New Album Releases: September 28th to October 4th, 2025
New Releases 9/28/25 – 10/4/25
Hooded Menace – *Lachrymose Monuments Of Obscuration*
Label: Season of Mist | Genre: Death Metal + Doom Metal | Origin: Finland
Hooded Menace returns with their seventh studio album, building on the foundations laid by their previous effort, *The Trinotus Bell*. This album encapsulates the essence of heavy metal, with themes of swords, hoods, and demons, creating a captivating auditory experience.
– Colin Dempsey
Unsouling – *Outward Streams of Devotional Woe*
Label: I, Voidhanger Records | Genre: Avant-garde Black Metal | Origin: United States (Minneapolis, MN)
The sophomore album from Unsouling is a masterful blend of black metal, gothic, and dark wave influences. It evokes a sense of warmth and comfort while exploring themes of loss and grief, akin to wandering through a gothic cathedral in mourning.
– Kevin Zecchel
Smohalla – *Ruina Draconis*
Label: I, Voidhanger Records | Genre: Avant-garde Black Metal | Origin: France
Marking their first full-length since 2011, *Ruina Draconis* features Camille Giraudeau from Dodheimsgard. This album offers an otherworldly black metal experience, shifting between diverse ideas and tempos, reminiscent of Ved Buens Ende and Fleurety.
– Kevin Zecchel
Agriculture – *The Spiritual Sound*
Label: The Flenser | Genre: Black Metal | Origin: United States (Los Angeles, CA)
Agriculture’s latest offering is a dynamic mix of black metal infused with shoegaze, drone, noise rock, and folk influences. *The Spiritual Sound* stands out for its energetic exploration of various stylistic elements, ensuring a refreshing take on the genre.
– Spencer Grady
Cratophane – *Exode*
Label: I, Voidhanger Records | Genre: Post-Metal + Progressive Metal | Origin: France
Inspired by psychedelic sci-fi, *Exode* is a fully instrumental journey filled with dissonant passages and cosmic themes. The album offers a glimpse into an alien dimension, drawing comparisons to post-metal giants like Pelican.
– Kevin Zecchel
Wode – *Uncrossing the Keys*
Label: 20 Buck Spin | Genre: Black Metal | Origin: United Kingdom (Manchester)
Wode’s fourth album presents a fierce blend of black metal with elements of NWOBHM and post-punk. *Uncrossing the Keys* invites listeners to immerse themselves in a wild riff-driven experience that is both invigorating and audibly rewarding.
– Alex Chan
Suffering Hour – *Impelling Rebirth*
Label: Profound Lore Records | Genre: Avant-garde Black Metal + Death Metal | Origin: United States (Minnesota, MN)
With *Impelling Rebirth*, Suffering Hour delivers a powerful EP that doesn’t hold back. The lead single “Revelation of Mortality” showcases the band’s ability to combine dissonant guitars with relentless percussion, culminating in a thrilling listening experience.
– Alex Chan
Lucerne Hammer – *Vermilion Pyre*
Label: Independent | Genre: Black Metal | Origin: Canada (Sudbury, Ontario)
Despite the early release, *Vermilion Pyre* builds on Lucerne Hammer’s lo-fi black metal roots. The album taps into the primal intensity of the genre with raw production and melodic riffs, marking a significant step in their evolving sound.
– Colin Dempsey
Umulamahri – *Learning the Secrets of Acid*
Label: Ordovician Records | Genre: Death Metal | Origin: United States
Featuring a lineup of accomplished musicians, Umulamahri’s latest album is described as death metal for the esoteric. With a unique approach that hints at literary influences, it promises a thought-provoking experience for listeners.
– Colin Dempsey
Othaliël – *Drilhius Fustus*
Label: Independent | Genre: Avant-garde Black Metal | Origin: France
This release, part of Asthâghul’s prolific year, combines ambient soundscapes with black metal elements. *Drilhius Fustus* presents an adventurous sonic journey, inviting listeners into a spiritual and experimental atmosphere.
– Alex Chan
Conclusion
The week of September 28th to October 4th, 2025, is filled with exciting new releases across various subgenres of metal. From the heavy riffs of Hooded Menace to the avant-garde explorations of Unsouling and Othaliël, there’s something for every metal enthusiast. These diverse offerings highlight the ever-evolving landscape of metal music, ensuring that listeners have plenty to look forward to in the coming days.
FAQs
What should I expect from Hooded Menace’s new album?
Hooded Menace’s *Lachrymose Monuments Of Obscuration* promises a blend of death and doom metal, continuing their tradition of dark themes and heavy instrumentation.
Are there any notable collaborations on these albums?
Yes, Smohalla features Camille Giraudeau from Dodheimsgard, and Umulamahri includes members from Baring Teeth and Benighted, showcasing a mix of talent across the albums.
Which album is recommended for fans of avant-garde metal?
For fans of avant-garde metal, both Unsouling’s *Outward Streams of Devotional Woe* and Cratophane’s *Exode* offer unique and experimental listening experiences that push the boundaries of the genre.
When will these albums be available for purchase?
Most of these albums are expected to be available on shelves and distros on Fridays, aligning with typical North American release schedules.
