[Cover photo credit to Alex Zarek]
Old School Death Metal band Jungle Rot will be releasing their 12th full-length album, Cruel Face Of War, via Unique Leader Records on May 15th, 2026. As a first preview of Cruel Face Of War, the band have revealed the single and video for “Apocalyptic Dawn”.
Dave Matrise (vocals, guitars) comments:
“Let’s start off by saying what an amazing accomplishment it is to hit 12 releases in my career. Never would I think I’d still be doing this 30+ years later. I guess be careful what you wish for.
I’m very grateful to all of our fans that have supported us for so many years and for never giving up on us.
To my bandmates for all of their hard work and dedication to me and JRot over all these years.
‘Cruel Face Of War’ will not disappoint.
It’s full of crushing grooves and violent hooks that will surely break anyone’s neck.”
Wisconsin-born Jungle Rot’s new album will deliver a blend of old-school Thrash Metal, Death Metal, crossover, and crusty Punk. As always, they pride themselves in their “efficiency and execution.” With their upcoming album Cruel Face Of War, the quartet delivers 12 tracks in their signature OSDM style, produced once again by Chris Djuricic at Bell City Sound Company, plus mixed and mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound Studio.
Dave Matrise adds:
We have stood the test of time. We are still here playing our trademark style of old school death metal that has carved a legendary name for us in the underground scene today. ‘Cruel Face Of War’ continues that legacy.
After Cruel Face Of War‘s release, Jungle Rot will appear across Europe this summer, headlining the “Back to the Old School Tour” with KHNVM and Rats Of Gomorrah as support, in addition to performing festivals.
Jungle Rot “Back to the Old School Tour” EU Tour 2026
June – w/ KHNVM
June 5, 2026 – Salvin, CZ – Karpaty Festival ***
June 6, 2026 – Emmen, NL – Pitfest Festival ***
June 7, 2026 – Göttingen, DE – Freihafen
June 8, 2026 – Bydgoszcz, PL – Over The Under Pub
June 9, 2026 – Vilnius, LT – Narauti
June 10, 2026 – Riga, LV – MCB Clubs
June 11, 2026 – Tallin, EE – Paavli Kultuurvabrik
June 12, 2026 – Turku, FI – Nirvana Fuusio
June 13, 2026 – Tampere, FI – Varjobaari
June 14, 2026 – Helsinki, FI – On TheRocks
July – w/ Rats Of Gomorrah
July 3, 2026 – Trutnov, CZ – Obscene Extreme Festival ***
July 4, 2026 – Salzburg, AT – Rockhouse
July 5, 2026 – Vienna, AT – Escape
July 6, 2026 – Timisoara, RO – Nemesis Club
July 7, 2026 – Bucarest, RO – Encore Club
July 8, 2026 – Novi Sad, RS – SKCNS Fabrika
July 9, 2026 – Ljubeljana, SL – Menza Pri Koritu
July 10, 2026 – Val Resia, IT – eResia Festival
July 11, 2026 – Erba (como) Milano, IT – Centrale Rock Pup
July 12, 2026 – Barberaz, FR – Brin de Zinc
July 13, 2026 – Martigny, CH – SunsetBar
July 14, 2026 – Basel, CH – Valhalla Bar
July 15, 2026 – Lyon, FR – Rock n Eat
July 16, 2026 – Weinheim, DE – Cafe Central
July 17, 2026 – Bertingen, DE – RUDE Festival
July 18, 2026 – Münster, DE – Tryptichon
August – w/ KHNVM
Aug. 1, 2026 – Dortmund, DE – DortmundDeathfest ***
Aug. 2, 2026 – Diest, BE – HellCafe
Aug. 3, 2026 – Esch Belval, LU – MK Bar
Aug. 4, 2026 – Stuttgart, DE – Schwarzer Keiler
Aug. 5, 2026 – Berlin, DE – Lido
Aug. 6, 2026 – Schwerin, DE – Club Zenith
Aug. 7, 2026 – Schlotheim, DE – Partysan Festival ***
Aug. 8, 2026 – Kortrijk, BE – Alcatraz Festival ***
*** = Jungle Rot only
