Friends of The Bad Penny Share Their Top 10 Lists of 2025 Best Albums
The Bad Penny is rolling out its favorite albums of 2025 in five installments this year, with the first and second batches having already dropped. While the other three will plop down imminently, we’re smashing the self-indulgence and monotony by inviting some of our favorite industry folks to share their own top 10s with us and, by extension, you.
To warn off any complaints about corruption, misdealing or the coveted line in the sand between journalists and press folks, we laid down a strict ground rule: PR reps were not allowed to include any of their clients, past or present, on their lists.
We’re delighted by the picks that the participants received, as they run the genre gamut and include many albums of which The Bad Penny wasn’t even aware. Especially striking is that, among the combined 160 titles chosen by the … let’s dust off the old calculator here … 16 contributors, a tiny fraction appear on more than one list: Pixel Grip, Deafheaven, Clipse and Primitive Man. And each of those titles are only listed twice.
Thanks oodles to Tim Anderl of Sweet Cheetah PR, Caroline Borolla of Clarion Call Media, Brendan Bourke of The Syn, Dave Clifford of US/THEM Group, George Corona III of Terrorbird Media, Bruno Dorella and Stefania Pedretti of OvO, Brandon Gallagher of Trace Amount, Eddie Gobbo of Something Is Waiting, Austin Griswold of Secret Service Publicity, McKeever and Gosteffects of Heavy Halo, Curran Reynolds of Body Stuff (and The Chain), Michel Rowland of UTM Music Group, Justin Sinkovich of Solid Brass Records, Dan Volohov of Discipline PR, James Woodard of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy and Will Yarbrough of Season of Mist – not only for taking the time and care to craft such thoughtful top 10s and share them, but helping this website triple its UVs this year over last – and provide critical support to yours truly over the course of a 28-year career as a music journalist, rock critic and soon-to-be-lobotomized AI automaton.
Without further ado, here are the lists of the top 10 albums released in 2025 that some of The Bad Penny‘s favorite publicists and musicians graciously shared with us.
Tim Anderl of Sweet Cheetah PR:
1. Alien Boy – You Wanna Fade?
Portland’s Alien Boy is a band that combines ’90s alt-rock, shoegaze and indie pop in a completely endearing and ambitious way. If you’re looking for unforgettable melodies, earworm hooks, and earnest lyricism, this is a band that delivers in spades. This topped my shortlist early in the year and there wasn’t a lot that even came close to making me question its number one spot to be honest.
2. Acceptance – Phantoms/Twenty
Acceptance release a reimagined version of their 2005 debut album, Phantoms, to mark its 20th anniversary, and it features collaborations with various artists, including Stephen Christian (Anberlin), Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low), John O’Callaghan (The Maine) Derek DisCanio (State Champs) and a bunch of others. This album was flawless upon its original release and reviving it with these collaborations offers a fresh and captivating new listen.
3. Public Enemy – Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025
I nearly missed this one as it seemed to arrive quietly with little fanfare, which seems to be a trend in modern hip-hop album releases. Why anticipate and wait when you can just find out and wile out I guess. The real power behind Public Enemy has long been the control the group employs while delivering a message with gravity, and after 16 albums, PE are still masterful and surgical in this approach. I guess the short story is that the group is every bit as locked-in and important now as they were in the ’80s. And if anyone wants to challenge their status as the greatest hip-hop group of all time, I’ll gladly fight and die on that hill.
4. The Starting Line – Eternal Youth
The Starting Line’s Based On A True Story and Directions are sophisticated albums by a band that could have easily stayed in its pop-punk swim lane, following in the footsteps of Blink-182 and delivering little more than dick jokes for 20+ years. In fact, that probably would have been the more lucrative choice. Instead the band reemerges after 18 years with another heavy-hitter that is raw, honest, and endearing. This is a band that knows how to make a comeback.
5. The Raging Nathans – Room for One More
Dayton, Ohio’s most relentless DIY punk band returns with its sixth album, and it brings to mind a lot of really great bands and labels from Lookout! and Fat Wreck, to Bad Religion and Propagandhi. Although this album is probably more aggressive than would normally resonate with me (at almost 50-years-old), what doesn’t miss me is that it is solid, anthemic, and delivers on raw energy and hooks. This a band that is at the top of its game and delivering a masterclass in modern, underground punk. It’s no surprise they’re touring with bands like Dead Kennedys and members of Bad Brains.
6. Flycatcher – Wrench
This album is my first introduction to New Jersey indie rock band Flycatcher The Will Yip produced LP combines the warmth of modern emo and punk with the folkiness of Americana maybe. It’s almost like the perfect marriage between bands like Balance and Composure and The Replacements. This is a big, gritty, ballsy album that tugs right at the heartstrings.
7. Jay Som – Belong
I have to be honest, Melina Duterte’s music has been on my radar for a while, but it maybe wasn’t until the collaboration with Jim Adkins here on “Float,” which is so friggin’ good by the way, that I really stopped to offer my full attention. What I find here is an ambitious record that retains the charm of a bedroom-born indie rock album, while also uncovering an artist that is becoming sure-footed in more mature production and arrangement. So while the single may have landed Duterte on my shortlist, their hard work is what kept them here.
8. Lorde – Virgin
Lorde is another shared favorite of my son and I. Lorde’s fourth album is far superior to 2021’s Solar Power, in my opinion, which was a little too whimsical (or stoned) maybe? Virgin is far more revelatory, and has more in common with 2017’s incredible Melodrama. This album offers heartbreak, exploration, and a new version of the artist that is at once creative and confident in masculine/feminine/gender defying ways, which I think is part of the point. Lorde might just be the Madonna/David Bowie of the current generation. We’ll have to wait and see.
