{"id":10797,"date":"2026-01-11T01:21:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T06:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/?p=10797"},"modified":"2026-01-13T04:10:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T09:10:40","slug":"top-25-albums-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/?p=10797","title":{"rendered":"Top 25 Albums of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>2025 felt like it started off slow. A few great albums started trickling in but nothing really knocked me off my feet. Yet, those records grew on me and new albums presented themselves throughout the year. Though the real rush seemed to have come right at the end of November\/early December; which would explain why I&#8217;m a bit late in publishing my list this year. I discovered I missed some essential albums that were released in the second half of the year and I still have so much more to catch up on but I am calling it now so I can publish what I&#8217;ve been listening to and appreciating so I can get on with moving into 2026!<br \/>\nWant to keep up with my listening activities throughout the year? Check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/vehemintmojito.bsky.social\">music blog at Bluesky<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So here it is: my top albums of 2025 ALL GENRES, IN ORDER.<\/p>\n<h2>25. Madison Mandrake &#8211; Aeons<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: FREAK FOLK \/ NEOFOLK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/25_madison_mandrake_aeons.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nMadison Mandrake could be considered a Bay Area supergroup with the unique individual talents and contributions of each artist amalgamating to a very original and authentic sound. It\u2019s a mix of freak folk and neofolk with touches of pagan folk here and there. An impeccably detailed and memorable experience.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=3460393873\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/madisonmandrake.bandcamp.com\/album\/aeons\">Aeons by Madison Mandrake<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>24. The Infinity Ring &#8211; Ataraxia<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: DARK ROCK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/24_the_infinity_ring_ataraxia.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nThe Infinity Ring sounds as if Leonard Cohen was hired to do vocals for Swans. No judgement and no shame. Throw just a touch of Godspeed You Black Emperor into that and you have an album that pulls from some of the best modern day rock\/post-rock and dark folk elements.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=3479931799\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/theinfinityring.bandcamp.com\/album\/ataraxia\">Ataraxia by THE INFINITY RING<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>23. Lamp of Murmuur &#8211; The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: BLACK METAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/23_lamp_of_murmuur_dreaming_prince.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nA sprawling epic of a metal album featuring elements of neoclassical, neofolk. Lamp of Murmuur pulls from the likes of Dissection and Dimmu Borgir to map an impressive sonic journey with <i>The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=1915730159\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/lampofmurmuur.bandcamp.com\/album\/the-dreaming-prince-in-ecstasy\">The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy by Lamp Of Murmuur<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>22. Yemen Civil Servant &#8211; Hush Bribes<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: NOISE \/ INDUSTRIAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/22_yemen_civil_servant_hush_bribes.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nWell composed and impeccably textured industrial noise. <\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=1810325011\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/easterneye.bandcamp.com\/album\/hush-bribes\">Hush Bribes by Yemen Civil Servant<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>21. Corpse d\u2019Alsace &#8211; Via Dolorosa<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: NEOFOLK \/ POST-INDUSTRIAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/21_corpse_dalsace_via_dolorosa.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nBeautifully rendered neofolk with tribal and martial influences. Cinematic and expansive in quality.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=209556226\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/corpsedalsace.bandcamp.com\/album\/via-dolorosa\">Via Dolorosa by Corpse d&#39;Alsace<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>20. Plataforma &#8211; Temblor N\u00ba3<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: POST-PUNK \/ INDUSTRIAL \/ NEOFOLK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20_plataforma_templor_n3.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nThis three piece from Barcelona &#8211; which is new to me &#8211; mixes post-punk, neofolk, and industrial in a fantastically great way to create a very unique and memorable style.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2808523000\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/plataforma.bandcamp.com\/album\/temblor-n-3\">Temblor N\u00ba3 by Plataforma<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>19. Temple of Clear Light &#8211; Communion<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: INDUSTRIAL \/ EXPERIMENTAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/19_temple_of_clear_light_communion.