It’s that time of year again. And as always, there’s no particular order, just the albums I think are the best of the year.
OST Clair Obscure: Expedition 33
Not only is it the best game of recent years, it also sets a new benchmark for soundtracks. Music perfectly tailored to the game, which not only accompanies the game, but actively shapes it and tells its own story. Some of the songs still give me goosebumps when I listen to them today.
Mantar – Post Apocalyptic Depression
The two Bremen natives deliberately freed themselves from the ballast of recent musical developments and wanted to get back to their roots, becoming more brutal, harder and more fun. They have succeeded in doing so completely.
Deafheaven – Lonely People with Power
If I had to choose the best metal album of 2025, there’s no way around Deafheaven, in my opinion. Hard and impressive, but with just the right touch of emotion. The band will be playing at several festivals next year, so don’t miss them.
Messa – The Spin
With this album, Messa not only deliver an excellent album that blends doom with various other genres, it is also the perfect introduction for curious listeners. Wonderfully coordinated instruments, a near-perfect voice and great songwriting immediately captivate the listener. It’s no surprise that the album has landed on many top lists this year. A big exclamation mark from the four Italians.
Der Weg einer Freiheit – Innern
The best post-(black) metal album comes from Germany. With Innern, the band has once again delivered an absolute musical smash hit. The brutal elements are repeatedly accompanied by wonderfully arranged synth and post-rock passages that keep you hooked on the album from start to finish.
Spurv – Brefjære
Spurv falls into the category of ‘Most positively surprised me’. The Norwegians have created a wonderful concept album that primarily serves and beautifully captures the orchestral layers of post-rock. Although the songs work individually, they unfold their power within the album’s overall concept of the album. Highly recommended.
Autrest – Burning Embres, Forgotten Wolves
Atmospheric black metal has a hard time winning me over, but when it does, it always has a special place in my heart. This is the case with Autrest’s second album, one of the best offshoots of its genre. Wonderfully written compositions, rich in detail and soulfully crafted with just the right amount of anger.
We Lost the Sea – A Single Flower
The post-rock heavyweights have once again produced an excellent record. 70 minutes of the finest music the genre currently has to offer. Some of the album’s excesses might be bit too much for some, the overall quality remains brutally high. An absolute must for fans of the genre.
The Night Flight Orchestra – Give Us The Moon
My guilty pleasure band with a guilty pleasure nomination. Of course, the album has its weaknesses, but it was my feel-good album of 2025. What this band does best is being absolutely catchy. And if you regularly find yourself dancing around your flat to their songs and singing along, then they must be doing something right.
