My top records of 2025
Subject to change. It will likely be a top 20 by the end of the year. |
| 1 |  | Крюкокрест
Жестокость и власть
FFO: Ildjarn, Bone Awl |
| 2 |  | Wulkanaz
Luftuz
Weird, esoteric, psychedelic black metal. |
| 3 |  | Yellow Eyes
Confusion Gate
Fans of Yellow Eyes’ previous works are likely to find ‘Confusion Gate’ to be their most focused work to date. |
| 4 |  | Ära
Mutterseelenallein und aus eigener Kraft
For those who like the idea of a haunting, raw, blackened prog rock record. The melodies, particularly the meditative, chant like vocal lines, stick with you long after the record is finished. |
| 5 |  | Swans
Birthing
Feels like the true spiritual successor to ‘The Glowing Man’. |
| 6 |  | Penombre
Un monde de fou
FFO: Akitsa |
| 7 |  | Chat Pile and Hayden Pedigo
In The Earth Again
Equal parts visceral, poignant & beautiful. |
| 8 |  | Fleckentarn
Feu du Ciel, Feu de l'Ésprit
FFO: Peste Noire, Vaurien |
| 9 |  | Svartrit
Svart Ritual
FFO: Grav, Grifteskymfning, Armagedda |
| 10 |  | Peace Vaults
Prisoners of Time
Beautifully executed amalgamation of black metal and post punk, that never feels forced or gimmicky. |
| 11 |  | The Body and Intensive Care
Was I Good Enough?
Another seamless collaboration, containing some of The Body’s darkest work. |
| 12 |  | Stinging Nettle
…there’s another way
Blackened punk out of Portugal. |
| 13 |  | Hail Conjurer
Order of Disgrace
Not quite as good as ‘Satanic Phenomenology’, but compelling nonetheless. |
| 14 |  | Forbidden Temple
In The Rotting Grave
FFO: Moenen of Xezbeth, Perverted Ceremony |
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