https://unsplash.com/photos/the-sun-shines-through-the-clouds-over-a-forest-5qAD345bKZc
Rituals.
Though not consciously aware of it, there was a shift taking place this year. Just past the height of summer. Coming back from a few days camping. Reconnecting. Realizing the importance of rituals.
Developing practices. Intent.
So on this, the year’s and day’s deep midnight, to the Goat we run and celebrate all that metal has brought us in its bounty. The festival of remembering what was, is precious to me, even if it just hangs here in the ether.
Let’s set our awareness and reverence for the albums of the year list.
https://youtu.be/VgJk2-ddU6M?si=Hsma0Kkvwp8BP3So
The moment we’ve been waiting for, without further adieu, let’s get started
12 Les Chemins de l’exil
Les Batards du Roi
I know how men in exile feed on dreams… and that indulgence would sound like Les Batards du Roi. An intriguing addition to the Les Acterus de l’Ombre roster and another great showing for French black metal.
11 Fires on the Mountainside
Fer de Lance
Into battle. Shields be broken. A red day.
Power metal or New Wave of American Heavy Metal’s own Fer de Lance gives a slice of fantasy with metallic edge, with bite, with heart.
This day we fight!
10 Private Music
Deftones
In the year of our lord, 2025, who knew the Deftones would still be dropping such expansive material. Their soundscapes, a rarity in metal—they’re only emulated never duplicated. It’s fresh and comforting, what more could you want?
9 Karisikko
Vermilia
‘Tis the year’s midnight, and it is the days’
Vermilia’s, whose take on black metal is refreshing. While not as hypnotic as its predecessor, Vermilia manages this time around to broaden her sounds while not losing touch of her roots. The riffs hit harder. The vocals continue to impress. This just lacked a cohesive rhythm I was looking for.
8 Ego Dissolution
Ancient Death
Would love to see the critical praise tide turn from incumbents like 20 Buck Spin’s death metal roster to old favorite Profound Lore’s additions to their death metal offerings.
Ancient Death is the kind of latter stage Death inspired death metal but with more than enough of their take of the progressive, ritualistic vision of death metal. Strong start.
