It’s safe to say that 2025 was a banner year for groundbreaking, undeniable new music and albums that are sure to stay on heavy rotation for years to come. Whether it was highly anticipated new records from seasoned veterans of the scene or promising collections of songs from rising newcomers, 2025 had so much to offer across a wide variety of genres ranging from metalcore, rock, alternative, pop punk, hip hop, black metal and beyond.
As the year is finally coming to a close and we begin to prepare for a much needed reset around the holidays, team TPC have hand selected the albums that have had the most profound impact on them this year. Whether you're looking for new music to dive into during your holiday downtime or need gift inspo for your musically inclined friends and family, look no further than our 2025 Albums Of The Year list.
Cradle Of Filth - The Screaming Of The Valkyries
“This album blends symphonic black metal legends Cradle of Filth’s classic sound with fresh new elements while still not being a major departure, but instead a refined evolution. Imagine Midian meets Cryptoriana, but with sharper production and richer atmospheric layers!” (Daisy Quijano: TPC Lead Coordinator)
Carach Angren - The Cult Of Kariba
“If you’re looking for something fast, dramatic, cinematic, and full of orchestral layers, but with sharper modern production, then look no further than Dutch symphonic black metal band Carach Angren’s 2025 EP The Cult Of Kariba. With dark storytelling, big symphonic moments, and eerie ambience mixed with aggressive black metal energy, this EP feels like a return to their roots!” (Daisy Quijano: TPC Lead Coordinator)
Dayseeker - Creature in the Black Night
“On their sixth studio album Creature in the Black Night, OC-based post hardcore outfit Dayseeker have truly crafted such an impressive concept record. Whether it was how well the band blended the instrumental compositions with vocalist Rory Spencer’s dynamic vocals or the strong visual world they created through their music videos and choices of color palettes, Dayseeker really honed in on keeping things cohesive while taking a big step forward.” (Lexi Layne: TPC Office Coordinator)
Doja Cat - Vie
“Vie, the fifth studio album by hip hop’s reigning queen Doja Cat, is admittedly a left turn in her discography, but in the best way possible. It was really exciting to see Doja Cat head in a new direction sonically, leaning into a more 80s vibe coupled with jazz instrumentation that suits her style surprisingly well!” (Lexi Layne: TPC Office Coordinator)
Model/Actriz - Pirouette
“I love the creativity and intriguing songs this band creates, as well as the contributions of frontman Cole Haden, who is an incredible performer and storyteller. It gives dark queer LCD Soundsystem energy and is perfect for late night drives or hitting an after hours party.” (Rachel Hacken: TPC Office Coordinator)
Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea
“I am biased because I work with this band, but Spiritbox’s sophomore album Tsunami Sea exceeded every expectation and lived up to the immense hype in more ways than one. What else is there to say, this is a modern metal album that is expertly crafted from top to bottom. Ride The Wave and No Loss, No Love are hands down my favorite tracks.” (Rachel Hacken: TPC Brand Manager)
AFI - Silver Bleeds The Black Sun
“AFI are no strangers to reinventing their sound on every album, even if it doesn’t always quite meet the mark in the long run. However, in the case of their twelfth studio album Silver Bleeds The Black Sun, AFI have not only made their strongest album since 2006’s Decemberunderground, it very well could be one of their best records to date. Beaming with dark, atmospheric post punk and goth rock musicianship paired with frontman Davey Havok’s hypnotic and sultry vocals, AFI are aging like fine wine while sounding as re energized and relevant as ever.” (Alessandro DeCaro: TPC Editorial Director and co host of Haus Of Cult)
Thousand Below - Buried In Jade
“I am biased considering I work for Thousand Below’s record label, but even if I didn’t, Buried In Jade would still be one of my favorite albums of the year. While the album possesses a sleek, modern metalcore sound with stellar production and strong pop hooks throughout, Buried In Jade also seamlessly blends a nostalgic edge to the music as well where I can’t help but reminisce on the glory days of bands such as Underoath, Saosin, and Silverstein. All in all, every song on this record is a hit. All killer, no filler, the end!” (Alessandro DeCaro: TPC Editorial Director and co-host of Haus Of Cult)
Headwreck - Attitude Adjustment
“The album Attitude Adjustment by Australian metalcore band Headwreck includes high energy, melodic tracks that contrast nicely with heavier, abrasive typical metal genre elements which makes this album just an overall fun listen. Every track on this album scratches that itch that those with the need for high energy music crave. There is just something so new and fresh about these songs that will undoubtedly have a hand in paving a new way in the metalcore scene. A notable track on the album is Buzzsaw and this was one of the first new singles the band released after their EP in 2023. This song definitely caught my attention and I kept coming back to listen to each new release from the band. As my curiosity peaked, I sought out their music videos which also did not disappoint. Their use of 2D and 3D animation in their music videos was something interesting and unique. The world that this band is creating is fun and creative and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for their listeners next.” (Luisa L. TPC/Haus Of Cult Media and Promotion)
Deadlands - SEVEN
“The EP SEVEN by the band Deadlands is an exciting take on the seven deadly sins where each song represents a sin. Deadlands is known for their fiery and head bopping music paired with very high energy live performances. Anyone who hasn’t seen this band live needs to be first in line on their next tour. Frontwoman Kasey Karlsen’s vocals are unmatched by rising bands in the scene and she continues to impress listeners with each new release. Their songs Die In Paradise and MORE! get you off your feet and moving whether it be in your room or at one of their shows. There’s just something so funky and fresh about each song on this album and I’m looking forward to hearing more new and powerful songs released by this band.” (Luisa L. TPC/Haus Of Cult Media and Promotion)
Cardi B - Am I the Drama?
“Cause nothing hits quite like Cardi on a bad day or really any day when you need a reminder of the bad bitch you are.” (Arielle Modry Salsa: Owner, Founder and HBIC of The Pretty Cult and co-host of Haus Of Cult)
Lunka Kills - DEATHMATCH
"The first time I heard Luna Kills' track, ‘LEECH’ it gave me literal chills. Everything from this album, start to finish is something so refreshing and fun for the modern rock genre. Whether you are looking for anthems that tackle mental health or soaring, emotive vocals (courtesy of frontwoman Lotta Ruutiainen), DEATHMATCH is an essential listening experience. (Arielle Modry Salsa: Owner, Founder and HBIC of The Pretty Cult and co- host of Haus Of Cult)
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