New Album Cruel Face Of War Out May 15th

Photo credit: Alex Zarek

On May 15th, old school death metal legends Jungle Rot will release their 12th full-length album, Cruel Face Of War, via Unique Leader Records. For a preview of Cruel Face Of War, the new single “Maniacal” can be heard here; watch the video here: https://youtu.be/OJEiP4wqyEU

Dave Matrise (vocals, guitars) comments: “‘Maniacal’ is one of those songs that just hits you in the face over and over when you’re listening to it. It is full of nonstop groove and violence just the way we like it…

“I’ve always been a fan of music with more of a groovier side to it. ‘Maniacal’ is the perfect blend of old school groove to make it a fan favorite.

“When writing ‘Maniacal’ I wanted it to be a more of a in-the-pocket kinda song. With a drum beat that gets your head banging without even trying.”

Pre-order Cruel Face Of War in various formats via: https://orcd.co/CRUELFACEOFWAR and watch the video for the previously released single “Apocalyptic Dawn” here: https://youtu.be/mCEf1kH6_6I

Cruel Face Of War track-listing:

• 1. Intro
• 2. Apocalyptic Dawn
• 3. Cruel Face of War
• 4. Maniacal
• 5. Suffer in Silence
• 6. Radicalized
• 7. Blade of Betrayal
• 8. When the Elders Rise
• 9. Horrors Vile (featuring David Ingram of Benediction)
• 10. Legacy of the Damned
• 11. Rot Riffs
• 12. Hollow Husk

Kenosha, Wisconsin’s Jungle Rot deliver a punitive blend of old-school thrash metal, death metal, crossover, crusty punk and are known to integrate slow stomp melodies into their style. Having garnered a loyal following over the last 30+ years, they never tried to be the goriest or most technical band in the extreme underground, but instead focused on flowing grooves and infectiously catchy songwriting. The sound and attitude that Jungle Rot have exposed the public to, is one of efficiency and execution.

With their upcoming album Cruel Face Of War, the quartet continues that tradition, delivering 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 (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.

“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’ will not disappoint.

“It’s full of crushing grooves and violent hooks that will surely break anyone’s neck.”

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 at some of the biggest festivals on the continent. See below for all dates!

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 – Club Tapper
• June 12, 2026 – Turku, FI – Nirvana Fuusio
• June 13, 2026 – Tampere, FI – Varjobaari
• June 14, 2026 – Helsinki, FI – On The Rocks

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 – Quantic
• July 8, 2026 – Belgrade, RS – Zappa Barka
• 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 Pub
• 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