9. Knox – Going, Going, Gone
Nashville-by-way-of-New Carlisle-Ohio songwriter, and former Ohio University Bobcat, Knox has found two huge fans in my household between my son and I. His Ed Sheeran meets All American Rejects approach is poppy enough to appeal to my son’s sensibilities, and just edgy enough for me to accept into regular rotation. We saw him perform twice this year, two sold-out Ohio shows, and both left huge smiles on my son’s face. That’s more than enough to land him on my top ten list.
10. Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy
What can be said about Bob Mould that hasn’t already been said a billion times? He’s GOATed, as my nine-year-old would say. And this, his 15th solo record is certainly another long feather in his cap. It delivers on Mould’s signature fuzzed out, hooky, alt-rock guitar heroics. I am a bit worried that the announcement of the Sugar reunion will overshadow the brilliance of this effort, but I’m also confident this is one people will return to sooner than later.
Caroline Borolla of Clarion Call Media:
1. The Beths – Straight Line Was a Lie
2. Sextile – Yes, Please
3. Nation of Language – Dance Called Memory
4. Friendship – Caveman Wakes Up
5. Horsegirl – Phonetics On and On
6. Deafheaven – Lonely People with Power
7. Lamborghini Girls – Who Let the Dogs Out
8. Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory – s/t
9. Model/Actriz – Pirouette
10. Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
Brendan Bourke of The Syn:
Stereolab has long been my favorite band from my era. I was delighted when they came back to tour starting in 2019 but never expected them to actually release a new album. Instant Holograms on Metal Film is not just a return but one of their best.
To that end, my list features two additional longtime favorites, including Pulp’s first new album in well over two decades. I traveled to Rotherham, England, in December 2003 for what was potentially going to be Pulp’s final-ever show. I am glad it was not.
And Comet Gain I have loved since working with them on their sophomore album way back in 1997. They are the only band I’ve ever tour managed. A quick run of dates out of CMJ, hitting DC, Richmond, Raleigh, Atlanta and back.
Sorry and Water From Your Eyes are two of my favorite pandemic/post-pandemic bands. WFYE was the last band I saw before the shutdown. And somehow the first band I saw on the other side.
Every Cate Le Bon album has made my Top 10 of the year [in which it was released]. Dan Bejar continues to make magic. Dan’s Boogie is one of his finest. Anna B Savage’s “Donegal” led me to finally going to Donegal. Anna von Hausswolf’s ICONOCLASTS is distinctive and otherworldly. While Eli Minus’ DîA gets the party started.
1. Stereolab – Instant Holograms on Metal Film
2. Comet Gain – Letters to Ordinary Outsiders
3. Sorry – COSPLAY
4. Destroyer – Dan’s Boogie
5. Pulp – More.
6. Water From Your Eyes – It’s a Beautiful Place
7. Ela Minus – DÍA
8. Anna B Savage – You & i are Earth
9. Cate Le Bon – Michelangelo Dying
10. Anna von Hausswolff – Iconoclasts
Dave Clifford of US/THEM Group:
1. The Hives – The Hives Forever Forever The Hives
Strangely, I never realized how much we needed more of The Hives after they’d fallen silent for a few years. Their humor, their perfect synthesis of punk-rock fun and pop hooks (from riffs to catchy lyrics to intricate sonic details) and abundant talent is on display here, a more accessible companion to their equally excellent 2024 comeback album, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons.
2. Motorbike – Kick It Over
Sometimes the best musical innovations are when a band creates something that sounds like you’d wish a band from the past would’ve sounded. To wit: Motorbike create a gritty, heavy lug-nut punk-metal that bests Johnny Moped and every proto-punk act with one foot knee deep in ’70s hard rock.
3. Fugitive Bubble – What Will Happen If We Stop?
Fast, frenetic punk rock with an arty edge, but never cookie-cutter structures. At times it’s like if The Rezillos were a Gravity Records band.
4. Kriegshög – Love & Revenge
What if Motörhead played Discharge? This tight, raging Japanese band brings the fury with perfect tone.
5. 7 Seconds – Change In My Head
The ’80s posi-core band’s divisive album New Wind gets a completely new mix by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara, and 40 years later it gets a raw, driving revivification.
6. Press Club – To All the Ones That I Love
This Aussie quartet has been blasting out hook-laden anthems sounding like the Divinyls playing Descendents with Johnny Marr on guitar. One of those rare bands where every member’s contributions are essential. Natalie Foster’s powerful voice absolutely shreds, backed by an aggressive rhythm section and the expressive, inventive guitar work of producer/engineer/guitarist Greg Rietwyk.
7. Bartees Strange – Horror
His previous album, Farm to Table, was a treasure of schizoid underground genre-mashing. So it makes an odd sort of sense how this album explores so-called “dad rock,” yacht rock, trip-hop, lo-fi blues and more in a similar fashion. The Fleetwood Mac-esque “Sober” is a perfect earworm.
8. Castle Rat – The Bestiary
Remember when heavy metal was a niche for archaic neo-classical harmony wed to comic book fantasy aesthetics? Castle Rat do, and they are here to make heavy metal fun again.
9. Die Spitz – Something to Consume
I’d seen them live, in which they often switch instruments and singers, but that didn’t prepare me for the wildly diverse bonk on the head of this album. They shuffle through punk-metal, thrash, shoegaze, garage rock, pop and more throughout these 11 songs like a chaotic doomscroll of modern music, and they do it very well.
10. Spiritual Cramp – Rude
While it’s disappointing that this band seems hellbent on homogenizing their sound and tempos, there are still several catchy songs here, showcasing Mike Bingham’s signature goofy/confessional lyrics and the band’s taut hooks.
