
Evil Warriors Travel the Entire Spectrum of Extreme Metal
The raison d’être for Evil Warriors is no longer to pay tribute to one particular expression of extreme metal, but multiple. Their new album does just that.

The raison d’être for Evil Warriors is no longer to pay tribute to one particular expression of extreme metal, but multiple. Their new album does just that.

Poison Ruïn have come closest to their original goal of embedding themselves in the lineage of early punk and post-punk. Hymns from the Hills is a powerful listen.

Master’s Ashes’ debut, How the Mighty Have Fallen, is a strong reminder of a forgotten time and scene, and how brilliant that was.

In April’s nest metal, Iron Firmament return to lo-fi, Cascadian alchemy, Lividus set up progressive foundations, and Evil Warriors reach new heights.

In March’s best metal, Neurosis make their surprising return, Bekor Qilish descend to extreme avant-garde paths, and Cruel Force mature their thrash.

In February’s best metal, Worm go from underground to mainstream, Incandescence unleash blackened Quebecois bliss, and Gorrch offer dissonance and immediacy.

In January’s best metal, Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, and Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss.

In December’s best metal, Martröd tap into fiery black-metal dissonance, Lychgate expand extreme-metal, and Rotten Sound show their grind quality.

This year has delivered an embarrassment of riches, from traditional masterworks to forward-thinking madness. These are the best metal albums of 2025.

In November’s best metal, Yellow Eyes are in their finest moment, Barren Path rise from the ashes of Gridlink, and Blut Aus Nord navigate dreamscapes.

In October’s best metal, Coroner are more relevant than ever, Hooded Menace embrace heavy metal traditionalism, and Evoken gaze into the darkness.

In September’s best metal, Paradise Lost remain a solid force, Gjendød honor the black metal heritage, and Igorrr continue their avant march.