My favourite records of 2025
- Eddy
- il y a 7 jours
- 14 min de lecture
Dernière mise à jour : il y a 6 jours
Now a tradition on my blog, and for the fourth edition, I bring you my review of my favorite albums from 2025. As in previous years, I have chosen not to rank them, but to list them in alphabetical order, as I am not a big fan of ranking them in order of preference. I find it very subjective because each work is distinct and evokes different emotions in me.
This is a selection of full albums, not EPs or live recordings but only studio albums! Around 50 albums were pre-selected, with 14 ultimately making the cut.
Agropelter – The Book Of Hours
Source : BandCamp
-Musical genre : Instrumental Progressive Rock
-Country : Sweden
-Record company : The Laser's Edge
-Release date : July 25th
-For fans of : Rock progressif des années 70/7O's Prog Rock, Lars Fredrik Frøislie, Kazarus
Agropelter is the project of multi-instrumentalist Kay Olsen. He is the mastermind behind this project, which he describes as symphonic progressive rock. The Book Of Hours is both orchestral and epic with its unique and transcendent atmosphere, but also boasts striking virtuosity. He has drawn on the best of his inspirations, ranging from baroque/classical music (Bach, Beethoven) to the greats of progressive rock (Genesis, Camel, King Crimson, Eloy). The result is a rich and complete work with a diverse palette of colors and emotions for a great musical moment. The keyboards are prominently featured, including organ, piano, Mellotron, and harpsichord. Like any good album of its kind, it features grandiose crescendos typical of the prog scene. A masterpiece orchestrated by Norwegian maestro Kay Olsen that every fan of the genre should listen to!
Listening suggestions :
Levitator
The Book Of Hours : Pt I-II-III-IV
Babe Rainbow – Slipper Imp And Shakaerator
Source : baberainbow.com
-Musical genre : Neo-Psychedelia
-Country : Australia
-Record company : (p)doom records
-Release date : April 4th
-Web : https://baberainbow.com/
-For fans of : King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, The Lazy Eyes, Tame Impala
Babe Rainbow is an Australian neo-psychedelic quartet from Byron Bay that formed in 2014. Their sound is influenced by 60s/70s British psychedelic rock bands such as The Beatles, The Kinks, Pink Floyd (Syd Barrett era) and The Zombies. But also by the Australian neo-psychedelia wave: KG&TLW, The Lazy Eyes, Tame Impala... Their musical universe is very relaxed and chill, allowing for relaxation throughout the recording thanks to the peaceful and loving environment. They were taken under the wing of King Gizzard; all their albums were produced by Stu Mackenzie, and they have also opened for their compatriots' shows. Slipper is a trippy work that quickly transports us away from everyday life thanks to its feel-good atmosphere that is uncomplicated but always high quality. All the tracks are colorful and take us on a journey into a wonderful dream. Embark on a joyfully buzzing hippie/surf trip on the rainbow for an unforgettable, hypnotic experience!
Listening suggestions :
LONG LIVE THE WILDERNESS
Like cleopatra
When the milk flows
Aquarium Cowgirl
Castle Rat – The Bestiary
Source : BandCamp
-Musical genre : Medieval Fantasy Heavy/Doom Metal
-Country : USA
-Record company : Blues Funeral Recordings/King Volume
-Release date : September 19th
-For fans of : NWOBHM, 80's heavy metal, doom
Castle Rat is a “medieval fantasy heavy metal” band, which is how the musicians describe their musical identity. Like a breath of fresh air on the heavy psych scene, this band mainly blends heavy metal and doom. Add a touch of “medieval fantasy” to the image and staging with costumes and unicorns from this epic fantasy, and you have Castle Rat. In 2024, the New Yorkers won over a large audience with the release of their first album, Into The Realm. Their atypical style and sound identity hit the mark, and the quality of the recording was much talked about. A little less than a year and a half later, the follow-up, The Bestiary, was released, and to be honest, my expectations were quite high after the enthusiasm for the first album. As soon as the first singles were released, my optimism about the quality of the album grew. When I first listened to the album, I was very satisfied because it was definitely a worthy successor to Into The Realm. The compositions are effective, The Rat Queen's voice is as enigmatic and enchanting as ever, and the other musicians sound even better! There are still as many heavy metal influences and perhaps slightly less doom than in the previous work, but the result is still fiercely epic. Also noteworthy are several acoustic passages (medieval folk) that are similar to the sound of the band Blackmore's Night.
