My Fav New Releases in 2025
Either purchased or streamed the hell out of these throughout 2025. Roughly ranked. |
| 1 |  | Linkin Park
From Zero (Deluxe Edition)
Genre: nu-metal revival
Hard to believe that a great album could be made better than it was - but the 3 new tracks and the live tracks do just that. A landmark release by the LP. |
| 2 |  | Ghost (SWE)
Skeletá
Genre: Satan-influenced, 80's retro, hard rock/metal
This one took a while to grow on me - but it is excellent |
| 3 |  | Sleep Token
Even in Arcadia
Genre: R&B/pop/metal/djent/whatever
One of my albums of the year. |
| 4 |  | Deftones
private music
Genre: a shining example of what Deftones does
No songs stick out to me as humongous hits. But this album (as a whole) is top notch Deftones. A nice aural trip. |
| 5 |  | Scars on Broadway
Addicted to the Violence
Genre: A non-bloated version of System of a Down
Damn, this is a great album. I can live without Serj Tankian. |
| 6 |  | Volbeat
God of Angels Trust
Genre: metal and rockabilly mixed hard |
| 7 |  | Halestorm
Everest
Genre: a hard rock blend finally perfected
Halestorm finally reaches the pinnacle of their sound on this album. |
| 8 |  | Five Finger Death Punch
Best Of (Volume 2)
Genre: Maligned, mainstream metal
I have a sweet spot for 5FDP - and have since they first came out. Love what they are doing on these revitalized, re-recorded versions of their greatest hits. |
| 9 |  | Five Finger Death Punch
Best Of (Volume 1)
Genre: same as above
Sorry, Volume 2 just hits a bit harder than Volume 1 |
| 10 |  | Bask
The Turning
Genre: Stoner Rock, metal, Appalachia, and psychedelia masterfully mixed
So glad to see this band back in action - thought they faded out during Covid |
| 11 |  | Coheed and Cambria
Vaxis III: The Father of Make Believe
Genre: conceptual science fiction story encapsulated within a progressive rock band
A great return to form for this band |
| 12 |  | Lucid Planet
Tanglewood
Genre: Australian progressive rock/metal, mixed with psychedelia and electronica - and done live
See for yourself at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-v8i7yRkq4&list=RDX-v8i7yRkq4&start_radio=1 |
| 13 |  | Dozer
Rewind to Return: Rarities, Singles and B-Sides
Genre: Early discography Kyuss worshipping stoner rock
Already had several of these tracks - but great to have early Dozer consolidated |
| 14 |  | Kittie
Spit XXV
Genre: Nu metal revival
Just 4 tracks, but really puts a modern spin on these classic Kittie nu-metal jams |
| 15 |  | Spiritbox
Tsunami Sea
Genre: Metalcore/Djent/Electronica/a lot more combined, with incredible female vocals
Great album, but did not stick with me through 2025 like their prior releases |
| 16 |  | BABYMETAL
Metal Forth
Genre: Progenitors of Japanese Kawaii sound, with awesome guest spots |
| 17 |  | The Pretty Wild
zero.point.genesis
Genre: The new Butcher Babies? |
| 18 |  | President (UK)
King Of Terrors
Genre: A consistently heavier Sleep Token? |
| 19 |  | Arch Enemy
Blood Dynasty
Genre: Melodeath
Wanted to like this album more than I did. Just seems constrained to Arch Enemy's formula - without letting Alissa spread her wings. |
| 20 |  | Demon Hunter
There Was a Light Here
Genre: Metalcore
Always love what this band puts out |
| 21 |  | Filter
The Algorithm: Ultra Edition
Genre: Industrial rock/metal
Slept on this album when first released, but purchased the revamped version. Not my favorite of Filter albums, but a good Filter album nonetheless |
| 22 |  | I Prevail
Violent Nature
Genre: Metalcore
Good - but really misses Brian Burkheiser's vocal stylings - and rapped vocals |
| 23 |  | Psychonaut
World Maker
Genre: Progressive metal
Fills my love spot for The Ocean |
| 24 |  | Sicksense
Cross Me Twice
Genre: new rap metal |
| 25 |  | Foo Fighters
Are Playing Where??? Vol. I
Genre: alternative/hard rock
Foo Fighters picks some of their most discordant songs - and do them live - love it. |
| 26 |  | Lord Helmet
Take Evasive Action
Genre: Alternative Metal
A consistently good band - nearly great |
| 27 |  | Bloodywood
Nu Delhi
Genre: new rap metal
Enjoy this every now and then - but can't listen to it continuously |
| 28 |  | Obscure Sphinx
Emovere
Genre: Post-metal
Female vocals were stepped up in this EP, with better cleans than prior releases |
| 29 |  | Nine Inch Nails
Tron: Ares OST
Genre: Industrial
4 new NIN songs, of which 1 is great - embedded in Reznor/Atticus instrumentals that don't flow that well |
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