As the year winds down and 2026 lurks ominously in the distance, Collin and Tom hit pause to reflect on the bands and artists that defined their listening habits in 2025. This isn’t about the biggest releases or the most hyped names—it’s about personal discovery, unexpected rabbit holes, and music that stuck.
Collin’s year leaned heavily into aggression and legacy. From the bone-crushing Swiss hardcore of Paleface Swiss, to the battlefield-ready folk metal chaos of Korpiklaani, and the filthy death metal stomp of Jungle Rot, his picks show a love for both modern brutality and old-school grit. Add in legendary thrash icons Sodom and the theatrical fun of Italy’s Trick Or Treat, and you’ve got a year built on riffs, riffs, and more riffs.
Tom’s 2025 journey took a more atmospheric and progressive turn. From the immersive technical death metal of Nawabs of Destruction, to the emotionally heavy and shadow-soaked world of Novembre, his picks highlight mood, depth, and musical exploration. Throw in the groove-driven power of Alien Weaponry, classic heavy metal flair from solo artist Eurozia, and the genre-bending brilliance of Israeli symphonic prog outfit Scardust, and you’ve got a year that refused to sit still stylistically.
Together, the duo break down what pulled them toward each artist, why these discoveries mattered, and how 2025 became a year of expanding tastes rather than narrowing them. If you’re looking for new bands to carry you into the new year—or just want to hear two metalheads nerd out—this episode is your next listen.
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