My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2025

By design, this was a lighter year for discoveries. Although I've been searching the seas, I've written less often. Despite that, some absolute classics make the list, as well as a healthy helping of acts I've caught on the road. These are probably my two favorite ways to unearth great music. Names you know, ones you don't. Shout out to Soul Blind and Krusseldorf. They made the Top Albums list, I didn't include them.

(10) Qendresa

In her best stride, Qendresa reps a sleek R&B motif echoing Vapourwave with a chopped and screwed approach to the instrumentals. A niche sound turning an otherwise glossy sound to something nightly and chilled. Her best numbers are decent but its the potential for this sound to go further that has me interested.

(9) Slaughter To Prevail

I've known of Slaughter for years but foolishly assumed they were part of the Post-Deathcore race to the bottom. Having given their newest record a proper spin, I can hear the influences of my generation permeating a new strand of metallic brutality I couldn't deny is exciting among a stagnant scene.


(8) State Azure

There are tones of artists in this Cosmic Ambience adjacent landscape. Its hard to stand out but State Azure has done so by maintaining stellar production and showing flickers of creativity and influence to perhaps move the needle in an interesting direction. This manifests on their reinventions of classic 80s track. A novelty to revel in if it peaks your interest.


(7) Enigma

I love these sorts of discoveries! Forgotten acts that have a prominent roll in the unfolding tapestry of the time. With a couple of ubiquitous "advert songs" under their belt, this felt like an unusual story for a band who's origin seems like an unintentional accident. The depth of there catalog is light but very enjoyable.


(6) Thornhill

I got into this band in preparation for seeing them later in the year. Sadly that never came to fruition. Thornhill are fantastic, a Deftones inspired by who despite showing their influences all too clearly, still win one over with their grooves, hooks and big riffs. Experimenting with production and electronics, there is an element of originality emerging here I'd like to hear more of on future albums.


(5) Mudi Sama

The first act from my day at Reading Festival, Mudi is a talented song writer with something raw emerging, yet to be fully nurtured. The current roster of songs feel rough around the edges yet his songs shine bright. Poised to move in several directions, this feels like an artist who's evolution could be huge.


(4) South Arcade

Like a time bubble back to the years of my sixth form days, South Arcade revel in the aesthetic of my youth. A mix of Skater, Rock and Pop reminiscent of No Doubt. I'm convinced they could blow up. Connecting with a young audience and writing anthems out the gate, it will be fascinating to follow them over the next few years.


(3) Prince

A legend needing no introduction, this was the year I finally got around to Prince. Although I didn't get roped into much of his intimidating discography, Purple Rain is a clear crescendo, a peak for all time. I loved getting into it. Prince's musicality feels like it can't be taught, his creative streak and expression is just so self affirming. Love it!


(2) Magdalena Bay

I really struggled with Mica Tenenbaum's voice at first, but having come around to her subdued whispery nature, the creativity of this duo is flows perfectly! Their songs feel like adventures through the fruits of experimental jam sessions, melded into colorful numbers rocking melodies and novelty through its deep aesthetic dressing. Decent songs fleshed out with explorations of sound.


(1) Enya

I cannot express just how much her music makes swells of emotion arise within me. There is something deeply humanistic and beautiful about her expressions. A voice entangled into the instrumentational role both fantastical and rural. Rooted, yet uplifting, her grace often feels like a bridge from earth to the heavens. Utterly brilliant, Enya exists on a realm of her own making. Absolute peak!

My Top 10 Albums Of 2025

 
Metal Metal Metal. Its the hard and heavy dominating this years top five. Commentary on old habits or a lack of diversity? Probably the later but in general, It hasn't felt like that great of year in the realm of popular music. Not many big names with big or successful records, so my list easily gives way to my personal preference for niche Ambience adjacent pleasures. Big shout out to C418 for making a big return with Wanderstop. A massive soundtrack with lots his distinct magic to enjoy. Great stuff!

(10) Trevor Something "The Anima" (2025) link

Sneaking in with a late entry, I feel like Trevor managed to hit a superb vibe with these songs. Some obvious influences converging into an indulgent space. Boosted by a couple of infectious earworms, I've found myself returning to its best numbers often.


(9) Gelure "Inner Sanctum" (2025) link

Highly anticipated, this did not disappoint. One of the finer Dungeon Synth artists, this continuous expanse into Fantasy, Medieval and Atmosphere plays masterfully. A compliment to the existing catalog, whilst tip toeing into Black Metal with a grandiose conclusion to the record.

