Harbinger’s Killer Picks – January 2026

Welcome to the first issue of the new year! We’re entering the blog’s sixth year and I really like the formula I’ve developed since last year of a magazine-type article covering a handful of my favourite albums for the month. So, without further ado, let’s dig in, shall we?

First, Megadeth just released their final self-titled album on January 23^rd. Dave Mustaine and crew are taking their last bow with this record, their follow-up to 2022’s excellent The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead. That album was in my opinion their best since 2004’s phenomenal The System Has Failed. So, how does this closing chapter stack up against Mustaine’s 16 previous albums? Well, after a handful of spins, I’m not 100% sure yet. I like it, but I don’t love it. It seems to be growing on me more with every new spin but it feels like it lacks a few good gems to make it truly memorable. The opener and first single, “Tipping Point”, is one of the finest tracks on here, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency. The second single, “I Don’t Care”, has a punk edge to it, but somehow never really takes off for me. It’s not a bad song per se but I’m ambivalent towards it. “Hey God?!” features a familiar riff, but in the end turns out to be a paint by numbers tune that is quite forgettable. The third single, “Let There Be Shred”, follows and this one packs a wallop. A catchy track full of youthful energy reminiscent of ‘80s-era Megadeth. The fourth and latest single (seriously, why not spread the singles throughout the LP instead of all one after the other!), “Puppet Parade”, is a mid-tempo, Risk-era sounding tune that is a definite highlight of the record. “Another Bad Day” is another average song with uninspired lyrics; one of the LP’s weakest. Tremendous drumming from Dirk Verbeuren make “Made to Kill” but apart from that, I can take or leave this song. “Obey the Call”, now that’s a song I can get behind! A solid thrash metal tune from top to bottom and strong candidate for best song on the LP. “I Am War” is a decent tune that gets better over multiple listens. The appropriately titled “The Last Note” gets my vote for best song of the LP. Mustaine’s final farewell that brings back a flood of memories and nostalgia of the band’s albums and songs throughout the decades.

Then we move on to the bonus tracks. The much-talked about Metallica cover of “Ride the Lightning” which Dave co-wrote with James and Lars during his tenure with Metallica in the early ‘80s. This is a case of too little, too late. It’s unfair to compare this version to Metallica’s 1984 original as that song is pitch-perfect and we’re getting latter-day Megadeth/Mustaine performing it. It’s an adequate take on it, surprisingly sticking very close to ‘Tallica’s version and sadly lacking Dave’s trademark vitriol and emotion. I would’ve loved to hear Peace Sells or Rust in Peace era Megadeth’s rendition of it, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. There are two more bonus tracks out there which are well worth seeking: “Bloodlust” (a Target bonus track) and “Nobody's Hero” (the digital edition bonus track). If it were up to me, both should have been included on the album instead of “Hey God?!” and “Another Bad Day”. So, what’s my final verdict about Megadeth’s coda? I believe it’ll get better with the passage of time. At least, it doesn’t overstay its welcome like some of the albums post United Abominations did, feeling at times like they went on far too long. The one thing that it’s got going for it is that pretty much every song is different than the other. It’s already a polarizing album (maybe even more so because it’s the last one, so hardcore fans maybe had higher expectations), but I think overall, the majority of Megadeth devotees will at least enjoy a couple of songs.  You have to admire Dave Mustaine for founding a thrash metal band that lasted over four decades with such a brilliant legacy and enough classic tunes to fill a jukebox, all that after getting kicked out of what would go on to become the biggest metal band in the world. He might have always been a close second, but at least he did it on his own terms. A shame it all ends with none of the original members around—I would’ve loved a reunion with the other Dave on bass and maybe Marty Friedman or Chris Poland on guitars for one last hurrah. Still, if you’re a metalhead, you owe it to yourself to put on a good pair of headphones and take Megadeth, the album, for at least a spin. It’s been a wild ride and I’m very thankful that Megadeth exists.

Megadeth’s Official Website

Second, Newcastle upon Tyne darkwave/post-punk band Vampire Valentine gave birth to their first album, Dry Remains, on January 14^th. They were formed in 2025 by producer Michael Longstaff and bassist Kieron Wright with help from US-based cyberpunk producer Ricky Conover aka Forerunnerx. I used to listen to a ton of synthwave/darkwave around the time the movie Drive came out, circa 2011-2018; artists like Gunship, FM-84, Night Runner, and Kavinsky. I’ve always preferred instrumental synth/darkwave but when the songs are good, a tune with vocals can hit just right. With their debut, Vampire Valentine has found a fine balance of dreamy synths and haunting rhythms to deliver a perfect snapshot of where they’re at in their evolution. The opening instrumental, “Fresh”, oozes with atmosphere while “Thorns”, their catchy second single, sets a wistful tone for the seven tracks that follow. Some highlights of the record for me are the more rock-oriented “Poison”; the elegant piano-driven instrumental “Moth”; the first single, the gentle “Porcelain” (not a cover of the Moby song), which is in my opinion the most memorable track on here and its counterpart, “Olivia”, an earworm with a gothic flavour. Overall, Dry Remains is a solid musical statement that should delight darkwave fans of all ages. Vampire Valentine has arrived—give them a spin at your earliest convenience, you won’t regret it!

