The year 2025 proved to be exceptionally strong for rock and metal fans. Both in Finland and internationally, the scene delivered an abundance of creative, bold and long-awaited album releases. Heavy music clearly gained momentum once again, and many bands managed to reinvent themselves or return to the spotlight stronger than ever.
The Chaoszine editorial team has once again compiled its personal favorites from the past year’s album releases. Below you’ll find each editor’s Top 10 list along with explanations as to why these albums stood out among the best of 2025.
Arto Mäenpää – Top 10 albums of 2025
The year 2025 was extremely high-quality for both Finnish and international rock and metal, which made putting together a Top 10 list a very challenging task. Several albums from the honorable mentions could easily have made the main list.
1. Lorna Shore – “I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me”
When Lorna Shore released their near-perfect “Pain Remains” album in 2022, I remember wondering how on earth they could possibly top it. When I first listened to “I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me”, about halfway through the album I realized my worries were completely unnecessary. This band seems to have limitless potential when it comes to songwriting. They have truly taken symphonic deathcore into entirely new realms, and it is hard to imagine any band ever challenging their position as the genre’s strongest force. Once again, a timeless 10/10 masterpiece that I will most likely return to for many years to come.
2. Ghost – “Skeletá”
Good old Kyösti delivered yet another masterpiece. While the band doesn’t stray far from its familiar musical palette, tracks like “Satanized” and “Peacefield” are among the best rock songs of the year in my opinion. They once again highlight Tobias Forge’s brilliance as a songwriter and prove that rock music can still be made in an interesting and boundary-pushing way. “Satanized” ended up being my favorite song of the year.
3. Sleep Token – “Even In Arcadia”
After the magnificent “Take Me Back To Eden”, “Even In Arcadia” felt like a slight disappointment as a full album, although it still contains several excellent tracks such as “Emergence”. Sleep Token have created a completely unique sound of their own and have deservedly become one of the most talked-about bands of the decade.
4. Paleface Swiss – “Cursed”
The Slipknot of metalcore came, saw and conquered. “Cursed” is an absolutely brutal album that every modern metal fan should spin at least once. One of the most powerful album-length statements of the year.
5. LANDMVRKS – “The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been”
One of the best metalcore albums of 2025. If you’re not familiar with the band yet, I strongly recommend checking out “A Line in the Dust” and “Sulfur”. I also personally witnessed a couple of times over the summer that both the songs and the band hit extremely hard live.
6. Orbit Culture – “Death Above Life”
Orbit Culture are currently one of the hottest metal bands on the planet, and “Death Above Life” is a great example of their potential. While it may not be the best album of their career, it certainly cements their position as one of Europe’s most promising metal acts. Hopefully the band will take a few more risks on their next release, as this album plays things a bit too safe.
7. Sara – “Hallava”
The second Finnish band on my list exceeded expectations by a wide margin this year. “Hallava” is one of the strongest albums of Sara’s career, and I sincerely hope the band continues down this heavier path in the future.
8. Bloodred Hourglass – “We Should Be Buried Like This”
In my books, the best melodic death metal album of 2025. Extremely high-quality work throughout, and hopefully this album will help the band rise even higher on a European scale within their genre.
9. Jinjer – “Duél”
Ukrainian metal powerhouse Jinjer found their voice a few years ago by blending multiple styles, and they’ve only sharpened their claws since then. “Duél” perfectly demonstrates just how versatile the band is and how effortlessly they break genre boundaries.
10. The Halo Effect – “We Are The Shadows” (EP)
If early In Flames material is close to your heart, this band will only sink deeper with each listen. Even though the EP consists entirely of cover songs, the end result sounds as if the band wrote the material themselves. The Halo Effect will be seen at Kaaos Festival in summer 2026.
Honorable mentions:
Adept – “Blood Covenant”
Amorphis – “Borderland”
Architects – “The Sky, the Earth & All Between”
Babymetal – “Metal Forth”
Cradle of Filth – “The Screaming Of The Valkyries”
Halestorm – “Everest”
I Prevail – “Violent Nature”
Killswitch Engage – “This Consequence”
Machine Head – “Unatoned”
Spiritbox – “Tsunami Sea”
Testament – “Para Bellum”
Vaasa Palaa – “Sun Trvumojen Soundtrvck”
Whitechapel – “Hymns in Dissonance”
Benedetta Baldin – Top 10 albums of 2025
For me, 2025 was a year defined by emotional weight, musical evolution and artists who weren’t afraid to show both power and vulnerability. This list reflects records that left a lasting impact — whether through sheer heaviness, strong identity, or the courage to explore deeper and more personal territory.
