The global metalcore landscape is about to shift. This Friday, January 23, 2026, the Japanese juggernauts Crystal Lake will release their highly anticipated new album, The Weight Of Sound. It is a record that doesn't just represent a new chapter for the band; it's a definitive statement of intent from their powerhouse vocalist, John Centorrino.

On this week's edition of the Loaded Radio Podcast, I sit down with John to go deep into the creative process behind the new record, the surreal journey of landing one of the most coveted gigs in modern metal, and the future of the metalcore genre.

Crystal Lake will unleash The Weight Of Sound this Friday. In our exclusive interview, frontman John Centorrino breaks down the vocal intensity of the new tracks and his transition into the group. The second half of the podcast features a full "Nuclear" news breakdown covering the Roger Waters vs. The Osbournes feud, Ken Susi officially joining All That Remains, and a massive week of tour announcements.

The pioneers of True Norwegian Black Metal return. Attila Csihar joins The Loaded Radio Podcast to discuss mayhem's seventh studio album, Liturgy Of Death, arriving February 6, 2026. In this visceral interview, Attila reflects on the band's 40-year legacy of church burnings, murder, and the bleak reality of mortality.

There is "heavy," and then there is Mayhem. Sitting across from Attila Csihar for this episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast, the air in the room felt different. You aren't just talking to a vocalist; you are talking to a man who stepped into the center of a literal crime scene and helped forge it into a global movement.

Liturgy Of Death (2026) is a merciless record that turns the focus toward the finality of existence. It is dark, fast, and entirely without solace. But to understand where they are going, you have to look at the wreckage they left behind. From the suicide of Dead to the internal war that led to the death of Euronymous, this isn't just music—it's a survival story from the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Stick around after the interview for a segment that has been generating a lot of buzz. Host Scott Penfold delivers an incredibly entertaining and in-depth breakdown of the "Bands to Watch in 2026." If you're tired of the same three bands headlining every "new music" playlist, Scott's look at the up-and-coming hard rock and metal acts is the definitive roadmap you need. This isn't a list generated by an algorithm—it's a curated look at the next generation of chaos.

For 15 years, Volumes has stood as a pillar of progressive metalcore, weathering lineup shifts and industry trends to amass over 167 million U.S. streams. Following the success of 2021's Happier?, the band returns with Mirror Touch, an album named after the rare synesthetic ability to feel others' physical pain—a metaphor for the band's deep connection with their audience. Check out the exclusive Volumes interview below to hear Michael Barr discuss the "S.O.A.P." sessions, the lessons learned during his time away from the band, and his upcoming side project that is the total opposite of metal.

As we approach the final days of the year, this episode offers a double dose of heavy metal authority. In addition to the exclusive sit-down with Michael Barr, Loaded Radio's Scott Penfold takes the reins to count down the Top 13 Metal Albums of 2025. It has been a massive year for the genre, and Scott breaks down the essential records that defined the last twelve months, providing the definitive year-end ranking for any serious headbanger. Whether you're looking for the top of the charts or the underground gems of 2025, this countdown is the ultimate look back before we head into the new year.