Vampire Valentine on Bandcamp

Third, occult doom/hard rock trio Ritual Arcana unleashed their self-titled debut on January 23^rd via Heavy Psych Sounds Records. This three-piece supergroup features the high priestess SharLee LuckyFree on bass & vocals (Moth), the legendary godfather of doom Scott “Wino” Weinrich on guitar (The Obsessed), and the pirate timekeeper Oakley Munson on drums (The Black Lips). What a stellar debut this is! Every member shines on this release; from LuckyFree’s commanding vocals to Wino’s signature guitar sound to Munson’s rumbling drums. “Ritual Arcana”, the song and first single, a fiery, doomier than thou tune sets the tone for the record. If you dig it, then you’ll certainly get a kick out of the whole record. Some highlights for me include the strange and captivating pirate metal tune “Free Like a Pirate”; the slow, hypnotic “Berkana” about a powerful rune; “Mistress of Change”, one of the doomiest tracks of the LP with vocals to die for; the melodic second single and perfect follow-up to the title track, “Subtle Fruits”; and the closer and third single, “Wake the Goddess”, a bass-heavy psychedelic gem. Ritual Arcana is a perfect name for this band and this album: a secret, mysterious ceremony. It’s really early in the year, but it’s bound to become one of 2026’s top albums. So, drop the needle and let the ritual begin!

Heavy Psych Sounds’ Bandcamp Page for Ritual Arcana

Fourth, Seattle, Washington power metal quintet Greyhawk return with their third LP, Warriors of Greyhawk, on February 13^th via the Cruz Del Sur Music label. This is their first album with new vocalist Anthony Corso who joined the band in 2024. I’m new to this band but I’ve listened to a couple of tracks from their previous releases and I must say, for my taste, I prefer Corso’s vocals to those of their previous frontman, Rev Taylor. They sound quite different as far as singers go and it gives the band a refreshing new sound. Taylor does make an appearance on a track, “Chosen”, as guest vocalist. To me, Warriors of Greyhawk is the perfect blend of traditional heavy metal and epic power metal. Power metal has grown on me increasingly these past couple of years and this record sounded better and better on every subsequent spin I gave it. The tone-setting first single, “Ascension”, is melodic and a terrific snapshot of the sonic journey that awaits. “Land of Ashes” is a speedy power metal tune with a fiery guitar solo while the anthemic battle cry of “Take A Stand” is bound to rally Greyhawk fans everywhere. Other highlights for me include the earth-scorcher with soaring vocals, “Endless Race”; the Priest-like charm of “Hyperspace”; the gentler “Rise Above”, and my personal favourite, the closing track, “Eternal Quest” which comes full circle lyrically with the album’s opener. Whether you’re a novice in the realm of Greyhawk or a seasoned warrior, Warriors of Greyhawk is full of magic and fantastical adventures. It’s a superb old school/epic metal album that should be heard by metalheads everywhere, especially those who fancy role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and/or LARP.

Greyhawk on Bandcamp

Fifth, Swedish-Norwegian rap-metal legends Clawfinger will make their much-anticipated return—a full eighteen years since their last LP—with Before We All Die on February 20^th via the Perception label imprint of Reigning Phoenix Music. As has always been the case with Clawfinger, this is a record with many messages, tackling racism, politics, drug policies, the environment, and social issues. The quintet, led by rapid-fire vocalist Zak Tell, delivers an outstanding dozen songs without a single dud in the lot. The three singles are all highlights of the LP: the barn-burning “Scum” aimed directly at the 45^th & 47^th U.S. President, the moodily melodic “Ball & Chain”, and the dystopian “Big Brother” and its obsession with the proverbial 15 minutes of fame. Some of my personal faves include the catchy “A Perfect Day”, reminiscent of Ice Cube’s classic “It Was a Good Day”; the swampy and bluesy “A Fucking Disgrace”; the groovy "Environmental Patients" which was released as a single back in 2022; and the closing title track, “Before We All Die”, serving as a wake-up call to the listeners—and which would be a fitting choice for their next single. Before We All Die is an album that goes for the jugular at full throttle. It’s an aggressive, melodic, groovy affair, and a timely record that stands on its own as a highpoint in Clawfinger’s discography. Clawfinger remain relevant purveyors of rap-metal after over thirty years in the business. Highly recommended for fans of the band, rap-metal, and music with a deeper meaning. 

Perception’s Page for Clawfinger

And there you have it, folks! The first issue of HKP of 2026 is in the books! It’s already shaping up to be a stellar year for music. Tune back here on February 28^th for the next round of the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Until then, stay safe and crank up the tunes!