Decibel’s Final Five For Friday of 2025

As we approach the end of another year, Decibel brings you the last Five For Friday roundup of 2025. This is your opportunity to refine your end-of-year playlists and embrace the heavy sounds that have defined the year in metal. Here are the standout albums that deserve your attention as 2025 draws to a close.

Blood Red Throne – Siltskin

Blood Red Throne returns with Siltskin, delivering a relentless onslaught of death metal. Known for their no-frills approach, this album is a testament to their years in the game, offering crushing riffs and a grinding sound that will appeal to fans of bands like Grave, Vader, and Bolt Thrower.

Stream: Apple Music

Blut Aus Nord – Ethereal Horizons

The enigmatic Blut Aus Nord has always danced between atmospheric and dissonant black metal. Their latest release, Ethereal Horizons, introduces a third dimension to their sound—one that embraces a psychedelic twist while still drawing from their roots. This album is a bold step forward, blending their signature elements into something fresh and captivating.

Stream: Apple Music

Enthroned – Ashspawn

Belgium’s iconic black metal band Enthroned has returned with Ashspawn, an album that marries their dark legacy with a newfound death metal intensity. The deep, resonant low end enhances their ominous atmosphere, allowing the guitars and vocals to weave their menacing spell.

Stream: Apple Music

Ghoulhouse – Realm of Ghouls

Swedish death metal powerhouse Rogga Johansson is back with his project Ghoulhouse and their latest album, Realm of Ghouls. This release is a quintessential slab of crusty death metal, featuring chainsaw riffs and horror-themed narratives that are sure to please genre aficionados.

Stream: Apple Music

Phobocosm – Gateway

Montreal’s Phobocosm returns with Gateway, a chilling follow-up to their 2023 release, Foreordained. This album immerses listeners in dark, atmospheric soundscapes, with tracks like “Deathless” and “Sempiternal Penance” showcasing their ability to blend riffs, growls, and relentless rhythms into a haunting experience.

Stream: Apple Music

Conclusion

As we close out another year, these five albums represent some of the best contributions to the metal genre in 2025. Whether you’re a fan of death metal, black metal, or something in between, this roundup has something for everyone. So, take a moment to explore these sounds and add them to your end-of-year playlists before the holiday season steals your attention.

FAQs

What is Five For Friday?

Five For Friday is a weekly roundup by Decibel that showcases five albums worth listening to, highlighting new releases in the metal genre.

Where can I stream these albums?

All the featured albums are available for streaming on Apple Music.

Are these albums suitable for all metal fans?

While tastes vary, these selections cover a range of metal subgenres, appealing to various preferences within the metal community.

How often does Decibel publish Five For Friday?

Decibel typically releases a new Five For Friday roundup every week, highlighting fresh music within the metal scene.

Can I find more information about the artists featured?

Yes, more information about each artist and their music can be found on their respective official pages and social media profiles.