1. Heaven Shall Burn – “Heimat”
They grow and evolve with every release, and this time was no different. Metalcore lives and breathes because Heaven Shall Burn exists, and I’m grateful to be living in the same era as these spectacular gentlemen.
2. Esprit D’Air – “Aeons”
A masterpiece from start to finish. The Japanese outfit has outdone themselves with this release. Whether you love heavy music or not, this album offers something for everyone.
3. Haloo Helsinki! – “Voiko Enkelitkin Eksyä”
The Finns are back, and nobody is taking their throne. While this is a more somber release overall, the songwriting is solid and the essence of the band remains fully intact.
4. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – “X’s For Eyes”
Forgive me, but teenage me would have absolutely loved this album — and honestly, adult me does too. Talent like theirs never goes unnoticed.
5. The Violent Hour – “The Violent Hour”
Debut albums and EPs can sometimes be hit or miss, but this supergroup absolutely hit the mark. The potential for even greater accomplishments is clearly there.
6. Volbeat – “God Of Angels Trust”
We had to wait a while for the Danes to return with new music, but the wait was entirely worth it. Fresh, powerful and impactful — a fantastic combination.
7. Bloodred Hourglass – “We Should Be Buried Like This”
You already know my weakness for Finnish bands, and this one is no exception. They’ve truly prepared something quite extraordinary for everyone to enjoy.
8. Nachtblut – “Todschick”
The first release this year to which I gave a full 10/10. The German band have been spectacular and innovative, and I sincerely hope they continue down this path forever.
9. RØRY – “Restoration”
It takes great strength to admit your weaknesses, and this artist is capable of digging deep into our core to help us find resilience. We are never alone on our path.
10. Auri – “III – Candles and Beginnings”
It’s well established that whatever Tuomas Holopainen touches turns to gold, and Auri is no exception. I loved this record even more after hearing it live during their first European tour.
Marko Syrjälä – Top 10 albums of 2025
2025 was once again a strong year for new, high-quality album releases. That said, it didn’t quite reach the same level as the early years of the decade. Perhaps the sharpest peak was missing, and in the long run only Helloween may reach true classic status among these albums. Nevertheless, here is my list of the best albums of 2025.
1. Helloween – “Giants And Monsters”
It’s very safe to say that this album marks Helloween’s strong comeback. “Giants And Monsters” is a much stronger and more cohesive album than this lineup’s debut from a few years ago. The overall atmosphere feels relaxed and confident, and there are several excellent songs such as “Giants On The Run”, “Majestic” and the initially annoying but ultimately irresistible earworm “This Is Tokyo”, which I’ve grown to like more and more over time.
2. Peter Criss – “Peter Criss”
This album probably won’t mean much to most readers, but it’s the new studio album from the original KISS drummer, also known as “The Catman”. I never would have expected Criss to be the KISS member releasing original material after all these years. With Billy Sheehan and John 5 involved, the quality is guaranteed. All I can say is: listen and reflect on what this album represents. Nothing but respect.
3. Dream Theater – “Parasomnia”
Dream Theater’s reunion with original drummer Mike Portnoy is the best thing that has happened to the band since his departure in 2010. At that point, the band’s career had clearly hit a rough patch, and trying something different was probably the right move. That experiment is now over, and “Parasomnia” stands as Dream Theater’s strongest album since 2010. Nothing more needs to be said.
4. Testament – “Para Bellum”
Testament have been one of the most reliable and consistent bands in the thrash metal scene for decades. “Para Bellum” continues that strong tradition convincingly and without compromise.
5. Avantasia – “Here Be Dragons”
“Here Be Dragons” may not be as convincing as some of Avantasia’s earlier highlights, but it is still another high-quality release from Tobias Sammet. Classic symphonic power metal at its finest.
6. The Hellacopters – “Overdrive”
Despite the mysterious and ongoing absence of guitarist Dregen, “Overdrive” picks up exactly where the band’s excellent 2022 album “Eyes Of Oblivion” left off. There’s never too much room these days for traditional, high-level Scandinavian rock of this quality.