George Corona III of Terrorbird Media:
1. The Blue Prince (video game)
Nothing quite consumed me (and my wife, and even our kid a little bit) like The Blue Prince did earlier this year. A master puzzle game with a constantly unraveling mansion where you find deeper clues and more extensive puzzles that absolutely requires a notepad. I usually detest the rougelite genre as I really dislike having “to do the same thing over and over,” but permanent unlocks and meticulous notes can help unlock the perfect run and when it finally happens… it’s sublime.
2. Weapons (film)
It has been a good while since I saw a movie more than once on the big screen, and when one of the repeat screenings was a last minute decision that landed me in the never comfortable front row, I knew the love was real. Abstract, shocking, debatable, scary, fun, it’s so many things.It’s a calling card about what happens when we continue to push Gen Alpha to the brink.
3. Nation of Language – Dance Called Memory
The Brooklyn electronic pop outfit is 4 for 4 with albums as far as I’m concerned, and there hasn’t been anything in heavier rotation for me all year. It’s also produced, mixed, and recorded by Holy Ghost! member Nick Millhiser (who I’ve missed dearly), and it gives this new batch of songs a sheen that works perfectly.
4. Nick Leon – A Tropical Entropy
Absolute electronic music magic from the Miami DJ and producer. Compared to past releases, there’s some restraint shown here this go around but the music is all the better for it. It’s more sensual and the dancefloor tracks have depth; you can feel the heat from those Florida horizon lines where it came from.
5. Silent Hill f (video game)
The best survival horror series of all time has come back in a big way these last couple years, and f is another definitive entry. With a female protagonist, it does not shy away from some very complex themes about gender, sexuality, body image, and parental abuse, but then again, the series always “went there” when others wouldn’t. The Washington Post sang its praises and so should everyone else.
6. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach OST and Original Score
A perfect marriage of a complex & no-holds-barred narrative, amazing performances from real actors like Norman Reedus and Elle Fanning, addictive gameplay that rewards curiosity and creativity, and an incredible mix of music with both Ludvig Forsell’s score and original music from Woodkid and an incredible title track from Caroline Polachek.
7. Various Artists – Kompakt Total 25
Look I’m going to level with you. Shit is really heavy and dark right now for a lot of people. When I listen to the latest collection of dancefloor-centric tracks from the venerable German dance label, all of that goes away for a short amount of time. From mainstays like Reinhard Voigt and Robag Wruhme still creating techno gems to 90ASES’s “Call Coco” pre-dating the album’s release and becoming a 2025 summer anthem, let Kompakt 25 take you on an escape, at least for a little while.
8. Shelby Oaks (film)
A bit of an underrated horror gem that wears its influences on its sleeve but you know what? That’s okay. Taking influence from The Blair Witch Project, Silent Hill 2, and Hereditary, Shelby Oaks is a mixed media feature film that goes all in on the atmosphere and dread of its world instead of mind-numbing jump scares, and the result is a horror film by and for the YouTube age that I think will be looked back on fondly by those who missed it the first go around.
9. GRDN. – particles, coarse
This one takes you to the outskirts of the edge of electronic music, and it’s best just to sit back and let it happen. It’s diverse in its styles but excels with each one, from the engulfing ambient landscapes to tracks that are more on the more upbeat and rhythmic side. Throughout the whole album though, it’s tactile as hell – you can almost feel the crunch and the textures. So in that respect, it’s quite a well-named album.
10. Obeka – A World No More
An absolutely blistering debut album that pulls from Obkea’s own background of Afrofuturism, Dancehall, Afro-Tech, and Dub, but with a distinct political bent that makes this album feel very much of the moment. These bass-heavy tracks will push your system to the brink with decaying sonic structures about protest in today’s world, colonialism, etc. Welcome to 2025.
Bruno Dorella and Stefania Pedretti of OvO:
1. aya – Hexed!
The music we want to listen to now
2. FKA twigs – Eusexua Afterglow
If this is pop, give us pop. “Drums of Death” is the song of the year.
3. Lord Spikeheart – Reign EP
There you go, The Lord is back!
4. Naresh Ran – Praesens
Our brother in Rituals.
5. Aidan Baker – You Still Fall In
Our brother in Dreams.
6. Big || Brave -OST
Best rock band around.
7. Lino Capra Vaccina & Mai Mai Mai – I racconti di Aretusa
Southern Magik.
8. Bernocchi Merzbow Cavalera – Nocturnal Rainforest
Worship the masters.
9. Tzii and Hilal Can – hayalet kırıkları
Contamination is the secret of art.
10. Miriam – Sing a Beast
A touching story for a touching album. We let you the pleasure to discover it.
Brandon Gallagher of Trace Amount:
1. Shady Nasty – Trek
Sometimes you just need a bunch of sad blokes to make a perfect indie record. I just wanna be caredbrah. No skips.
2. Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
Wasn’t sure how a Pusha x Pharrell collab would fare in 2025, but it’s truly an instant classic. Constant repetition in the gym, commuting to work, whenever. Ultimate mood lifter. Fuck Drake.
3. Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power
Admittedly I’m not the biggest Deafheaven fan, but I think this record is a really strong blend of all their strengths. Love tracks like The Garden Route and the Incidentals that dip into the more experimental side.
4. Yard – Yard II
I wish this was an LP, but these 5 songs alone have been some of the most inspired and creative “industrial” tracks I’ve heard in a minute. It’s punk, it’s electronic, it’s sort of nu-metal? Idk but it fucking rules all the way through.
5. Primitive Man – Observance
The heavy hitters come back with literally the heaviest album of all time. The production is crisp, but it’s just littered with absolute dread. Ethan is a fucking tone god, so it’s cool to hear a lot of that come through with a brilliant mix.
6. Sanguisugabogg – Hideous Aftermath
Straight up brought me back to my late 2000’s “deathcore” inspired “death metal” days… Job For A Cowboy 2.0 – no frills just straight forward myspace death metal. Great gym album.
