Combing through the shadows, Napalm Records found another gem in BLACK SPIKES—the Lithuanian modern progressive band has signed their first record deal with the Austrian metal flagbearers. The quintet brings the darkness right along with them on its new album, Ydos, scheduled for August 28, 2026. The release comes shortly after BLACK SPIKES’ double nomination at their home country’s Grammy-comparable M.A.M.A. Music Awards and their tour with juggernauts Infected Rain. Ydos deals with the eponymous flaws of humanity, each explored in their own song, conceptually interwoven with sophisticated metal with a twist, serving as a complex mirror for us all. BLACK SPIKES about the signing:
“The funny thing is that while celebrating the release of our single ‘Imperatore’, we were actually discussing and even researching what it takes for a band to be signed by Napalm Records. Coming from a small country with a tiny metal scene and performing in our native language, we concluded we didn’t stand a chance and decided not to bother reaching out. A week later we were contacted by Napalm Records ourselves—and at first, we honestly thought it was a scam. But here we are, incredibly excited and looking forward to where this beautiful cooperation will take us.” Napalm Records Junior A&R Christian Hollik about the signing:
“When I first heard BLACK SPIKES, I was overwhelmed by their sound. For me, it’s a unique songwriting style that combines progressive influences with electronic beats. Agni’s vocals, delivered in their native language, make it something truly special. The upcoming album marks a new era of uniqueness. This band has a great future ahead, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.” Along with the album announcement comes the first single: “AUREA” shows BLACK SPIKES’ cinematic approach in its depiction of pride. The song unleashes a relentless storm of rapacious riffs and galloping drums, its grimness frequently broken up by halcyon parts whose cleverly placed tranquility conveys comfort in seemingly hopeless hazes. If you want to see BLACK SPIKES and their new song live, now is your chance: The band is currently on tour with INFECTED RAIN—see below for all the dates. BLACK SPIKES about “AUREA”:
“AUREA is the name we chose for the vice of pride. It grows within us when we are young and beautiful but becomes painful when time passes and that beauty fades. The song is released together with a music video filmed in the stunning Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology.” | 
