Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
Well, you already know thanks to Vicky that this was a decent year for black metal. In fact, this is probably the top I struggled with the most, but in the end I came up with a few jewels for you to listen to in your darkest hours.
Vicky
I listened to Black Metal this year. And a lot of it. So, I’m here to tell you the things that worked, as well as the ones that did not impress me, in terms of music as an overall. Today we focus on the good, the mean, and the evil (or the less evil), in Black Metal. We’ve covered a part of these albums in the past (something that shouldn’t be a surprise), but I’m trying not to repeat what has been said before about these materials. This is just a ranking I’ve made very quickly, without browsing extensively for lyrics, so beware.
Metalcatto
You know the deal with the shout-out section, so go for it!
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.
Metalcatto
Time to recognize those albums crawling out of the sewers of the underground. The ones that struggle to even get 30 seconds of your attention, but promise a deep reward if you stick around. So here they are, in no particular order, the revelations of 2025.
Metalcatto
This top is meant to recognize the work of those bands that don’t have a specific niche to attack—the kind of artists that make you say “what the heck was even that?” or “I didn’t know I could feel this.” It’s a journey through albums that are each more mixed and harder to pin down than the last, but that’s the whole point, right? To be disturbed beyond repair. Or, if you prefer, you can also call this the top albums I couldn’t fit anywhere else.
Milo Lane
(according to vibes, weather, and emotional damage)
2025 seemed so forked (Catto still won’t let me swear, so The Good Place rules apply) that it felt like it would never end — and honestly, it still kind of does. I’m not entirely convinced it isn’t yet time for the apocalypse. If this list abruptly ends, please assume society collapsed or my attention span finally did. On a lighter note, there’s no better time to count your blessings than cold, cold December — the month of numb fingers, hot headphones, and staring out windows in contemplation. Hopefully this list leaves you more blessed than before you found it.
Metalcatto
You thought we were done with the long reviews for 2025. Think again, because there are still a few surprises left! HOLOGRAMAH is basically Chilean Black Metal royalty, which is why I gave it a chance in our crazy tight schedule. Abyssus.Versus.Versiculos. (yes, insane name I know) is supposed to keep showing that this part of the world can produce Black Metal that can compete with the colder places, but am I being too hopeful or is there real greatness here? Let’s find out!
Metalcatto
We have so many submissions, we need an extra day for them. So here we go!
Metalcatto
You know what’s next, let’s start!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 