"The Wilted EP" directly begins where "Cursed" left us a year prior. But it left alot of the cringeworthy tropes of that album behind to put more emphasis on emotion. Does it work? Kind off. The lyrics feel alot less cringe and the ideas feel fresh on some songs. Standouts here are "Wilted Flower" and "Everything Is Fine". Is it a really great Ep? Not really. But its solid enough to start 2026 on a higher note. To me this album is overhated on here!

My first review of 2026, and its one of my anticipated albums of the year. Ive loved their last album "Pawns & Kings" for its willingness to try out things. But sadly it seems that it was rather a fluke than an evolution. This self titeled album falls back into typical Alter Bridge. Which isnt technically a bad thing, but it doesnt exite me either. The biggest highlight here are Mark Tremonti's Riffs. Every single one without fail is really well done. But the album as a whole ... read more

Abbie Falls return after their hit EP in 2022. This LP picks up exactly where that EP let off. Very big breadowns, fun VOcals and some hooks that trill themselves into you. Even the experimental middle of the LP is very well done and works as a break in between the heavy madness that is presented here. The album cover leaves.... much to be desired to be honest, but well, you cant get it all correct.
All in all very solid Metalcore release, im just unsure if i will return to this project as a ... read more

"Innern" is a wonderfully crafted deeply dark experience about growing ones self and becoming confident. The atmosphere is soothing but dark, so are the lyrics. Its one of the standouts in Atmo Black this year, but will slightly not be included in my Top20

A late to the year entry in Atmospheric Black Metal. A well made black metal record with flourishes into Progressive parts. Its kind off catchy, but sadly doesnt stick as well as id hoped for it to do. Still good listen!

Ive known this band for a while now, and always enjoyed the PR surrounding it all. But the music on this didnt speak to me sadly. Nothing much stood out, nothing felt special enough etc. All of it is good music, but not special if you ask me!

Solid atmospheric Black Metal here with some interesting ideas. In such a strong year for the Genre though, it kinda falls slightly behind granting itself this score

A simple hard hitting modern Metalcore piece. IF youre just looking for some simple headbangs and some meaty breakdowns look no further than this project. Does it reinvent the wheel? Absolutely not. Is it still fun? Id say so!

One of the most fun and energetic records all year. No shortage of ideas and whacky parts. Even some unexpectedly calm moments are being found here. Does it all work? I dont think so. I also dont like every song on here, but its all in good fun and i enjoyed my listens!

Blut aus Nord, return to the year 2025 with a new record. Giving us a wonderful spread of cosmic horror within Black Metal. Its scary, depressing and even shows some light.
As much as this record is good, i did enjoy their last 2 records a bit more, therefore ending under an 8/10 for me. Still amazing work!

1914 tell a story, that captivates. The moment you begin to read the lyrics, until the last sounds of the warsongs fade, ou are enthralled. It does have some weaker parts in the middle, and does lose me sometimes, but its still an immaculate work. Even for someone like me, who isnt that much into this kind of stuff, this is something i do recommend!

Valiant Hearts come in, late into the year and drop this behemoth of post hardcore. Its truly astounding why so few people are talking about this. Cause each individual song is great. Some may compare this band to Galleons, since they share a style and a vocalist, but Valiant Hearts seem to use more orchestral influences in this record, which sets them apart. My biggest negative about this, and also the cause why i score it like i do, is the length and monotony this sound brings with it. After ... read more

Annisokay finally close out the chapter of Abyss, with the final part, tying together the EPs from before with some new songs. The Eps keep all of their bangers whilethe new songs kinda are underwhelming. Christophs cleans are always recognizeable, and always good. The screams are fine, but nothing to write home about. As a whole it is an enjoyable experience and slots right in with mny other poppy Metalcore releases this year

I rate these 2 records as one, go to "Knochengesänge" for a proper review!

Waldgeflüster return with a very dreamy and pretty outing. This Double Album explores some wonderful themes of grief and wonder. The Pagan Black Metal parts of this record sound fantastic, even if slightly monotone. But the clean moments the atmosphere opens up creating a wonderful soundscape searcing for a rival. On the second half of the double Album, they reimagine the songs from before into a very moody, depressive doom version of themselves. This works great for some songs (e.g. ... read more

My first outing with Adept, and i wasnt too fond of it. Its valid Metalcore, but doesnt do much for me to stand out amongst the strong rest of 2025. Good melodies, fun riffs, but nothing captivated my attention and brought me back after forming my opinion. Still recommending this for Metalcore listeners to form their own opinion!

Avoids newest EP finds me wondering where the Fun of Cult Mentality went. I have been missing all of it in this release. Yes the energy is there, but it somehow seemed to miss me entirely. Apart from some good riffs and a fun cover in the end, there are few things making me go back to this project.

Rise Of The Northstar continue to thrive in their Beatdown Hardcore moments. The Rap, even its very much on brand for them, gets kind off cringey quick. The chorusses arent something to remember either. This album lives through headbanging and good vibes. Therefore i had a good time with it, but its not enough to go into the "great" territory!

Of Mice & Men return with "Another Miracle" and its... nothing new. It feels like they are jsut rehashing their last 2 Albums at this point, but atleast in comparison to "Tether" in this one is atleast one memorable song i will go back to, being "A Waltz".
Good listen for smth on the side, but nothing i will personally return to

I have to agree with the general rating here for this album. Its a well crafted atmospheric black metal albujm with some folk flare. But it sadly doesnt stick as much as it would need to truly become great. If im in the lookout for similar bands that feel like they do the style better for me. Still a valid recommendation!