Another year, another list. 2025 followed 2024 as it was meant to, and brought with it a plethora of new metal albums to get excited about.

2025 was crowded with a range of top releases. So much so, that some of my most listened to albums didn’t even make it onto my list, (Abduction, Barren Path, Deafheaven, Changeling, Cryptopsy, Dormant Ordeal, The Great Old Ones, Mantar, Pelican, Weeping Sores, Werewolves, to name but a handful), and it wasn’t for their lack of quality. In fact, all of these graced the below list at one point or another, some right up to the end. I heartily recommend them all. Others carry still the potential to be a real list contender, but I just haven’t had enough time with them yet to really be sure, (An Abstract Illusion, Ancient Death, Blackbraid, Blut Aus Nord, Heretoir, Primitive Man, Voidceremony, and Yellow Eyes are a few notable ones). There are others too, in these and yet other categories, but there’s only so much space to waffle on about great music. Suffice to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed this year’s metallic output.

I have actually, against my better judgement, increased this year’s list past 30 spaces to accommodate a few more of the stellar records that saw the light of day in 2025 that I couldn’t bear to not acknowledge. Ultimately, you have to draw the line somewhere, and a list of 30 is already too many in my view, but it ended up happening anyway.

I feel that my list this year has a lot of depth – the entire top 18 or so places could have happily made it into my top 10 on another year. The two albums in first and second positions have traded places many times throughout the year – both came out in April, both won me over completely and utterly, and both are stunning exemplars of their different styles. It was a hard decision, and a worthy winner was eventually crowned, but I adore both of them so much.

35

Pestilential Shadows – Wretch

Pestilential Shadows are a long-running band, but Wretch was, (and currently still is), my first time listening to them. This album wasn’t one that I expected to end up on my list after the first couple of spins, but it just wouldn’t let me go. I just kept returning to it, and every time I did I’d enjoy it even more and encounter new facets of it to discover. It’s simply classic black metal done very right.

34

Barshasketh – Antinomian Asceticism

Antinomian Asceticism is an insidious record that grew in power over the year. Every time I thought I might be done with it, it tightened its iron grip on me. Now, it’s not letting go, and I no longer want it too. I’ve long been a fan of Barshasketh’s brand of black metal, but this record is their crowning achievement thus far.

33

Old Night – Mediterranean Melancholy

Mediterranean Melancholy is such a good record. Not even a change in lead singer can hold back Old Night’s old-school doom metal from flourishing. Laid upon firm, ancient foundations, the songs sound remarkably fresh and vibrant. Shaded with a colourful mournfulness that imbues the music with a pleasing temperament, Mediterranean Melancholy is a distinguished addition to the band’s discography.

32

Hæresis – Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum came raging out of the underworld and tore into anything it could find with claws of pure midnight. Hæresis’s aggressive atmosphere and blistering pace immediately struck a chord with me, and I haven’t been able to put it down since. But then why would I want to? This is premier league post-black metal, laced with threat and sinister menace.

31

Terzij de Horde – Our Breath Is Not Ours Alone

Now here’s a record that makes a statement. A fiery hymn to societal decay, Terzij de Horde have created a record of unbridled wrath and scathing intensity. It rarely lets up, assaulting the airwaves with devastating impact. If you favour modern, hardcore-spliced black metal that’s utterly ferocious, but that also carries with it sharp melodic layers, then Our Breath Is Not Ours Alone is one for you.

30

Conjurer – Unself

Unself is a record that showcases a band on the rise, a band who know exactly what they’re doing with their material. With an accomplished discography that this new release crowns, Conjurer have what it takes to excel. Despite how much I like it, I feel I haven’t yet got the most out of this very tasty sludgy post-metal feast yet though, which means it will likely only rise in my estimation even further as time passes by.