Listening suggestions :
WIZARD
SIREN
SUN SONG
Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power
Source : deafheavenuk.com
-Musical genre : Blackgaze
-Country : USA
-Record label : Roadrunner
-Release date : March 28th
-For Fans Of : Agriculture, Wolves In The Throne Room
I only knew Deafheaven by name and reputation, but it was with their new album that I became familiar with the musical style of the San Francisco-based quintet. Post-black metal, or more precisely blackgaze, is the label that best describes the sound of this band. It's post-metal with elements of black metal such as guttural vocals and blast beats. Add to that a touch of shoegaze thanks to the more melodic sounds and dreamlike atmosphere. The album is quite consistent, lasting a little over an hour, and the tracks play with emotions and, above all, intensity. The vocals are destructive; it's a well-oiled outlet that feels great! The quieter passages calm the storm, and the balance with the aggression is perfectly calibrated. One of my favorite extreme metal albums of the year. Perfect for listening to in the middle of a snowstorm!
Listening suggestions :
Doberman
Amethyst
Body Behavior
Dominic Sanderson – Blazing Revelations
Source : BandCamp
-Musical Genre :Progressive Rock
-Country : England
-Record label : Records DK
-Release date : February 28th
-For fans of : 70's prog rock
There are albums that immediately generate enthusiasm, and Blazing Revelations had that effect on my eardrums. The 25-year-old Englishman had already attracted attention with his first album, Impermanence, released in 2023, which charmed the progressive rock press. The musician's influences include legendary artists and bands such as Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd, Van der Graaf Generator, King Crimson, and Caravan. What quickly won me over was the quality of the writing and the mind-blowing groove of this opus. The musicians are brilliant: each one is in their place and contributes to the whole, resulting in a highly cohesive and complete final product. The production quality is also worth noting, as the sound is exceptional and each instrument is showcased with surprising technical prowess. All the ingredients for a successful progressive rock album are there: the flute creates a spellbinding atmosphere, the Hammond and Mellotron keyboards and a warm saxophone. The icing on the cake is that Dominic is a very good guitarist, equally at ease with electric and acoustic guitars. He also sings, and I really like his voice and the emotions he manages to convey, especially in the narrative parts. The drumming is top-notch: the rolls and speed behind the toms are magnificent, and the arrangements are incredible. On the menu: four compositions for 45 minutes that go by far too quickly! The English prodigy has no reason to be ashamed in front of the bands that inspired him, because the unique setting he manages to create on a record is fascinating. A raw talent that deserves a long and successful career! Proof once again that most of the best progressive rock musicians are English...
Listening suggestions :
From The Weeping Cradle
Faithless Folly
Lullaby For A Broken Dream
Dunes – Land Of The Blind
Source : BandCamp
I discovered this album quite by chance while surfing the web, as I often do, and I was instantly hooked on their musical universe. It's fairly accessible stoner/desert rock with clear vocals, fuzz-laden guitar and a bluesy touch in the riffs.
I really appreciated the quiet power of the drums, which also play an important role in the quality of the songs, a raw and effective energy. The compositions are catchy because the melodic side has been clearly refined, making them appealing and airy to listen to. The backing vocals, which are often present on the album, particularly on the track “Cactus,” reinforce the dune-like and desert-like aspects that are well represented. In terms of influences, what quickly comes to mind are bands from the 90s stoner scene such as Kyuss and Lowrider. They have built a solid reputation on stage by touring with Truckfighters and Monster Magnet, as well as thanks to a performance at the prestigious DesertFest in London in 2022.
