The 100% Pure Antifascist Scrub – January 2026 Edition
Welcome to a new Toilet ov Hell feature. First, allow me to introduce myself and what this is briefly, then onto the fun.
My name is Hayduke X. I come to Toilet ov Hell with over a decade of experience, primarily for MoshPitNation, but for a few others as well. My goal with this monthly feature is to introduce you to the best of antifascist music from the prior month. Antifascist themes are not required. Rather I look for the bands/projects to be publicly antifascist. Look for the article on the first Friday of each month. Every release included here has been vetted by me through conversation with the band, looking at their socials, talking to people in the scene who know, and/or through a long reputation of consistency in this regard.
Join me in scrubbing the bowl of fascism!
Hellstorm of Flaming Nothingness – Aira (1/4/2026, Self-Release) [Ambient Drone]
Aira was a surprise drop by this prolific drone artist from Belgium, recorded live shortly before release. As I understand it, the artist felt the need to create in that moment, so he did. 45+ minutes of immersive, mind-altering drones that take you to some other space for the duration.
Zebulon Kosted – Utryn’s Outragous Gambit Has Paid Off (1/4/2026, Self-Release) [Synth]
Zebulon Kosted might be the most prolific project I know, with releases possibly numbering into the triple digits at this point. Originally built on outsider black metal and noise, the artist Rashid Abdel Ghafur has been including more and more synth and ambient influences in his music. This particular album is a mesmerizing sci-fi synth journey. Take the time to read the story as well, to capture the full effect of this piece dedicated to Ghafur’s wife.
VOIDHÄMMER – Noxious Emissions (1/9/2026, Caligari Records) [Death/Grind/Crust]
Absolutely essential crusty deathgrind from this Long Beach trio. Filthy riffs, a thunderous rhythm section, and belligerent vocals hit like a hammer on an anvil. The EP rains feral chaos, then leaves before overstaying its welcome after less than 15 minutes. That’s OK though, because you’ll be out of breath from your living room mosh session by then.
Trespasser – The Abomination of Desolation (1/10/2026, Self-Release) [Black Metal]
This two-track ‘single’ release is a fundraiser for Rojava Donation Fund in solidarity with the Kurdish resistance movement in Northern Syria. Please support if you can. Both tracks are nasty black metal with hints of symphonic and folk elements. The first track was written specifically for the release, while the second is an early peek at the upcoming full length (watch this space in the future for more thoughts on that release).
Sear – O Merciful (1/12/2026, Tomb Tree Tapes) [Blackened Screamo]
O Merciful is an 8-track adventure into feral obliteration. There is plenty of variety in sound and pacing, so you’ll be able to catch your breath here and there, but this album is astonishingly nasty (complimentary). This South Carolina trio absolutely nail what is one of my favorite blendings of styles.
Arüspex – The Death Instinct (1/13/2026, Fiadh Productions) [Crust]
These California crusties have been on my radar for awhile, and once again hit the mark here. Abrasive, aggressive, and pissed off! What else do you want from a crust record. Full support!
Anti-Sapien – At The Mercy of the Merciless (1/16/2026, Terminus Hate City) [Crust]
This band is new to me, but gave me a very clear statement on their antifascism. The album is certainly very crusty, but is also quite a bit riffier than a lot of straightforward crust. I would call it more of a crust/thrash blend. That’s not a bad thing though, when the riffs are this good. This Brooklyn quartet give us an absolute ripper here.
Fleshdirt/Priestcraft/Shadow and Claw – Offerings From Serpentine Currents (1/16/2026, Fiadh Productions) [Black Metal]
The three bands on this split all hail from Boise, Idaho, are all antifascist, and present different takes on black metal. Priestcraft wanted it noted that their lyrical focus is on calling out spiritual abuses. The styles range from a slow-burning bleak melodic black metal, to blackgaze, to blackened sludge. One more thing they all have in common: They’re all excellent!
Kreator – Krushers of the World (1/16/2026, Nuclear Blast Records) [Thrash Metal]
For many years, I’ve been a pretty big fan of this band, even if some of their most recent albums fail to meet the expectations of fans. They are a part of my own personal Big Four of Thrash (with Suicidal Tendencies, Voivod, and Death Angel). I was not so impressed with Hate über alles from 2022, but Krushers of the World is really consistently good to my ears. Strong riffs, catchy choruses, and a lack of fat means a streamlined thrash ripper fit for headbanging.