(8) Old Sorcery "The Escapist" (2025) link

A similar sentiment to our other Dungeon Synth adjacent entry above, another master of craft, Old Sorcery delivers another solid entry to a remarkable catalog of genius music. Diverse and adventurous, its runtime a transformation to another realm. Its nice to see them continue this glorious craft.


(7) Yagya "Vor" (2025) link

A banging return to form, Yagya delivers on their iconic icy Icelandic downtempo beats. Vor executes this unique approach to chilled out electronic music with a soothing calm and mystic energy to wrap one up in its melty magic. Its two halves may have some conceptuality behind them but the end result plays like one continuous spell of tranquility.

(6) Krusseldorf "Mushroom World" (2025) link

Our first new artist on the list, this chance discovery of Krusseldorf landed a fresh record in my lap. Mushroom World is as strange and bizarre as its cover suggests. Another spellbinding Downtempo adjacent exploration of curious electronics aesthetics with Jazzy melodies. An engrossing if often subdued other worldly atmosphere to immerse within.

(5) Soul Blind "Red Sky Mourning" (2025) link

The only other new discovery, a late entry that hit so hard and swiftly I'd be tempted to throw it higher up the list. Full of banging riffs, 90s Grunge and Groove, Soul Blind take nostalgic influences and express them through a voice they can call their own! On analysis, Red Sky Mourning is quite the moody affair, a balance where the effectiveness of its break out riffs masks the continual burdensome tone.


(4) Deftones "Private Music" (2025) link

Their best effort since Koi No Yokan, Deftones capitalize on a resurgence in popularity with this masterful production, a craft built of decades of experience. Armed by this stunning aesthetic, their typical set of ideas and motifs meld with brief moments of experimentation on a powerful record that has really stuck around compared to the momentary excitement of their last couple of albums.


(3) IGORRR "Amen" (2025) link

Having evolved from an eccentric musician melding an eclectic range of time spanning genres, IGORRR's evolution as a band continues to impress with another banger. Refining production and composing, its another step in the right direction yielding moments of intrigue among great songwriting and hard hitting groves of brutality.


(2) Turnstile "Never Enough" (2025) link

Never Enough's prominence in this list has been bolstered by an unforgettable show at Ally Pally. One of the best gigs I've ever been really cemented my connection to these songs. Turnstile dial up subtlety here, not hitting one over the head with its underlying power, the riffs rock steady and melodies charm. Padded out by dreamy synth interludes that offer a respite. It all clicks into place when you hear it live. That build up and suspense between songs works so well and made me appreciate this aspect of the record even more.


Ghost "Skeletá" (2025) link

What can I say? This band just know how to craft songs I adore. A step off their peak, Skeletá almost feels like a greatest hits as its numbers run through many of their now classic motifs. Its all executed with a mastery a decade of song writing will offer. The touches of 80s Ballad and 70s Rock worm well into record. A familiar warmth I still can't get over. Despite being criticised by some, Ghost are yet to dull for me.

Health "Conflict DLC" (2025)

 

Having been drip fed half these songs as singles leading up to release, Conflict DLC has been a swift indulgence. The other half of snappy three minute burns carries a continuity which extends from their last album Rat Wars. That record was labeled with sides A and B, this one C and D. The downtrodden mood and aggressive contrasts are very much a continuation of their Industrial gloom I'm still enjoying, however its only Vibe Cop that hits the infectious peaks this trio are capable of. The lyric "Follow your dreams... just keep them to yourself" has stuck in my mind for months now.

The record is a rather consistent brew of pulsating punishing rhythms, pushing against bleak atmospheres of respite. Often led by Jake Duzsik's curious, deeply effeminate voice, these lighter reprisals frame glum disheartening lyrics, the likes of "I wish I'd never been born", among offer depressive motifs. Despairing melodies emanate through effects soaked guitars and power synths woven into the gritty wall of sound.

With all elements working in tandem to serve this sombre vision of Industrial Metal fused with dark electronic elements. The listening experience rests on firm foundations, cruising by on aesthetics revelry to house song writing that don't quite exceed like prior efforts. Despite enjoying every spin, only the aforementioned Vibe Cop made its mark. A cool record to set a tone but suffers a familiar fate double records often do, the second release feeling like a lesser half of this period.

Rating: 6/10

Soul Blind "Feel It All Around" (2022)

 

Stepping back from the metallic grungy raptures of Red Sky Mourning, Feel It All Around plays rather unsurprisingly like its natural predecessor. With less bombast, more shoegaze, fewer grooves and added wallow, the initial shift in intensity ends up churning out a similar emotive tone. Soul Blind have a unique voice emanating through influences from the foundations of well executed songwriting fundamentals.

