Today, we celebrate the amazing black metal albums you might have missed in 2025.
Honestly speaking, overall, 2025 amounted to a pretty bleak year for black metal. Yet, within the darkest hours, the brightest lights shine. For example, hopefully, a good portion of readers had the chance to experience the heartfelt In Devastation by the blackened supergroup Sinsaenum. The Pantera icon Phil Anselmo also released a blackened scorcher — Scour’s Gold.
READ MORE: 12 Classic Black Metal Albums Turning 30 in 2025
Remarkable Releases of 2025
It would be nearly impossible to select just one 2025 offering by the revered Renaissance man Maxime Taccardi. Thus, we recommend all three: Kyūketsuki’s Nightmare Detective and Oni, plus Osculum Serpentis’ The Streams of Sorrow.
Little compares to the charm of Nachash’s Eschaton Magicks — a terribly authentic mixture of black, death, doom, and thrash metal. Nachash includes sonic sorcerers from the likes of Knokkelklang, Syning, and the disbanded legends Celestial Bloodshed. From Celestial Bloodshed co-founder Wraath and Italy’s Omega, Darvaza’s We Are Him equates to another must-hear. Meanwhile, Darvaza’s friends Funeral Harvest paid tribute to Celestial Bloodshed on a killer EP, Malum in Se. Fír’s Het Sinistere Oog is likewise a standout EP.
In addition, make sure to enjoy the superb Naglet til Livet by Jordsjuk, who boast a Norwegian dream-team lineup; this ridiculously talented emerging band deserves to be a household name in the metal community. More worthy efforts were unveiled by artists such as Teitanblood and Nattverd. Although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, some listeners really enjoyed Lamp of Murmuur’s The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy.
Among the biggest disappointments of 2025 was the fact that one of the most stunning highlights, Funeral’s The Funereal EP, didn’t receive the attention it deserved. It may not be black metal in the literal sense, but it is blacker than black, thanks to the genius of composer Anders Eek, formerly of the symphonic titans Odium.
Looking Ahead: 2026
Fortunately, 2026 already seems like a great year for dark music. The self-titled debut by the underground black metal supergroup Diabolus, Mecum Semperterne!, composed by Tor-Helge Skei, is simply unsurpassed — a work that makes basically all else look like child’s play. As is the case with Diabolus, I have come to the conclusion that Skei’s two genre-defying masterpieces that will follow this year are among the best releases I’ve heard.
Top Picks of 2025
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Enthroned, Ashspawn
Enthroned frontman Nornagest displays exceptional versatility and a horrifying level of vocal excellence on the sublime Ashspawn, while Menthor gives a splendid performance on drums and percussion, and T. Kaos (whom Nornagest had long wanted on his roster) brings his prowess on guitars and bass.
During the long and grueling process of composing Ashspawn, this trio of perfectionists labored from morning until night. Nornagest also painstakingly worked with fellow occult writer Gilles de Laval on the lyrical concept, directing a dizzying amount of thought into the album.
The distinguished scholar, author, and visual artist José Gabriel Alegría Sabogal (known for his collaborations with the likes of Whoredom Rife) handled the artwork, and Mr. Nornagest contributed a piece himself.
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Enevelde, Pandemonium
Although 100 cassette copies of Enevelde’s Pandemonium were sold in 2024, the rightly revered and feared label Terratur Possessions counts April 8, 2025, as its true release date. On Pandemonium, Enevelde, the enigmatic one-man entity of Brage Kråbøl (also of Misotheist; Diabolus, Mecum Semperterne!; and the family supergroup Kråbøl), yet again inspires awe with his songwriting, musicianship, and fiery vocals.
This hypnotic album is infuriatingly magnificent and demands more gushing praise than feels humanly comfortable. Kråbøl, in my opinion, is the youngest worthy of being called a torchbearer of the genre.
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Ritualmord, This Is Not Lifelover
To say that the Lifelover and Hypothermia legend Kim Carlsson never disappoints is an understatement. Ritualmord’s This Is Not Lifelover administers a shot of truth so potent that it’s dangerous; this triumph cuts painfully deep but ultimately proves transformative, even healing.
The news of This Is Not Lifelover arrived in time for the glorious and tasteful 20th anniversary festivities for the disbanded yet beloved Lifelover. Fans owe their gratitude to Carlsson for his divine vocals, lyrics, and musicianship, as well as to 1853 for additional lyrics and vocals.
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Mütiilation, Pandemonium of Egregores
After many journalists had retired their pens for the year, France’s venerable Mütiilation unleashed the brutally awesome surprise Pandemonium of Egregores online on Christmas and officially released on December 26. Mütiilation must remain active, as proven by their previous efforts, reminding audiences of the genre’s true meaning.
While the modern world presents us with a “theatre of puppets for the plebeian to fear,” remember to stay coldly cynical and listen to Mütiilation.
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Sarkom, Exceed In2 Chaos
Sarkom’s varied Exceed In2 Chaos provides a refreshing burst of kaleidoscopic color and originality without sacrificing any blackness. Composed entirely by outstanding frontman Erik Unsgaard, the exhilarating Exceed In2 Chaos features Galaaen on guitars and Dominator on drums.
Sarkom has been producing First-Class Norwegian Black Metal since 2004, and their full-length follow-up to Anti-Cosmic Art showcases the band’s continued excellence.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges faced by the black metal scene in 2025, several remarkable albums emerged, showcasing the resilience and creativity of artists within the genre. From the emotionally impactful works of Ritualmord to the uncompromising nature of Mütiilation, the year proved that even in the darkest times, the spirit of black metal burns bright.
FAQs
What are some notable black metal albums from 2025?
Some notable albums include Enthroned’s Ashspawn, Enevelde’s Pandemonium, and Mütiilation’s Pandemonium of Egregores.
Who are the key players in the black metal scene of 2025?
Key players include Maxime Taccardi, Phil Anselmo, and notable bands like Sinsaenum, Sarkom, and Ritualmord.
What can we expect from the black metal scene in 2026?
Early indications suggest that 2026 will feature exciting releases, including the debut from the underground supergroup Diabolus, which is anticipated to make waves in the genre.
