This year has delivered an embarrassment of riches, from traditional masterworks to forward-thinking madness. These are the best metal albums of 2025.
In September’s best metal, Paradise Lost remain a solid force, Gjendød honor the black metal heritage, and Igorrr continue their avant march.
In August’s best metal, Malthusian focus on death metal, Kayo Dot continue to wander through the cosmos, and Catharsis return in fierce fashion.
In July’s best metal, Dephosphorus look to the stars, Wytch Hazel’s heavy metal anachronism remains delightful, and Hell keep raging with drone/doom malice.
In June’s best metal, Cryptosy reconquer brutal death metal heights, Anfauglir’s symphonic black metal returns, and Hexvessel offer mystique and bleakness.
In May’s best metal albums, Pelican turn back the clock, Drouth ascend to black/death glory, and Obsidian Tongue relish the early Agalloch-ian teachings.
In April’s best metal, Ancient Death tread into otherworldly death metal, Behölder stand firm on heavy ground, and Messa look beyond the doom confinements.
In March’s best metal, Imperial Triumphant’s technical ecstasy continues, Rwake reinstate the magic, and Teitanblood rage their war against all.
In January’s best metal, Dax Riggs unexpectedly returns, Sacrifice’s thrash shows no signs of rust and Necromaniac invoke proto-death/black nightmares.
In December’s best metal, Blackdeath explore off-kilter black metal, Misanthropy open gateways in death metal, and An Axis of Perdition make a return.
This has proved a fantastic year for heavy music and metal, with masters impressing and newer artists shining. These are the best metal albums of 2024.
In November’s best metal, the Body corrode all sound, Defeated Sanity balance immediacy and complexity, and Djevel relish the Scandinavian black metal spirit.