Venus-426 – ICE Melt (Shine Sun! Shine!) (1/19/2026, Self-Release) [Noise]
Two tracks of harsh noise (the first one pretty punked out), created in solidarity with the people of Minnesota. To quote the Bandcamp page: “For all my family and friends in Minnesota. I love you!” Wendy has been one of my favorite noise artists for awhile, since I discovered her Alien-themed J.O.N.E.S. EP, and this release doesn’t disappoint. [writer’s note: credit goes to Wendy for coming up with the title of this column]
Hostile – Anhédonie à perte de vue (1/20/2026, Fosse Commune Productions) [Black Metal]
I’ll be honest. Any orthodox black metal band, especially one hailing from certain countries (including France), always makes me question their stance a little. However, Hostile has a clear “Fuck NSBM” on their Bandcamp and gave me a very clear antifascist statement when I reached out to double check. I’m so grateful to be able to recommend them, because this is a masterpiece of black metal fury. Absolutely stellar album in my favorite genre.
Gravess – losing everything that makes life beautiful (1/21/2026, Zegema Beach Records) [Screamo]
2025 was the year in which I really dove into screamo, discovered that I loved it, and really made the genre a priority in my own listening. Graves and Zegema Beach Records are here early in 2026 to make sure I don’t forget those lessons. Aggression and release underpin the impassioned vocals in really moving ways. Highly recommended.
Dreichmere – Starless Shores (1/23/2026, Fiadh Productions) [Progressive Black/Death Metal]
Intricate compositions and spacey atmosphere go well beyond what is typical of most black/death metal bands. If Hostile is this most ‘trve’ release I’m featuring here, this is the most opposite of ‘trve,’ yet still featuring some black metal influence. The album is nuanced and often contemplative, but isn’t afraid of aggression when it fits the need. Chef’s kiss!
Gavial – Thanks, I Hate It (1/23/2026, Exile on Mainstream) [Psychedelic Rock]
Groovy, doomed out psych rock from Germany. The band weaves in lots of influences from the psych scene from the ’70s, making them sound older than their three years as a band would suggest. They are not afraid to weave in socio-political content in their lyrics and gave an emphatic yes when asked about antifascism. For fans of The Doors (and probably lots of other spaced out weirdness that I haven’t clued into).
Ligation – After Gods (1/23/2026, Personal Records) [Death Doom/Noise]
Ligation shares members with, among other bands, Convocation, which really caught my attention. My first, and subsequent, listens really brought home how powerful the album is. After Gods is definitely death/doom, but they weave in some of the strangest vocalizations I’ve heard in metal music, as well as elements of harsh noise. The result is truly nasty! (complimentary) I’ve been going back to this one a lot.
Lucerne Hammer – The Grinder’s Song (1/27/2026, Self-Release) [Black Metal]
If you haven’t clued into Lucerne Hammer yet, you’re missing out. Go back to the two earlier albums after listening to this stunningly good single. Musically, this probably falls into raw black metal, as there’s plenty of fuzz and it tends to be lo-fi. However, the riffs and atmosphere are so incredibly strong and moving as to make me feel emotional. All funds from this single will be used for mutual aid for the folks under siege in Minneapolis.
Final Dose – Endless Woe (1/28/2026, Wolves of Hades) [Black Metal/Punk]
As a decades long punk whose current favorite musical sounds are the tremolo riffs, blasts, and shrieks of black metal, there is something truly special about the bands which blend these styles well. Final Dose is one such band. I first clued into them with Under the Eternal Shadow and I’m now salivating over this gem of an EP. Up the (black metal) punx!
Skulld – Abyss Call To Abyss (1/30/2026, Time To Kill Records) [Death Metal/Punk]
I’m not necessarily as big a fan of the mix of death metal and punk, but Skulld prove that, when done right, it’s also a stellar mix. Anger and brutality mixed together riffs for days call to mind bands like Necrot. These Italians offer something very special on this album.
