I love metal music but finding bands that I enjoy can be difficult. Vocals are important and so is the style. Harsh and clean vocals are nice but too harsh is not my cup of tea. Another important aspect is the skill of the drummer. Are they good or do they only use a few basic patterns?
After that it comes down to guitars and bass using a similar question, how many chords do they use? Basic bands use 3 chords to create a bright and happy sound. I want more.
Let's get to it!
#1 – Vintersorg: Vattenkrafternas Spel
Vintersorg's music is something to behold. I have a hard time finding a song that I do not like. I know they use programming for the drums which breaks my drummer question but it's difficult to differentiate between programming and a live person. The patterns question is answered as the drumming is not basic.
There are new elements to this album like different harsh growls in Störtsjö that work and eerie musical elements in Skyrök are mesmerizing. This album is another masterpiece.
#2 – The Halo Effect: March of The Unheard
The return of the Gothenburg sound that made In Flames and other bands lots of success but then flamed out as the music changed and so did the band members. The Halo Effect brings back several In Flames members along with Dark Tranquility to create this super group. This album brings me back to the earlier Gothenburg sounds that I enjoyed in the late 90's and early 2000's.
#3 – Warmen: Band of Brothers
I miss Children of Bodom and the closest I can get to being reminded of them is Warmen which is fronted by the keyboardist of COB. Warmen was a side project when COB was in full form as their first two albums were instrumentals. The new few releases highlighted guest vocalists to bring the music to the next level. Now after COB, they have rebranded their music to be more melodic metal like COB. Band of Brothers does have a familiar sound and fills the spot that was left behind when COB disbanded and their singer died.
#4 – Testament: Para Bellum
I like this album but several of the tunes aren't holding up for me. I am down to listening to 4 songs on the album now as the others don't seem to do it for me. Those 4 songs are great, and I don't see them falling off my playlist soon.
#5 – Omnium Gatherum: May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way
I have heard several songs from this band over the years but never took the time to listen to a complete album. This is my first full listen from beginning to end and it checks all the boxes. I do my research on bands, and I know some will think this release might not hold up to their previous releases. I don't care. I like it. I should place this at #4 but sticking with it at #5 as they are they 'new' band on my list.
My journey re-starts again with them as I will move onto previous releases once I give this album the proper attention as it just came out a few weeks ago.
There you have it! My list of 2025 metal albums. Give them all a spin.