7. Paradise Lost – “Ascension”
Paradise Lost were once among my absolute favorite bands. Albums like “Icon”, “Draconian Times”, “One Second” and the slightly later “Symbol Of Life” are still cornerstones for me. After those, I gradually lost touch with the band. With “Ascension”, however, Paradise Lost are back on track in my books, delivering their strongest album in over twenty years.
8. Glenn Hughes – “Chosen”
Glenn Hughes is a legend — written with a capital L. His career includes classic years with Deep Purple, work with Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi, Trapeze, Black Country Communion and much more. It’s remarkable that, well into his mid-70s, he can still release an album this strong, blending hard rock, progressive elements, touches of funk and everything else you’d expect from Hughes. A true legend.
9. Alice Cooper – “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper”
Alice Cooper and the original Alice Cooper Group finally released their long-awaited comeback album this year. Although it’s been decades since their last full-length together, “Muscle Of Love” from 1973, the old tricks are still firmly intact. This is a generous serving of high-quality nostalgia that will surely resonate with longtime fans.
10. Michael Schenker Group – “Don’t Sell Your Soul”
Michael Schenker is one of the most prolific artists in rock music, with over 50 albums released since the early 1970s. The quality of those releases has understandably varied over time, but “Don’t Sell Your Soul” easily ranks in the better half of his extensive catalog. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his classic UFO era or MSG’s early albums, it stands strong among his later work. Special mention goes to Erik Grönwall for his many outstanding vocal performances.
Honorable mentions:
Amorphis – “Borderland”
Arch Enemy – “Blood Dynasty”
Treat – “The Wild Card”
Dirkschneider And The Old Gang – “Babylon”
Primal Fear – “Domination”
Aleksi Parkkonen – Top 10 albums of 2025
As cliché as it may sound, this year truly delivered many great albums, making it difficult to narrow the list down to just ten. Both in Finland and abroad, a wide range of interesting music was released. After last year, 2025 felt particularly strong in terms of album releases.
1. The Man-Eating Tree – “Night Verses”
The Finnish band’s comeback album with a new vocalist, Manne Ikonen (known from Ghost Brigade). The result is a harmonious, at times hauntingly beautiful whole, while still containing grit and power. This is likely the album I’ve listened to the most this year.
2. Bloodred Hourglass – “We Should Be Buried Like This”
Bloodred Hourglass only seem to get better with age. The band keeps discovering new aspects within their sound, and this fall’s album continues on the same victorious path as its predecessor.
3. Chris Harms – “1980”
The solo album from Lord Of The Lost vocalist Chris Harms is shamelessly catchy and engaging. What I particularly enjoy is how different it sounds compared to LOTL’s releases.
4. Alice Cooper – “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper”
One of the biggest positive surprises of the year. Personal, old-school rock that you rarely encounter nowadays.
5. Leverage – “Gravity”
Leverage’s latest album impresses not only due to new vocalist Paolo Ribaldini, but also because the entire album works as a strong musical and lyrical statement.
6. Primal Fear – “Domination”
German power metal veterans Primal Fear delivered a pleasant surprise with “Domination”. The album overflows with energy and powerful power metal. Highly recommended.
7. Nicklas Sonne – “Electric Dreams”
Nicklas Sonne may be an unfamiliar name to many readers. “Electric Dreams” is a one-man project that impresses with its skill and versatility.
8. Sparzanza – “From Dusk To Darkness”
The Swedish band’s first album since “Announcing The End”. While it follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, it is not quite as dark or grand.
9. Bonfire – “Higher Ground”
Relatively straightforward modern rock with a hard rock edge. The band now features a new vocalist, and the chemistry works well.
10. The Hellacopters – “Overdriver”
Nicke Andersson-led bands always deliver, and “Overdriver” is no exception.
Honorable mentions:
Shiraz Lane – “In Vertigo”
The Switch – “No Way Out”
Inglorious – “V”
Rokets – “Bad Choices”
Hagalas – “Mentes Reae”
Ilona Pakarinen – Top 10 albums of 2025
Putting together this list felt surprisingly natural, even though 2025 offered an overwhelming amount of quality music. These picks are the albums that kept pulling me back in — records that either hit with emotional weight, atmosphere, or sheer impact, and stayed with me long after the first listen.
1. Paradise Lost – “Ascension”
With “Ascension”, Paradise Lost prove that there is no need to reinvent the wheel when a band’s core foundations remain solid decade after decade. Dark lyrics and death-romanticism reflect life’s limitations through raw power — never too much, but always just enough.