I am part of the team of contributors to the DoomCharts website, and I ranked this album #1 for January releases. To my surprise, I wasn't the only one, as Land Of The Blind climbed to the top spot in the January 2025 rankings! You can also read a few lines I wrote :
Listening suggestions :
Cactus
One Eyed Dog
Riding The Low
Fields Of Grey
Gros Coeur – Vague Scélérate
Source : jauneorange.be
-Musical genre : Colorful Psychedelic Rock
-Country : Belgium
-Record label : Jaune Orange
-Release date : November 21th
-For fans of : The Lazy Eyes, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Altin Gün, Naxatras
Gros Coeur is a quartet that was formed in Liège in 2022. The music offered by our four merry men is psychedelic rock, or more precisely neo-psychedelia, for purists! To this psychedelic base are added elements of krautrock and percussion instruments such as congas and bongos, which give an exotic flavor to the whole work. Add to that psychedelic keyboards and a guitar that is sometimes rock, sometimes Middle Eastern, and you have Vague Scélérate! To stand out even more, the musicians decided to use French for the vocals, which makes the concept even richer. The strength of the musicians lies in the quality of their songwriting: wherever the quartet takes us, it is always to entertaining and comforting landscapes.They juggle different energies and atmospheres: from very chill to slightly dirtier riffs, via frenzied rhythms in a setting of burning sand! It's hard not to mention the Australian band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, one of the big influences of the band, which can be felt but without ever plagiarizing them. I've written a full review that you can find on this blog!
Listening suggestions :
La Vague
Lentement
Montréal
Khan – That Fair And Warlike Form//Return To Dust
Source : BandCamp
-Musical Genre : Heavy Psychedelic Stoner
-Country : Australia
-Record label : Full Contact Safari Records
-Release date : October 1st
-For fans of : Elder, King Buffalo, All Them Witches
Khan is a trio from Melbourne whose sound blends several heavy and atmospheric genres: heavy psych, stoner, progressive rock, post-metal, and sludge. Their universe is a cinematic mix that is both heavy and deeply emotional, with long, evolving structures. The vocals are captivating, the guitar riffs are hypnotic, and the rhythm section is groovy as hell. The compositions are rich in varied emotions: melancholy, desolation, and introspective depth. But their music is far from depressing, because with the energy of the guitar and the power of the melodies, the melancholic side takes up just the right amount of space. I discovered Khan with their previous album, Creatures, which was my personal favourite of 2023. I really like the richness of the textures and emotions, the originality of the compositions and the introspective side that I find in each piece. The album is divided into two fairly substantial tracks: That Fair And Warlike Form (23:11) and Return To Dust (22:53). The risk of composing such long songs is that the listener can easily get lost and bored, but Khan has avoided this pitfall. Their sound is captivating and the emotional palette through which the listener travels is varied. It takes us into often misty territories, but where the sun is never far away...
Listening suggestions :
The whole record!
Les Dunes – From Etne To The Edge Of Space
Source : Bandcamp
-Musical genre : Instrumental Post-Rock
-Country : Norway
-Record label : Kapitän Platte
-Release date : September 5th
-For fans of : Explosions In The Sky, God Is An Astronaut
I am a big fan of instrumental post-rock because I like the fact that there is room for imagination due to the absence of vocals, which leaves more space for the listener to drift away. I discovered Les Dunes with their second album, From Etne To The Edge Of Space, and it was love at first listen.
The Norwegians' sound is instrumental post-rock, soft and delicate, offering a real auditory experience. The guitar is soothing but can become a little more energetic at times. The bass rumbles like a powerful engine. The mood is cinematic from the first to the last track, with a unique atmosphere that runs throughout the recording. Through these songs, the band takes us through a range of emotions: nostalgia, melancholy, and even joy! Successfully conveying emotions through music is a wonderful thing, especially when it's done as well as it is here, because every time I listen to it, I'm amazed. Amazed by the fact that this album is so well written and flows like a quiet river. A record of poetic beauty that is incredibly effective and perfect for disconnecting from everyday life and letting go. My instrumental album of the year!
