This year has been another top year in the heavy metal world with an abundance of great releases from bands around the world. With there being so many, it has been hard to choose my top ten, but in the end I got there and these are my picks for this year! They are in no particular order and I have included one or two EP’s as I think they are all very deserving of praise! What do you think of my choices and do you share similar favourites? Let me know!
Myth Carver – “Twist of Fate EP”
Myth Carver were another new discovery for me this year. Initially the song that welcomed me to the band was “King of the Pyre” and I was instantly hooked. Just their style of heavy metal caught my attention. So when I received the EP in my inbox I was super excited. Everything from the huge sounding production, the guitar tones and perhaps even that slight Eternal Champion influence if I dare say. This EP totally hits hard in all the right ways and shows that the band have a bright future ahead of them!
Bandcamp: https://mythcarver.bandcamp.com/
Tower – “Let There Be Dark”
The dark haunting undertones and commanding vocals of Sarabeth are something about Towers “Let There Be Dark” that just got me absolutely hooked and lost in their music. It is one of those records with so many killer tracks, that you will want to listen to it over and over again. Tower are still one of those bands I am yet to see live so fingers crossed they make it to the UK again soon!
Bandcamp: https://towernyc.bandcamp.com/
Trovão – “Diamante”
Brazilian band Trovão were a new discovery for me this year but as soon as my ears fell on their music I was absolutely blown away. Everything from the nostalgic production to the insane guitar work that feels like a firework display throughout is just a spectacle in itself. It is not often that you come across something truly special but I feel that Trovão are one of those bands. I am eager to see these guys live at KIT legions in 2026 if I can make it!
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Trovaoheavy
Seven Sisters –
“Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt.2“
Seven Sisters hail from UK soil, and as a fellow Brit, I’ve seen them live quite a few times now. Their music is pure art. Like a canvas you can get lost in, it’s woven with magnificent musicianship and masterful writing. Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt. 2 is intricate and immersive, a clear display of brilliant ideas seamlessly blended to bring joy to your ears. The epic final track is more than just a closer. It’s a reflection of how truly epic this band are.
Wanted – “Cutting Edge “
Now when I came across Wanted I instantly felt that oldskool attack! Proper 80’s vibes mixing hard rock and heavy metal together to create a delicious blend pleasing the tastebuds. Cutting Edge had so much excellent stuff going on from sizzling guitar work to production that just enhanced the sound overall. A killer album and one I would highly recommend checking out!
Bandcamp: https://wantedbandofficial.bandcamp.com/
Vigil Hunter – “Vigil Hunter”
This album makes my top list for 2025 because it captures the spirit of late 80s and early 90s American heavy metal with sharp production and standout performances. Alexx Panza delivers both first-rate vocals and tight, shreddy guitar work. The songs move between uptempo energy and melodic ballads, drawing on classic influences while staying original. It’s a debut built for longevity, with tracks that will stay in rotation and come alive on stage.
Bandcamp: https://vigilhunter.bandcamp.com/album/vigilhunter
Crucible – “Hail To The Force”
“Hail to The Force” was probably one of the most recent albums I reviewed and as I went through it my speakers started letting off a burning smell and smoke! Well not literally but Crucible made an album where I thought that was going to album. If your looking for a record which goes all out leaving nothing standing in its way then look no further. And if your one of those metalheads that goes nuts in the pit or is the front letting every bit of energy escape from your body “Hail To The Force” is going to satisfy those metal cravings!
Bandcamp: https://crucibledk.bandcamp.com/album/hail-to-the-force
Haunt – “Ignite”
What can I say about Haunt. They have to be one of the hardest working and most passionate bands in the Nwothm realm, pretty much putting out an album each year. And every time they deliver scorching heavy metal that strikes hard and that makes you want more. This album has classic melodies, guitar phrase squeals and silky smooth vocal lines from Trevor that every Haunt fan has come to love. One minute your headbanging to smoking heavy metal and the next your lost in a dream. Excellent album and one of the best since Mind Freeze!
Bandcamp: https://hauntthenation.bandcamp.com/
Starforce – “Beyond The Eternal Night”
Starforce were one of my top discoveries of 2025 and absolutely blew me out of the water. This is one of those bands where the music just blasts right through you leaving your body shaking. The sheer power and intensity felt on each track just put a huge smile on my face and left me thirsty for more. And the vocals from Mely “Wild” Solis – holy cow she has some pipes on her! Everything about this band from their insane talents to the production just creates a totally epic record!
Bandcamp: https://starforcemx.bandcamp.com/
Ambush – “Evil In All Dimension”
Ambush returned gloriously in 2025 with their new album “Evil In All Dimension” and what an absolute belter of an album It is. To me this by far their best material to date with tracks that destroy like the title track “Evil In All Dimension”, the epic “Maskirovka” and the very Judas Priest esque “Bending The Steel.” Not only did I get a sonic assault on my ear canals but I also got to see their epic-ness live for the first time at KIT rising. Brilliant album and brilliant band live!
Bandcamp: https://ambush.bandcamp.com/
The Nwothm 
Leave a comment