Albums of the Year (25)

I have to make a confession: my black metal journey started with bands leaning more in the depressive suicide spectrum of the genre, eventually jumping to the shoegaze side with bands like Alcest.

In those days when I was exploring blackgaze, I remember stumbling upon a pink cover that read "Sunbather", I decided to give it a try, but I found nothing but boring music. Who would tell that years later an album from the same boring band will be on my personal list.

I will never forget the sensation of listening to the beginning of the first song, Incidental I, the sounds captivated me instantly. It was only raw emotion after each track. For me, the heavy and calm parts of the songs are factors that balances the ambiance of this album without making it feel boring. All in all, this is an album that invites you to explore more about Deafheaven.

Maybe one day I will give Sunbather another try, but in the meantime enjoy Lonely People With Power with your headphones, and a cup of cold coffee.

Sadly, you will have to search it on YouTube, since it does not appear to be on Bandcamp.

I have a soft spot for wild west-infused black metal, and fortunately this year Blackbraid released his third homonymous chapter. I have to say that last year I had many doubts about whether to buy or not to buy part II, it was good, don't get me wrong, but it lacked something.

This year the story is different, even though a similar sound is present, a more interesting composition and story is heard in the album. The overall mix of elements like the heavy songs, acoustic songs, and ambient songs, make the overall experience memorable and beautiful.

I recommend you that you listen to this while you watch a sunset, or when you explore those dusty gravel trails in your region with your bicycle. Also check Vital Spirit and Wayfarer if you share that soft spot.

How do you explain Igorrr's music? A long shot is taking metal riffs, electronic, opera and ritual chants in a blender, but even this is inaccurate.

I struggled to willingly listen to previous Igorrr albums, I mean, I can give them a spin from time to time, but the overall sound is not something that I want to hear with too much frequency. There is a point where too much of Hallelujah or Spirituality and Distortion becomes odd.

Amen is pretty similar to its predecessors, but with a tweaking in the formula that makes it a great album. You (probably) will not get tired of listening to this.

Best served while eating spicy food.

Listening to black metal with vocals sung in Spanish is something new for me, and I love it. The lyrical puzzle is always present when it comes to metal, but sometimes it feels even harder in my native tongue (XIAT by Sumision is another example).

The main point is, this album is terrific. It has the right amount of folk influences, sharp catchy riffs, and hard to decipher Spanish vocals that will keep you engaged from beginning to the end.

I must confess, this is an album that takes its time to build up, so for the impatient, you should start with songs like Chalu, Kre and Josh. Enjoy it in a cold and gray or rainy afternoon.

I have no idea how I stumbled upon Damián Ojeda's projects, but if you check my Bandcamp collection is no surprise that I'll end up discovering his music somehow. A fun fact is that he has Mexican family, so, hopefully one day he will present in México.

Anyway, Thrä had 7 releases this year (the last one in the first half of december). I listened 5 of them, but I only purchased three, and I had a very hard time deciding which I enjoyed the most.

lact'eben and di nido jad - ◊untwan law¶ur dëhajt◊ejn - a∫ëtana lín bë are certainly a less savage approach to the other releases, even leaning more into the sadness territory in a few moments of the songs (the latter one, relying more on the electronic sound). And tahaccet ga qëcha com ibajn focuses more on the raw/heavy side of the project.

In any case, if you're looking for a new favorite raw black metal project look no further:

• https://trha.bandcamp.com/music

As always, a few more albums and EPs released in 2025 that are amazing, but I do not have enough time, or the words to write about all of them.

• The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy by Lamp of Murmuur: it was supposed to be up there, but I don't know what to say about it. Just listen to it.
• Tooth and Nail by Dormant Ordeal: I almost forgot to place this in here.
• Discipline & Punish by Cold Steel: this will make you wanna start a fight.
• Heaven by Venjent, Oktae: My favorite EDM song of this year.
• Bleed by Bleed: Throwback to 90's and 00's alternative rock/metal.
• Krásno by Besna: We're killing earth.
• Noctambulist II: De Droom by Noctambulist: post-punk infused black metal.
• Fællesskab by AFSKY: I still like more Ofte but this has solid songs.
• shimmer by Sadness: Music for dreaming awake.
• Flickering Resonance by Pelican: Chill bar instrumental metal.
• georgie and the dragon by Curta'n Wall: black metal can be funny too.
• Returning To The Dungeon Rave by Culturist: Rave vibes with dungeon synth sparkles.
• Wizard Party by Curta'n Wall: Someday I will find someone who likes this.
• The "Where Poison Apples Grow" EP by Old Nick: Haunted sounds for the living.

As the year approaches to its end, I noticed I missed a few albums, so I will leave this as a reminder for future me (?). And also, for anyone interested in checking these:

• Confusion Gate by Yellow Eyes
• Rift in Reality by Labyrinthus Stellarum
• The Between by Dawnwalker
• Summer Ends. Some Are Long Gone by Trauma Bond
• The Sleeping City by An Abstract Illusion
• Nightside by Grima
• Goldstar by Imperial Triumphant
• Ethereal Horizons by Blut Aus Nord
• Viribus Unitis by 1914

Last year I subscribed to the streaming service Mubi (φ introduced me to it), and that led me to explore a less Hollywood-ish approach to cinema. After Mubi was acquired by some company from Israel, I decided to cancel my monthly subscription. Unfortunately that had repercussions in this list, since most of the movies I consumed this year are produced in the USA.

• Sinners: interesting take on the usual vampire story.
• The Bad Guys 2: probably the funniest movie of this year.
• Predator Badlands: what can I say, I liked Prey and this one.
• The Running Man: remake of a dystopian universe by a well known director.