Listening suggestions :
Pax
Lost Signal From Utsira
Den Hopsack
Vangen
Messa – The Spin
Source : BandCamp
-Musical genre : Doom/Gothic Rock/Cold Wave
-Country : Italy
-Record label : Metal Blade Records
-Release date : April 11th
-For fans of : Windhand, Subrosa, Castle Rat, Blood Ceremony, Gaupa
Messa, which means “mass” in Italian, is a band from Veneto, in northeastern Italy.Broadly speaking, the band's style is doom, but with this fourth album, it evolves with the fusion of other genres such as gothic rock, cold wave, and even jazz! Indeed, on the track “The Dress,” there is a trumpet, and it's grandiose because the addition of the instrument is simply brilliant. One of the highlights of the album is Sara Bianchin's voice. Her tone is melodious and charismatic, and it fits perfectly with the other musicians' performances. I'm pretty picky when it comes to vocals, but I was immediately hooked. The guitar handles both the cold wave side and the slightly heavier riffs and solos equally well. Alberto Piccolo is a talented guitarist who deserves to be known.Both dark and energetic, the compositions have a truly masterful gothic touch, a real breath of fresh air!The band, which is already enjoying success, opened for Paradise Lost on their European tour in October/November, which has expanded their fan base.
Listening suggestions :
Void Meridian
At Races
The Dress
Reveal
Naxatras – V
Source : BandCamp
-Musical genre : Psychedelic Rock/Space Rock
-Country : Greece
-Label record : Self production
-Release date : February 25
-For fans of : King Buffalo, Earthless, Altin Gün, Causa Sui
V by Naxatras? How can I put it? It's not complicated, even ten months after its release, it's still the album of the year for me. It has everything I could want: an exceptional groove, an organic fusion of genres, and mind-blowing production quality. The fusion of styles is masterfully executed: psychedelic rock, space rock, progressive rock, and elements of “ethnic” music are blended together on this record. The Greek band, originally from Thessaloniki, released this fifth album, which was a revelation to me. Whether on streaming platforms or the magnificent vinyl version I own, the sound of this recording exceeds all expectations. The arrangements, the balance of the instruments, the backing vocals, and the studio work... all these elements are sublimated for the pleasure of the ears. The guitar solos are worthy of a guitar hero, and, with the addition of electronic elements, add a truly trippy spatial dimension to the whole work. The warm and enveloping melodies, which blend Greek, Turkish, and Egyptian influences, make the journey even more exotic. As for the vocals, they are mesmerizing and resonate like a guru guiding us on a most intriguing initiatory journey! I've written a full review on my blog for those who are curious!
Listening suggestions :
Celestial Gaze
Spacekeeper
Numenia
Sand Halo
Population II – Maintenant Jamais
Source : BandCamp
-Musical genre : Psychedelic Rock
-Country : Québec, Canada
-Record label : BonSound
-Release date : March 28
-For fans of : unique musical eperiences
Population II is a trio from Montreal consisting of Pierre-Luc Graton on vocals and drums, Tristan Lacombe on guitar and keyboards, and Sébastien Provençal on bass. The band's name is both a nod to Randy Holden's cult album and a reference to the oldest, most metal-poor stars. I discovered this band in 2020 with their first album, A La O Terre, released on the Caste Face label by John Dwyer, founder of Oh Sees. The band's sound is a wild mix of psychedelic rock, krautrock, and space rock with elements of progressive rock, funk, and jazz. But their music is unclassifiable and their sound is absolutely unique. Their second album, Electrons libres du Québec (2023), is one of my favorite Quebec albums of all genres. The full review is available on this blog.Maintenant Jamais is another step forward in Population II's sonic exploration; it's unlike anything they've released before. It's still as heavy and groovy as its predecessors and features absolutely divine explosive crescendos. But it offers other, more refined sounds, more keyboards, and a generous dose of wild fuzz, sometimes bordering on stoner rock. I loved all these elements, which make the album quite complex. This opus is the most ambitious and polished in the Montreal band's catalog. The chemistry between these three friends can be felt in every composition, and the magic never runs out of steam. I've had the chance to see the musicians three times on stage: at Le Pantoum in 2023, at Le Kaleïdoscope in 2024, and as the opening act for Slift in Belgium a year ago.That's where the full power of their sound comes to life: the trio is electrifying and gets the crowd moving! I highly recommend going to see them. I'll be in Quebec City on March 7 at Grizzly Fuzz for an evening that I'm really looking forward to.
