Metal Hammer’s Tracks Of The Week: October 16 2026

Metal Hammer highlights a varied selection of new metal tracks, led by a collaboration between Tarja Turunen and Apocalyptica, alongside releases from Blackgold and Heilung. The roundup arrives during a week of notable changes in metal, including reports of Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill’s retirement and Floor Jansen’s departure from Nightwish.

The article also recalls last week’s reader vote: sludge band Black Royal won, with Trivium third after announcing a new album, while Calva Louise released “La Promesa”. This week’s selections range from Indian progressive metal by Fallen Letters and Japanese post-hardcore by Heaven In Her Arms to extreme metal from Underdark; readers are invited to vote for their favourite.