2. Lorna Shore – “I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me”
Unbelievable but true — Lorna Shore managed to top their already incredible “Pain Remains”. Not many bands are capable of such a feat, and this album secures their place at the very top.
3. Architects – “The Sky, The Earth & All Between”
As the album title suggests, this record contains everything. The band continues to find new angles in their sound, and I’m already eagerly waiting for their show at Helsinki Ice Hall in January.
4. Vermilia – “Karsikko”
The best Finnish album of the year in my opinion. There is something deeply rooted in Vermilia’s music that forces you to pause and breathe amid a hectic world.
5. Orbit Culture – “Death Above Life”
One of the fastest-rising bands today earns a spot on my list. While their live shows previously felt somewhat even, this album is anything but. Excellent work.
6. The Halo Effect – “We Are The Shadows” (EP)
This Gothenburg gift to the world blends the old with the new perfectly. This cover EP proves that even Kent songs can sound fantastic and leaves you craving more.
7. The Man-Eating Tree – “Night Verses”
A beautiful comeback album. Manne Ikonen’s voice combined with thick melancholy resonates deeply every time.
8. Dawn Of Solace – “Afflictium Vortex”
Tuomas Saukkonen once again delivers an enchanting album, further elevated by Mikko Heikkilä’s exceptional storytelling voice.
9. Noiduin – “Lovi”
A powerful dark-folk album whose mythological strength makes waiting for future live encounters worthwhile.
10. Mantar – “Post Apocalyptic Depression”
This perfectly deranged German duo delivers one of the year’s most twisted yet uplifting sludge metal albums.
Honorable mentions:
Markku Kustaa – “Iso Kolmonen” (EP)
Katatonia – “Nightmares as Extensions Of The Waking State”
Vaasa Palaa – “Sun Trvumojen Soundtrvck”
Mikko Nissinen – Top 10 albums of 2025
On a broader scale, 2025 was an exceptionally strong year for album releases. Depending on the day and mood, any of the albums on my Top 10 could have taken the top spot. Many great records were also left outside the list — from the metal side alone, Kirk Windstein, Paradise Lost, Havukruunu and Deftones immediately come to mind. For me, genre boundaries only hinder discovering good music. Over-polished, pseudo-heavy and pre-chewed music has always bored me, which is why I tend to search for albums that resonate, provoke thought and speak honestly — often outside my comfort zone.
1. Bastards – “Rauhanlietsoja”
Released 42 years after “Siberian Hardcore”, this comeback album doesn’t reinvent Finnish hardcore, but it firmly cements Bastards’ status as one of the most important bands in the harsher end of Finnish punk rock. The album breathes resistance in an easily approachable way, while remaining musically open-minded and politically layered without black-and-white preaching.
2. Aleksi Kii – “Varjokuvia”
A concrete demonstration that authentic Finnish rock and the singer-songwriter tradition have a future. This is a body of work that Tampere — and one day the entire nation — can be proud of.
3. Petos – “Petos”
Petos releases music rarely, but when he does, the result is cold, relevant and unsettling. After a nine-year gap, he abandoned groove-heavy beats and gangsta rap influences in favor of darker, more experimental dark wave and even black metal–tinged expression. The anger feels like a bear woken from hibernation.
4. Agnostic Front – “Echoes In Eternity”
A 27-minute, 15-track powerhouse that is more multidimensional than the band’s previous releases. Agnostic Front thrive in times of chaos, and this socially aware crossover record breathes stronger than it has in years.
5. Biohazard – “Divided We Fall”
A highly successful comeback album that merges the band’s early ’90s bite with decades of experience. The result is socially charged, credible and a reminder of why Biohazard mattered so much in the crossover scene.
6. Ani ja Harmi – “Rakkaudesta ja kuolemasta”
Anniina Ståhlberg and Niko Votkin deliver one of the strongest indie-pop debuts of the year. Intelligent, bold and emotionally resonant, this album showcases immense potential.
7. Esa Eloranta – “Kaikki se valo”
Mature, soulful storytelling driven by themes of love and human connection. Eloranta’s lyrics reflect lived life with warmth, intelligence and emotional depth.
8. Kürøishi – “Egocide of the Warmad”
The Oulu-based crust band deliver their most nuanced and multidimensional album to date. Musical sophistication only reinforces the band’s heaviness and credibility.
9. Black Devils feat. Ile Kallio & Janne Louhivuori – “Hooked”
A brilliant reinterpretation of forgotten Hurriganes material, proving these songs can still sound relevant and vibrant by modern standards.
