News

The Barbarians of California announce new album MEGATONS, share single The Gnarlycore Class

"This felt so easy, and is a seamless continuation of whatever we started with the first batch of songs - just bigger and better," The Barbarians of California say as they confirm details of second album MEGATONS.

The barbarians of california may 2026 1
Words:
Emma Wilkes

The Barbarians of California are back with a new album, MEGATONS.

The West Coast hardcore punk band - comprised of AWOLNATION’s Aaron Bruno and Tinfed’s Eric Stenman - will drop their new album on August 21.

“Everyone has heard of the sophomore slump,” states Stenman. “Making a second album can be a fraught process full of overthinking and self-doubt. Perhaps, the benefit of us starting this band, at this later point in our lives, relieves some of that pressure. This felt so easy, and is a seamless continuation of whatever we started with the first batch of songs - just bigger and better.”

They’ve also shared a classroom-themed video for their outlandish new single The Gnarlycore Class (remember when everyone described heavy music as ‘gnarly’?)

“Sometimes when writing a new song, the goal is to land on a tempo that hasn't been used anywhere else on the album,” Stenman says. “Gnarlycore was just that. I think Aaron has been wishing for something in this vein for a while now. This was the second to last song that we came up with for MEGATONS, and it seemed to come together quickly and effortlessly.”

Check it out below:


The best of Kerrang! delivered straight to your inbox three times a week. What are you waiting for?