New Release Review Roundup - September 2026

In my continued attempts to try and work out how best to review as many horror punk releases on this blog as possible (and to attempt to mitigate my terrible procrastination) I'll be putting up a round up of releases every couple of weeks (possibly even more frequent depending on the season... hello upcoming Halloween release dates!)

September has been quite the month to start this new format though...

Blitzkid - Modern Hel (album) 

If you're reading this blog the chances are you've already heard this one - and if you haven't, the question has to be... why not? The masters of the genre, arguably a bigger influence on modern horror punk than any other band other than one we won't mention, return with their first album in 16 years. Much anticipated, there was always a danger this could not live up to the lofty expectations - but thankfully not only does it do just that, it's an absolute top-tier horror punk album from start to finish. 

Blitzkid's own brand of melodic horror punk has defined many of our own experiences of the genre and on this album it's one catchy song after another, blending a diversity of references and influences, each song distinct and hugely enjoyable and setting another set of songs for all of our playlists for many decades to come. From the pulsating speed of opener 'The Thirteenth Guest', which is full on hardcore horror punk mixed with the bands patented melodies and hooks, this is an engrossing listen. 'Ghosts Walk' is a hauntingly excellent and immediately memorable instant classic, right up there with the best the band have in their catalogue, whilst 'Cujo' goes for the jugular and is just as great. 'Bloodlines' is absolute classic Blitzkid with it's bittersweet melodies and woah-oh-oh's, as is 'Warning Shadows' a song so good it had me humming the tune in my head after only a couple of plays. 

The Troma worship of 'Toxic Avenger' and funhouse shenanigans of 'Carnevil' are both immensely fun, whilst 'The Unhallowed Art' and 'Behind the Rows' are more melancholic horror punk songs in the best traditions of the genre (and of the band), both impeccably crafted and gorgeous to listen to. 'Nailbiter' is another slow burner that gets under the skin whilst 'Beast or Man?' will join the ranks of 'Pretty in a Casket', 'The Pumpkinpatch Murders' and 'She Dominates' as an all time classic Blitzkid song (although there is a hint of the Offspring here that I can't ignore). 

The haunting 'Demonica' will no doubt get plenty of cross-genre play on gothic playlists, and rightfully so - this is the really dark and atmospheric, slowed down and echoey gothic-horror-punk side of the band. An album like this needs a strong finish - step forward 'Under the Stairs' with it's blend of rampaging punk rock sound and sombre, almost whispered lyrics. There may indeed be something under the stairs, but if it's a copy of Modern Hel we're all in luck.

Blitzkid have done it again. This isn't just 'another' horror punk release - this is a band that created a legacy and an influence on numerous other bands now back at their best. Just as good as what has come before this is the biggest horror punk release of the year, one of the best ever, and does not disappoint for a single second.

All bow to Blitzkid.

You can download the album from ACWNN here - physical is currently out of stock (boo from all of us who thought we'd ordered a copy and found out we hadn't!)

Ultrafiend X - Little Succubus (single)

Californian horror punks Ultrafiend X have released a series of excellent singles this year; I reviewed 'Cold Dead Me' a few months ago (and a complete look at their releases is coming soon) and there's been a couple more before this (including the excellent 'The Countess in Red'), their latest single. Past songs have built upon foundations of strong, melodic horror punk with hints of Californian deathrock and Samhain/Danzig influence, and that's all evident in this track - the sort of graveyard love song that only this genre can pull off. It's driven along on woah-oh's and the nostalgic horror punk feel evoking images of moonlight drive-in theatres, has well-written lyrics and is memorable enough to stick in your brain. I - and I'm betting a lot of you - are suckers for this sort of song, and this is yet another great song from a band whose future debut full length is right at the top of my most wanted list for next year. 

You can grab the digital download of the single (and the band's other releases) on their Bandcamp page and give them a follow over on Instagram. 

The Crimson Ghosts - Carpe Mortem (Version 2026) (album)

German horror punk institution The Crimson Ghosts need little in the way of an introduction. Alongside their FiendForce records labelmates they helped define the sound of this genre in the 00s onwards, releasing half a dozen legendary albums over the last two decades. The second of those releases was Carpe Mortem which saw the light of the day back in 2006. Twenty years on and the band have released it again in a completely remixed and remastered version. It's difficult to say whether this is a better way of experiencing the album or not - when you've been listening to a classic for so long, 'updated' mixes are either a trip down memory lane or inferior, but luckily this release sits in the former. All the greats are still here - 'Somewhere in a Casket', 'Mephisto', 'The House' and 'Night of the Dead Promqueen' remain steadfast essentials in the band's repertoire - classic Euro-horror-punk dripping with macabre lyrics, doo-wop influenced punk rock mixed with harder hitting punches and atmospheric and evocative - and hugely fun - songs that any fan of the genre will enjoy just as much now as ever before. Re-releasing puts the album back in the spotlight which is never a bad thing either. I am sort of conflicted as to whether the versions here are better - they're different, certainly, but not significantly so. Up until about thirty minutes ago I would have said I preferred the originals, but the more time spent with this re-release the more I can appreciate it and it's fuller sound. Regardless though Carpe Mortem is an all time classic and any release of deserves praise. 

The album can be purchased through the band's Bandcamp or through their own merch page.

Hellbound Heist - Runaround Sue (single)

I've not covered any of Hellbound Heist's releases on the blog before, but with this latest single it's time to correct that oversight. Another band that has emerged from the North East of England (along with Haddonwood and The Magnetic Monsters) this is a group steeped in the sounds of classic horror punk - and this reinvention of Dion's doo-wop classic Runaround Sue, suitably horrified, certainly shows that. It's brave to take on a verifiable classic song and put your own twist on it, but they pull this off and fans of this strain of horror punk will enjoy. It's another fun entry in the band's growing list of releases, which includes last years 'Wake The Dead' EP and the 'Santa Carla' single. The latter of these is included with this release (on Bandcamp here) and is a really enjoyable love letter to The Lost Boys; a spiky punch of UK horror punk and the band's best release to date. A growing reputation (including an upcoming appearance at the Horror Punk Fest 2026 in a couple of days time, at time of writing) and a place on the always exciting We Are Horror Records roster mean Hellbound Heist are another band to keep an eye on in the next couple of years.

The single can be purchased on the WAHR Bandcamp page; the band can be found on Instagram so give 'em a follow!