10. Pentagram – “Lightning in a Bottle”
A convincing statement that the doom legend still knows how to deliver. Massive riffs, psychedelic hard rock influences and emotional depth make this one of the year’s strongest stoner/doom releases.
Honorable mentions:
Rukous – “Mausoleumi”
Hautaustoimisto – “Tuhlaajapojan paluu”
Black Sabbath / Ozzy Osbourne – “Back to the Beginning – concert” (Blu-ray box set)
Rebekka Holi – “Vyöry”
Pää Kii – “Hyvästi masentava maapallo”
Kuolemankello – “Perkeet”
Kauko Röyhkä & Riku Mattila – “Vain Rakkaus meidät pelastaa”
Dart – “Speed Days”
Jani Lahti – Top 10 albums of 2025
It felt like 2025 brought more new music than the previous few years combined. That made compiling this list more challenging than before — especially deciding which albums truly deserved a place in the lower half of the Top 10.
1. Sara – “Hallava”
I was never the biggest Sara fan, but this album completely floored me. Subtle nuances and carefully crafted dynamics make it both heavy and beautiful.
2. Testament – “Para Bellum”
One of the most anticipated thrash metal albums in years. Testament didn’t just meet expectations — they exceeded them and proved they can still evolve.
3. Rodeo – “Rodeo”
Possibly the most stylish country-tinged pop album ever made in Finland. Impeccable vocal harmonies and several genuinely classic-level compositions.
4. Igorrr – “Amen”
A masterclass in originality and creativity. This is exactly the kind of fearless music the modern scene desperately needs.
5. Paradise Lost – “Ascension”
A continuation of the band’s strong late-career form. Nick Holmes effortlessly moves between growls and clean vocals with increasing confidence.
6. Helloween – “Giants & Monsters”
Helloween at their core. Familiar yet fresh, proving they don’t need to lean on genre clichés to remain relevant.
7. Cradle Of Filth – “The Screaming Of The Valkyries”
A positive surprise crafted with care and strong songwriting. External noise aside, the album itself stands tall.
8. Vansidian – “From Which Light Can’t Escape”
Melodic death metal with thrash seasoning done right. Evokes early Sentenced and classic ’90s atmosphere.
9. The Hellacopters – “Overdrive”
Smooth, stylish rock’n’roll with fresh songwriting ideas. Works both as background music and focused listening.
10. Soulfly – “Chama”
Half an hour of low-end, groove-heavy aggression. Soulfly staying true to their original core idea.
Honorable mentions:
Alice Cooper – “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper”
Amorphis – “Borderlands”
Battle Beast – “Steelbound”
Ghost – “Skeleta”
Havukruunu – “Tavastland”
Scour – “Gold”
Sodom – “The Arsonist”
Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus – “Tuomiojärvi”
Waltari – “Nations’ Neurosis”
WÖYH! – “Wooppera”
Päivi Närvänen – Top 10 albums of 2025
This year delivered multiple excellent full-lengths, and my choices kept shifting until the very last moments. With only ten slots available, several albums worth mentioning had to be left out. As usual, I also want to spotlight Finnish talent — including names that may not yet be familiar to a wider audience. The list is not ranked by “best to worst”; any of these could be a number one on the right day.
1. Battle Beast – “Steelbound”
Slight renewal with nostalgic flair. Tracks like “Steelbound” and “Angel Of Midnight” especially warmed this ’80s kid’s heart.
2. Lovers Left Alive – “How..”
Helsinki street rockers deliver a debut that operates confidently on an international level.
3. God Given Ass – “God Given Ass”
Sharp, diverse and energetic — everything you could want from a debut.
4. Erja Lyytinen – “Smell the Roses”
Less blues, more heavy rock — and possibly Lyytinen’s strongest album to date.
5. Anton Äikäs – “15/30”
Manserock traditions are safe. Tasty, confident songwriting throughout.
6. Likaiset Pikkarit – “Hukkaan heitettyä aikaa”
Expanded musical scope with a stronger rock edge. “Mustavalkoista” stands out.
7. Vaasa Palaa – “sun trvmojen soundtrvk”
Initial skepticism vanished instantly. A genre-blending album that grabs you from first listen.
8. Shiraz Lane – “In Vertigo”
Not every track hits, but several gems shine bright.
