
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026
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 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 September’s best metal, Paradise Lost remain a solid force, Gjendød honor the black metal heritage, and Igorrr continue their avant march.

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 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 February’s best metal, Pissgrave produce laser-focus disgust, Retromorphosis dazzle with technical prowess and Sleep Paralysis blur the lines between genres.
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.