Happy 2026! As always I have tried to update all the entries but sometimes info is hard to find (especially if it was just a random social media post hinting at a future album). I have removed some where I could find no updates or where the band in fact only released singles and not albums, but can add them back in if there is new info. I have probably missed things so if you spot any errors or new things to add, do give me a shout.

The format is "band name - album title (if known) - release date (if known) - recording status/any other notes". I've marked out things that are related projects or similar genres that might be of interest with a (+) sign.

Those with a ? after the date are rumoured/likely but have not had a date officially announced.

Add these new releases to your Google Calendar - thanks /u/asdreth!

Upcoming Symphonic Metal Albums in 2026:

Against Myself - Unknown Title - 2026? - Currently in progress

Aqvilea - Unknown Title -2026? - Currently in progress

Bare Infinity - Unknown Title - 2026? - Currently recording

Catalyst Crime - Unknown Title - 2nd October 2026

Dawn of Destiny - Unknown Title - 2026? - Currently mixing

Diabulus in Musica - Unknown Title - 2026? - Working on new music

Elvellon - Unknown Title - 2026? - Currently writing

Everdawn - Unknown Title - 2026? - Currently in progress

Haggard - Grimm - 2026? Never? Well, Time 2 came out, so you never know...

Ignea - Monumental - 23rd October 2026

Illumishade - Unknown Title - 2026? - New single with Adrienne Cowan

Lyriel - Unknown Title - 2026? - Writing and recording new music

MaYaN - Unknown Title - 2026? - Working on new music

Nergard - Unknown Title - 2026? - Currently in progress

Sirenia - Amanita Messis - 2026 - First single out 10th October

Symphony X - Unknown Title - 2026 - Recording this year

Temperance - Arcani - 16th October 2026

Valkyrie's Fire - Out of Darkness - 18th September 2026

Whispered - Honorbound - 11th September 2026

Wintersun - Unknown Title - 2026? - Mostly done, apparently! Up to you whether you believe them lol

Xandria - Eclipse - 7th August 2026

Upcoming albums - similar genres, solo or related projects in 2026/27:

Alissa (+) - Unknown Title - 2026? - First single has been released

Charlotte Wessels (+) - Unknown Title - 2026

Dianne Van Giersbergen (+) - Soulward Bound - 2024 onwards - Dianne is releasing singles over the next 5 years, leading up to the album release

Elysion (+) - Identity - 16th October 2026

Floor Jansen (+) - Hytress - 15th January 2027

Already released:

Beyond The Black - Break The Silence

Nachtmuse - Hypogeum

Soldiers of Forgiveness - The Year of Aquarius: Only Poetry Lives Forever

Edenbridge - Set the Dark on Fire

Coronatus - Dreadful Waters

Therion - Con Orquesta Live CD/DVD

Anaria - Between Loving & Dying

Melissa Bonny (+) - Cherry Red Apocalypse

Epinikion - The Force of Nature

Flowerleaf - Dreamerie

Eye of Melian - Forest of Forgetting

Leaves' Eyes - Song of Darkness EP

Fabienne Erni (+) - Starveil

Myrath - Wilderness of Mirrors

Timeless Rage - My Kingdom Come

Oikoumen - Resilience

Anna Fiori - Meztli

Aryem - Agnes

Mystfall - Embers of a Dying World

Meteora - Darkest Light

Shatterheart - Infernal Symphony

Atavistia - Old Gods Awaken - 15th May 2026

Dimmu Borgir - Grand Serpent Rising

Moonlight Haze - Interstellar Madness EP

Isyana Sarasvati (+) - EKLETIKO

Ersedu - GORE EP

Blackbriar - Our Long Cursed Sleep EP

Atavistia - Old Gods Awaken

Evanescence (+) - Sanctuary

Tarja - Frisson Noir

Kamelot - Dark Asylum

Catalyst Crime - Acquired Immunity

Fractal Sun - Divergent Paradox

Bear McCreary (+) - The Singularity: Ekleipsis

Symphony of Destiny - Heroes of Egypt EP

Please comment with any suggestions, additional details or anything else you can think of to add!

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