New Releases for October 19th to 25th, 2025
New Releases 10/19/25 – 10/25/25
Bonginator – Retrodeath
Label: Testimony Records | Genre: Death Metal | Origin: Boston, MA, United States
On their latest release, Retrodeath, Bonginator continues to embrace their signature blend of absurdity and brutality. This album expands their sound while maintaining the over-the-top death metal ethos that fans have come to love. Echoes of Cannibal Corpse resonate throughout, accompanied by hardcore breakdowns and an unexpected infusion of 80s synth elements, making for a unique listening experience.
– Colin Dempsey
Old Year – No Dissent
Label: Apocalyptic Witchcraft | Genre: Sludge Metal + Doom Metal | Origin: Boise, ID, United States
Old Year’s debut EP, No Dissent, serves as a sonic reflection of a world unraveling. With a singular focus on existential despair, the standout track “Mechanical Birth” encapsulates the EP’s essence, offering relentless, slow-paced drones punctuated by distorted guitars, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a dystopian reality.
– Nic Huber
Runemagick – Cycle of the Dying Sun (Dawn of Ashen Realms)
Label: Hammerheart Records | Genre: Death Metal + Doom Metal | Origin: Ljungskile, Sweden
Veterans of the death-doom scene, Runemagick return with Cycle of the Dying Sun, a continuation of their expertise in crafting heavy, cavernous soundscapes. This album features mid-tempo riffs and deeply resonant vocals, appealing to fans seeking an immersive experience steeped in darkness and heaviness.
– Kevin Zecchel
Nadja – cut
Label: Broken Spine Productions | Genre: Drone + Ambient + Doom Metal | Origin: Berlin, Germany
The latest effort from Nadja, titled cut, showcases their unique ability to merge various genres, including slowcore and shoegaze. This album flows seamlessly through different soundscapes, inviting listeners to engage deeply with its evolving textures and deliberate pacing.
– Colin Dempsey
Conjurer – Unself
Label: Nuclear Blast | Genre: Sludge Metal + Post-Metal | Origin: Rugby, England, United Kingdom
With their third album Unself, Conjurer delves into personal narratives, reflecting on transformation and identity following significant life changes for vocalist Dani Nightingale. This release promises a cathartic journey through nine powerful tracks, blending heavy instrumentation with emotional depth.
– Nic Huber
Maladie – Symptoms V
Label: Apostasy Records | Genre: Avant-garde Black Metal | Origin: Ludwigshafen, Germany
On Symptoms V, Maladie reinforces their reputation for unsettling and challenging music. Their self-coined “plague metal” style is evident as they push the boundaries of avant-garde black metal, creating an experience that feels like a fever dream, fraught with tension and dissonance.
– Kevin Zecchel
Drofnosura – Ritual of Split Tongues
Label: Transcending Obscurity | Genre: Sludge Metal | Origin: Toronto, ON, Canada
Drofnosura’s sophomore album, Ritual of Split Tongues, defies easy categorization. This release juxtaposes dissonant soundscapes with moments of post-rock introspection. The album demands careful listening and reflection, revealing its complexities over multiple listens.
– Colin Dempsey
Soulfly – Chama
Label: Nuclear Blast | Genre: Groove Metal | Origin: Phoenix, AZ, United States
Max Cavalera and his band Soulfly return with Chama, an album that pays homage to Brazilian culture and showcases the band’s tribal influences. Produced by Zyon Cavalera and Arthur Rizk, this album features notable guest appearances and delivers some of the band’s strongest grooves to date.
– Nic Huber
Conclusion
The week of October 19th to 25th, 2025, brings an exciting array of new releases across various subgenres of metal. From the absurdity of Bonginator’s Retrodeath to the introspective and transformative soundscapes of Conjurer’s Unself, listeners can look forward to a diverse range of auditory experiences that push the boundaries of metal music.
FAQs
What genres are represented in this week’s new releases?
This week features a variety of genres, including death metal, sludge metal, doom metal, ambient, drone, and avant-garde black metal.
Which albums are highly anticipated from this release week?
Albums by Bonginator, Conjurer, and Soulfly are generating significant buzz due to their established backgrounds and unique approaches to metal.
Where can I find these albums?
Most of these albums will be available on shelves or through distribution channels on Fridays, following the release dates.
Are there any notable collaborations on these albums?
Yes, Soulfly’s Chama features guest performances from notable musicians, enhancing the album’s tribal and groove elements.
