Jungle Rot Celebrates Over 30 Years Of Old School Death Metal With 12th Album ‘Cruel Face Of War’

[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.

Artwork by Gyula Havancsak

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