7. Model/Actriz – Pirouette
One of the most unique current bands IMO. The textures, the tones, and the mix is all just so good. So many good hooks and nods to going out for a night in Bushwick.
8. ho99o9 – Tomorrow We Escape
Their progression has been truly awesome to watch and this album embodies everything that Ho99o9 is all about. Awesome guest features, and some of the choruses on this album are so fucking catchy.
9. GDP & Fatboi Sharif – Endocrine
Two New Jersey legends from different eras teaming up to create a super unique, but instant classic hip hop album.
10. Author & Punisher – Nocturnal Birding
Another solid release from the GOAT of actual “industrial” metal. As a massive A Life Once Lost fan, I love the incorporation of Doug’s guitar playing as well.
Eddie Gobbo of Something Is Waiting:
1. Deadguy – Near Death Travel-Services
An arising. #1 on a lot of lists and this list will be no different. Perfect for a Spirit Airline flight/Dollar Rent-A-Car ride back to back.
2. Biohazard – Divided We Fall
THIS is Hardcore.The best live band in the world right now. Beast of a comeback with lyrics that make sense now more than ever. Just feels right.
3. Today Is the Day – Never Give In
Traditonal TITD almost with a PJ Harvey singer songwriting alt-twist. Works perfectly.
4. Rwake – The Return of Magik
SCARY record. A Long EP from one of the best live bands on Earth. Unfolds like a miniacal sermon. Band has never sounded better.
5. Bronson Arm – Casket Schwagg
Catchy bruiser Encino Man Era noise rock all wrapped around super catchy tunes, reminds me of 400 Blows. My most listed to album of the year.
6. Tower – Let There Be Dark
Epic, powerful, cavernous, and very LFG (New. New Wave American Heavy Metal from the jump.
7. Tongue Cutter – Minnow
Math Noise Rock like I’ve rarely (or ever. heard. Killer Vox dancing around Don Cab-esc riffs.
8. Motherless – Do You Feel Safe?
I don’t feel tardy? I feel this album. New Band. Certain Eras of Converge vs Sep in a 60 min (actually 30min. Iron Man Match.
9. Barren Heir – Far From
Sumac meets Suedo Beatdown. Great band. Original vocals mixed with pummeling trance Hardcore.
10. 16 – Guides for the Misguided
When feeling like a hand in rusted shame, listen to “Proudly Damned” and you’ll instantly feel better.
Austin Griswold of Secret Service Publicity:
1. Mogwai – The Bad Fire
2. Deftones – Private Music
3. Agriculture – The Spiritual Sound
4. Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power
5. Messa – The Spin
6. Blackbraid – III
7. Pelican – Flickering Resonance
8. Ghost Bath – Rose Thorn Necklace
9. Steve Von Till – Alone in a World of Wounds
10. Primitive Man – Observance
McKeever and Gosteffects of Heavy Halo:
1. Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power
McKeever: Sunbather is my favorite rock album of the 2010’s bar none. I say “rock album” because its influences span far beyond metal and honestly it makes me feel like I first did listening to bands like GYBE!, Mogwai, Thursday, and Converge when I was 14.
Unbelievably, Deafheaven have done it again with LPWP, an unreal album that contains some of their fiercest and most gorgeous music yet, transcendent.
Favorite Track: “Amethyst”
2. GODHANDUSA – GODHAND VOLUME 2
Gosteffects: The production in this album sounded really fresh to me. It has a lofi and crunchy feeling and is kinda punk rock, but all that is obviously an intentional decision in the sound design. The flows in the raps have a throwback feel which is different from the mumble rap sound that has been around for a while now. I also enjoy the edge in the lyrics.
Favorite Track: “POCKETS FULL UH”
3. Deftones – Private Music
McKeever: The titans return with another banger. What is there to say about Deftones that hasn’t already been said? Private Music is a crystallization of their “dream metal” sound with the perfect marriage of melodic melancholy with pummeling riffs and Abe Cunningham’s inventive drumming that hits you right in the chest. It’s also sick to see them enter a new renaissance with so many younger fans delving into their catalogue.
Favorite Track: “cXz”
4. Youth Code – Yours, With Malice
McKeever: Youth Code has been my favorite modern industrial band for years now. I love their combination of anthemic punk urgency with futuristic sound design and synth programming that really sets them apart. Their latest EP delivers on all fronts. Saw them twice this year and couldn’t help but blow my voice out screaming along…
Favorite Track: “I’m Sorry”
5. Pixel Grip – Percepticide: The Death of Reality
McKeever: I was lucky enough to tour with Pixel Grip for several dates playing guitar with Coatie Pop. Amazingly written songs and a truly visceral live show. They seem poised to take over the world. Their latest album has a wide-ranging mix of bangers and more introspective tracks but it all flows together naturally.
Favorite Track: “Moment With God”
6. Oklou – choke enough
Gosteffects: This is one of those artists I’ve Shazamed a few times in coffee shops and then also knew some artists using the tunes as reference tracks when making some new things. The thing that stuck out to me in “harvest sky” was the way the drums are mixed in the song. I could see it being a big EDM banger but the percussion takes a back seat to an infectious melody and a soaring vocal. Love the feel.
Favorite Track: “Harvest Sky”
7. Street Sects – Dry Drunk
McKeever: The noisy boys from Austin are back for revenge. Simply put, nobody sounds like Street Sects. The way they mangle and mutilate samples beyond all recognition is innovative and more importantly, powerful. However, what really gets me are the melodic moments in the synths and vocals that take you by surprise and make the whole affair haunting.
Favorite Track: “Spitting Images”
8. Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer
McKeever: My brother showed me this album and it is the rare electronic album that has a cohesive storyline from start to finish. Every song is about Nina’s relationship with her computer and the internet from growing up terminally online to the present day. The production is immaculate (she is an Ableton shredder. and great songwriting to boot.
