking for help to partially fund it through some merch sales. You can check out the post, including a link to their merch store, HERE.
16. Jason Dunn (ex-Hawk Nelson) has been keeping pretty busy!! He’s released a number of songs through his Patreon over the past year and has a small tour planned in the US for an album release titled, “Formerly Known As…” in addition to a spot at Audiofeed. Check this page HERE for tour dates, merch, and booking info.
17. In 2025 Impending Doom Dropped a 5 song EP, “Towards The Light” that was very well received in addition to playing a number of shows throughout the year. So what’s next? According to this post by the band, a full length album. New Impending Doom is on the horizon!
18. Meadows has really had a year. Throughout all of the ups and downs the band’s resolve remains as they continue to lift the name of Jesus and proclaim the faithfulness of God. The band has been writing and may be looking towards another release in 2026. To see more about their year and what they’ve got coming up, check out this post and follow then on their socials.
19. Kingdomcore cracked the code and got a sneak peek at new music on the way from Oh Sleeper. Check out this post. Album? EP? Can’t say for sure, but I’m sure we’ll all be glad for whatever we can get. New Oh Sleeper in 2026???
20. Pillar has a documentary in the works titled “Pillar: Beyond the Frontline”. The band anticipated it’s release in 2025, but have faced some delays. When it releases, it will be available on their website along with some new merch. Get on their socials to keep updated and check out this post for more info.
21. Seventh Day Slumber have just finished up the last song for their upcoming worship album, “Thy Kingdom Come”. Previously they released a single of a cover of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” which sounded amazing, so I look forward to hearing what they’ve been hard at work on. No date has been given as of yet. Check out this post from the band HERE.
22. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for The Protest. Not only have they announced new music is on the way, but they will be heading out on tour as support for Skillet on their Spring Tour.
23. The Wounds That Speak release a rather impressive EP this past June and fans of metalcore are really into it. The band has shared there is new music on the way this month and I, for one, am eager to hear more from these guys.
