Metal Anarchy

I have put together a list of my top 10 albums of 2025. You can check that out below. This is just for fun and I know I probably left out some of your favorites, but these are all of the albums that I enjoyed the most this year:

01. Spiritbox – “Tsunami Sea”:

Spiritbox have continued to rise to new heights with every release and their latest album is no exception. The effort maintains a contrast between beauty and brutality, while also injecting new elements into their sound. Every piece blends together seamlessly, unfolding into a journey that captivates you the whole way through. Some highlights from this one include: “Soft Spine,” “Perfect Soul,” and “Keep Sweet.”

02. Halestorm – “Everest”:

Halestorm’s latest album is nothing but pure unadulterated hard rock. The effort feels different from the band’s previous material, but it serves as a powerful reinvention steeped in old-school influences. The songs are heavy, dark, riffy, and soulful with Lzzy Hale’s most vulnerable lyrics to date. Some highlights from this one include: “Fallen Star,” “Rain Your Blood On Me,” and “Darkness Always Wins.”

03. Dying Wish – “Flesh Stays Together”:

Dying Wish’s latest album finds the band continuing to push the boundaries of their sound. It still contains the pummeling metalcore/hardcore elements fans have come to expect, while continuing to move into a more melodic territory. Despite the softer parts, the group still maintain their edge while showcasing bleak lyrics in a world that feels hopeless. Some highlights from this one include: “I Don’t Belong Anywhere,” “Empty The Chamber” and the title track.

04. Not Enough Space – “Weaponize Your Rage”:

Not Enough Space busted right out of the gate with their debut album. The effort is reminiscent of 2010s metalcore with elements of deathcore and pop-punk mixed in for good measure. The catchy music is only matched by its cathartic lyrics, making for a great listening experience throughout. Some highlights from this one include: “Primitive,” “Devil Left Me On Read,” and “Solace In Silence.”

05. Volbeat – “God Of Angels Trust”:

Volbeat’s latest album finds them returning to their roots. The effort leans into the heavier nature of the band’s early sound, while incorporating elements of more recent releases. It’s got everything one would want from a Volbeat record, killer riffs, great hooks and Johnny Cash/Elvis-like vocals courtesy of frontman Michael Poulsen. Some highlights from this one include: “Demonic Depression,” “In The Barn Of The Goat Giving Birth To Satan’s Spawn In A Dying World Of Doom,” and “Better Be Fueled Than Tamed.”

06. Ghost – “Skeletá”:

Ghost’s latest album is an epic offering from the masked rockers. Musically, the effort puts the band’s ’80s influence on full display, capturing the infectiousness of that era, while still maintaining a depth within the lyrics. Some fans may think the record is bit more subdued than previous releases, but the more you listen, the more you come to appreciate the vision Tobias Forge had for it. Some highlights from this one include: “Peacefield,” “Lachryma,” “Marks Of The Evil One.”

07. Deftones – “private music”:

Deftones’ latest album is one of their strongest releases yet. It’s heavy and ambient with a pop-like sensibility that stays infectious while letting Chino Moreno’s vocals shine. Every element works cohesively to offer something familiar with a more modern flair. Some highlights from this one include: “My Mind Is A Mountain,” “Ecdysis,” and “Infinite Source.”

08. Scowl – “Are We All Angels”:

Scowl’s latest album is another sonic evolution for the band. The group have continued to move beyond the confines of hardcore into a more alternative rock sound. The new songs retain elements of the band’s heavier style, but they sound bigger with a garage-like vibe. Some highlights from this one include: “Special,” “B.A.B.E.,” and “Not Hell, Not Heaven.”

09. Sleep Token – “Even In Arcadia”:

Sleep Token’s latest album offers fans another polyjamorous journey from the rapidly rising masked group. The songs lean heavy into R&B and pop, but still retain a tinge of metal that kicks things up a notch in unexpected places. The eclectic music matched by its emotional lyrics make for a solid piece in the band’s catalog. Some highlights from this one include: “Gethsemane,” “Look To Windward,” and “Infinite Baths.”

10. Arch Enemy – “Blood Dynasty”:

Arch Enemy’s latest album proves consistency is key. The effort uses the same melodeath formula the band are known for to create familiar sounding songs with hooky solos and gutteral vocals. There does seem to be more of a NWOBHM influence in some pieces and more cleans from now former singer Alissa White-Gluz, but for the most part, it never strays too far from the sound fans have come to know and love. Some highlights from this one include: “Dream Stealer,” “Illuminate The Path,” and the title track.