Favorite Track: “Infohazard”
9. Nuxx – Bird Brain
McKeever: To start off, gotta rep the Brooklyn underground with this pick. Nuxx is an artist who does so many things well and bridges genres from italo-disco to hip-house to borderline hyperpop, all while sounding herself. This record has massive appeal and I mean that in the best way.
Favorite Track: “Bad”
10. Mareux – Nonstop Romance
Gosteffects: Mareux seems to be combing a lot of vibes I fuck with…it’s a little house feeling, some darkwave, some post punk, super catchy vocal hooks, dancy. I could see this working in both electronic music house type clubs or in a dingy goth club basement.
Favorite Track: “Nonstop Romance”
Curran Reynolds of Body Stuff (and The Chain):
1. Pixel Grip – Percepticide: The Death of Reality
Album of the year. Banger after banger. Perfect pop songs with industrial bones. Rita Lukea is the baddest singer there is. She dominates, she captivates.
2. Today Is the Day – Never Give In
Each one of Today Is The Day’s albums sounds different from the last. Together they add up to one beautiful portrait of their maker, Steve Austin, a man brave enough to show you his weakness, his strength, his love, his hate, and everything in between. A true artist. Forever out on a limb, forever hanging by a thread.
3. Escape-Ism – Charge of the Love Brigade
I put Ian Svenonius on the same pedestal as Steve Austin. A true artist, doing his thing, decade after decade. No compromise. Wildly entertaining.
4. Ramleh – Hyper Vigilance
A totally engrossing sonic journey, likely to excite Swans fans.
5. Dax Riggs – 7 Songs for Spiders
Dax’s voice is devastating. This is the blues, transmitting from a coffin at the bottom of the swamp.
6. Årabrot – Rite of Dionysus
Dark and haunted like Dax Riggs, but instead of the blues in the swamp, it’s a theatrical, Scandinavian rock n’ roll thing.
7. Kontusion – Insatiable Lust for Death
Kontusion stands out from the old school death metal pack. For me, it’s the excessively cavernous production and the supremely satisfying mid-tempo parts.
8. Barren Path – Grieving
Pure exhilaration. It’s not just the blazing fast tempos and laser precision, it’s the sweet, sweet riffs. A new standard in grindcore.
9. Gagbags – Hypnotic Desire
Some of you know Chuck as the owner of the best store in NYC, The Cast. In Gagbags he sings muscular punk rock anthems that cruise along in a late ‘70s kinda way.
10. Broncho – Natural Pleasure
Cryptic and blissful. Ryan Lindsey sings in a language all his own. Broncho’s album Double Vanity was my AOTY a few years back. This one is altogether mellower and that’s OK.
Honorable mention:
• 1-800-BAND – 20th Century Masters
-A posthumous EP from a wonderful band.
Michel Rowland of UTM Music Group:
1. Fog – Spring EP
Wellington, New Zealand, fourpiece FOG could probably best be described as dark anarcho-punk, with a sound falling somewhere between early ‘80s UK groups like Rudimentary Peni, Flux of Pink Indians and the Mob; the darker end of New Zealand punk and post-punk – Nocturnal Projections, Children’s Hour or even Flesh D-Vice; and later dark punk / death-rock revivalists from Australia, like Masses, Rule of Third, or Death Church. With their latest four-song 7-inch EP, Spring, Fog lean further into the melodic and atmospheric side of death-rock and dark post-punk, but still with the biting anarcho-punk edge of the previous two records.
2. Swans – Birthing
I haven’t been disappointed by a release from Swans since Michael Gira re-formed the band in 2010. Birthing is perhaps not quite up there with The Seer (2010), To Be Kind (2014) or Leaving Meaning (2019), but that doesn’t prevent it from being one of the better albums I’ve heard this year.
3. Lung – Fog
Post-industrial noise-punk trio Lung are natural successors to a tradition established in New Zealand by the Gordons, Skeptics and Bailter Space. For relevant points of reference outside the subterranean drone of NZ, perhaps fans of Big Black, Sonic Youth, The Birthday Party, Einstürzende Neubauten or Swans would be well advised to check out Lung.
4. Ritual Howls – Ruin
More than a decade since their phenomenal debut, Turkish Leather, Ritual Howls are now on album number six and remain one of very few modern “goth” bands able to seamlessly blend diverse components together in a way that is still fresh, relevant, innovative and unique. Paul Bancell’s voice, meanwhile, remains both an anchor and a highlight.
5. Huremic – Seeking Darkness
The word “epic”’” is routinely overused but accurately describes the scope of this vast, cinematic, gargantuan debut. Psychedelic noise-rock meets transcendental Korean folk music.
6. Hail, Meteor! – Nearer
Hovering out-of-body over an intersection between post-rock, shoegaze, indie, post-punk, noise-rock and dream pop, Wellington band Hail, Meteor! have been one of my favourite musical surprises of the last few years.
7. Trauma Party – Roll Up (It’s the New Truth)
Post-punk from Te Motu Ārai-roa (also called ‘Waiheke Island’ by the locals). Trauma Party’s brand of “post-punk” is on the one hand dark, angular and jagged, but simultaneously animated and adventurous, having little to do with the current wave of bands using the term as a synonym for plodding, repetitive, formulaic, darkwave-adjacent garbage. Of their three standalone singles in 2025, I’ve chosen their debut, Roll Up, but really just to encourage folks to check out all three, which could easily constitute an excellent debut EP.
