Album of the Year

In Ways - Slung

The debut from Slung is an alt-rock album that goes hard at times but balances that with some deep grooves. Overall, it is not quite as in-your-face as you might expect after the first track, as there are a lot of slow burns. But those tracks hit hard once the time is right. The album is solid all the way through.

Great Albums

These albums are good from start to finish, have multiple stand out great songs, or both.

V - Naxatras - This was a close runner-up for AOTY for me. Really good spaced-out stoner prog-rock.
Are We All Angels - Scowl - Another runner-up: This album is from a hardcore band with great pop sensibilities.
Le Point de Non-Retour - Point Mort - Both beautiful and brutal: you never really know where a song will go next.
LUX - ROSALÍA - Look elsewhere for a proper review. It is not for everyone, but I really enjoyed this album.
Distimia - Los Membrillos - This up-and-coming shoegaze band from Lima, Peru put out a great debut album.
Pirouette - Model/Actriz - This band is simultaneously the musical equivalent to an open wound and something you can dance to. Like a cross between LCD Soundsystem and Xiu Xiu.
The Age Of Ephemerality - BRUIT ≤ - Thematic post-rock about our current times.
The Exodus of Gravity - Arcadea - Ever wondered what Mastodon would sound like with synths instead of guitars? Check it out here.
My First Album - Jessica Winter
We Were Just Here - Just Mustard
The Spin - Messa - This Italian metal band also has a bit of an Alice In Chains sound to it.
Flickering Resonance - Pelican - I have been a fan of Pelican for over 20 years, and I am happy that their latest did not disappoint.
Primeval: Obsession // Detachment - Tallah - Tallah shrugs off the stigma of "nu-metal" and is continuing to push the style forward.

Tracks

These are great songs, released this year, excluding songs from top albums.

Best Music of 2025

Album of the Year

In Ways - Slung

Great Albums

Tracks