The Gothic Metalhead’s Top Albums of 2025

The Gothic Metalhead

One of our most discreet collaborator has one last top to give us before the year is over. So, without further do, here’s The Gothic Metalhead‘s top.

Honorable non-Metal mention. Rosalía – LUX
I saw all the hype around Rosalía and LUX when the single “Berghain” dropped. When I eventually got around to listening, it was the one song this year that literally left my jaw on the floor. It remains the highlight of the album for me, but the whole record is stunning—a true work of art. It’s genuinely refreshing to see a pop album succeed while being multilingual, forward-thinking, and creatively fearless.

9. Anna von Hausswolff – ICONOCLASTS
I had no idea what to expect from Anna von Hausswolff with ICONOCLASTS, but it turned out to be absolutely spectacular. There’s a strong gothic current running throughout, and the album held my attention from start to finish. I’m especially glad that Anna’s wonderful vocals remain present and powerful across the entire record.

8. God Alone – The Beep Test
I listened to The Beep Test when it first came out and enjoyed it, but initially put it on the back burner. Then “Sir Laplage” kept appearing on shuffle, and I realised just how much attention I’d failed to give it. These songs are genuinely incredible, combining absurdly catchy pop hooks with intricate mathcore rhythms. Please listen to this if you haven’t already.

7. Zatokrev – …Bring Mirrors to the Surface
My post-metal album of the year is …Bring Mirrors to the Surface. Rooted in post-metal but blending psych, doom, and sludge, Zatokrev weave their way through multiple genres with confidence. There’s a lot going on, but it’s one of the most rewarding listens I’ve had this year—and an album I’ve completely fallen for.

6. Crippling Alcoholism – CAMGIRL
CAMGIRL is one of the most addictive albums I’ve heard this year. It’s impossible to pigeonhole into any particular genre, constantly shifting shape while staying gripping throughout. It rewards repeat listens and reveals more of itself every time.

5. Lux Interna – New Wilderness Gospel
Probably my favourite new discovery this year, New Wilderness Gospel straddles the line between dark folk and Americana. It’s an album I became completely immersed in—a journey through landscape, myth, and mysticism. Quite honestly, it’s one of the best things I’ve heard all year.

4. Rwake – The Return of Magik
With the long-awaited return of the sludge legends, The Return of Magik feels truly magical. This album sounds like the woods—like nature itself—deeply steeped in folk horror and myth. It’s been a long time since a record got so deeply under my skin that it feels like part of me.

3. Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power
The moment I heard “Magnolia,” I knew this was going to be special. While the familiar shoegaze and hardcore influences still surface, Lonely People With Power feels like Deafheaven at their most ferocious—and honestly, exactly what I wanted from them. It refines their sound without sacrificing intensity.

2. Messa – The Spin
My doom album of the year is The Spin. I’ve loved everything Messa have released, but this is on a completely different level. The songs are as cool as doom gets, dripping with atmosphere and confidence. “The Dress” is a song of the year for me, and the album sets a clear benchmark for modern doom.

1. Agriculture – The Spiritual Sound
Taking the top spot is The Spiritual Sound. The production on this album is absolutely killer, and its self-described “ecstatic black metal” fully delivers. Joyous yet harrowing, it moves fluidly through multiple genres while keeping ferocious black metal at its core. In terms of evolution, scope, and emotional impact, this is the standout record of the year.