8. Anya Greenwood & Rākau Buchanan – Takarangi EP
Rākau Buchanan from Ngāpuhi is a new musical discovery for me: a queer Māori artist identifying as Takatāpui and Tangata Ira Tāne. Takarangi is just a short, three-song EP, but it’s my favourite release involving taonga pūoro and waiata Māori this year. I’m a big fan of artists blending modern ambient and drone textures with traditional Māori elements, and Rākau’s output to date seems to belong in that camp. I know less about Anya Greenwood, sadly, but I am aware of a young Māori artist by that name from Tauranga, currently based in Wellington.
9. DAHTM – Death Throes EP
A short, three-song EP from an excellent Wellington, New Zealand, trio playing sludgy, crusty, doom punk. Alongside the riff-laden title track, Death Throes also includes a barely recognisable cover of “Breathing” by Kate Bush and an industrial-doom remix of older track “Dawn of Our Doom” executed by fellow Wellington punks Freak Magnet. Thematically, DAHTM range from the witchy, esoteric occultism and Satanic overtones one might expect from dark, doom-metal-influenced groups, through to the more nightmarish elements of Māori traditions, exemplified by their 2021 release, Kurangaituku.
10. Peter Jefferies – Duit on Tuesday EP
One of my favourite New Zealand songwriters pays homage to the songs of the late American songwriter and recording artist Harry Nillson. A clutch of cover songs is hardly the strongest introduction to Peter’s work, which I would generally recommend to fans of John Cale, Nico, Scott Walker, Michael Gira, and to some extent, Nick Cave. But I’m looking forward to his next solo studio album in 2026, and given the rare opportunity to recommend my favourite artists, I would be remiss not to include him here.
Justin Sinkovich of Solid Brass Records:
2025 was a year when music hit me in unexpected and deeply personal ways. All of these albums stuck with me for reasons that go beyond genre or hype, carrying memories, friendships, moments of loss, and even a bit of spark, surprise, and wonder. These are the records that shaped my year, stayed in heavy rotation, and reminded me why I care about music as much as I do.
1. Geese – Getting Killed
I’d never heard of Geese before this record, and now I’m absolutely hooked. Their songs, vocals, instrumentation, even their whole visual aesthetic — everything about this band grabbed me instantly and is now my hands-down favorite.
2. Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
Arguably, my favorite hip-hop group of all time. Their 2009 album left me a little disappointed, lacking the edge and experimentation that defined their earlier work. But this one? It blew past my already high expectations. The lyrics are Gemstar-razor sharp, and the production strikes that perfect balance — simple, elegant, and still hitting incredibly hard. One of my most-played albums of 2025.
3. Earl Sweatshirt – Live Laugh Love
Earl remains one of the few artists who can push boundaries while maintaining a sense of beauty and mystery, a true artist through and through.
4. FACS – Wish Defense
This album is deeply meaningful to me on multiple levels. FACS are dear friends, collaborators, former practice-space mates, scene-mates for decades, and a band whose sound aligns with some of my own artistic output. It’s also the final recording by my hero and friend Steve Albini. I interviewed Steve shortly before his passing to spotlight just how important he was in an academic case study published in early 2025. The band recorded with him for a few days; he passed the night after a session. They left their gear in the studio and ultimately finished the album with our friend Sanford. The whole process — surreal, tragic, and strangely beautiful — is reflected in the album itself.
5. Swami John Reis – Time to Let You Down and Plosives – Yell at Cloud
John Reis remains one of underground music’s most essential figures, and both albums reflect the period of loss following the passing of our friend Rick Froberg – John’s longtime bandmate in Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu and Pitchfork. It’s a loss felt not only by John but by the entire extended community of musicians he’s collaborated with.
Time to Let You Down shows John at full power as front man, supported by the tight-knit group of contributors. Yell at Cloud, the new second album from Plosives, puts him in the guitarist’s chair alongside fellow San Diego stalwart Rob Crow, with a band whose chemistry feels immediate and lived in.
Both albums, released on his own Swami Records, highlight different facets of John’s creativity, all rooted in the same spirit of collaboration, resilience, and relentless energy that have defined his work across decades.
6. Matt Berninger – Get Sunk
When I first heard Alligator by The National, I emailed the band through their website to tell them they were my new favorite group. That actually led to us working together soon after — I helped distribute their label Brassland while I was at Touch and Go. They’ve remained one of my favorite bands, and this album is a gorgeous showcase for Matt’s lyrics and that unmistakable voice. It gives him room to breathe, and it pays off beautifully.
7. The Lemonheads – Love Chant
When my wife and I were planning our wedding, we sat in the backyard tossing around music ideas and put on It’s a Shame About Ray, one of our shared favorites. I floated the crazy idea of asking my friend — and one of my all-time favorite guitarists — Chris Brokaw to play solo at the wedding. She immediately said yes. I texted Chris, and he said yes, too. He played songs by himself, the Lemonheads, Come, and more. It was perfect. So yes, I have to tell that story. This new Lemonheads album was highly anticipated in our house, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s weird in all the best ways: fractured, adventurous, full of imperfect moments that somehow make the perfect melodies shine brighter. It nods to the Lovey/Lick era without ever feeling like a rehash. Smart, sparse, and easy to adore.
8. Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire – Absotively Posilutely
I was obsessed with his early work, though some later releases didn’t hit me the same way. But over the last several years he’s sharpened back up, and this is easily his best since those first mixtapes. Part of what I love is the mystery — I genuinely don’t know if anyone else listens to him, or much about his life story. I could dig, but honestly? I enjoy being baffled by his brilliance.
9. Guided by Voices – Thick Rich and Delicious
I’ve been a GBV fan since the early ’90s Scat era, but I’ll admit: their massive output lost me at times over the past decade. Usually, I’d check out a new album, admire that it’s still better than most new music, and then drift back to the classics. I doubt I’m alone in feeling overwhelmed by their catalog. But this one? This is the first truly essential GBV album, in my opinion, since their 2002 return to Matador or the original lineup reunion in 2012. Maybe I missed a great record somewhere in there — very possible — but this one is absolutely worth heavy rotation.
