1. 

   favorite track

   The Spirit Returns

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   Blackbraid II (gift given)

   by Blackbraid
   Blackbraid II

   by Blackbraid

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   Ricardo Cristof Well, after listening to Death and Black Metal for over 35 years, it sometimes gets boring, even if bands try to innovate. But then you stumble upon an album, which immediately clicks: it fresh, but familiar. It’s emotional, intelligent and complex, but not for complexities’ sake. It flows, it works, it’s authentic.
   This album is absolutely great, it’s all I want from this kind of music: cold soundscapes, raging fires, the embrace of darkness. 10/10

   

   Obsidian One The spirit returns in one of the most important albums in recent metal history. 'Moss Covered Bones' at 8:01 — can you feel it? Krieger channels the fierce soul of his heritage, with echoes of generations of oppression and resilience, rising again through the raw, rebellious power of black metal, with stunning acoustic beauty as well. Do you see it? Do you hear it? Hail to the witch hawk and the force he brings to the scene. Favorite track: A Song of Death on Winds of Dawn.

   

   Urso X A metal master class and true work of art. (Note: The diversity of styles in three distinct acts isn’t a flaw, it’s that way by design.)
   
   I finally got this because I wanted something truthful and brilliant to pair with The Rime of Memory, and I inexplicably remembered that someone’s review of Blackbraid II had mentioned Panopticon. Thanks, Metallurgical Fire, I owe you! Favorite track: Moss Covered Bones on the Altar of the Moon.

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2. 

   favorite track

   Wardrums at Dawn on the Day of my Death

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   Blackbraid III (gift given)

   by Blackbraid
   Blackbraid III

   by Blackbraid

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   wackabi This might be THE best voice in todays black metal. IMHO

   

   RJ Blackbraid came storming onto scene seemingly out of nowhere in 2022 and since then have released 3 exceptional melodic black metal albums (as of 2025). A powerful performance with some of the best production you can ask for. Let’s hope this absurdly prolific and consistent project continues for a long time. 9/10 Favorite track: The Dying Breath of a Sacred Stag.

   

   KAMINARIハウス This album is incredible in every way, so much so that I can't pick a favorite track yet. Indigenous Black Metal is something I didn't know existed, as well as something the BM scene desperately needs more of. Hails to Blackbraid\m/

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3. 

   favorite track

   Myriad Return

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   Unbury the Sun (gift given)

   by Halysis
   Unbury the Sun

   by Halysis

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   shalrathq Such a great album and a bit of a departure from the very core influenced albums they have created so far. Still some core in there, but much more balanced. Love it. On heavy rotation. Favorite track: Polaris.

   
4. 

   favorite track

   Valley Of Dying Stars

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   As We Set The Skies Ablaze (gift given)

   by Moonshade

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   As We Set The Skies Ablaze

   by Moonshade

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   Piper Haqim A masterpiece that will set your ears ablaze. If you don't listen to it you're losing out! I mean, this snuck right under me but its such a great AOTY contender! Favorite track: The Antagonist.

   

   VenusAdonis By far and away some of the most incredible melodeath guitar melodies I've come across in years. This thing is brutal, beautiful, and an easy contender for my favorite album of the year. Favorite track: The Antagonist.

   

   James Boulstridge This is my album of the year but not many people are talking about it. Taking the Insomnium/Mors Principium Est sound to new heights with the likes of Countless Skies, and lyrically breathtaking for a Portuguese band - it reads like poetry, with the metre to boot. Artemis moves me to tears. Favorite track: Artemis.

   

   -liquidpower- There are no words to describe the brilliance of this album, because no matter what I say the lyrics codified within will always be more thoughtful, more eloquent, and delivered with more panache than I could ever muster. This is simply musical genius, and I want so much more of what this band has to offer. Favorite track: Blood Of The Titans.

   

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5. 

   favorite track

   Atlas to Fall

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   Harboured (gift given)

   by Harboured
   Harboured

   by Harboured

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   Roland This is some excellent Post Black Metal that doesn't shy away from getting a bit experimental/proggy here and there. The brutal parts, the atmospheric bits ...everything ebbs and flows so naturally, it makes the whole record an absolute joy to listen to.
   This band deserves a lot more recognition and I hope many more people will discover this musical gem. Favorite track: Atlas to Fall.

   

   Lloyd James Harboured have found a pretty unique take on post-metal, where techy/proggy riffing meets with post-black/post-hardcore. The warm guitar tone & emotive melodies bring memorability to an expertly deployed post-metal ebb and flow. An outstanding debut and an easy highlight of 2023. Favorite track: Impermanent Cell.

   

   Charles Randall I always love when I hit the year's first early contender for Album of the Year, and this is definitely it.

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