Airies Air Kaiju Review: Belfast Prog Metal Trio Drop an 8-Minute Epic

Music Review | 11th April, 2026

What started as a creative experiment between three friends in Belfast has evolved into one of the most exciting underground progressive metal acts to watch in 2026. Airies Air didn’t just stick to the basics - they’ve built their sound around pushing boundaries, blending odd time signatures, cross rhythms, and intricate song structures with massive, soaring choruses.

There’s a real sense of musical curiosity driving everything they do, and it’s what makes their releases feel fresh every time.

Building Momentum in 2026 with Kaiju

Airies Air have been on a steady rise this year. After dropping Gemini Lounge, they followed up with Elsewhere, a track that dug into heavy social themes like displacement and the ongoing struggles faced by asylum seekers.

Now, they’re keeping that momentum going with their latest release, Kaiju and it might just be their most ambitious track yet.

Kaiju Review - A Slow-Burn Progressive Metal Monster

Clocking in at around eight minutes, Kaiju is a full-on progressive metal journey. This isn’t a track that rushes to impress - it takes its time, unfolding layer by layer.

The song leans heavily into experimental territory, combining elements of progressive rock and metal with a deliberate, weighty atmosphere. It’s very much a slow burner, but that’s exactly where its strength lies. The tension builds gradually, pulling you deeper into its dense, textured soundscape.

There’s an intentional heaviness running throughout, not just in the riffs but in the pacing and structure. It feels calculated in the best way - like every section has a purpose.

Recorded at Manor Park Studio & Aiming for Metal 2 the Masses

Kaiju was recorded at Manor Park Studio and stands as a centerpiece for the band’s 2026 campaign in Metal 2 the Masses (M2TM). For those unfamiliar, M2TM is a major annual battle-of-the-bands competition spotlighting the best unsigned and independent metal acts across the UK and Ireland.

If Kaiju is anything to go by, Airies Air are serious contenders.

Final Thoughts on Airies Air’s Kaiju

With Kaiju Airies Air continue to prove they’re not afraid to take risks. It’s ambitious, complex, and unapologetically heavy - everything you’d want from a modern progressive metal track.

If you’re into bands that challenge the norm and deliver something a bit different, this is definitely one to check out.

Check out Airies Bandcamp.

The single, Kaiju, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Airies