The Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums of 2026

Century Media, Spinefarm, MNRK Heavy, Metal Blade, Atlantic Records

What are the most anticipated rock and metal albums of 2026? Let's find out and let's take a look at the bands who currently working on new music, but haven't announced an album yet.

The 2020s are racing by and we've only got four years left.

What Big Albums Have Come Out Already in 2026?

So far, rock and metal fans have had a lot of new stuff to check out, including albums from:

Alter Bridge
Converge
Exodus
Kreator
Lamb of God
Mayhem
Megadeth
Poppy
Puscifer
Rob Zombie

Up ahead, there's a lot more to look forward to and that's pretty much all before summer, too. The fall is always stacked, so make sure to get some ears on these albums below when they drop or spend forever trying to catch up!

See what's coming in 2026 below!

The Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums of 2026

We're on the back half of the 2020s. Take a look at some of the biggest releases due in 2026 AND check out what artists are working on new music but haven't announced an album yet.

Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff

Stay Up to Date With All the New Releases Each Week

Loudwire's 2026 Hard Rock + Metal Album Release Calendar has your week-by-week list of all the new releases headed your way.

Check back every Friday and see what albums just dropped for you to check out or click/tap here.

Want more from the 2020s? Check out our list of the 25 Best Rock + Metal Albums of the 2020s (So Far) directly below!

The 25 Best Rock + Metal Albums of the 2020s (So Far)

There's no arguing that it's been a great decade for rock and metal. These 25 2020s albums prove it!

Contributions by Jordan Blum (JB), Rob Carroll (RC), Chad Childers (CC), Joe DiVita (JD), Bryan Rolli (BR) and Lauryn Schaffner (LS).

Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff

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