records of the year
A COLLECTION OF ALBUMS AND EPs FROM 2025
Steven R. Smith – Triecade
Someone on Bandcamp wrote, “Steven R. Smith has done it again”. Fair. Triecade is all stellar guitar tone and clever writing with confidence that never needs to show off. It’s got that dusty warmth I love from Old Skete. And the best part: It’s just one of three Smith releases in 2025. The Turning e.p. could’ve made this list too, but I’m keeping it to one per artist.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Worstward Recordings
SWANS – Birthing
The A and B side of this 3 LP record alone could’ve been a monster release, but Gira & co. don’t stop here. I won’t turn this into a review, but the title track and “The Merge” are peak SWANS. It’s on the “brighter” end of their spectrum, but don’t confuse brighter with happy. “Pay attention motherfuckers”
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: YOUNG GOD RECORDS
Yellow Eyes – Confusion Gate
Where Master’s Murmur and Rare Field Ceiling were instant bangers, Confusion Gate took time. It’s tighter and more focused, built around multilayered storytelling and riffs that keep changing shape the more you hear them.
Still off the beaten path. Still state of the art Black Metal.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Gilead Media
Kollektiv Raumordnung – Stewards of Eon
From the realm of Sludge/Doom outfit Eremit, Kollektiv Raumordnung finally surfaced after years of work and Stewards of Eon feels like more than “an album”. As I wrote in my review I take it more like an audio drama: huge pacing, scene changes, pressure and release like you’re being dragged through episodes or chapters. The vinyl edition helps too: prologue graphic novel, and that spot-UV sleeve that looks really nice in hand. I’m sure we’ll be hearing, seeing, and feeling a lot more from this Kollektiv.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Cultkill Music & Drei Gleichen & Fiadh Productions & Fucking Kill Records
The Great Old Ones – Kadath
I completely overlooked this one. Around August I caught myself wondering what TGOO were up to, and then realized I’d missed a new record from one of the best live bands in European Black Metal. Kadath is pure energy: Strong songs, neat storytelling, and it captures that on stage brilliance they have. Not every band can bottle that. They did.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Seasons of Mist
David Eugene Edwards & Al Cisneros –
Pillar of Fire / Capernaum
David Eugene Edwards (16 Horsepower/Wovenhand) and Al Cisneros (Sleep/Om) on one release had me beyond stoked. Then I saw it was two songs, not even ten minutes, and my excitement dipped. But in its own way, Pillar of Fire / Capernaum turns out cohesive and complete. It feels like a small ritual. Droning and dusty, atmospheric and meditative. For me it’s in a league of its own. If this were a full-length, it would top every other album on this list. I hope there’s more coming.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Drag City Records
Furiosa – Dead Town
The only punk record on this list. I didn’t listen to much punk/hardcore in 2025, but Dead Town hit immediately and stayed in heavy rotation since its release. There’s a tiny bit of Sinking Ships, some Turbonegro swagger, and flashes of that big-hearted Fucked Up energy wrapped in a power punk package that’s hooky, and stupidly replayable. Oh and the vinyl is the second on this list featuring spot-UV on the sleeve. Gorgeous!
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Self Released
Ultima Necat – Fragments of Pain
This striking debut blew me away. Originally released on tape, it got a vinyl edition late in the year via Vendetta Records. Those three fragments really give me Schammasch vibes, not only because of the guitar sound. Crazy good. Looking forward to seeing them live in January.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Vendetta Records
Carlos Cipa – The Book of Sounds
Carlos Cipa interpreting Hans Otte. In his version The Book of Sounds is basically 12 (+3) piano pieces simple chords and melodies, always minimalist, always beautiful. This isn’t music chasing climaxes. It’s the power of repetition and restraint, where tiny shifts feel massive if you’re paying attention. A wonderful journey.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Self Released
Wode – Uncrossing the Keys
Wode expanded their sound, folding in more influences. Everything goes into the blackened blender sure, but what comes out isn’t just “more”. It’s dark and more adventurous, while keeping the bite and groove that made Wode hit so hard on previous records. People need to listen to Wode!
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: 20 Buck Spin
Blut aus Nord – Ethereal Horizons
Ethereal Horizons takes you from heavenly melody into the deepest abyss and back again. After Hallucinogen I wondered where Blut aus Nord could possibly go next. Disharmonium – Nahab had me shaking my head in disbelief at how strong it was. And in 2025 they’re still right at the top. In German there is a saying: “Kannste dir nicht ausdenken” („You couldn’t make this up“).
.
Instagram / Bandcamp
LABEL: Debemur Morti
TEKARRA – Great Divide
Great Divide introduced me to TEKARRA and completely resonated. In my review I tried to capture the headspace of my first listen: two tracks, slowburn Drone Doom, but never lumbering. This kind of blend can turn muddy but TEKARRA make it feel natural, patient, and genuinely meditative.