Top Ten Albums of 2025 / Rob "The Metal Guy" Awards

 

   Well everyone, 2025 was a totally nutty year with plenty of moments that made me just wanted to throw my hands up the in air and scream, "Get me the hell off of this crazy planet!" From the constant talk about AI taking over to my city becoming insanely overdeveloped to where every single piece of land is being used to build overpriced condos that like look something out of a George Orwell novel, 2025 really felt like massive pile of feces floating in a toilet. Luckily music seemed to be the best medicine, as there were some extremely strong releases that came out this year. Also, the future of the Bay Area underground metal scene looks very promising with bands like Cardinal, Bezaliel and Varulf leading the way. Plus, Sentient Ruin showed up by continuing to release more uncompromising extreme metal albums this year. Although I must give Hells Headbangers major credit for the work that they did this year whether it be new releases, or re-issues of extreme metal classics like the Goreaphobia picture disc. In the end, 2025 may not have been a cake walk of a year, but then again, when is life ever completely without chaos...Alright enough rambling like a washed-up pro-wrestler from the 80's doing a shoot interview, here are my top ten albums from 2025...

10. Gawthrop - “Kuboa”

This South Korean sludge act sure unleashed a gruesome sounding album with the release of “Kuboa.” Definitely could hear influences like Noothgrush and Grief which is probably what drew me to the album right away after hearing the first preview song. Glad to see Sentient Ruin was the label working with the band for the album’s release as Gawthrop perfectly compliments the label’s diabolical and unapologetic extreme ethos. There are plenty of agonizing slow crushing riffs throughout the album painting a bleak and dystopian landscape where piles of bones lay across a desolate wasteland. 

9. Prophetic Suffering - “Rivalry of Thyself” 

The bestial death metal horde from Canada known as Prophetic Suffering unleashed a sickening decibel defiling onslaught with the release of "Rivalry of Thyself." From start to finish this album was utterly devastating and featured some savage guitar work to go along with the cataclysmic drumming. These sadistic maniacs don't experiment or try to go off the extreme metal script, which is why the album comes across as an unforgivingly raw and brutal assault without any remorse. Definitely a band to keep an eye on if you are a fan of monstrous sounding death metal. 

8. Phantom - “Tyrants Wrath” 

The maniac thrashers from Mexico are an insanely relentless force and have gained a solid international following over the years. I personally really enjoyed their debut album, “Handed to Execution,” a lot when I first heard that album. “Tyrants of Wrath,” is another solid release that features more merciless old school speed/thrash riffs, but even has more classic melodic metal touches which draws influence from the NWOBHM and early 80’s speed metal. Still, they know how to bring the intensity when it comes to heavy sounding palm muted riffs that can conjure up a mosh pit within seconds. Plus, they seem to be working extremely hard as I see them constantly sharing videos of their wicked live shows. 

7. Perdition Temple "Malign Apotheosis"

The new album from Perdition Temple was definitely a strong extreme release to come out towards the end of this year. For their fifth full-length album the band yet again demonstrated their vicious talents by hammering out some juggernaut sized death metal riffs. The album really invokes that old school sound which is great given how modern death has really become sterile sounding and seems to have lost that pestilent vibe that you heard coming out in the late 80's and early 90's. Perdition Temple knows how to come up with vile sounding tracks like "Kingdoms of the Bloodstained" and "Death Insurrection" to give the listener a chaotically deafening listening experience. 

6. Moonlight Haze - “Beyond” 

The epic power metal outfit known as Moonlight Haze once again created a truly impressive release. I tend to be extremely picky with my power metal as I have found the sub-genre to be getting a bit gimmicky with too many bands starting to become very forgettable. However, Moonlight Haze knows how to construct these triumphant sounding compositions to grab your attention. Also, the band’s singer has an amazing voice along with a tremendous vocal range. In think if you are into power metal then Moonlight Haze is a band to be checking out and I hope they come to the US for a tour. 