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nThis prolific Romanian project takes a break from their more improv ritual sound to siphon compositions more akin to the styles of classic industrial and post-industrial summoning the spirits of such greats as DiJ, SPK, and Coil. A varied record but a standout in this artist\u2019s growing discography and one that is incredibly unique and unforgettable.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=1932141810\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/aloneinthehollowgarden.bandcamp.com\/album\/communion\">Communion by TEMPLE OF CLEAR LIGHT<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>18. Laibach &#8211; Alamut<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: SYMPHONIC ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/18_laibach_alamut.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nI had a few things on my bingo card for this year but Laibach releasing an orchestral work of epic proportions wasn\u2019t one of them. Yet here is Alamut; an incredible journey performed by the Slovenia Symphony Orchestra containing elements of Laibach\u2019s token stylistic calling cards: industrial, folk, and symphonic heaviness. Perfektion.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=3016733172\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/laibach.bandcamp.com\/album\/alamut\">Alamut by Laibach<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>18. Minuit Machine &#8211; Queendom<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: DARKWAVE \/ COLDWAVE ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/17_minuit_machine_queendom.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nPreviously a duo, Minuit Machine has been whittled down to a solo project but you\u2019d never know with their latest effort Queendom; a heavy slab of coldwave with moments that flirt with pop and industrial.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=738744291\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/minuitmachine.bandcamp.com\/album\/queendom\">QUEENDOM by Minuit Machine<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>16. Philip Glass \/ Iwo Jedynecki &#8211; Etudes, Book I<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: CONTEMPORARY \/ MINIMALIST ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/16_pglass_ijedynecki_edutesVol1.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nIf the gesture of the \u201cswell\u201d was an album Etudes, Book 1 would be it. It\u2019s a work &#8211; as performed by accordionist Iwo Jedynecki &#8211; that undulates like a restless ocean. Seemingly going in one direction, while strangely going other ways as well. Exceptional. <\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2615295330\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/philipglass.bandcamp.com\/album\/philip-glass-etudes-book-1\">Philip Glass: Etudes, Book 1 by Philip Glass, Iwo Jedynecki<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>15. A.F.I. &#8211; Silver Bleeds the Black Sun<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: POST-PUNK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15_afi_silver_bleeds_the_black_sun.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nI\u2019ve never really listened to A.F.I. in the past but when I heard they went \u201cneofolk\u201d I had to hear it. It\u2019s true that there are 2 neofolk songs on Silver Bleeds the Black Sun but mostly it\u2019s an excellent post-punk\/goth record with stellar performances and a compositional style that clicks together with great effectiveness. I\u2019m a firm believer in letting artists re-invent themselves especially when it\u2019s for the better and in that A.F.I. has succeeded quite tactfully. <\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TFSTLGL3zI0?si=Xly3kAm21V5amrgu\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>14. Nyx Division &#8211; Midnight Lights<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: POST-PUNK \/ DEATH ROCK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/14_nyx_division_midnight_lights.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nGoth post-punk that perfectly encapsulates that classic foggy midnight 80s sound.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=309322850\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/nyxdivision.bandcamp.com\/album\/midnight-lights-2\">Midnight Lights by Nyx Division<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>13. Empusae feat. Deutsch Nepal &#038; Lamia Vox &#8211; Empusae\u2019s Dystopian Partycollection<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: POST-INDUSTRIAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/13_empusaes_dystopian_party_collection.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nDeutsch Nepal\u2019s post-industrial tunes put through the dark martial industrial treatment from Empusae and Lamia Vox. A haunting and contemplative existential journey of hypnotic and cinematic proportions.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=4041509179\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/deutschnepal.bandcamp.com\/album\/empusaes-dystopian-partycollection\">Empusae&#39;s Dystopian Partycollection by Empusae feat Lamia Vox and Deutsch Nepal<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>12. Morwan &#8211; Vse po kolu, znovu<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: POST-PUNK \/ COLDWAVE ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/12_morwan_vse_po_kolu_znovu.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nMorwan tempers their tribal post-punk sound here and it results in a much more focused work than their previous efforts.