2025 rear end awards pt 1

It's actually kind of hard for me to say "Year End Awards" Like, I have this little glitch where I say 'rear end' and then sometimes I slip up even worse and then say "REWARDS" and the end, so this is like a really bad explanation of a really dumb thing my brain does. Just ignore this honestly, well just the top part here, I'm a mess, just move down to the picture and then start reading or just clicking on the images to play the pretty songs. Most of these tracks are killer, matter of fact, they're from what I consider the VERY BEST ALBUMS of 2025!!  Oh wait, I shoulda said that below.. Let me start again:

The TOP 10 BEST ALBUMS of 2025 ACCORDING TO ME!!  

(there, that's better!)

It should go on record RIGHT MEOW, that I am in no way, shape, or form a qualified individual to rank what should be considered the VERY BEST OF 2025 (or any year) really. I'm just a schmuck that enjoys putting pen to paper, hearing my friends reactions, while having a lust for making lists. LUST LIST XXX! But just know, that while compiling this, I did struggle quite a bit with just picking my favorites. Like, you'll see a bit more variety in this compilation than perhaps some would expect from me. There are various genres and a few new(ish) to me bands that I'm including because I simply couldn't stop listening. Even in favor of some of my all-time favorite bands that DID put out fine albums this year too!

This will be split into 2 parts, so here are numbers 10-6 in the TOP 10!!

(EXTRA HONORABLE MENTION) #11- Pachinko by Moron Police

A little bit Toehider, a little bit Devin Townsend. I'm finding a new found love for Moron Police! This Norwegian based pop-rock progressive band is quickly becoming one of my favorites after digging into some progrock reviews for best of the year. This was a regular album listed for one of the best of the year, and it's no doubt after giving it a listen! And hey, it's my list! So who's to say my top 10 doesn't count up to 11! ;)

#10- Edge of the Abyss by Calva Louise

Calva Louise is a London based group with each member contributing their own cultural backgrounds to the music they create. They formed after the three members, each originally from different continents, relocated independently to the United Kingdom. A little bit Venezuela mixed with France, and New Zealand. Edge of the Abyss feels like post-metal, alternative rock, folk, and death metal all wrapped in one!

#9- Malicia: la noche de las brujas by Mägo de Oz

It's been far too long since I talked about this incredible folk-metal band from Madrid. All of their music is in Spanish (mostly ;) ) and I love picking out pieces that I can actually recognize from my limited ability to understand the language. They bend the genre in so many ways, yet remain faithful to the classic sounds of folk. A fantastic romp, fantastic album!!

#8- Labyrinthine by Faetooth

Am I starting to understand doom-metal or is this genre starting to bridge the gap into music that I enjoy? The question we really need to ask ourselves is what really is fairy-doom? An amalgam of metal, sludge, and shoegaze that remind me of classic acts like Lacuna Coil, Drain STH and The Gathering. A slow methodical drudge that continues onward building into a wall of sound that must be experienced! I love it!

#7- The Ossuary Lens by Allegaeon

Ezra Haynes returning to Allegaeon was one of the biggest surprises as of late. I've had no issues with the sound the band evolved into over the last 10 years after Haynes left, but there's a certain magic that has returned making a formula that can only be achieved with this current lineup. My favorite Allegaeon since Elements of the Infinite. Speedy, Deathy, perfection, METALZ!!

#6- The Distaff by Maud the Moth

Simply put, Distaff isn't an album, it's an experience. I first heard this while wandering through the woods. It's genre is multiple, it's theme is endless. It's operatic, it's doom, it's piano, yes. This could easily have been bumped up on the list, however it's not an album I can put on at just anytime, and it's run-time is just a smidge over 40 minutes. With how many excellent albums came out this year, it's slapped right in the middle!

We'll countdown the top 5 next Weds to wrap up the year. I will be starting off the post with a list of honorable mentions as there was so much great (AND WACKY) music this year I couldn't get everyone in this list!!  Talk to you soon!!