9. Anssi Kela – “Kaikki tiet joita kuljin”
’80s-inspired rock with strong melodies and atmosphere.
10. Waltari – “Nations’ Neurosis”
Classic Waltari doing what they do best. “Major Mistake” is one of the year’s standout tracks.
Honorable mentions:
Koljosen Tiekiista – “Type O Hekative”
Luponero – “Luponero”
Dead End Irony – “Battles and Brotherhood”
Laurenne/Louhimo – “Falling Through Stars”
I.F.A – “Tiimalasi”
Serpico – “Dressed in Flesh”
Atomic Annie – “Guilt Trip”
Shereign – “Black Halo”
Afternoon Astronauts – “Fly Among the Storm”
Clarkkent – “Death After Life”
Otto Kankainen – Top 10 albums of 2025
There were plenty of strong releases this year, and this time some of the biggest international names were slightly overshadowed by smaller acts. My list also features an unusually heavy Finnish emphasis — but when the quality is this high, you simply can’t leave these albums out.
1. Coroner – “Dissonance Theory”
After more than three decades, Coroner returned with one of the year’s strongest albums — perfectly balancing aggression and technicality.
2. …And Oceans – “The Regeneration Itinerary”
The tightest and most focused of the band’s 2020s releases.
3. Morbific – “Bloom of the Abnormal Flesh”
Filthy, muddy death metal done right.
4. Sepulchral Curse – “Crimson Moon Evocations”
Blackened, heavy death metal with crushing atmosphere.
5. Hooded Menace – “Lachrymose Monuments of Osbcuration”
Death/doom masters strike again, with massive sound design.
6. Teitanblood – “From the Visceral Abyss”
An intense, sweat-inducing listening experience.
7. Malformed – “Confinement Of Flesh”
A strong debut from Helsinki’s young death metal scene.
8. Deathhammer – “Crimson Dawn”
Norwegian speed/black metal executed with authority.
9. Paradise Lost – “Ascension”
The band’s strongest album in decades.
10. Grenadier – “Wolves of the Trench”
Bolt Thrower-inspired death metal from Canada.
John Wins – Top 10 albums of 2025
Amazing year overall. Some Finnish bands grabbed my attention even more than the biggest international releases, which only highlights how unique and exciting the Finnish heavy music scene still is. These records were the ones that stayed in heavy rotation for me throughout 2025.
1. Royal Sorrow – “Innerdeeps”
A standout debut that became my personal soundtrack for 2025.
2. Halestorm – “Everest”
The band’s most mature and emotionally heavy album to date.
3. Shereign – “Black Halo”
A powerful collaboration between band and producer Mikko Herranen.
4. Killswitch Engage – “This Consequence”
Jesse Leach still has plenty to say — and it matters.
5. Lala Salama – “Miltähän me näytettäis yhdessä”
Groove, chaos and love blended into a powerful debut.
6. Mammoth – “The End”
Wolfgang Van Halen continues to prove his undeniable talent.
7. Ginger Evil – “The Way It Burns”
A unique Finnish debut combining groove and hard rock energy.
8. Ghost – “Skeletá”
Familiar yet fun — Tobias Forge’s charisma carries it effortlessly.
9. Auri – “III – Candles & Beginnings”
A record best felt rather than explained.
10. Lacuna Coil – “Sleepless Empire”
Dual vocals, heaviness and lyrical depth executed with precision.
Honorable mentions:
Moon Shot – “Broken Bones” (EP)
Hugo Mariutti – “This Must be Wrong”
Marko Hietala – “Roses from the Deep”
Dream Theater – “Parasomnia”
Amorphis – “Borderland”
Meri Martikainen – Top 10 albums of 2025
For me, 2025 will be remembered as a golden year for deathgaze and post-black metal. While going to shows took a back seat due to everyday life, I spent even more time with carefully curated, dreamlike album experiences — where blast beats and atmosphere went straight under the skin. These are the releases that truly hit and stayed there.
1. Deafheaven – “Lonely People With Power”
A chilling masterpiece where shoegaze and post-black metal merge flawlessly.
2. Heretoir – “Solastalgia”
Atmospheric, ethereal and deeply emotional.
3. Vildhjarta – “+ där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar +”
Thall at its finest — hypnotic and relentless.
4. Unprocessed – “Angel”
A colorful and fearless metalcore album.
5. Sara – “Hallava”
A beautiful demonstration of Finnish metal’s stylistic depth.