29

Martröð – Draumsýnir Eldsins

A very late entry this one, but one that deserves a place on the list for sure. Draumsýnir Eldsins only came out a few days ago, but it has already carved out a place for itself in 2025. Martröð’s black metal is dissonant and honed to a killing edge. Draumsýnir Eldsins is a vicious work of esoteric art that somehow manages to demand repeat visits despite its otherworldly hostility. Who knows where this might have ended up on this list given more time?

28

Ba’al – The Fine Line Between Heaven and Here

With every album Ba’al release they come into their own further and further. The Fine Line Between Heaven and Here finds Ba’al at the apex of their art, and I couldn’t be happier with it. An epic of blackened post-metal, with a bleak and beautiful personality that shines with serrated hunger, Ba’al’s latest record is a scorcher.

27

Turian – Blood Quantum Blues

This has to be one of the most addictive set of songs I’ve heard this year. Turian’s metalcore is both thoughtful and belligerent. Blood Quantum Blues revels in its ability to unleash songs that are well-crafted, but passionate; intelligent, but brutish; innovative, but familiar. Turian strike a fine balance throughout Blood Quantum Blues that serves them extremely well. Few other bands playing anything you’d tag as metalcore/modern metal/whatever, have manged to equal this level of addictive heaviness. Turian have made a mark.

26

Psychonaut – World Maker

World Maker is a progressive metal album that takes its time with its material. It unfolds with sophisticated grace, taking the listener on a journey of texture and nuance, through landscapes of ethereal beauty and hostile threat. Although it pummels the listener in places with progressive heaviness, it always carries with it a meticulously wrought personality that combines earthy energy with intelligent worldbuilding.

25

Tómarúm – Beyond Obsidian Euphoria

In 2025 Tómarúm presented us with a masterwork of progressive black/death metal in the formidible shape of Beyond Obsidian Euphoria. There’s a lot of impressive content packed into a lengthy duration, but Tómarúm don’t waste a minute. An absorbing record, Beyond Obsidian Euphoria has a lot to take in and digest, and is worth spending the time to do so at length.

24

Eyes – Spinner

Spinner is heavy, fun, and infectious. It’s short and violent, and has crazy replay value; it’s an album that just keeps on giving. Eyes play hardcore that’s incredibly easy to like, and Spinner is extremely proficient at what it does.

23

Vin de Mia Trix – This Landscape Is Alive

So, what do you do when the band that topped your 2017 end of year list comes out with a shockingly superb new album, but does so at the tail end of the year? Panic? Time travel? Unholy pacts? Or, just try to binge it as much as possible in the limited time available? I opted for the latter, which is why This Landscape Is Alive is gracing this list at all. A marvellous expression of rich doom mastery, Vin de Mia Trix have once again shown the world how it’s done. But, I still cannot yet justify it ascending to the upper levels of this list where it likely belongs, as I just haven’t had enough time with it. However, were I to revisit this list months from now, I fully expect This Landscape Is Alive to achieve a much higher placing. Take note – Vin de Mia Trix must be on your radar if you’re a fan of weighty doom majesty.

22

Rivers of Nihil – Rivers of Nihil

Unexpectedly, Rivers of Nihil has turned out to be my favourite Rivers of Nihil album by a decent margin. The songs hit hard, with a crunchy modern expansive death metal sound, some magnificent clean singing, and more hooks than a very hooky thing indeed. I find this album to be effortlessly easy to listen to over and over again, and it hasn’t yet failed to satisfy.

21

King Witch – III

I’d never heard King Witch prior to III, so was largely unprepared for their exceptional take on classic doom and heavy metal. With striking, stirring vocals and well-written songs, the album is packed with riffs and infectious melodies. King Witch open themselves up fully to the listener, providing a nuanced performance that makes the music come alive with a characterful sparkle in its eye.

20

In Mourning – The Immortal

I admit I was surprised by just how good The Immortal was when I first listened to it. This is melodic death metal most fine. In Mourning have produced an exemplary album that I greatly enjoy whenever I stick it on. Hooks, atmospheric substance, and quality songcraft, while retaining an aggressive bite; The Immortal is a remarkably strong album.