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2366914662\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/morwan.bandcamp.com\/album\/vse-po-kolu-znovu\">Vse po kolu, znovu by Morwan<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>11. Amphisbaena &#8211; Rift<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: BLACKENED DEATH METAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/11_amphisbaena_rift.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\n<i>Rift<\/i> is a metal album but it\u2019s so much more than that. An impressive and underrated offering of coiled song structures, layered tones, and a labyrinthine atmosphere from this Vancouver based blackened death metal band.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2699902771\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/amphisbaena.bandcamp.com\/album\/rift\">Rift by Amphisbaena<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>10. Faetooth &#8211; Labrynthine<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: STONER DOOM \/ ALTERNATIVE ROCK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/10_faetooth_labyrinthine.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nThis \u201cFaerie doom\u201d trio are back, sounding like a doomier\/heavier Deftones if they had a woman for a lead singer. Great mix of stoner rock and 90s alternative influences with some great vocal performances and effects.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2239340294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/faetooth.bandcamp.com\/album\/labyrinthine\">Labyrinthine by Faetooth<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>9. Rome &#8211; Civitas Solis<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: NEOFOLK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/09_rome_civitas_solis.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nOne of THREE full albums Jerome Reuter released under the Rome banner this year. <i>Civitas Solis<\/i> could be seen as following the main storyline of the project expanding his \u201cneofolk stadium rock\u201d sound. And it\u2019s an album that just keeps on giving. Memorable, epic, somber folk with a neoclassical backdrop of percussion and understated orchestral elements are a go-to formula that doesn\u2019t fail the project. Keep it coming.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EHaPiNz61Ks?si=0m0f4d-5H4vLPjqi\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>8. Sopraterra &#8211; Seven Dances to Embrace the Hollow<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: CONTEMPORARY \/ DUNGEON SYNTH ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/08_sopratera_seven_dances_to_embrace_the_hollow.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nA cinematic journey through a uniquely stylized world existing somewhere between a medieval realm and a contemporary classical film school. Add a small dosage of experimental noise and you have what might be the most original and refreshing album listed here.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2702384499\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/praesenseditionen.bandcamp.com\/album\/seven-dances-to-embrace-the-hollow\">Seven Dances To Embrace The Hollow by Sopraterra<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>7. Anna Von Hauswolff &#8211; Iconoclast<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: POP \/ CONTEMPORARY ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/07_anna_von_hausswolff_iconoclasts.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nA soaring triumph mixing contemporary melodies with unforgettable vocal performances. Iconoclast is a pop record at its core but one that adeptly obscures the most garish aspects of the genre through unique instrumentation, orchestration, and lush atmospheres. <\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2011515646\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/annavonhausswolff.bandcamp.com\/album\/iconoclasts\">ICONOCLASTS by Anna von Hausswolff<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>6. Steve Von Til &#8211; Alone In a World of Wounds<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: DARK FOLK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/06_steve_von_til_alone_in_a_world_of_wounds.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nThe master of dark folk returns with one of his best albums yet. Guitar layers converge with subtle percussion and even synthesized elements weaving into the carefully constructed compositions. Pure melancholic beauty.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=99627234\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/stevevontill.bandcamp.com\/album\/alone-in-a-world-of-wounds\">Alone in a World of Wounds by Steve Von Till<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>5. Ars Goatia &#8211; Agitators of Hysteria<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: BLACK METAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/05_ars_goatia_agitators_of_hysteria.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nArs Goatia has crafted an incredibly dynamic album ranging from blackened death metal to belligerent black metal. With a vocalist that successfully covers screaming, clean singing, and everything in between and songs that range from blast beats to slower almost-industrial ambient neoclassical compositions; Agitators of Hysteria is one of the best albums of the year.