10. Wednesday – Bleeds
This album somehow makes me want to start a band again while also telling me not to bother — the songwriting, musicianship, and sheer range of ideas are that inspiring and that intimidating. It feels like a reminder that the next generation is already pushing things forward in wild and brilliant ways. I’m more than happy to leave it to these kids and remain a very devoted fan.
Honorable Mentions:
• Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn
• Sharp Pins – Balloon Balloon Balloon
• Thee Oh Sees – Abomination Revealed at Last
• Cloud Nothings – The Black Hole Understands
• Boys Life – Ordinary Wars EP
Dan Volohov of Discipline PR:
1. Matt Jencik & Midwife – Never Die
Matt has been not only a friend of mine. But the artist I dearly respect and admire. In retrospect, Matt’s career has been incredibly adventurous: Hurl, Don Caballero, being Slint’s touring bassist. And sound-experiments with several solo-releases. What Matt and Midwife achieved with ‘Never Die’ certainly pushes the bar for both of the artists. It certainly reminds me Davide Sorrenti’s photos: blurred images interfering each other, morphing into something with the play of light, dissonance and eventually, forming something beautiful.
2. Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry – Strange Kind of Paradise
Since discovering Red Lorry, Yellor Lorry with 1989’ ‘Blow!’, my reaction to their music never changed: always electrifying feel giving me goosebumps. ‘Strange Kind Of Paradise’, credited as band’s final album is certainly different to ‘Blow!’ or most of their 80’s releases. But the feel, taste and electricity are still there. ‘Up to eleven’ as they say.
3. John Glacier – Like a Ribbon
This album speaks to me as such a euphoric part of depression. Something I truly enjoyed hearing while discovering artists like Tricky or Presence. John Glacier creates a painting full of distorted chords. At times it feels like some of the parts of this palette was recorded using everything she could find – including phone or lowest-budget studios. Which gives the perfect sense to Glacier’s concept of deconstructing and reimagining sounds. She certainly takes a lot from Ghostpoet and British grime-scene. But there’s so much more going on. I would desperately look for John’s next release.
4. John Zorn, Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, Ches Smith – Impromptus
As much as I love and admire John Zorn’s work, I absolutely hate a part of it. It’s just impossible to keep the same level of creativity having three tones of releases coming out every year. And while you could easily get bored listening to various collaborative releases, the piano-lead quartet gives you a different senses and perspective. Brian Marsella leads it all in a manner similar to Ahmad Jamal at times. Putting extra emphasis on textural elements of the play.
5. Scorpion Milk – Slime of the Times
Getting such a release from a label like Peaceville in 2025 is rather unusual, for the lack of a better word. I’ve made my first tattoo at the age of fifteen – the logo of The Sisters of Mercy. So there’s no need to say that what Mat McNerney is resonating with me on a very high level. At times, when Matt’s vocals becomes too similar to Peter Murphy’s, which doesn’t ruin the charm of this record – it’s still a very well-crafted work.
6. Corpus Delicti – Liminal
There’s probably too much post-punk in my top-list. But who cares, anyway ? In the last few years, we’ve observed the rising interests to these releases. From people in their 20’s discovering Joy Division. And the following misoneism on the 80’s sound. Which did nothing but directly affected a lot of artists from that era getting back to their work. Not talking about a tone of reissues from X-Mal Deutschland that came out recently. ‘Corpus Delicti’ certainly weren’t the biggest band in the world back in the days. But they found the way to get back with the new record. Properly recorded. And not sounding like the band is trying to restore their old days. I found this release to be incredibly organic.
7. Dictaphone – Unstable
Dark jazz remains one of the most intriguing new directions to explore for myself. And specifically, because for the most part artists keep on treating it as a flat-field. Oftentimes, jazz remains a dogma ( if you’re an avid reader of ‘All About Jazz’ ). I appreciate the deconstructing element of it. And these things elegantly morph and transform. No longer jazz, not yet electronic release, not enough avant-garde. ‘Unstable’ uses a lot of Tom Waits’ Swordfishtrombon-y approach in a different way where form itself becomes secondary. And while it’s hard to describe this morphing creature, the way it transforms makes perfect sense. I wouldn’t change a note in this record.
8. Some Images of Paradise – i expect the same of u
The Irish band certainly takes a lot of Slint’s Tweez and early Mogwai. If overloaded unbalanced vocals is too much for you – take another second and make a deep dive over there. You’d soon find out that for some way, this band did find their way to balance out post-rock-y lullaby and tragedy and intensity.
9. Pygmy Lush – Totem
There are not that many things I can enjoy as much as getting Tylor brothers back together. Who never really left playing music. But it’s just an amazing release bringing together everything I love about the transitioning period of the mid/late 90’s/early 2000’s punk-rock.
10. Trickpony – 24/7 Heaven
I always curiously check everything that has a fingerprint of Roza Terenzi. Thinkpony brings back everything I love about trip hop and experimental electronic releases. What I did found out while discovering Maxinquaye (and stop hearing in the music of Tricky the long time ago). 24/7 Heaven could have become the (perfect) soundtrack to one of Wong Kar-Wai’s movies. Instead, it got released in 2025 (to my pleasure).
James Woodard of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy:
Preface: I always find these end-of-year lists to be quite difficult because I forget all of the great music I listen to over the year – and don’t really keep track in any meaningful way. I also find them a little bit disingenuous because bands that release their album in December always get completely shafted, but I have done my best here! There was a ton of great stuff released this year and it’s hard to keep up. Here is a selection of my favorites of the year. Hope you enjoy.
