Blog Post // 2026-02-07

My Top 5 Heavy Albums of 2025

I am reflecting on this year from a personal standpoint and feeling melancholy. I guess the way to describe it would be that I am thankful for the positive people in my life, I am trying to enjoy the moments I can, I am being careful not to participate in things that aren't good for me. I am being mindful not to take things for granted! Life and moments are fleeting. We can get lost in the hustle, negativity, and pressure. And in the moments I feel sorry for myself because of things I am/have going/gone through, I am reminded of people who are struggling that much more, and how insignificant it can all be. For instance, I coordinate and work at the food bank, and as I left for the holiday and was nostalgic for Christmases when I was young and was missing people that are no longer with us, a woman came into my workplace with frozen and cracked hands looking for Band-Aids. She told me that at least this time of year, the food she could find in dumpsters was frozen. And I knew this woman had such a history of trauma. She didn't have support, she wasn't safe. She is living on the streets. It lit a fire inside me to help this woman, and also served as a strong reminder of the blessings I have. A warm house, people who support me, and food to eat. Memories of loved ones from the past. I am blessed!

From a musical standpoint, this year had some highlights, such as seeing Be'lakor live and getting tickets to take my son to see Megadeth 2026!  Seeing my son really take to guitar this year and even having the guts to get up in front of a local crowd of 70 people and share his passion solo, to when he gave me a bass for Christmas & is planning to teach me how to play so I can play along with him on guitar! I think I should have been a bass player all along!

Some real negatives such as when Ozzy Osbourne died after the final Black Sabbath performances, seeing many bands support him, and making it through all of his performances! The deaths of Paul from Iron Maiden, and Brent from Mastodon.

Some mixed events for me, such as Dave Mustaine announcing their last album. I think it is great he knows when to quit, even if it caught me offguard. The oddity of Mikko from Swallow the Sun performing for My Dying Bride in the place of Aaron?! Seeing the song on Demon Hunters album called Ouroboros was a wtf moments. It just feels like it is the fallback thing these days. Countless bands utilize this imagery!

I really enjoyed spending time listening to the music from this yearI! I listened to many many many albums, and I am sure I missed some. The albums I have chosen for my top 10 stood out in one way or another.

Top 5 Albums of 2025:

Here they are: (drum roll...)

5) La Dispute- No one Was Driving The Car

This album is emotion at its purest! I don't know how so many words can have so much meaning, but every word is so necessary. It is an obvious talent, the music layout, the lyrics, and the craft of the vocal. Not just anyone can do this. It takes a special group of people! If you haven't heard them, check them out! The cover art with pieces all fitting together makes sense as this album feels like memories and experiences, creating a larger story.

4) Sacrifice- Volume 6

My fellow Canadians, coming back strong after so many years! I don't know how they managed to sound mature and yet relevant right now. Variety was brought to this album, with instrumental sections and interest. This album has a great pace for me! The cover art makes sense to me, with the 2 colours, and seriously looking king on his lonely throne.

3) We Lost the Sea- One Single Flower

The lack of words didn't deter me from loving this album! It made me wonder if it sinks in deeper because I am not focusing on lyrics. This atmosphere relaxes me and helps release pent-up negative energy. Why is the bird falling with the single flower on the cover art?I need to know! I like it and the simplicity of it.

2) Harakiri for the Sky - Scorched Earth

The right mixture of melodic to harsh. The forward pace. The theme of loss and regret. These are things that I look for in music. I get the perfect mix here. And there are always moments of lyrical genius in Harikiri albums. This album didn't disappoint. The pain is real and it's palpable. I am glad these guys are using their talents to give people a cathartic piece of work.

1) In Mourning- The Immortal

  I can get lost in In Mourning albums! I was anxious about this one with the lineup change, but I am happy. My soul got the songs right away. They were stuck in my head after a few listens. I like the mixture of drawn-out melancholy guitars, death riffs, strong lead guitar lines, singing, growls, progressive elements, and I could go on. They have great variety! And the lyrics soak down into the core of the hard parts of me.

You can find my full Top 10 at https://www.everysongsucks.com/podcast/best-and-worst-of-heavy-music-2025

May this year bring you good things!