As 2025 comes to a close, I am continuing my tradition of providing my top albums of the year!! The only difference this year is that I will be sharing my TOP five albums rather than the typical ten. Like prior years, the trend seems to be that I enjoyed individual songs more so than the overall albums. Trivium’s EP would have definitely made my list if it wasn’t only three songs long, but what a strong three songs they are!! Anyhow, without further ado, here are my top 5 albums for 2025:
05) Deftones, private music (Reprise)
I have never been the biggest Deftones fan and I usually find myself listening to their singles more than full-length studio records. However, their tenth studio album is spectacular, through and through. Unlike Ohms, the continuity is strong and has a defined sound reminiscent of their earlier days but it also gives a fresh-modern punch of tonality.
I often find myself playing this album while I am driving. The groovy, relaxing nature of the songs are fun to vibe to. By no means is the record soft. They still incorporate their trademark droney riffs, prominently heard on the tracks, “cut hands,” “infinite source,” and “milk of the madonna,” but the atmospheric-surrounding nature of the songs forms a bed of comfort. I must admit, I listened to “milk of the madonna” on repeat my whole way home once; it was just that good. Shout out to producer Nick Raskulinecz (Diamond Eyes, Koi No Yokan) for aiding the band on this colossal record.
Key Track(s): “cut hands,” “infinite source,” “milk of the madonna”
04) Machine Head, UNATØNED (Nuclear Blast)
Machine Head’s most recently released album has received a lot of flack online. Most of it is due to the general disliking of frontman Robb Flynn. Regardless of the naysayers though, this album is solid. It won’t convince anyone to become a “Head Case,” but with songs that contain the typical Machine Head pinch harmonics, it appeals to longtime fans. Of course, if you’re expecting another album like The Blackening or Through Ashes of Empires, this ain’t it.
UNATØNED will stand on its own because of the strong efforts from tracks, “Outsider,” “These Scars Won’t Define Us” and “Addicted to Pain”. Another underlying feat is, “Dustmaker.” It’s a moody interlude and, based on my track record of skipping intros and interludes, I surprisingly could not skip this one. Another plus for the record is the shortened lengths of the songs. Contrary to previous albums that contain ten-minute escapades, no song on this album is longer than five minutes. With this being Machine Head’s eleventh studio record, I await to see what else the band has coming in the next coming years..
Key Track(s): “Outsider,” “These Scars Won’t Define Us,” “Addicted to Pain,” “Dustmaker”
03) Bleeding Through, Nine (SharpTone)
Another metalcore heavyweight makes the 2025 list! California’s favorite aggressors waited seven years to drop this bullish record of intensity. Bleeding Through is one of those bands that can make me run through a wall. This record is a force of energy driven by the throat-ripping screams of frontman Brandan Schieppati. The crushing guitars and barrage of Derek Youngsma’s kit would make anyone grab a weight while working out or slam on the gas pedal while driving. Marta Demmel shines on the tracks “Dead but So Alive” and “Path of Our Disease.” Regardless of the beautiful melodies, it might also have some of the hardest breakdowns in the record. Straight up, Nine is just an awesome album and if you are a fan of Bleeding Through, you’ll absolutely love it!
Key Track(s): “Dead but So Alive,” “Path of Our Disease”
02) Spiritbox, Tsunami Sea (Pale Chord)
It’s crazy to think it’s only the band’s sophomore record, given its mature stature and unique sound. Tsunami Sea is very refined and has top notch production with an encompassing wall of sound. You will feel every riff. Every hit will resonate with you and every chorus will pull you further in. Whether it’s the Meshuggah-esque bounce on “No Loss, No Love” or the thought-provoking lyrics of “Perfect Soul,” Courtney and the gang grasp onto the ear canals of those who have been yearning for more since their debut. As mentioned above, the layer of styles are diffused throughout every track and they bring chaos, yet serenity with each lyrical breath. Courtney’s frontwoman prowess has a way of captivating you with her harsh screams and vocal intensity. The unique soundscape of this record is one to be admired and a sound that bands often seek. It’s great to see the band deliver on their second album and live up to the hype after releasing a highly touted debut album. The pressure is on for album number three!
Key Track(s): “No Loss No Love,” “Perfect Soul”