1. The Necks – Disquiet
I’ve been obsessed with The Necks since discovering them many years ago, and this new triple CD (!. release is just so fantastic. Each track absolutely breathes, ebbs and flows, and evolves over their staggering runtimes (the first two tracks are about an hour long each!.. Jazz is alive. A great way to spend an afternoon immersed in sound.
2. and 3. Steven R. Smith – Turning EP and Anacapa
Steven R. Smith might be my favorite musician of all time, regardless of current moniker he goes by, and the man is extremely prolific. His two releases of 2025 have been on heavy rotation all year. February’s “Anacapa” is 22 tracks of the mult-instrumentalist’s musings that are a mix of psych-folk, eastern European-folk, and windswept old-world evocative ambience. July’s “Turning” ep is more rhythm-driven (each song actually features, albeit pretty minimal, drums. and jammy, but you absolutely cannot miss with either record. Dude is a master of his craft and I worship at the altar.
4. Krallice – No Hope EP
Two tracks, one, the evil, foreboding wall-of-sound that Krallice masters, and the other, a quiet, ambient evil creep that Krallice also masters. Both sides of the delicious Krallice coin.
5. Dog Complex – Terrible Things Will Happen to the Ones You Love Most
This was a recent Reddit discovery, the dudes themselves posted this on the Noise Rock subreddit the same day our album came out. It was an instant-buy for me. This New Hampshire group mix noise rock, black metal, harsh noise / ambient, some 90s-era Napalm Death riffage, and Daughters or Pupil Slicer-esque absolute chaos with a spoonful of John Zorn, into this massive beast of a record. It goes in a lot of directions and it’s all extremely compelling. I can’t wait to see what they do next and where they go from here.
6. Smiqra – Rɡyaɡ̇dźé!
This project is from the same mysterious dude (his identity is intentionally obscured, and his name has never been revealed from what i understand. that works under the moniker of Hoplites, and this new project is even more maximalist; it goes from extreme metal to almost anti-music. Popcorn drumming, insane riffs, some screaming saxophone… it sounds like the musical equivalent of being caught inside a munitions factory on fire.
7. Mono – Forever Home: Live in Tokyo with Orchestra PITREZA
Listening to this live album is like hearing a lot of these songs again for the first time. The accompaniment with the orchestra is revelatory. The entire span of this double CD is just a fantastic, cinematic journey. But to me, the star of the package is the Blu-Ray of the live performance that comes with the CD edition of this album, which is fantastically shot and mixed, and the performance is flawless. A must-have for live concert video collectors.
8. Skimp – Very Much So and How
I booked a show for this band here in San Antonio and their performance was absolutely stunning – the songcraft, harmonizing, quiet vocals, heartstring-tugging chord progressions, and the absolute RESTRAINT of the performances all create an extremely compelling listening experience. If your partner likes Slint this is the perfect record to make out with them to.
9. Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar
One of the most creative records of this year. The Eyes-Wide-Shut-orgy-scene-turned-metal-band does it again, refining their songwriting, writing shorter and tighter songs, while pushing the creativity to the max. The Kubrick references don’t stop with their costumes either – they borrow phrases from Barry Lyndon’s theme, Handel’s “Sarabande” and Purcell’s “Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary”, which was used heavily in A Clockwork Orange, for the track “Hotel Sphinx”. Just absolutely dazzling musicianship and whirlwind of extremely creative songwriting.
10. Faetooth – Labyrinthine
Ever since True Widow, one of my all-time favorite bands, stopped making records, I’ve needed a band to fill that giant void in my life. Faetooth do the slowcore thing similarly, but have a little bit of a dark goth Type O Negative thing going on too. Admittedly, they didn’t capture my attention on first listen, but my interest in them has grown a lot as I found myself going back to this record. At face value, some of the guitar playing can seem like tired-ass doom metal, but the addition of the reverb-drenched vocal harmonies, background feedback, and interest in crafting moody, atmospheric pieces locks in for me. They’re the Jean Rollin vampire film of slowcore, foggy, atmospheric, moody, a little sapphic, a little clunky, but really compelling and absolutely worth digging into.
Honorable Mentions:
• Fuck Money – s/t
Imagine having the audacity of releasing your debut full-length on such a legendary and much-lauded record label as Three One G, and then saying fuck it, we won’t play any of these songs on this record live ever again. This is the absolute audacity you get with Fuck Money. While nothing can capture the energy of this band’s live performance in an audio recording, their self-titled debut LP is like falling into a dumpster full of glass and barbed wire, and having to climb yourself out.
• Lightning Swells Forever – Delirium
Our friends from Osaka released their first full-length this year after releasing several fantastic EPs and singles. Though I am pretty well over the entire stoner rock thing right now, these dudes transcend the genre and have crafted nine great rock tunes that are equal parts Ozzy worship, meticulously crafted songwriting, and dazzling musicianship. These dudes absolutely understand The Power of the Riff, when to pull back and when to go balls-out.
Will Yarbrough of Season of Mist:
1. Great Grandpa – Patience, Moonbeam
2. Deafheaven – Lonely People with Power
3. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory – s/t
4. Aversed – Erasure of Color
5. Agriculture – The Spiritual Sound
6. Turnpike Troubadors – The Price of Admission
7. Horsegirl – Phoentics On and On
8. Evoken – Mendaciu
9. Greet Death – Die in Love
10. Kat Hasty – Time of Your Life
The Bad Penny‘s friends in Boise, where we’re located, also shared their top 10 lists with us. Check ’em out right here. Also, check out our popular series On Tyranny and Pet Sounds, and subscribe to The Bad Penny by entering your email address in the widget on the right side of the homepage. Yeah, yeah, we understand it’s not 1996 anymore. But Luddites are a protected class under the First Amendment of the Constitution … we think).
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