Top Picks of 2025: Saunders & Dear Hollow’s LISTURNALIA25

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

As 2025 draws to a close, music enthusiasts reflect on a year filled with memorable experiences and standout albums. The end-of-year lists bring to light the best in various genres, showcasing the notable releases that have captured listeners’ hearts.

Top Picks of 2025: Saunders & Dear Hollow’s LISTURNALIA25

This year’s music scene has thrived, especially for fans of heavy metal and progressive genres. Notable acts have released albums that showcase creativity and artistry, making for an exciting year.

Top 10 Albums of 2025

Tómarúm – Beyond Obsidian Euphoria: This album stands out as a creative explosion, blending progressive black, melodic death, and tech death elements. The ambitious songwriting and intricate compositions make it a highlight of 2025.
Messa – The Spin: Known for their unique approach to doom metal, Messa’s fourth LP maintains accessibility while delivering captivating melodies and atmospheric charm, solidifying their place in the top rankings.
Dax Riggs – 7 Songs For Spiders: The return of the Acid Bath frontman is both heartwarming and musically compelling. His blend of bluesy folk-doom resonates with longtime fans.
Terror Corpse – Ash Eclipses Flesh: A strong debut filled with old-school death metal grit, this album combines an impressive lineup and intense songwriting.
Retromorphosis – Psalmus Mortis: This album captures the essence of tech death, featuring intricate compositions styled after the legendary Spawn of Possession while introducing fresh sounds.
Turian – Blood Quantum Blues: By fusing hardcore with rock, electronics, and sludge, Turian has crafted an ambitious and genre-defying album worth exploring.
Changeling – Changeling: The elaborate progressive death metal work showcases high-profile collaborations, resulting in a vibrant and complex musical experience.
Barren Path – Grieving: The debut from this group presents raw intensity with calculated precision, showcasing their ability to push boundaries within grind music.
Phantom Spell – Heather & Hearth: This release captures the nostalgia and essence of progressive rock, making it one of 2025’s most delightful experiences.
Caustic Wound – Grinding Mechanism of Torment: The band returns with a fierce blend of deathgrind that captivates fans and leaves them yearning for more.

Significant Live Music Moments

Concertgoers had a chance to witness memorable performances in 2025. The year saw the return of various artists after a pandemic hiatus, re-energizing fans and reigniting the live music scene.

Karnivool: This band marked their live return with a powerful performance, hinting at their upcoming album set to release in early 2026.
Metallica: A highly anticipated show brought fans together, reaffirming the band’s lasting legacy in heavy music.
Opeth: Performing at the Sydney Opera House showcased their enduring appeal alongside rising stars like Caligula’s Horse.

Looking Ahead

With a successful 2025 behind us, fans of heavy music can anticipate new releases and live experiences in 2026. The trajectory set by this year promises an exciting future for artists and audiences alike, further enriching the landscape of the music industry.