Heavy Metal Death Can: Classic survival horror game set aboard a Swedish submarine

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The retro-inspired survival horror genre has welcomed a promising new title with Heavy Metal Death Can. Drawing inspiration from iconic PS1-era classics, the game delivers a suffocating, lonely, and high-pressure experience deep beneath the ocean floor.

Heavy Metal Death Can (Image source: Steam)
Heavy Metal Death Can (Image source: Steam)

An alternate history setting in the Norwegian Sea

Heavy Metal Death Can takes place in the late 1970s within an alternate timeline, where players join the crew aboard HMS Domherren, a Swedish Cold War-era submarine. During a mission in the Norwegian Sea, a horrifying incident unfolds. A mysterious substance known as Sludge leaks throughout the vessel, infecting and possessing crew members, transforming them into bloodthirsty creatures.

Completely isolated beneath the ocean, your mission is to fight for survival within the submarine's claustrophobic corridors, search for remaining survivors, and uncover the dark truth behind the catastrophe.

Fight for survival inside cramped corridors (Image source: Steam)
Fight for survival inside cramped corridors (Image source: Steam)

A classic horror experience with fixed camera angles

The biggest highlight of Heavy Metal Death Can is its faithful recreation of classic survival horror formulas. The game uses fixed camera angles combined with tank controls, creating constant tension as players never know what might be lurking around the next corner. For modern audiences, the developers have also included updated control options for easier accessibility.

Resource management remains at the core of the experience. Ammunition is extremely limited, forcing players to think carefully before pulling the trigger. Inventory management, searching for handcrafted keys, and uncovering mysteries hidden throughout the submarine will all play a critical role in staying alive.

Ammunition is always in short supply (Image source: Steam)
Ammunition is always in short supply (Image source: Steam)

Retro visuals powered by modern technology

The game's art style is designed to evoke memories of the atmospheric pre-rendered backgrounds commonly seen in late 1990s horror adventures. Despite its nostalgic aesthetic, Heavy Metal Death Can uses modern rendering technologies to make its rust-covered corridors and oppressive submarine environment feel more immersive than ever.

Audio design also plays a major role in building tension. Distorted guitars, gloomy analog synth sounds, and unexpected moments of silence combine to create a heavy soundtrack that perfectly captures the cold industrial atmosphere inspired by Brutalism and Nordic Noir.

Key features

  • Classic survival horror gameplay combined with a surreal setting aboard a Swedish submarine.
  • Fixed camera angles create tension alongside both classic and modern control schemes.
  • A layered story filled with twists through encounters and unexpected alliances.
  • Meet memorable supporting characters including the mysterious Milton and nihilistic Captain Olof.
  • Retro 1990s-inspired visuals enhanced with modern lighting technology.

Heavy Metal Death Can officially launched on May 28, 2026. If you are a longtime fan of traditional survival horror and want to experience the genre's classic tension once again, this is a PC title worth keeping an eye on.