This American Progressive Thrash and Heavy Metal quartet is stepping into their next chapter with the release of their rockin’ fifth full-length offering.

Founded in 2016 initially as a studio project, but having evolved into a full-bodied band based out of Chicago, Illinois, the excellent Progressive Thrash/Heavy Metal quartet Black Sites is stepping into their next chapter now in 2026 with the release of their fifth full-length offering, titled For Eternity, following up on The Promised Land?, released in 2024. Produced by the band’s own vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar and new drummer Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios (with drums recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio), and mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, the new album by the aforementioned Mark Sugar and Chris Black alongside newcomers Lee Smith on the guitar and Jose Salazar on bass showcases a development in the band’s sound and sees the new members’ contributions enhance the music’s sonic quality, always inspired by traditional Heavy Metal.

When It Calls sounds epic and captivating from the very first notes, with Mark showcasing all his vocal potency while his bandmates craft a strong Iced Earth-like sound, while Aquarius Betrayed reflects the frustration at the contradiction towards previous generations who reaped the benefits of the most socially liberated and progressive era in history, and then quickly turned their back on those values when they became inconvenient, with their guitars exhaling that frustration while Chris hammers his drums with anger and dexterity. Then their Progressive Metal feast goes on in full force with Above Soil, Beneath Sky, with Jose and Chris crafting a reverberating, massive kitchen; followed by Giving Up The Ghost, a song about the faltering of one’s belief, venturing through Stoner Rock and Metal lands while again showcasing a classy guitar work by Mark and Lee.

Blades (For The Chosen Ones) presents elements from the music by renowned acts the likes of Armored Saint and Iced Earth while keeping their core progressiveness intact; whereas Silent Wars, which concept derives from a quote by Robin Williams that says “everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” offers classic Hard Rock straight in your face. When Prophecy Fails, taken from a book of the same name, which describes a UFO cult that existed in Chicago in the 1950’s, is by far the most Heavy Metal of all songs thanks to the kickass riffs by Mark and Lee. Lastly, we face Unanswered For Eternity, a dark, gloomy and pensive ballad, ending the album on a high note, with the melodic vocals by Mark matching perfectly with their soulful solos.

Combining old school heavy music with guitar harmonies, melodic and clean vocals, and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of Voivod, Black Sabbath, and King’s X, the indomitable rockers of Black Sites are on absolute fire from start to finish in their new album For Eternity, which can be purchased from their BandCamp. Don’t forget to also give them a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with all things Black Sites, to subscribe to their YouTube channel, and to stream their rockin’ tunes on any available platform like Spotify. Because heavy music is eternal, and it’s bands like Black Sites who are among us all to make sure it will never die.

Best moments of the album: Aquarius Betrayed, Blades (For The Chosen Ones) and When Prophecy Fails.

Worst moments of the album: Silent Wars.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. When It Calls 5:09
2. Aquarius Betrayed 5:05
3. Above Soil, Beneath Sky 4:47
4. Giving Up The Ghost 6:43
5. Blades (For The Chosen Ones) 4:51
6. Silent Wars 4:51
7. When Prophecy Fails 5:49
8. Unanswered For Eternity 6:54

Band members
Mark Sugar – vocals, guitar
Lee Smith – guitar
Jose Salazar – bass
Chris Black – drums