19

Blessings – Blodsträngen

Blessings rule. Blodsträngen combines hardcore, post-metal, and noise rock into something charismatic and individual. With layered depth and percussive textures Blessings deliver a collection of songs that have burrowed ever deeper into my brain as the year has gone by. What a great record this is.

18

Depravity – Bestial Possession

Bestial Possession is a murderous slab of brutal destructive force. Depravity bring us death metal most potent; you could power an entire country with this album’s ferocious energy. Cruelly wrought and clad in bloodshed, Bestial Possession is a monster of a death metal album. I honestly can’t stop listening to this beast.

17

Starer – Ancient Monuments and Modern Sadness

From the first moment I heard Ancient Monuments and Modern Sadness I knew that the artist behind Starer had conjured something even more notable than usual into existence this time around. If you favour modern black metal that’s filled with atmospheric grandeur and oceans of feeling, then this is essential. As I continue to explore its hidden contours, I’m already regretting not placing this higher up my list. It really is that good.

16

Heir – Terra Triumphans Jubila

Terra Triumphans Jubila is an album that is generous with its gifts, yet still has more in reserve. Even now, I feel like there is still so much more it has to offer, hidden in plain sight. Heir play the sort of hardcore-laced post-black metal that is instantly appealing, but takes time to fully ensnare; when it does it’s lethal. That this is the last Heir album we’ll ever get is a travesty, but that doesn’t negate their accomplishment here. Terra Triumphans Jubila is a record to lose yourself in. Be careful though, as you may never return.

15

Grayceon – Then the Darkness

Despite its prodigious length Then the Darkness kept drawing me back to it over and over again, until I could resist no longer. This is my first Grayceon album, and it has impressed. Balancing catchiness and emotive depth, the vast progressive metal soundscapes of Then the Darkness are unusually enchanting.

14

This Gift Is a Curse – Heir

The latest incarnation of This Gift Is a Curse is a sight to behold. Finally unveiled in all of their caustic, harrowing, sludge-ridden black metal splendour, Heir is the album I didn’t know I needed from them. Ramping up the intensity to dangerous levels, This Gift Is a Curse have unleashed such a monstrously destructive album that us mere mortals can only run screaming in terror from its hyperaggressive glory.

13

Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Innern

Der Weg Einer Freiheit have once again consolidated their position as kings of modern black metal with the mighty Innern. Every song is a raw and immersive expression of blackened darkness, emotion, atmosphere, and aggression. Innern is the sort of album that mixes all of these ingredients together in gripping, compelling ways.

12

Retromorphosis – Psalmus Mortis

Retromorphosis play a rare form of technical death metal. It’s a song-first interpretation of a complex style, and uses emotional components to a far greater degree than most. Basically, this is a killer album, and every time I listen to it I like it even more. Psalmus Mortis is the sort of well-rounded death metal that lasts the test of time. Completely essential.

11

Zatokrev – …Bring Mirrors to the Surface

Zatokrev are a great band. Unsung and unappreciated by the masses they may be, every release is top tier neverthless. Which brings us to …Bring Mirrors to the Surface, which exists at the highest tier there is for this sort of thing. Zatokrev’s multifaceted post-metallic heaviness has reached new heights of diversity and emotional resonance, and …Bring Mirrors to the Surface is a fantastic record.

10

Phosphorus – Frail Grasp of Broken Hands

Frail Grasp of Broken Hands is the sort of hybrid release that has the ability to engross completely, especially when it’s as high quality as is here. Phosphorous play a personable blend of post-black metal and death/doom, expertly merging a host of influences into five mighty and impactful songs. It’s an underground gem of an album, one, like many on this list, that deserves much greater recognition.

