Greetings, Decibel readers!

There’s three particularly dark and brutal albums on today’s list, ones that should please the palettes of those looking for fire, blood, and brimstone. On the other hand, I also chose a hard rock album that totally contrasts with that vibe. And Converge. Can’t argue with that.

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Converge – Hum of Hurt

Another Converge album for 2026! And with the exception of the plodding and moody paring of “Dream Debris” and “It Used to Matter,” the album is direct, bold and unrelenting. Lots of bangers to be found here, including “Doom in Bloom,” “It Only Gets Worse,” and “Hum of Hurt.” But for some reason, I find myself drawn to the closer, “Nothing is Over.” Perhaps it’s the high drama, maybe it’s the subtle First Blood reference, it just lands for me.

Stream: Apple Music

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Diabolic Oath – Unholy Barbaric Hymns

Four tracks of dark, bestial, blazing horror. This EP from Diabolic Oath gives meaning to the idea of well-ordered chaos, continuing the long tradition of Fallen Angel of Doom.

Stream: Apple Music

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Rotten Tomb – Vestiges of Tortured Souls

The latest from Chilean death-dealers Rotten Tomb. Required homework for fans of Incantation, Dead Congregation, and Drawn and Quartered. This is especially true if you value the more melodic and mournful side of that sound, as these guys know how to weave those heavy riffs into haunting and evocative songs that stay with you.

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Sleeping Pulse – Dreams & Limitations

A change of pace for most of you, I’m sure, but it’s good to peer out of the metal caste here and there to see what’s happening with rock music. Let’s put it this way, this is basically how post-grunge alternative rock should have sounded. Sleeping Pulse recalls elements of Tool, Bush, Live, and Pearl Jam (especially that borderland territory around Vitalogy and No Code) — with the slightest touches of gothic doom that should make this appealing to at least some of you.

Stream: Apple Music

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Vølus – Grim Dark Execution

Absolutely ceaseless death metal devastation from the mind of the band’s sole conspirator of the same name. This is the project’s sixth album, and the second to come out this year (a running theme this week) after Elegy of the Necrochosen. Definitely a solid choice for fans looking for a slightly blackened take on the sound of bands like Nile and Hate Eternal.

The post Five For Friday: June 5, 2026 appeared first on Decibel Magazine.