New year, new metalcore anyone? I don't even know where to begin when it comes to some of the new releases we've gotten. I find myself coming across something new from all my favorite bands time and time again. In past editions of Milk & Cookies and Metalcore, I tended to focus on "large scale" bands, but with this first edition of 2026, I want to share the love with some of my favorite DFW locals as well as some of my favorites from across the country and even one from across the ocean. Let's dive on in, shall we?
Starting us off first is DFW's own, Set // Adrift. I might be biased on this release because of what this band means to me. Not only are they comprised of a bunch of friends, but their music speaks to me in a way I never knew I needed. Their newest single, "Disappear", continues that formula from the band, in which they dive into concepts, feelings, and emotions that one would try their best to ignore. With lyrics like "My veins collapse and turn to dust / Like the space you left inside", how could you not feel like this is your best friend expelling everything you want to get rid of? Do not sleep on Set // Adrift because it's only a matter of time before they're everywhere.
Trash Boat is up next, which is a band I'm once again biased towards. Since they're from the United Kingdom, I learned of them years ago when I was working on the Vans Warped Tour and they've been on my rotation ever since. Between being on an episode of The Downbeat Podcast, to giving us an incredible Linkin Park cover, and also constantly raising the bar with each and every release, I was not surprised in the slightest when "Even If I Never Get There" became a song I've had on repeat in the two days its been released. Filled with aggression, speed, rawness, and just a sucker punch to the gut, Trash Boat needs to hurry up and come to the DFW area so I can experience this song live.
Heading back to the DFW area and also another band I'm utterly biased towards, Toxic Madness is exactly what the DFW music scene is missing. Their newest single, "In This House", is just the reminder you need on why you love the heavy music genre. It's filled with nonstop riffs and aggression that makes you want to throw down as it leads to an absolutely insane build up to ending breakdown. This is a band that understands the history of the genre and embraces what makes it great all while throwing their own spin on it and giving it a breath of freshness. I may sound like a broken record when I say "don't sleep on this band", but Toxic Madness really is a band you should not sleep on! They are here to take the hardcore and heavy music scene by storm.
Taking the next spot on the list is none other than, Sylar. Before I dive into how great this release was, let me just talk about my only issue with the band. That issue is more so to the fans, for not allowing the band to be the stadium band they so rightfully deserve to be. Formed over a decade ago in Queens, New York, Sylar effortlessly blends components of metalcore, nu-metal, and hardcore. I've been a fan of the band ever since their days on Razor & Tie. "Pushing Me Off" is exactly the type of track the band needed to release to announce the end of their long hiatus and I can not even begin to imagine what the future holds in terms of new music from them. The song has everything that made Sylar so great and groundbreaking. If this leads to a tour announcement, I'm willing to drive hours just to see them perform.
As we return yet again to the DFW area, we're switching genres with moonstone and their recent release, "Blue". The band, which is not metalcore, but more of a soft alt-pop emo sound, has been making waves in the DFW music scene for years. A defining moment for the band has to be when they were chosen to be one of the openers for The Used on their 25 Year Anniversary Tour in Dallas. "Blue" keeps with that emo pop sound, while also incorporating an almost math-rock type vibe that I've grown to love from bands like Tiny Moving Parts. There is no denying the impact moonstone. is having on upcoming artists as they're slowly approaching the 5,000 monthly listener mark on Spotify. I am excited to see how this single continues to throw the band into the mainstream.
Saving the best for last, is a band I came across by accident but I'm pretty sure will be one of my top five bands of the year. Yes, I am talking about I Promised The World. With just a few EPs and one full length album, I Promised The World is bringing back that early 2000's emo and metalcore sound, and they are doing it in the best way possible. There are times you come across a new band and the sound seems forced or it comes off as a cash grab, but not with this band. Their raw sound, endless talent, and all around energy is easily on par with some of the heavy hitters of the genre.
Their newest self-titled EP, "I Promised The World", is the first release for the band since signing to Rise Records, which is home to some of the best of the best like Spiritbox, Spite, The Acacia Strain, and blessthefall. I have a sneaking suspicion that this release will help this DFW band continue to climb the heavy music charts. Not only will the backing of Rise Records help, but the bands undeniable musical talent surely takes the cake. If there was any band on this list that you should give a listen to, make sure I Promised The World is number one on that list.
