The DevilsHorns

Part 1 – Number 20-11

Another year has passed, where it seems that the metal community have been utterly spoiled with supreme albums. Stepping outside the mainstream publications, whose lists can charitably be referred to as ‘beige’, there were a huge amount of outstanding, underground, albums released.

For those who read Metal Epidemic, you may be aware of my Top 10, but here are my top 20 albums that warrant you checking out.

20.       Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy

In a year with a strong black metal presence, Lamp of Murmuur decided that November was a time to launch their impressive 4^th album. A complicated, engaging listen.

19.       Conan – Violence Dimension

I own number 410 out of 450 limited edition purple vinyl. Another strong album by the doomiest of doom bands. Conan never disappoint.

18.       Drudkh – Shadow Play

With their country still entrenched in a bitter war, Ukranian outfit Drudkh could be forgiven for stepping back. They haven’t instead they released an album with raw intensity but with intrinsic beauty.

17.       Paradise Lost – Ascension

It’s Paradise Lost. Perhaps one of the most consistent metal bands out there. Ascension is an album that delivers and sits comfortably in a back catalogue that most bands could never dream of.

16.       Dinosaur Pile-Up – I’ve Felt Better

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this album to anybody who just likes a damn good listen. Dinosaur Pile-Up may have felt better, but this album is a pick-me-up like no other.

15.       Rivers of Nihil – Rivers of Nihil

Another November release, the eponymous 4^th album by Rivers of Nihil is a sound of a band discovering themselves. Aggressive, brutal and melodic, it sits comfortably in the top 20.

14.       The Haunted – Songs of Last Resort

An album I thought would be higher in the list, The Haunted returned with a powerful show of intent, delivering an album that made me delve into the back catalogue to reconnect with this iconic band.

13.       Blackbraid – Blackbraid III

Modern black metal doesn’t get much better than this (well, apart from some sitting above), but Blackbraid III delivers thrashy riffs, tremolo picking, and blast beats, all within a delicious slab of black metal. Excellent!

12.       Saor – Amidst the Ruins

Modern black….. As a Scotsman, Saor release albums that resonate, merging black metal with a Scottish folk influence. Released in February, this has remained an essential listen throughout 2025.

11.       Adur – We Fail to Love Ourselves

A delightfully heavy album. Adur excel themselves with a superior sludgey sound that drives home riffs and heaviness. This was deserving of a top-10 place, if I could have 11 albums in it.

Summary

Each album above is worthy of your attention – check them out, if you like them and can afford it, buy a copy. Buy their merch – support you metal bands and they will release more excellent tunes.

Part 2 will follow with my top 10.