The Daily Drop (February 23rd)

Welcome to The Daily Drop, your roundup of the latest news from the rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, and alternative scenes. Today’s round-up has new music from August Burns Red, At The Gates, Microwvave, and Within Reach.

Here’s everything you need to know from February 23rd 2026.

August Burns Red Rejoin Fearless Records and Release New Single

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based band August Burns Red has returned to Fearless Records. To mark the news, they’ve unleashed a new track called ‘Behemoth’.

“‘Behemoth’ is a song that probably went through more revisions and changes than any song we’ve ever written,” says August Burns Red guitarist JB Brubaker. “While frustrating at times, the conversations and re-writes were worth the effort as we collectively feel very proud of how this song turned out. I believe it’s one of the heaviest and most raw songs we’ve ever delivered.”

“Lyrically, ‘Behemoth’ speaks about the realization of past pains living through present actions in life,” added vocalist Jake Luhrs. “With the determination to face this reality, a process of healing and breaking old ways leads to a rebirth. It’s about cutting the ties to your past, giving it no space to live in the present, and inevitably, changing the course of your life.”

Microwave Plan ‘Much Love’ 10th Anniversary Live Release

To mark a decade of their 2016 album, ‘Much Love,’ Microwave will be releasing a 10th anniversary live album on March 20th.

You can hear ‘Vomit’ from it below.

At The Gates Announce New Album (‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’)

Swedish metallers At The Gates have set a release date of April 24th for their new album, ‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’. The album was completed two years ago, and follows the passing of late vocalist Tomas Lindberg last September.

“As you all know, Tomas Lindberg passed away last year due to complications from his cancer treatment. Over the past few years, we worked closely with Tomas, discussing and refining every detail to ensure nothing was left to chance,” the band shared. “In accordance with Tomas’ wishes; including the album title, sound mix, track order, artwork, and overall presentation ‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’ remains true to form. It combines the ferocious energy and hard-hitting, powerful melodies that is the essence of At The Gates. This album is Tomas’ legacy”.

Within Reach Share New Single (‘Hesitate’)

Up-and-coming teenage metalcore band, Within Reach, have returned with their first slice of new music of the year. ‘Hesitate’ sees the London-based band maintain their sharp riffs, pairing them with a towering, anthemic hook that elevates their potential.

“I wanted the narrative point of this song to open the listeners eyes. Life has its obstacles, and sometimes we get consumed by these things that make us lose sight of what matters and our true selves. It’s even harder watching loved ones go through these motions and this is what the song was born from,” Within Reach‘s guitarist / co-vocalist Bailey Dopson shared. “The lyrics come from the stand point of these loved ones because I wanted to convey the juxtaposition in value to how someone can view themself compared to how valuable they are through the eyes of the people around them which is what I felt was a subject that needed light shed on it because I feel this song is a song people need to hear in the masses. The song moved me as I wrote it, I’m confident it’ll do the same for the people.”

Within Reach will be playing a handful of shows in April.

April
3rd Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes(supporting Mimi Barks)
10th Rock City, Nottingham (supporting The Narrator & Avralize)
13th The Croft Bristol (supporting The Narrator)
25th Camden Town Underworld, London (supporting Our Promise)

Today’s New Songs

Here’s a rundown of the latest additions to our ‘Newish Music’ playlist.

August Burns Red – Behemoth
Sylosis – Spared From The Guillotine
At The Gates – The Fever Mask
Microwave – Vomit (Live)
Honey Revenge – Hot Commodity
Seek Harbour – The Witness
Lost In Hollywood – Love Is Dying
Within Reach – Hesitate
Pet Needs – Ducklings
The July Crowd – Like Home
Roko Mouth – Collective
Siiickbrain – Palo Santo
Vreid, Djerv – Loving The Dead
Crouch – Bad Seed
Split – Greater Than God (feat. Neckbreakker)
Brocarde – The Sound Of Music
Magnify The Sound – Once Upon A Breath
Drift – Four Letters
Crimson Riot – State Of Despair

Keep up to date with all the latest rock, metal, punk, and beyond, by following AlreadyHeard’s ‘NewishMusic’ Playlist.

Find the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.