6. Orbit Culture – “Death Above Life”
Hard as stone and endlessly replayable.
7. Kardashev – “Alunea”
Thematic storytelling meets brutal beauty.
8. Spiritbox – “Tsunami Sea”
Heavy, melodic and devastatingly effective.
9. Deftones – “Private Music”
A return that proves timeless relevance.
10. Lorna Shore – “I Feel the Everblack Festering in Me”
Another crushing, flawless chapter from the genre’s leading force.
Honorable mentions:
Igorrr – “Amen”
President – “King of Terrors” (EP)
Havukruunu – “Tavastland”
Mirar – “Ascension”
Daniel Escobar – Top 10 albums of 2025
For me, 2025 was a year where extreme music in particular pushed its boundaries forward. Deathcore and modern heavy music proved once again that the genre is far from stagnant — instead, it’s evolving, maturing and finding new ways to be both brutal and emotionally immersive. These albums stood out not only because of their heaviness, but because of their atmosphere, identity and the vision behind them.
1. Vildhjarta – “Där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar”
This was an easy choice, and I want to take a moment to explain why. Personally, I consider this album to be a clear step above the rest. It’s an absolute masterpiece created by some of the best musicians on the planet. Of course, this is a personal opinion — one from someone who has loved Vildhjarta ever since first discovering them. After their previous release, “Måsstaden under vatten”, my expectations were uncertain due to the incredibly high standard they had already set, but the band, led by Calle Thomér, completely blew my mind once again. They created an astonishing atmosphere and a powerful narrative throughout the album.
I still remember listening to “den spanska känslan” for the first time: I closed my eyes and felt completely consumed by the instrumentals, almost floating, while Vilhelm’s vocals wrapped around and overwhelmed me. All of this was produced and mastered by their drummer — who seems capable of playing anything and turning it into art — Buster Odeholm. That was the exact moment I thought, “Oh man, Vildhjarta is back.” And that feeling repeated itself throughout the entire album.
2. Whitechapel – “Hymns In Dissonance”
The Knoxville legends delivered one of their most brutal statements to date with “Hymns In Dissonance”, once again proving why they remain the ultimate reference point in deathcore nearly eighteen years after their debut. While the band explored deeper emotional territory in recent years, this record shows they can still summon an overwhelming wall of aggression without losing their identity or maturity. Phil Bozeman sounds more vicious than ever, the Wade–Householder–Savage guitar trio is razor-sharp, and the rhythm section — Gabe on bass and Brandon on drums — hits with relentless precision. “Hymns In Dissonance” makes one thing clear: deathcore isn’t just alive — it’s evolving, and Whitechapel are still leading the charge.
3. Great American Ghost – “Tragedy Of The Commons”
Choosing the top three was honestly difficult, but the final spot on the podium had to go to “Tragedy Of The Commons”. This is another album that gives you goosebumps — created by musicians who have figured out how to approach heavy music from a different angle while building a strong and recognizable identity. A special honorable mention goes to Will Putney, the mastermind behind the album’s sound. His fingerprint will appear again on this list. Great American Ghost are a band that deserves far more recognition than they currently have, and they are clearly aiming for much bigger things in the near future.
4. Signs Of The Swarm – “To Rid Myself Of Truth”
Another clear example of how deathcore can be pushed to its extremes. Signs Of The Swarm strike a fine balance between brutal vocals, technical instrumentation, dark atmospheres and crushing breakdowns. Having seen them live twice this year, it’s obvious that Bobby Crow’s crew knows exactly how to translate that brutality to the crowd — resulting in some of the best shows I attended in 2025. As for the album itself, this feels like the best direction the band could have chosen. A solid and focused record featuring two of the strongest guest vocal performances imaginable, with Phil Bozeman and Will Ramos elevating David Simonich’s already devastating screams.
5. Sin Deliverance – “Universe Of Nightmares”
A relentless and dark record that fully embraces the heavier side of modern extreme metal, delivering an uncompromising listening experience from start to finish.
6. Stray From The Path – “Clockworked”
Stray From The Path continue to channel urgency, aggression and political bite into their sound, delivering another hard-hitting album that feels tailor-made for live chaos.
7. Shadow Of Intent – “Imperium Delirium”
Once again proving why they remain one of the most consistent and respected names in modern deathcore, balancing brutality with cinematic scope.
8. Angelmaker – “This Used To Be Heaven”
An album that reinforces Angelmaker’s reputation for combining sheer heaviness with emotional depth and dynamic songwriting.
