I am moving to the latest FUNEBRARUM album. This is a chonky slab of death metal that sounds, looks, and acts BIG. Riffs for days! It is truly an enveloping experience. Also, with some sweet Phil Tougas shreds, who’s mad?
Released May 29 2026 via Pulverised Records
I am moving to the latest ULTHA album. ULTHA is a band on another level for me, and ‘A Light So Dim’ once again transcends black metal into something much larger. One never knows where they will go next, and the listening experience and atmosphere they expertly craft here is a true gift. An unpredictable soundtrack for the chaotic times.
Out now via Vendetta Records
I am moving to the new EXXÛL ‘Sealed Into None’ album. This epic power doom is true excellence in sound – TOP TIER performances, tone, and production. To hear Phil Tougas shred guitar is always a treat, but with bass pumped into the mix with solos, chunky thundering drums, and the acrobatic high notes on these vocals?? Just wow.
When I first heard the harmony on the ya-yas (candle scene above), I was helpless to this album’s powers. This is the most fun I’ve had with heavy metal in some time. Get in here!
Listen at Bandcamp (Productions TSO / Nameless Grave Records)
These are the 5 albums that moved me most this year:
1) BLIGHTED ELDER – Upon Merciless Flame (Transylvanian Recordings)
2) LIJKSCHOUWER– All What Did The Blade Reveal (self released)
3) WEEPING SORES – The Convalescence Agonies (I, Voidhanger Records)
4) OAKEN – From The Bonfire (Fractions of Life Records)
5) SCIMITAR – Scimitarium I (Crypt of the Wizard)
I am moving to the debut album from ANTHRODYNIA (Aug 15 2025). This is my kind of death doom! Cavernous and dialed, so much more than a downtuned riff. And the way it lulls with its immersive atmosphere is WHAT’S UP. Highly recommended if you like Spectral Voice, Ossuary, Blood Spore.
Listen at Bandcamp (Nameless Grave Records)
I am moving to BLIGHTED ELDER. This ravaging black metal has kept its grips on me since I first heard it around its release, June 27. This album is special as it was recorded in 2 sessions, so the front 3 songs have a more aggro feel vs. the atmospheric back half. Must hear USBM for 2025!
Listen at Bandcamp (Transylvanian Recordings)
I am moving to the latest DROUTH album (May 16) whose USBM is non-stop fury and with how they incorporate death, blackened doom, and other subgenres, will surely impress any metal fan. Also Ludicra guest vocal spots! For fans of WOE.
Listen at Bandcamp
I am moving to the new self-titled PURGING release (Feb 5 2025). If you see me walking on the street, chances are this riff is playing in my head. A fully packed 22 mins of OUGH! do not skip this death metal! Cassette released May 23 on Noxious Ruin Handwrought.
Listen at Bandcamp
I am moving to the new ACT OF IMPALEMENT album ‘Profane Altar’, released Feb 28 via Caligari Records. While there is an endless sea of death metal in the sphere, AoI still manage to make ya say OUGH! For fans of Vastum and crusty death doom.
Listen at Bandcamp
Here the 10 albums that moved me the most this year:
#1) BLOOD INCANTATION – Absolute Elsewhere (Century Media)
#2) FUNERAL LEECH – The Illusion of Time (Carbonized Records)
#3) FÓRN – Repercussions of the Self (Persistent Vision)
#4) CRYPT SERMON – The Stygian Rose (Dark Descent)
#5) INTER ARMA – New Heaven (Relapse)
#6) RHÛN – Conveyance in Death (House of Inkantation)
#7) SPECTRAL VOICE – Sparagmos (Dark Descent)
#8) MNAJDRA – In the Name of the Goddess (Snow Wolf Records / Fiadh Productions)
#9) ORYX – Primordial Sky (Translation Loss)
#10) SLIMELORD – Chytridiomycosis Relinquished (20 Buck Spin)
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