JANUARY 2026 WRAP-UP
Maybe a monthly wrap-up isn't such a bad idea, since the first month of the year has already been a schizophrenic cascade of genres. If you're a purist or you identify hard core with one specific musical genre, this blog is not going to suit you.
First of there was an amazing live set I checked out in Ghent by Dutch black metal punks Invunche. The first live set of 2026 was immediately a banger.
Then: the schizophrenics... I checked out the new Lorna Shore, the theatrical deathcore band that has waaay too much influence on that scene to my liking. Suddenly every deathcore band is copying those breakdowns and the ice-cold, unsympathetic production. Gone is the groove, in is the ice cold nihilism. I have to admit the first listen of "I feel the everblack festering within me" is as nauseating as I expected. What else: local harsh noise solo project Last Action came out with another crackling anti-music release. "Secluded mansion" is harsh noise-wall done well. I very much appreciated this thing. For some reason more so than his dozen-a-year other releases for some reason. So, to keep it short and not go into the "okay" category of January's releases... let's go to the two toppers of the month. Both hip hop releases from the same boutique label realm:
IMPORTED GOODZ x ROME STREETZ - smuggled narratives RECOGNIZE ALI & D-STYLES - all shall perish 2 records I wouldn't mind having in my collection with some amazing production, piano loops, bluesy and groovy vibes and hard street talk. Fucking awesome.