5. Matt Lasserre - “Jungian House Dreams” 

The mastermind behind Pale Cremation never seems to slow down and continues to create some killer releases. His new solo album that came out this year was a bit of a departure from his more doom and hard rock past, but he still found a way to captive listeners with some really impressive prog rock/post-punk influenced compositions. “Jungian House Dreams,” contains some ethereal synth arrangements, which gives the release a very dreamlike quality. Matt recorded plenty of fascinating compositions on this album that mixed all these different types of musical influences of his to make a very creative release. Having known Matt since his days playing bass in the band Scrape the Earth, I've really come to respect how much work he has put in over the years recording new music and furthering to explore his various musical interests. 

4. Uranium - “Corrosion of Existence”

Probably one of the most insane and down right mind altering extreme albums to come out this year. The one-man blackened industrial act behind Uranium has been conjuring up some real radioactively decimating releases in recent years with this one being surrealistically brutal from start to finish. Uranium combines all the abhorrent musical elements together to offer listener's a glimpse into an apocalyptic nightmare where humanity has become devastated by nuclear destruction. Sentient Ruin also did a great job with the album's release by offering a cool vinyl variant as well as printing some badass shirts/hoodies/long sleeve shirts (Still some available on Sentient Ruin's website). 

3. Demonsmoke - “Resin Wrought” 

Demonsmoke’s second full-length album and the follow-up to their monumental 2017 debut album “Morphine Moonshine,”is without question one of the heaviest albums that came out this year. The band increases the vile sludge and doom dose to an even more diabolically sinister level with “Resin Wrought.” The riffs on this album are vicious while the vocals add a venomous touch of pure unapologetic disgust. Definitely draws influence from Southern sludge metal, but has such a profoundly dark doom vibe that hooks you from the first suffocatingly distorted riff. Also, shoutout to the artist who did the album cover as it perfectly compliments the band's primordial demonically doom like sound. 

2. Lathe of Heaven - “Aurora” 

Lathe of Heaven's sophomore full-length album "Aurora" had to be one of the album's I was most looking forward to in 2025. The band's debut album "Bound by Naked Skies" is one of my favorite albums to be released within the last few and I still listen to it quite frequently. "Aurora," is a tremendous follow-up that shows the band's growth as songwriters, as well as their ability to compose these haunting and fierce post-punk atmospheres. The lyrical content is inspired by science fiction along with other topics that are extremely relatable to the current state of our world. I personally think Gage Allison is one of the best singers currently in the world of rock/punk/metal music, and he always seems to delivers the lyrics with such profound conviction to where you remember every word. "Just Beyond the Reach of Light," is a powerful song that I would consider to be the best song off of the album. 

1. The Chameleons - “Arctic Moon” 

I can already hear the elitist extreme metal fans reading this number one pick and saying, "You're number one pick is yet again a non-metal band?!" Well in the end, I am unapologetic about what I enjoy and in my opinion the best album to come out in 2025 was The Chameleons "Arctic Moon." For those not familiar with The Chameleons, they are a tremendously talented post-punk/new wave act from the 80's that I strongly believe deserves more credit for their work. The band's first three albums are utterly phenomenal and even though they did not sell millions of records, I believe they have established a profoundly loyal cult following that deeply treasures the band's recordings. "Arctic Moon" is a bit of a comeback album since they had not put out a new album since 2001. Even after all those years of not making new material, the band did not seem to miss a beat as the new song's a truly astonishing. Reg Smithies is a brilliant guitarist who constructs these mesmerizing landscapes featuring some very tranquil sounding guitar compositions. The song on the album that steals the show is "David Bowie Takes my Hand," which contains some powerful lyrical moments along with these very inspiring dynamic arrangements. Even if you are not a fan of this style of music, I really do recommend checking this album out given how well music was recorded and how meaningful the lyrics come across. 

The Rob “The Metal Guy” Awards

EP of the Year: Samiarus “Reign Destroyer” 

Best Live Performance of the Year: The Chameleons in Roseville, CA

Most Brutal Album Cover of the Year: Demonsmoke “Resin Wrought”

Label of the Year: Hells Headbangers (The Goreaphobia picture disc turned out great! So glad I ordered it!). 

Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Cardinal (A black metal band that is extremely talented and hopefully working on a full-length album). 

Intercontinental Metal Champions: Empty Chalice (Created this new category for bands who come to the Bay Area from another country and put on a killer show, which Empty Chalice did on May 31st of this year). 

Biggest Douche of the Year: Sleep Token 

Moonlight Haze “Beyond”

 

    The Italian symphonic power metal act, Moonlight Haze, once again conjures up an epic sounding journey across bombastic musical landscapes accompanied by plenty of awe-inspiring vocals and utterly catchy sounding riffs. For their fourth full-length album, “Beyond,” which will be released May 23rd through Scarlet Records, the band continues to enhance their overall sound which allows them to further explore their extremely deep and meaningful lyrical content. 

    Personally, I am very particular about symphonic power metal with a majority of the modern acts not really appealing to me given the lack of substance along with the repetitive sounding formula that has been beaten to death within the sub-genre. Also, I feel a lot of acts tend to put too much focus putting on their Renaissance Faire attire and they end up writing some very forgettable sounding songs. Such is not the case with Moonlight Haze, and after hearing their 2021 release, “Animus,” I could tell that they took their craft seriously and put effort into writing some profoundly passionate pieces of music. “Beyond,” isn’t just another step forward for the band, as I really feel as though they are taking a massive leap forward with this new material. 

    One of the areas on this new album that I noticed right away were the heavier elements added to their sound, thus injecting a more old school metallic edge at times. Also, vocalist Chiara Tricarico delivers another outstanding performance by showing off here magnificent range that confidently soars over the melodic instrumental arrangements. The guitar playing on this release is on point and the leads are fluid yet never over crowd the soundscape to where you find yourself bogged down by endless amounts of pointless shredding. Guitarists Marco Falanga and Alberto Melinato are talented players that come-up with some catchy sounding riffs that can deliver a more fiery flare when needed by throwing into some blazing solos, or an extra dose of heavy crushing riff sections. 

    The album’s opening song, “Beyond,” is a very calming introducing featuring a soothing piano arrangement accompanied by Chiara’s captivating vocals. I thought the intro’s ethereal overall tone was a perfect way to begin the album, especially considering the shift in terms of heaviness that can be heard on the album’s second track, “Tame the Storm.” I would say that, “Tame the Storm,” is definitely a more dynamically intense track and one that takes on a more fearsome old school power metal sound. Also, I was impressed by how Chiara’s vocals seem to naturally adapt to the music when the band transitions from a melodic section to a heavier sounding part. The same can be said on the song, “Chase the Light,” where the opening rhythm is utterly crushing, which I would attribute to drummer Giulio Capone’s monstrous drumming from behind the kit. From the energetic melodic lead guitar playing to vibrant chorus sections, the music just flows with such a graceful synergy. 

    Now, as much as I enjoyed the album’s heavier moments, I must admit that the calmer and more uplifting tracks are not to be ignored. One of the most deep and meaningful song’s off the album is, “L'eco Del Silenzio.” At first Chiara sings in English over a somber acoustic arrangement, but then she transitions into singing into Italian which I thought really strengthened the track’s bewitching sound. Another song that caught my attention was, “D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize),” with its scorching riffs and epic chorus where Chiara delivers a strong vocal performance. The final two songs on the album, "Time to Go," and "Awakening," are also very well recorded tracks featuring more brilliant symphonic power metal compositions as well as these truly electrifying chorus sections. 

    Overall, the “Beyond” is probably Moonlight Haze’s most sonically and lyrically impressive albums to date. The production on this album is extreme solid and I can tell that having the assistance of the highly skilled music producer Sascha Paeth made a significant impact on the final mix. If you happen to be a fan who enjoy symphonic power metal then I would highly recommend checking out Moonlight Haze. The band seems to really be pushing themselves in terms of their songwriting skills and musical abilities, which I could definitely hear loud and clear on this new album.  

