12) David Byrne And The Ghost Train Orchestra, Who Is The Sky? (Matador Records)
For anyone who loved the Talking Heads when they came out and/or in the present day, this album by lead vocalist David Byrne is a bit different, but it still has that signature quirky nature fans have grown to adore. Nearing his mid fifties, Byrne has taken to touring again, and it is recommended to check it out to decide if this non-metal new wave artist can still capture an audience. Favorite title for a song on Who Is The Sky is “A Door Called No.”
Key Track(s): “A Door Called No”
11) Warbringer, Wrath And Ruin (Napalm)
These Los Angeles thrashers released their 1st album in 2008, and their latest album Wrath And Ruin comes blazing in five years after Weapons Of Tomorrow. They have made a great inclining impact over the years with their die hard live thrash attack where they have toured with some high profile bands in both the US and Europe. Check out the force of the song “A Better World” for proof of life and worth of Warbringer’s latest album.
Key Track(s): “A Better World”
10) Kanonenfieber, Live In Oberhausen and Soldatenschicksale (Century Media)
While it may be unusual to include a live album in this list, these Germans are practically a brand new melodic blackend death metal band, as they only have two albums out besides these two 2025 live releases. Having just discovered them, they resonate very powerfully as musical candy for my blackend ear drums. They have a World War I theme in their music, and it delivers as one of the most powerful historical undertakings in extreme metal in a while. Noteworthy track is “Der Maulwurf,” and this band seems to be a “must see” live, as they cover their faces and have a somewhat threatening militaristic appearance. This is definitely not only worth a full listen, but a watch as well.
Key Track(s): “Der Maulwurf”
09) Cradle Of Filth, The Screaming Of The Valkyries (Napalm)
It seems that whether or not Dani Filth is screaming for vengeance or serenading a Gothic waltz, he is always gratifying fans in his uniquely dark artistic universe. This latest album tends to both affairs, and it is unique with it’s new members Donny Burbage featured on the guitars and female keyboardist and vocalist Zoe Marie Federoff. Notable track is “Malignant Perfection,” as even its title alone is richly beautiful.
Key Track(s): “Malignant Perfection”
08) Wednesday 13, Mid Death Crisis (Napalm Records)
This album combines horror with 80’s sleaze rock, and even features a cameo vocal appearance by Taime Downe from Faster Pussycat. For those who know that vocalist Joseph Michael Poole of Wednesday 13 is always full of surprises, this record doesn’t disappoint. North Carolina originated, these Gothic rockers have done it and done it again with their brand of darkend hard rock. “When the Devil Commands” is a featured song by Wednesday 13 on their newest zombified album Mid Death Crisis. This song also happens to have a YouTube official video directed by Vicente Cordero who has been a staple for these Gothic metal bands’ video work.
Key Track(s): “When the Devil Commands”
07) Obscura, A Sonication (Nuclear Blast)
This German based technical death metal band has always flown high in their brilliant progressive guitar melodies. This latest album is another stealthy blast forward into the future of technical death. A favorite track mention is “The Prolonging,” as it seems impossible to falter in such beautiful metal surroundings.
Key Track(s): “The Prolonging”
