Part 2 of 3 of my best albums of 2025. If you missed part 1, you can see it here. This has been an incredible year for black metal and blackened death metal as you will see here and in part 1.
#20 - The Apocalyptic Aeon by Avdagata
Melodic Blackened Death Metal from Sweden
Another late entry this year, being released on November 18th. It’s fantastic and I’ve still listened to it several times. From their Bandcamp: “The absolute killer 2nd album from the new wave of the classic Gothenburg Sound.”
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#19 - A Darkness of the Ancient Past by Achathras
Melodic Black Metal
Debut album from this super group made up of unknown members drawn from other unknown black metal bands. They are inspired by the values of the early to late 1990s European black metal scene. Fans of older black metal should definitely give this one a listen if you haven’t.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#18 - Kur by Anzv
Blackened Death Metal from Portugal
Second album from this band. From the band: “Drawing from the raw essence of classic black metal and modern black metal with a synthesis that conjures an intense and evocative atmosphere from the ancient haunting spirit of Mesopotamia, ANZV creates more than music—it builds experiences.”
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#17 - Requiem by Vanessa Funke
Melodic Black Metal from Germany
One woman, multi instrumentalist Vanessa Funke. I see this one listed as melodic death metal but it’s more melodic black metal to my ears. There are several things going on in here; atmosphere, melancholy, gothic, post black and filled with emotion taken from her own experiences with depression. This is a must listen for fans of melodic, black and emotional music.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#16 - Immemorial Shrine by Wurmian
Melodic Death / Doom Metal from France
Founded by Antoine Scholtes, of atmospheric black metal project Inherits The Void, this is the first album from this solo project. Inspired by bands like October Tide, Horrified, and Edge of Sanity, he aims to resurrect the classic 90’s death / doom. Fans of early Katatonia and Amorphis shouldn’t miss this one.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#15 - Death Knell by Demon King
Blackened Technical Death Metal
Featuring former members of Enfold Darkness, Inferi, and The Faceless, this is the band’s first full length album. The previous 2 EP’s are equally excellent. There are some talking sections in here, which seemed to get mixed reviews on social media, but they are not too frequent and I don’t mind them. The rest of the album is fantastic. Another band signed to The Artisan Era. If you like prog death and tech death, check out that label. Every one of their bands is amazing.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#14 - Colossus Suprema by Brainblast
Progressive Technical Death Metal from Colombia
This is the band’s debut album, taking inspiration from academic, classical music, this is an amazing blend of progressive, technical and symphonic death metal. Incredible musically with the bass guitar more forward in the mix. Part of the reason I like prog death so much. From the band: “Each piece is designed meticulously in absolutely every detail from music: from the music and production to the artwork, concept, and lyrics which makes this a monumental debut… the best of the best and the work we are most proud to present.”
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#13 - Frail Grasp of Broken Hands by Phosphorus
Post Black Metal from Germany
This is another outstanding debut from a band this year. This album has some cleans but not too frequent and I like them; they are done very well. It sounds like they have taken inspiration from several different genres and they are all blended in seamlessly.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#12 - Beyond the Sleepless Aether by Symbiotic Growth
Progressive Blackened Death Metal from Canada
This is a fantastic album. There is just something about this one that speaks to me and I’m not entirely sure what it is, even after several listens. There are some symphonic elements in here and it works well. Some clean vocals on this one. The 7 tracks take you on a man’s journey through his alternate reality’s while contemplating his life.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
#11 - The Rituals of Resilience by Voidfallen
Melodic Death Metal from Finland
Really great melo death. Originally started as a two man project with the goal of learning from past mistakes and creating uncompromising music, they have since evolved into a full band. I’m picking up some Mors Principium Est vibes in this one which for me is a good thing. Released in February, this is still in rotation for me and it’s held up almost all year and just out of my top 10.
I was not familiar with the Vanessa Funke album. It’s outstanding!