Album Review: Black Spikes – Ydos (Napalm Records)

Black Spikes, the avant-garde alternative metal band from Lithuania, return with their brand-new album (and first for Napalm Records), ‘Ydos’, on August 28th, 2026.

While it might not be a country that immediately comes to mind when thinking of modern European alternative metal, Lithuania can proudly boast that it has produced Black Spikes, one of the most exciting heavy bands heard in a while.

Big words, right? Well, I think the proof is in this album which manages to sound both contemporary and classic, while delivering fresh ideas that push metal boundaries. An album that comes with an interesting and relatable concept. Seeing Black Spikes exploring the relationship with flaws we all carry within and devoting a song to each of them.

It begins in haunting fashion, where cinematic melody and breathy vocals meet to create something eerie, but effective. This is PASAKA and it flows nicely into MOTINA, where Black Spikes unleash a cacophony of crushing heaviness. Though it comes blended with dark melody and tons of progressive detail. Showcasing just how potent their sound is.

A sound that is explorative and experimental too as MELAS showcases through the power of trap beats and rap. A side to Black Spikes that works really well, especially as the vocals are in their native language. A guaranteed fan favourite going forward. Although I don’t think anyone who has enjoyed what they’ve heard so far will be complaining about the dramatic intensity of MARA, the blistering ferocity of ZELVAR (the only track to feature English lyrics), and the brilliantly infectious punchiness of REVANA.

Agni’s roar at the end is gobsmacking stuff.

Black Spikes do a phenomenal job of making each track memorable while showcasing the range in all parts of the band. Sometimes riffy, sometimes groovy, sometimes weird, but always exciting.

One of the album’s strongest tracks is APATIJA, and all because it has this jagged industrial instrumental edge that is balanced by vocals that can best be described as ethereal. I found myself captivated by this track more than any other.

Whereas AUREA doesn’t quite have the same effect, the cinematic style mixed with blistering drumbeats and rampaging riffs is still appealing. As is the demonically charged SENAS DEMONAS, a wild and dangerous sounding head banger, and the dark and cold DULKES. Tracks that make the album end as strongly as it begun.

Black Spikes have absolutely smashed it here, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is the start of something big.

Black Spikes – Ydos Track Listing:

1. PASAKA
2. MOTINA
3. MELAS
4. MARA
5. ZELVAR
6. REVANA
7. APATIJA
8. AUREA
9. SENAS DEMONAS
10. DULKES

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