Checkout the video for the song "Chase the Light" below:

Moonlight Haze website:

https://www.moonlighthaze.com/

Top Ten Albums of 2022 / Rob "The Metal Guy" Awards

Well everyone, another year has gone by and it is now time for me to reflect upon all the releases that helped keep me from completely losing my sanity and turning into Mel Gibson circa 2006. I do believe that this was another solid year for rock and metal music, and although this type of music might not get featured on the TikTok, at least it isn't getting used by braindead bimbos doing moronic dances whose data is being monitored by the Chinese government. I always knew sorority girls would be the reason for America's downfall...Anyway, moving on before I rant any further, I need to thank all the hard working labels out there, especially the independent extreme music labels like Sentient Ruin, Shadow Kingdom Records and Hells Headbangers. Without these labels all of us fans would be struggling to get physical releases from our favorite artists. Gone are the days when you could easily go to a record store and buy albums. Where I live we do not have any record stores and the only place that seems to survive and not get turned into a housing development is the damn In-N-Out Burger! So I would like to thank all the bands and music labels, because without them we would all be suffering and 2022 would have been a complete disaster just like Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen's marriage...Alright then, here it is people, the Top Ten Albums list you all have been waiting for...

10. Low Moments “Picked Dead Last in the Dodgeball Game of Life” 

Some people might be scratching their heads wondering why I am including a synth/new wave band on my top ten list, but those people can just get over it and go throw a tantrum in their momma’s basement while listening to their kvlt black metal albums looking like a mix between Gaahl and a Juggalo. “Picked Dead Last in the Dodgeball Game of Life,” is a very enjoyable album, especially if you like ridiculous song titles and catchy synth wave music. One of the songs off of the album that I really liked was, “Asthmatic Around Ladies,” which is an amazing track and not simply because the title of the song had be laughing on the floor. The band perfectly captures that haunting melancholy like sound which reminded me of of bands like Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Bauhaus. I don’t know why young people spend so much time on that TikTok bullshit when they could be listening to this album.  

Link to my full review of the album :

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/04/low-moments-picked-dead-last-in.html

9. Project Pain “Faster Disaster” 

If you are a thrash metal fanatic then you definitely want to check this album out! Project Pain is a band that I have been covering for a decent amount of time now and the band’s most recent album, “Faster Disaster,” ups the ante in terms of ferocity and sheer brutal force. These metal musicians based out of the Netherlands capture that old school thrash spirit extremely well and the songs never sound gimmicky, or painfully repetitive. I just really enjoy how this band deals out some juggernaut sized riffs with massive amounts of raw energy.

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/10/project-pain-faster-disaster.html

8. Anticreation “From the Dust of Embers”

Anticreation’s debut album is a sinister offering and the band’s blackened death style is unfathomably insidious sounding. No surprise that they teamed up with Sentient Ruin for the release of this album, especially given the band’s devastating overall sound. From the ruthless arrangements to the hellish vocals that sound like a demon roaring from out of the abyss, Anticreation is a truly sadistic band. This is a group that I would definitely wish to see live someday, and I hope they keep releasing more merciless sounding releases.  

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/07/anticreation-from-dust-of-embers.html

7. Woods of Desolation "The Falling Tide"

Usually I start thinking about my top ten list around November, so very rarely will a band enter the list if they release an album in December, unless for some reason an album really catches my attention. Well, such was the case with the new Woods of Desolation album, "The Falling Tide." Over the years I have always respected Woods of Desolation, although I was never a diehard follower of the band. Still, I listened to this new album and was just down right impressed with the quality of the musicianship, the production and the album's haunting yet comforting sound. I've heard a lot of bands try and do this mix of black metal with post-metal elements, but they usually end up failing to really hook me in the end. I really felt that this album conveyed such raw and profound emotion from start to finish, which is why I highly recommend it. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/12/woods-of-desolation-falling-tide.html

