It’s been a great summer of new releases this year and with some of my favourites it’s been difficult to dwindle this down to a handful

As per usual each month, I aim to highlight bands, whether their music is new or old, in hopes of bringing them the attention they deserve. Just a few of my listening habits over the month!

Mentality – Breakthrough
Release Date: 31st July 2026
Record Label: Self Released

First on the list this month is South West, Plymouths own riff masters Mentality who released their debut EP Breakthrough at the end of July. I’ve been waiting for the full release for a while as we had a trickle of what we were in for with single releases in ‘Snakeskin’, ‘In Vein’ & ‘No Justice’ over the past year.

These guys go from strength to strength with their writing style and it’s no wonder people end up moving exceptionally fast through the pits on this one. I absolutely love the intro title track ‘Breakthrough’ on this, it just gears you up for what’s coming next. So you should really just start listening to it.

I’m yet to catch Mentality live but that won’t be the case in a few weeks as they hit the stage at Feral Fest at Blondies Taproom on September 19th. If you’re in the area make sure you pull through!

Agency – Counterattack
Release Date: 31st July 2026
Record Label: Rucktion Records

London and Rucktion youngers Agency released their second EP Counterattack in late July, the follow up from their debut EP last August, Life Will Kill. These lads have been on a massive journey over the past year since their debut with some great shows including an appearance for the Knuckledust 30th anniversary, support for Angel Du$t at the 100 Club on Oxford St and more recently on the bill for United & Strong Fest.

This EP just instills that their journey is far from the heights we think they can reach, some great riffs and some proper mosh music, which you can enjoy from start to finish. 4 tracks that all hit from the off. Personal favourite of mine is their track ‘Dedication’ I can’t wait to see more of these guys.

Lets not forget the amazing japanese style artwork for the cover by tattoo artist Chay Hayden.

Frayed Ends – Nothing At All
Release Date: 10th July 2026
Record Label: Self Released

This next one comes from Northern Irelands own Frayed Ends who released their debut album Nothing At All in early July. After a few single releases in early 2026 and the follow up to their EP Strive in early 2024, these ferocious antifascist hardcore guys from Belfast came out of the gates with such a belter of an album that not only hits you but makes you think.

This album opens up hard and it does not stop. Their are some great features to be had on this as well with Bayway NJ helping to open up the album with the track ‘Powerviolence’ and then we also have Belfasts If It Bleeds and Dublins Lost To Life featuring on the album & we have the OG’s Knuckledust on ‘Jaded By Choice’.

I told you their were some sick features to be had, so make sure you sit down, get comfortable and listen to this album in it’s entirety.

Splitknuckle – Breaking Through The Wound
Release Date: 12th January 2024
Record Label: DAZE/Northern Unrest

Essex kings Splitknuckle released this killer album back in January 2024 and even though it’s been a minute with only a new single in ‘Lies They Hide Behind’ from the lads this year, Breaking Through The Wound still comes back through rotation for me because it’s just insane.

The mix of riffage, death screams, beatdown…it’s proper crowd killing mosh music that everytime I see them hit the stage I just know that it’s going to hit off in the most incredible way. Catching them most recently at Tempers Fray’s recent release show in Brighton cemented that thought.

I can’t wait to see what the guys have got coming up next, it’s all a wating game.

Tempers Fray – No Peace In Death
Release Date: 10th August 2026
Record Label: Self Released

This brings me onto my next one for this month with Tempers Fray and their most recent EP from early August, No Peace In Death, the follow up from 2023’s ‘Return To The Earth. It’s been a minute lads.

Since the introduction of their most recent single ‘Twice Your Size’ also featuring vocals from Brighton youngers Bodybag in mid July I like many others were waiting for the full EP to drop. Nonetheless, when it did, I was on route to my holiday in the car so of course I stuck it on for the drive.

This 4 track EP will stand the test of time in my opinion and you can definitely see there has been a more collaborative feat with 2 guitars now featuring and Conz vocal style at play, compared to his debut with the band back for Return To The Earth. If this is the new style of Tempers Fray then I’m here for all of it!

That release show by the way, was nothing but epic.

Negative Frame – Break The Ice
Release Date: 7th August 2026
Record Label: Self Released

This brings me to my final album of the month and that comes in the form of North London/Hertfordshire guys Negative Frame with their debut full length ‘Break The Ice’.

The style for this album really takes you on a journey and makes you think. With a lot of emotional traits within the writing style it’s hard not to FEEL each track and the entire album.

With the riffs at play, and Kesari’s vocal style it really feels like these guys have experimented with different things and have made it work in the most incredible way. A personal favourite track of mine is ‘Rat Trap’ which is inspired by the daily grind of office jobs, suits and spread sheets and that none of this should have a word to say within the art of hardcore! The mindset that should be instilled is that we’re all in this for love and community not for people to profit on.

Big love to these lads for this release! Stay tuned for something special in the works for them.

Make sure you check back next month for the next bunch of recommendations!

Until next time, I’ll catch you in the pit!

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