9. Fallujah – “Xenotaph”
Technical, atmospheric and forward-thinking extreme metal that rewards repeated listens and showcases impressive musicianship.
10. Bleed From Within – “Zenith”
A powerful modern metal record that blends groove, melody and aggression into a highly effective and memorable package.
Honorable mentions:
YKMB
Revocation
Benediction
Pridian
Carcosa
Despised Icon
Spite
Pintglass
Epitomectomy
Sabrina Schiavinato – Top 10 albums of 2025
For me, 2025 was a deeply immersive year for extreme and atmospheric music. Black metal in particular proved how wide its emotional and artistic spectrum can be — from philosophical depth to cinematic storytelling and raw, unfiltered intensity. These albums stood out because they demanded full attention, rewarded repeat listens, and offered something genuinely distinctive within their respective realms.
1. Abduction – “Existensialismus”
This album’s rawness and intensity truly set it apart from the rest. UK black metal band Abduction have delivered impressive music over the years, but with this record they took their sophisticated sound to a new level. Philosophical themes blend classic black metal elements with experimental and ambient touches. Technical drumming, heavy bass riffs and clear, commanding growls — rather than traditional shrieks — create a striking and immersive experience. This was my most listened-to album of the year.
2. Lamp of Murmur – “The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy”
Another epic release that completely surprised me. Each Lamp of Murmur album continues to expand beyond traditional black metal, embracing dramatic, gothic and epic heavy metal influences. The result feels almost operatic, filled with unexpected details that keep revealing themselves. Raw yet colorful, this might just be my favorite release of their career so far.
3. Afsky – “Fællesskab”
Afsky absolutely earned their place on this year’s list. Their fifth album blends signature melancholy with powerful, guitar-driven soundscapes. It feels like a natural progression of their work, strengthened by excellent production. The lyrics deliver a sharp social critique, with the title translating to “Community,” exploring themes of forced unity and moral superiority.
4. Colotyphus – “The End of Journey”
When it comes to atmospheric and pagan black metal, Ukraine consistently delivers — and Colotyphus are a perfect example. This album channels pain, atmosphere and intensity into a deeply immersive listening experience. Beautiful melodies, powerful vocals and precise drumming come together to tell an exceptional musical story.
5. In Mourning – “The Immortal”
This album genuinely surprised me. There isn’t a single track here that I dislike. “The Immortal” was my first exposure to the band, and it instantly impressed me with its strong production and memorable melodies. The variety of vocal styles enhances the atmosphere, but above all, it’s the beauty of the songwriting that truly stands out. I was hooked after one listen.
6. Nel Buio – “Nel Buio”
This debut album feels like a chaotic and intense storm of sound. Furious blast beats, wild screams and abrasive riffs collide into a dense sonic wall — only to suddenly reveal haunting, beautiful shades of ’80s darkwave. I was completely drawn in from the first listen and can’t wait to see where this band goes next.
7. Igorrr – “Amen”
This album took me completely by surprise, especially in terms of production. The level of detail and sonic exploration is astounding. Baroque ornamentation, operatic elements and death/black metal collide seamlessly, while electronic textures and intense vocals coexist in perfect balance. It’s a record I keep coming back to again and again.
8. Sunken – “Lykke”
Sunken deliver an atmospheric experience that feels like a full-course meal. The Danish band crafts cinematic compositions with layered structures, massive build-ups and rich orchestration. Though the album consists of only four tracks, each runs close to ten minutes, demanding full immersion and focused listening.
9. Puteraeon – “Mountain of Madness”
A true concept album steeped in Lovecraftian horror. Puteraeon deliver their most focused and complete work to date, combining classic Swedish death metal buzz-saw riffs with intense drumming and eerie atmosphere. Fans of Dismember and Entombed will feel right at home, but there’s also a smart and haunting edge that elevates the album further.
10. The Great Old Ones – “Kadath”
Whenever I need something familiar and comforting, I turn to The Great Old Ones. “Kadath” continues their strong legacy, weaving Lovecraftian storytelling into melodic black metal epics. The guitar work is especially impressive, with thoughtful structures and deep thematic weight, making this another release that never disappoints.
Honorable mentions:
Darvaza – “We Are Him”
Crypt Sermon – “Saturnian Appendices”
Enthroned – “Ashspawn”
Blackbraid – “Blackbraid III”
Scorpion Milk – “Slime of the Times”