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=46456804\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/arsgoatia.bandcamp.com\/album\/agitators-of-hysteria\">Agitators Of Hysteria by ArsGoatia<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>4. Rien Virgule &#8211; Berceuses des Deux Mondes<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: SYNTH-POP \/ CHANSON ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/04_rien_virgule_berceuses_des_deux_mondes.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nDark cocktail music and synth pop collide with tinges of industrial on this landmark album. Perfect night driving music and a sound so mysterious and exotic but at the same time accessible and memorable.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2334433114\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/lesdisquesdupermafrost.bandcamp.com\/album\/berceuses-des-deux-mondes\">Berceuses des deux mondes by Rien Virgule<\/a><\/iframe>d<\/p>\n<h2>3. Desolation Colony &#8211; Impossibility of a Barren World<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: INDUSTRIAL ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/03_desolation_colony_impossibility.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nMinimal, pulsating, threatening industrial\/power electronics from this up-and-comer artist. The master craft of texture, layering, pacing and restraint truly sets this record apart.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=992194757\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/aufnahmeundwiedergabe.bandcamp.com\/album\/the-impossibility-of-haunting-a-barren-world\">The Impossibility Of Haunting a Barren World by Desolation Colony<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>2. Frederikke Hoffmeier (Puce Mary) &#8211; The Girl with the Needle OST <\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: MINIMALIST ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/02_frederikke_hoffmeier_the_girl_with_the_needle.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\nAn original soundtrack from noise artist Puce Mary made for a very well done but also depressing film. The thing that hits really different with this soundtrack is that when I watched the film I didn\u2019t notice it too much. Perhaps because the film is very intense. But when listening to the soundtrack only, it stands on its own as a piece of music much more effectively than so many other soundtracks do. Subtle, delicate, yet has that deep creep that only Puce Mary can seem to siphon so well.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=845091703\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/puce-mary.bandcamp.com\/album\/the-girl-with-the-needle\">The Girl With The Needle by Frederikke Hoffmeier (Puce Mary)<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>1. Chimehours &#8211; Underneath the Earth<\/h2>\n<h3>[ FILE UNDER: NEOFOLK ]<\/h3>\n<p><center><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01_chimehours_underneath_the_earth.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><\/center><br \/>\n<i>Underneath The Earth<\/i> sends shivers down my spine on every listen. An incredible album of folk horror influenced neofolk with subtle elements of post-industrial and trad folk as well as a very high level of production. The solid song structures carry an atmosphere matched only by the album\u2019s memorable moments and beautifully rendered instrumentation and performances. A truly timeless atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2076390688\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/coldspring.bandcamp.com\/album\/underneath-the-earth-csr355cd-lp\">Underneath the Earth (CSR355CD\/LP) by Chimehours<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h1>TOP 10 LIVE PERFORMANCES 2025<\/h1>\n<h2>10. Clew of Theseus @ Slab Fest V &#8211; Manchester, NH<\/h2>\n<h2>9. Hope &#038; Failure @ Azoth &#8211; Portland, Oregon<\/h2>\n<h2>8. Byssus @ Azoth &#8211; Portland, Oregon<\/h2>\n<h2>7. Crooked Mouth @ Wave Gotik Treffen &#8211; Leipzig, Germany<\/h2>\n<h2>6. Incirrina @ Wave Gotik Treffen &#8211; Leipzig, Germany<\/h2>\n<h2>5. New Model Army @ Wave Gotik Treffen &#8211; Leipzig, Germany<\/h2>\n<h2>4. Beherit @ The Hawthorne Theater &#8211; Portland, OR<\/h2>\n<h2>3. Kiss the Anus of a Black Cat @ Wave Gotik Treffen &#8211; Leipzig, Germany<\/h2>\n<h2>2. In Gowan Ring @ Wave Gotik Treffen &#8211; Leipzig, Germany<\/h2>\n<h2>1. Mayhem @ Temple Theater &#8211; Tacoma, WA<\/h2>\n<p>Made it this far? Here&#8217;s my listening habits from the various platforms I use to listen to music:<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lastFM_2025.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/plex_2025.jpg\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2025 felt like it started off slow. A few great albums started trickling in but nothing really knocked me off my feet. Yet, those records grew on me and new albums presented themselves throughout the year. Though the real rush seemed to have come right at the end of November\/early December; which would explain why I&#8217;m a bit late in publishing my list this year. I discovered I missed some essential albums that were released in the second half of the year and I still have so much more to &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[206,3,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-of","category-headline","category-webzine"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10797"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10797\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10843,"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10797\/revisions\/10843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/existest.org\/ee_v3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}