9

Messa – The Spin

Messa have once again returned with yet another winning album of thickly atmospheric doom metal. The Spin is gorgeous and dark, like silken poison being washed delicately over your skin; it might not be good for you, but it feels amazing. This collection of songs is amazing. Messa are amazing. The Spin is amazing. Enough said.

8

Dimscûa – Dust Eater

Dimscûa came out of nowhere and dominated. Their devastatingly emotive post-metal is so expressive and vast, yet so heavy and crushing. Dust Eater exists in a realm of its own, soaking in sombre emotion, ready to pour itself into the minds of any who would press play. Do it, do it now, as Dust Eater is without a doubt one of the best things you could possibly have heard in 2025.

7

We Lost the Sea – A Single Flower

I have been a fan of We Lost the Sea prior to A Single Flower, but this was the first album of theirs that truly hit me hard. A Single Flower offers up a mastercrafted vision of voiceless emotion, and it’s a transcendent experience. As I said in my review at the time, this is a progressive, post-rock masterpiece.

6

Dawnwalker – The Between

The Between offers up a single 32-minute progressive rock/metal epic, and I love it. Dawnwalker’s music is a bold statement of progressive substance, providing an engaging and captivating adventure for the listener to embark upon. The Between is an expedition into progressive territories that are richly rendered and lusciously adorned with thick emotive layers. Phenomenal.

5

Caustic Wound – Grinding Mechanism of Torment

The moment I first heard the opening title track, I knew Grinding Mechanism of Torment would feature at the upper end of my year end list. Caustic Wound deliver up the sort of brutal deathgrind that’s been extremely scarce over the last decade or so, and I fell for it instantly. I kept listening and couldn’t help but wonder at what point would I have played it out and become bored of the band’s savage set of songs? Well, it hasn’t happened yet. So, so good.

4

Execrari – Desolation Manifest

This was a wonderful find. It’s black metal of an uncommon variety, filled with progressive, melodic, and avant-garde detailing that elevates the music to a higher level. Desolation Manifest benefits from the sort of strong songwriting, exquisite presence, and powerful hooks that are almost unheard of in debut albums. If you missed out on Execrari this year, remedy this right now, as this is an excellent record.

3

Goya – In the Dawn of November

Stoner doom is not my favourite genre, but Goya don’t care. They simply kick out the jams and let the music speak for itself, and what a voice it has. Whereas most ostensibly similar bands typically sound bland and uninspiring, Goya have something really special going on. In the Dawn of November boasts the sort of standout songwriting that many a band would kill for. Every song on this record is a stunner, and I’ve lost many hours worshipping the riff with Goya and diving into the music’s heart of darkness. More than that though, the levels of passion and emotion that are contained within these songs are off the charts. In the Dawn of November is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding record.

2

Lightless – A Foreseen Loss

Lightless’ A Foreseen Loss is so far up my street it’s made a home for itself in my back garden, excavating a gloomy cavern and corrupting the local wildlife. This is a feast of enormous blackened sludgy funeral death/doom, and I love it. It’s a colossal undertaking listening to a record with an 80-minute duration, so the fact that this is one of my most listened to records in 2025 should hopefully speak volumes. Lightless are an unexpected highlight of 2025, and A Foreseen Loss only missed out on the top spot by the narrowest of margins. This is a brilliant, brilliant record, it’s as plain as that.

1

Blood Abscission – I I

The first time I listened to I I, there were so many times on multiple songs when I mentally, (and sometimes physically), just perked up and stood to attention – “Wow!”, “Fucking Hell!”, etc. True moments of transcendent wonder. Shockingly, these reactions have barely faded. Blood Abscission’s second album is so pre-eminent, so potent, that I have to be careful when I listen to it – this is not the sort of thing I can have on in the background; I I completely demands my attention and absorbs my senses. This is contemporary, atmosphere-rich black metal that’s simply the best album of 2025 and the one I’ve loved the most this year.