NOVELISTS - CODA
95

This was one of my most-listened albums of 2025. The riffs are exceptional, the vocals are great, the drums are solid... so much talent in this band. Great atmosphere in some of these tracks too.

In a world where more metalcore bands are doing the played-out "0-0-0-0" breakdowns, it's nice to see a band actually write some cool, memorable riffs.

Holding Absence - Reflection
92

Not as good as the first single, but so far I'm excited for this album. Pretty relatable song and catchy too.

Holding Absence - Whisper of A Dream
98

So good, wtf. This band is crack.

The lyrics and style of this song are great. Also don't know if this was intentional, but I get Porter Robinson vibes from the electronic elements and I love it.

Story of the Year - A.R.S.O.N.
93

I'm lowkey shocked by the low reviews here, but to each their own. I really like this album! Once it starts, it doesn't really take the foot off the gas. I really didn't like the Jacoby Shaddix feature, almost ruins the song, but other than that, I don't really see many glaring issues with the album like others are. I feel like pop punk always sounds a bit generic, that's part of the appeal. Plus it has just the right amount of heavier, post-hardcore elements.

Holding Absence - The Noble Art of Self Destruction
97

I've been sleeping on these guys. This album is so good, I've had it on repeat and keep coming back to it.

I'm impressed with how much sound comes from 3 guys, it seriously sounds like you're standing in a foggy room and they're performing right in front of you. Such a good post-hardcore sound with an almost retro aspect to it.

Songs like False Dawn, Honey Moon, and Angel in the Marble are god-tier, holy shit. Really moving stuff, both lyrically and instrumentally.

Northlane - Obsidian
85

As someone who loves electronic music and metalcore, I feel like this is one of the best albums that combines both genres almost flawlessly. I love, love, love the cyberpunk-y, trance elements on this album, they really nailed that aspect, it sounds so cool to me.

The vocals are pretty good for the most part, but it's honestly the "metalcore" aspects that leave a little to be desired imo. The guitars are tuned super low and kind of get lost in the mix a lot of the time and you ... read more

VIOLENT VIRA - Lover of a Ghost
88

This album impressed me from a first listen. It's got a good, grunge-y vibe. It all feels very raw and appreciate that, it really sells the darker, emo atmosphere. I expected the vocals to be good, but the instrumentals are on par as well. Really solid debut.

Sleep Theory - Afterglow
70

I feel like this album is the definition of a 7/10. It's solid enough, especially for a debut album, but doesn't really have that "wow" factor. I'm not sure if it's supposed to paying homage to early 2000's radio rock, but that's the vibe I get from listening to this. Whether that's a good thing or not is up to interpretation and personal preference obviously. Me, I have a little bit of a soft spot for that.

I will say, there are some bangers on ... read more

sace6 - brutalist
20

The "Sleep-Tokening" of the metal/pop scene needs to stop. Sleep Token is already awful and this like diet Sleep Token. The warbly autotuned vocals paired with this gross, overly-crunchy guitar tone sounds so abrasive. It also sounds like there is like a high-pass filter over everything. I didn't know it was possible to make something more unlistenable than Sleep Token.

underscores - U
87

Really creative and fun. This was the first underscores album I listened to and it's great!

DON BROCO - Nightmare Tripping
92

This album goes hard, so far it's one of my favorites of the year. I love the dynamic between the two vocalists and the darker sound they went for on the album without losing their signature creativity and weirdness. A lot of cool riffs, unexpected electronic elements and catchy choruses. The only song I'm kinda "eh" on is Swimming Pools, but other than that track, everything here sounds pretty cool to me.

Porter Robinson - Nurture
95

Absolutely incredible album. One of my favorite electronic albums ever.

Porter is the master of mixing beautiful melodies with danceable EDM bangers. It's emotional, though-provoking and deep. A lot of creative and unique sound design to boot.

NERO - Between II Worlds
77

Different direction for them, but the vibes are still there. I'd argue they're even more prominent here.

It's hard not to picture driving around a dark rainy city at night. It's dripping dark ambience and cyperpunk sounds. I feel like they try more creative things with this album and I think they succeeded in telling an interesting story this time around.

Porter Robinson - Worlds
91

Absolutely gorgeous album. Really takes you places, it's emotional, it's magical, and is chock full of interesting ideas and sounds. An iconic album that will have you soaring above the clouds. Still fresh as ever even ten years later.

Porter Robinson - SMILE! :D
80

Porter effortlessly transitions from EDM to electropop. Beautiful vocals, impeccable production, and fun melodies are present throughout. There are some somber moments sprinkled in as well that help illustrate both the pros and cons of nostalgia. Super catchy stuff, honestly wish there were a few more songs

Ghost - Meliora
89

This is Ghost really started to find their footing. It's dark, brooding and still somehow insanely catchy. This was my gateway into their music and haven't stopped listening since. Retro-occult sound, foreboding Satanic theming, and killer riffs solidified this as a staple in the metal world.

Ghost - Prequelle
95

A haunting experience teeming with dark atmosphere.

This album draws you in immediately and doesn't let go. The dystopic, plague-inspired heavier songs are juxtaposed perfectly with the lighter ballad songs. It all works so well. It's dramatic, theatrical music with an otherworldly yet cohesive sound. It really transports you to the middle ages at times which is wild.

Ghost - IMPERA
92

This is Ghost gold.

The only thing holding this album back is the short interludes and the divisiveness of Twenties. This album is a journey though and has some truly spectacular songs. Kaisarion is a bombastic, hard-hitting opener that twists and turns multiple times during it's runtime and sets the stage for an occult experience. Respite on the Spitalfields might be one of the best songs they've written and a perfect closer. Other standouts are Spillways, Call Me Little Sunshine, ... read more

Ghost - Skeletá
82

Not their best, but still good. Competent songwriting as per usual with some new experiments thrown into the mix. It's a very 80's arena rock album and whether you like that depends on the person. I like most of what's here, but I do feel like it's missing a bit of that unique Ghost flair. The instrumentation is top-notch though, so many beautiful melodies and moments to experience.

I love the additions like the spooky 80's synths in Lachryma, the choral portion in ... read more

Bring Me The Horizon - That's The Spirit
75

There are lot of good tracks on this album (Doomed, Happy Song, Drown, Follow You) but there are also some that take more time to grow on you (Throne, Run, Blasphemy). Overall, this album has a more mellow feel to it, I feel like it could've had a bit more grit at times. Far from bad, just lacks a little depth and variation.

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