6. Moonlight Haze “Animus”

Arguably one of the best new power/symphonic metal bands that I have heard in the last few years, and the band’s third studio album, “Animus,” is a phenomenal release. The songwriting, the production and just the pure rush of epic sounding emotion that the bands delivers on each track is truly exceptional. The band’s singer Chiara Tricarico is an amazing vocalist with an extremely profound devilry. Her vocals matched with the triumphant sounding compositions creates such powerful pieces of music. This is a band that I hope continues to rise with each new release and I do hope they get more recognition for their unbelievably impressive talents. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/02/moonlight-haze-animus.html

5. Black Fucking Cancer “Procreative Inverse”

Black Fucking Cancer is without question one of the most savage and sinister bands around, so I was extremely impressed with their brutal sophomore release, “Procreative Inverse.” Based out of San Jose, CA, the city where I was born, Black Fucking Cancer shows no mercy when pertaining to their hellish black metal sound. The amount of vile raw energy that can be heard throughout the album is astounding. Black Fucking Cancer offers up six blistering tracks of malevolent sounding destruction while also unleashing a blackened onslaught of punishing riffs. The band's dynamic approach to writing such vicious pieces of music makes this album a definite listen for anyone in search of a truly evil sounding release. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/03/black-fucking-cancer-procreate-inverse.html

4. Vanishing Amulet “Nocturnal Heritage”

For those of you who follow the blog, you know by now that I am a huge fan of dungeon synth. So when I heard Vanishing Amulet’s, “Nocturnal Heritage,” I was instantly hooked by the magnificent sounding atmospheres and haunting yet tranquil melodies. The album tells a captivating tale without using any lyrics by blending together these soothing ambient noises. The classic dungeon synth sound is prevalent for sure, although the album also features some very tranquil elements that gives the album this fantasy driven cinematic like vibe. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/08/vanishing-amulet-nocturnal-heritage.html

3. Eric Wagner “In the Lonely Light of Mourning”

This is a very special release and one that I appreciate every time I listen to it. Although Eric Wagner passed away last year, this album was able to be completed before his passing and serves as a farewell to all the diehard doom fans who cherished his contributions. The songwriting on this album is extremely deep and Eric’s ability to write such meaningful songs is on full display. Also, the musicians on this album who worked with Eric sound amazing, which is why this album was so refreshing to hear. Although Eric Wagner is no longer with us, I am glad that he was able to record this album as a farewell to all his fans and the music will live on just like all his other musical contritions that fans have come to hold in such high regard. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/02/eric-wagner-in-lonely-light-of-mourning.html

2. Assumption “Hadean Tides” 

Assumption’s, “Hadean Tides,” is a monumental release and one that extreme metal fans should definitely check out if they have not already. From start to finish this album pulls you into this behemoth sounding death/doom realm where you become completely possessed by the devastating riffs. These musicians hammer out some wicked sounding and also experiment with some mesmerizing sounds. Also, the drumming is utterly deafening throughout this release and adds so much to the band's cataclysmic style of songwriting. This album was without doubt the strongest release to be released on Sentient Ruin this year, which is saying something given the amount of great releases I reviewed from the label this year. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/04/assumption-hadean-tides.html

1. Lustre “A Thirst for Summer Rain” 

When I heard the news that Lustre was going to be releasing a new album this year, I was beyond excited and could not wait to hear it. I have been a fan of Lustre for many years, so this album was something that was highly anticipating. Titled, “A Thirst for Summer Rain,” I can honestly say that this album sonically is one of the best sounding Lustre releases. The production is exceptional and the compositions coney such powerful emotion. Nachtzeit, the creative force behind Lustre, is a true atmospheric black metal/ambient music genius and in my opinion he is one of the best modern composers around. When listening to Lustre I have always admired how much effort he puts into the arrangements. The new material from Lustre is simply flawless and I look forward to hearing how Nachtzeit can build off of the momentum from this most recent release. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/09/lustre-thirst-for-summer-rain.html

