Shark School – 5Am
Release Date: 28th May 2026
Irish trio Shark School released ‘5AM’ around a month before they dropped Selachimorha, their debut album. The penultimate track from the release epitomises what the band stands for musically. Grungy garage punk used to highlight the political turmoil the world is in, thrown in together with real life experiences of the abuse women still receive in a world that is claiming to be better. Cutting vocals, piercing guitars and a moody bassline make ‘5AM’ a broody classic.
Fire Blanket – Dumb Waiter
Release Date: 19th May 2026
If you like your rock music to be all encompassing to the point it takes over your brain for a few minutes, ‘Dumb Waiter’ by Manchester rockers Fire Blanket is likely to scratch that itch. The band’s sixth single since their creation in 2025 is an unrelentingly energetic affair. Where the drumming and bass sets a solid foundation, the lead guitar goes for a nice little wander with high pitched solos deliciously complementing the deeper vocals that range from chatty to insistent. If you’re standing still while listening to this, you’re doing it wrong.
The Prestige – Sunborn
Release Date: 24th April 2026
At this point, The Prestige are becoming a bit of a house band here at Hardbeat and ‘Sunborn’, the second from last track on their album Isthmos, is another alt-rock epic that just couldn’t be missed. With bands like Black Peaks in mind, ‘Sunborn’ is a fantastic example of how to write music that sounds urgent. There’s no ‘intro’ or easing in, it’s just intensity from the very start and that continues through the dynamic drumming and wide ranging vocal styles.
Adam Jensen – Cellophane
Release Date: 12th June 2026
With his debut album released just a couple of days ago, Adam Jensen has finally decided to allow the world the chance to join him on a full length piece of art. ‘Cellophane’ is the opening track from said debut album and presents a calm and considered rock track that has an air of summer driving to it. Your best bet is to get in the car, get the windows down and the volume up and go drive around some lovely green areas. It’ll clear your hear up straight away.
BREAK FIFTY – Dark Room
Release Date: 20th May 2026
With a sound that could almost be the dictionary definition of what ‘modern metal’ sounds like, ‘Dark Room’ by UK outfit BREAK FIFTY preceded the release of latest single ‘Forced III Mind’ and together the pair have the feel of a band that has now settled into its new lineup. Filthy from the start with bruising riffs that combined with the drums that do a lot more than just plod and vocals that penetrate deep in the brain means ‘Dark Room’ is one of those you need to be hearing in a festival field so when the pit starts at least you have the soft grass to be knocked onto. A huge track from a band with loads to offer.