Following their blistering set at Damnation Festival, I have a new level of respect for Detroit Metalcore legends Walls Of Jericho. Their high-energy live performance is repeated on their first album in a decade and reinforces their status as a seminal band on the scene.
Walls of Jericho – System Error: Humanity
Release Date: 13 November 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
System Error: Humanity sees an explosive start, with the punishing True Til Death coming out of the gate with a ferocity that is uncontainable. Candace Buckingham’s huge raging roars instantly grab the attention.
There is something instantly appealing about the boot-stomping power chords and discordant violence that threatens on songs such as The Flame and The Ascent, fuelled by lyrical content that provides messages of self-determination, human rights and the fight for a better world.
It is high-octane stuff from the start, huge breakdowns sticking closely to their pattern of delivery, whilst the inclusion of several guests only adds to the quality. Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe steps in with Buckingham on Broken Mouths Can’t Speak, his howling delivery providing one of the most unexpected duets of 2026, whilst Guy Kozowyk of The Red Chord joins on the huge stomp of Humanity.
Elsewhere, there are ample pit starters lurking in the darkness. Riffs rain down, the intensity rarely eases, the exception being the slow burn of penultimate song A Brighter Fire, which features Buckingham’s daughter Patsy Puopolo and bassist Aaron Ruby’s son Matthew. This pause in the carnage is welcome respite, six-minutes of brooding epicness before a final burst with The Reckoning.
This type of Metal is kept alive by the underground. The smaller bands put everything on the line for little reward. But occasionally one of the bigger beasts heaves into view and is worth a listen.
Legendary producer and Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou (NAILS, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Code Orange, and Every Time I Die) does a brilliant job capturing the energy of their live show here.
Uncompromising, powerful, ferocious and with purpose, Walls Of Jericho’s return is something to celebrate.
Walls of Jericho release System Error: Humanity on 13 November 2026. For more details, visit lnk.to/WallsOfJericho-SystemErrorHumanity/napalmrecords.