Rob “The Metal Guy” Awards

EP of the Year: Spectre "Omen" 

Split Release of the Year: Goathammer & Empty Chalice “From the Chalice of the Goat” 

Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Yellowcake 

Album Cover of the Year: Lustre “A Thirst for Summer Rain” 

Label of the Year: Sentient Ruin 

Biggest Douche of the Year: Sam Bankman-Fried that crypto scumbag who deserves to rot in jail

Moonlight Haze "Animus"

    I used to review a fair amount of power metal bands for this blog, but as of recent I have just not heard a band that has really grabbed me within the world of power metal. Most of the time when I receive a promo for a new power metal band I cannot make it through the first couple tracks without getting a headache from the gimmicky redundant sounding compositions. In the case of Moonlight Haze I can honestly say that this band really hooked me from the beginning and the overall quality of musicianship on their new album, “Animus,” is extremely impressive. 

    This group from Northern Italy really captures a lot of qualities that I tend to enjoy from iconic power metal and symphonic metal bands such as Helloween, Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, Epica and Nightwish. Also, I have to point out how the band does not get carried away with over the top compositions that sounded painfully over produced. For example, the lead guitar playing is extremely fluid sounding and the solos on this release really hooked me, because the lead guitarist never tries to go overboard with pointless shredding to where you feel like the music is being hijacked by some dude trying to show off. Plus, the vocals on this album are phenomenal and the band’s singer Chiara Tricarico has an amazing vocal range. 

    Out of the album’s eleven tracks, I found myself listening with great interest on each song and I believe that fans of power metal and symphonic metal will really be impressed by the band’s tight sound. The first track on the album, “The Nothing,” is a solid opening piece of music and contains a very calming yet uplifting main driving rhythm. The band hammers out some catchy guitar riffs while injecting epic sounding vocal parts to create a very cinematic sounding environment. The second track, “It’s Insane,” is probably the primary reason why this band peaked my interest after I first listened to the album. The chorus section is truly inspiring and Chiara’s vocal delivery adds such fiery and passionate emotion into the track. Also, the guitar solo during the song is a great example of how a player is able to take you away for a bit by exploring some mesmerizing scales, and is then able skillfully return to the main riff.

    As the album progresses from song to song you start to notice how the band is able to lay down some crushing riffs, yet they are always able to transition so smoothly to these mighty melodic chorus sections. On the song,“Kintsugi,” I was impressed by how the arrangements complimented Chiara’s vocals, especially how the music flowed with this graceful synergy. Songs like, “Animus” and “The Thief and the Moon,” glide through these grandiose sounding musical landscapes featuring a fair amount of inspiring lyrics that I believe listeners can relate to, especially during these difficult times in our world. 

    Very similar to the band Rhapsody, one of my all time favorite power/symphonic metal bands, Moonlight Haze pays great attention to detail on each composition and one can tell that the band takes pride in their craft. The song, “We’ll Be Free,” was another epic sounding song that captures one’s imagination as Chiara completely unleashes a mighty rush of emotion during the chorus section. Plus, the drumming is very tight sounding and establishes a thunderous rhythmic backbone for the guitars to come screaming in like mighty eagles soaring over majestic misty mountains. 

    Moonlight Haze, “Animus,” is a modern power and symphonic metal gem that I really hope people check out once it is released through Scarlett Records on March 18th, 2022. The band is able to write such powerful sounding music, while also not getting carried away with ridiculously sloppy instrumental arrangements that end up turning into a saturated symphonic sounding mess. I believe balance and consistency is what separates Moonlight Haze from a fair amount of other up and coming power metal bands. In the end, Moonlight Haze displays a certain level of confidence which can be heard throughout their music, so if you are fan of this type of music and you don’t listen to this album, then you must be insane. Definitely an album you don't want to miss! 

Check out the video for the song "It's Insane" below : 

Moonlight Haze FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Moonlighthazeband/

Moonlight Haze Bandcamp:

https://moonlighthaze.bandcamp.com/