Listening suggestions :
Prévisions
Mariano (Jamais je ne t'oublierai)
La Trippance
i+i
Le thé est prêt
La Cache
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – Carpe Diem, Moonman
Source : BandCamp
-Musical genre : Psychedelic Rock
-Country : Australia
-Record label : What Reality?/Marathon Artists
-Release date : May 15
-For fans of : Australian rock psychedelic
Australia is a prolific breeding ground for modern psychedelic rock, also known as “neo-psychedelia.” KG&TLW, Tame Impala, Babe Rainbow, Pond, Beans, The Lazy Eyes...the country is overflowing with raw talents. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, from Perth on the west coast, is one of them. Active since 2014, the band has released gems such as High Visceral (Part I & II) and And Now For The Whatchamacallit, which are their first three albums. Their more recent work has evolved towards other equally entertaining and sophisticated territories. In 2025, the Australians released two albums: Carpe Diem, Moonman and Pogo Rodeo. It was the first one that got me hooked on the melodies, right from the first listen. The band's musical signature is rich and varied: psychedelic rock tinged with punk, garage rock, grunge, progressive rock, and stoner. What I love about their sound is the energy and tone of their guitar riffs. They are fuzzed-out riffs with a devastating intensity that only PPC can achieve. The effects chosen on the pedal to achieve this intense and edgy sound are surprisingly judicious. One of the calmer moments is the very relaxing “As the Hummingbird Hovers,” which adds a touch of softness to the middle of the album. But there's also the last track, “Concrete & Cola,” which is a most enjoyable chill ballad. The project has been led from the ground up by Jack McEwan, who sings and writes most of the songs. I like his vocal performances, and his style reminds me of Alex Turner, the lead singer of Arctic Monkeys. Jack has a slightly British style in his singing, but that's just my humble opinion!The melodies are extremely well crafted, the compositions furiously original, and it's a supercharged album perfect for difficult times!
Listening suggestions :
Another Reincarnation
March On For Pax Romana
As The Hummingbird Hovers
Incubator (V2000)
Concrete & Cola
Steven Wilson – The Overview
Source : stevenwilsonhq.com
-Musical genre : Progressive Rock/Space rock
-Country : England
-Record label : Fiction
-Release date : March 14
-Web : https://stevenwilsonhq.com/
-For fans of : English Prog Rock and Space Rock
Steven Wilson is the master of modern progressive rock. The 58-year-old Englishman has nothing left to prove, such is the brilliance of his immense talent. This multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, sound engineer, and songwriter is a leading figure on the progressive scene. He is known as the leader of Porcupine Tree, but today I'm going to focus on the eighth album of his solo career. The Overview is a concept album about the “overview effect,” which is a cognitive and emotional shock experienced by some astronauts when observing Earth from space. It consists of two pieces: Objective Outlive Us (23:17) and The Overview (18:27), which are divided into six and four distinct tracks respectively. Unlike the two previous recordings, where Wilson experimented with a more electronic sound, The Overview is very much a progressive rock album. It is modern, with cosmic elements that create a trippy and intriguing atmosphere. Wilson's style is very much present: catchy melodies, rich sound textures, and lyrics that often deal with technology. The British artist has worked hard in his quest for absolute auditory perfection; the production and sound quality of this little gem, even in its digital version, are mind-blowing. He didn't surround himself with beginners to record his project, and I invite you to check out the list of musicians to get an idea. For me, the highlights are the quality of the writing, Wilson's incredibly pleasant voice, the celestial crescendos, and the musicians' performances. I hope you'll embark on this captivating concept.
Listening suggestions :
Objects Outlive Us : Objects : Meanwhile
Objects Outlive Us : Cosmic Sons Of Toil
Objects Outlive Us : No Ghost On The Moor/ Heat Death Of The Universe
The Overview : A Beautiful Infinity/Borrowed Atoms
The Overview : Infinity Measured in Moments
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