Al’s Top 10 Albums of 2025
Al’s Top 10 Albums of 2025
By Alun Jones
You know what? It would be easier to pick my All Time Top 20 Albums than a Top 10 for the year. I know I say this every year, but 2025 has been a really strong one for new releases. Whatever the genre, there have been some beauties. So here are ten of my favourites, listed from ten to one, but to be honest, the ranking between these exemplary specimens doesn’t mean that much.
10. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – “Death Hilarious”
Admittedly, I was late on the bandwagon with this band, but I don’t care. Pigs x7 dropped this Stoner Metal monster, and I shamelessly joined the admiring throng. “Death Hilarious” is crazy riffage for a good time.
https://www.facebook.com/PigsPigsPigsPigsPigsPigsPigs
9. Warlockhunt – “Prey”
This album of dreamy Doom Pop has been played relentlessly chez moi since its release. Mournful bass, crashing drums and reflective vocals create an otherworldly tapestry.
https://www.facebook.com/warlockhunt
8. Spider Kitten – “The Truth is Caustic to Love”
A beguiling soundtrack for a strange world, Spider Kitten knit the heaviest of sludgy riffs, Avant Garde Doom and Spaghetti Western music into something truly original and unforgettable.
https://www.facebook.com/spdrkttn
7. Froglord – “Metamorphosis”
I saw Froglord live and immediately fell in love with their sludgy, amphibious grooves. “Metamorphosis” is a masterclass in swampy riffage, and it has constantly cheered me up since it oozed into my possession.
https://www.facebook.com/Froglordband
6. Syncolima – “Move Mountains”
This band go from strength to strength, and their “Move Mountains” album became one of my most played albums of the year. A full-on Stoner Rock, Grunge and Metal hybrid that always drags you back for another listen.
https://www.facebook.com/Syncolimauk
5. Black Spiders – “Cvrses”
Sheffield’s finest returned with another high-speed dose of Rock’n’Roll that might just help me stop missing Motorhead so much. Awesome fun.
https://www.facebook.com/theblackspiders
4. Torso – “Annihilation Day”
Grindhouse Garage Metal soundtracking an imaginary VHS Video Nasty, Torso deliver another prime slab of horrifying, lo-fi brutality.
https://hereliestorso.bandcamp.com
3. King Kraken – “March of the Gods”
The second album from King Kraken builds on the triumphs of its predecessor, but adds an even tougher, uncompromising Metal edge and daring new textures.
https://www.facebook.com/kingkrakenuk
2. Master Charger – “Posthumous Resurrection”
The absolute Overlords of fuzzy Doom Boogie, Master Charger’s 2025 masterpiece delivers everything that you could ask for, plus more. Extremely infectious in every good way. Essential!
https://www.facebook.com/mastercharger
1. 1968 – “Royal Bastards”
Right from the first spin, I knew this glorious album would be a contender for the best of the year list. A stunning album that isn’t afraid to branch out in new directions, whilst staying true to the core of what 1968 do.
https://www.facebook.com/1968Band
And there you go, ten superb albums that I’ve loved this year. Honourable mentions go to Supersuckers, Melvins, Toranaga and Jonathan Hultén for releasing top-quality music that nearly made the cut.
Happy New Year all – here’s to the new sounds of 2026!
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
