Upcoming album releases: 30/1/2026

The end of January is marked by a substantial wave of studio releases spanning nearly all major areas of contemporary music. On January 30, listeners can expect a significant update to artists’ discographies — from globally recognized names to performers whose influence is especially strong within niche and alternative scenes. This release Friday shapes a dense and diverse picture of the musical start of the year.

The central event of the day is the release of Kanye West’s new album, Bully. Each of his studio projects inevitably draws the attention of both the industry and the audience, regardless of stylistic direction, and the new release is no exception. Among the key releases is also Labrinth — Cosmic Opera: Act I, a project in which the artist continues to develop a conceptual approach, combining elements of pop music, soul, electronic, and orchestral aesthetics.

Guitar-driven music occupies a significant place in the release schedule. New albums arrive from Buzzcocks, Kula Shaker, Joyce Manor, Softcult, Urne, and The Hirsch Effekt — artists representing different generations and movements within the rock scene. From punk rock and alternative to progressive and post-hardcore forms, these releases highlight the continued interest in live, instrumental sound.

Fans of heavy music are also presented with an extensive selection. MØL, Stabbing, Obscurity, Total Annihilation, and Wicked Leather unveil new albums, each continuing to develop its own stylistic direction within extreme and traditional metal. These releases add density to the date and make it particularly notable for the metal community.

More intimate and traditional sounds are represented by new works from Eric Bibb, Emily Scott Robinson, Ye Vagabonds, and Joel Ross, where folk, blues, and jazz receive a contemporary interpretation. Special mention goes to the live album Robin Trower — One Moment In Time — Live In The USA, capturing a concert performance by one of the defining figures of the British blues-rock scene.

The international scope of the release day is further emphasized by new albums from Nicky Jam, Sébastien Tellier, Kaffkiez, Geologist, The Soft Pink Truth, and Yumi Zouma. As a result, the January 30 releases bring together different musical cultures and form a rich and well-balanced selection, appealing both to a broad audience and to listeners focused on author-driven and experimental music.