Similar comparisons to Alice In Chains and the broader Grunge and Alternative Metal scenes can be drawn but within this chapter, their focus turns to dreary downtrodden revelry. Moody, sombre affairs flirting with with both a glum dark and momentary light as chunky power chords inject rhythm between bluesy shoegazing indulgences.

Slower in pace, less theatrical in nature, its songs roll one into the next, each feeling cohesive as its muddy wall of guitar groaning doesn't venture to far from home. Stuck In A Loop and Everyday play as brighter sparks on the journey. Its three closing tracks show the bands hand somewhat. Lead guitar boldly echo The Smashing Pumpkins. Its execution is timely, a fond reminder of the 90s in which these vibes originated.

Rating: 8/10

Danny Brown "Stardust" (2025)

Michigan rapper Danny Brown returns with a highly collaborative record, spotting features to smaller artists on all but two tracks. Still committed to his brand of eclectic experimentation, unhinged noise oriented beats drive the record, contrasted by a brief concept of grandiose sentiment that kicks off and sees out this latest chapter.

Despite affirming his apatite as an artist is intact, I didn't connect with the albums core. Disorienting vibes dominate, snappy glitched electronics and stripped back yet hard hitting jilted percussion dominates. Frequently drifting into the House and Dance lane, a few numbers like Lift You Up brings an easy, conventional energy to the fold. For the most part, Danny's nasal toned abrasive flow paired with frantic instrumentals lacked a charm or even aesthetic intrigue.

Book Of Daniel opens the record with moving 70s Rock acoustic guitar and piano, sentimental vibes, a snug fit for fantastic verses expressing his state of mind as success interacts with apatite in our terminally online environment. A deep reflection reiterated upon through another's spoken word on The End. Its a touch juvenile and fatalistic but offers a curious space for thought emerging from age and success. For me, its the records one merit, a fascinating stem so brief in the albums bigger picture, it couldn't save my lack of connection to Stardust, this one just didn't do it for me.

Rating: 4/10

Blut Aus Nord "Ethereal Horizons" (2025)

 

French outfit Blut Aus Nord have done it again! Sixteen album's deep and still stirring curiosity within Black Metal, a scene which rarely sparkles these days. Ethereal Horizons edges off from the Psychedelic entanglements heard on Hallucinogen. The dense atmospheric design and spiritual melodies abridge an Ethereal realm, obviously suggested in its title. Propelled by frenzied blast beats, the reverb drenched guitar leads shimmer over a haze of dark synths as screams call out from the echoes of this limbic space. This energy between realms, occasionally signals its inspirations as some songs slip into Pagan vibes, a highlands tang, the likes of contemporaries Saor.

All songs lean on its aesthetic construct, tightly woven together, playing as a whole record, setting a distinct mood with each spin. On this journey, plunges into madness and ascensions to melodic glory take place with plenty of luscious interludes to break up the natural intensity. Clean vocals drift in and out of focus like lost souls drifting through the ether. On occasion a stomp of metallic rhythm might rear its beastly head to. Ethereal Horizons has a fair helping of treasures to offer but is mostly subdued by the stretches between its stars. What Burns Now Listens is my favorite track. I also appreciated closer track The End Becomes Grace. It creates a perfect sense of finality, signalling the venture is over as its instruments collapse into an airy descent.

Rating: 6/10

South Arcade "Play!" (2025)

 

Returning with another slice of 00s alternative culture reimagined, this fresh five track struggles to peak the heights of 2005 but builds out the bands setlist with a couple more lively, animated tracks. Supermodels is the standout, a rapid run of semi-rapped verses powered by stop start riffs interwoven with intricate drumming and slamming electronic textures at its crescendo. The influences present from Gwen Stefani's eclectic alternative No Doubt simply can't be unheard from this point onwards.

Fear Of Heights plays on similar vibes with heavy strumming powering forward underneath Cavelle's sailing chorus hook. Oddly it feels underplayed, she has quite the charming voice but sticks to the more casual sing-talk cadence. Drive Myself Home is my favorite, a metallic edged hitter with fantastic production, worming in some timely glitches and dense texture into its wall of sound aesthetic.

Bleed Out plays like a less potent blend of these ideas heard on the aforementioned cuts, its final track Blood Run Warm pivots towards an emotive acoustic torch song. Armed with a country tang on its verses and Emo flavor in its chorus, the band aim well for a diversity that charms despite not being my cup of tea. A sing along for fans who connect with its heart felt lyrics. A decent EP but one step behind the last.

Rating: 4/10

Soul Blind "Red Sky Mourning" (2025)

 

I can't recall the last time I took to a record so swiftly. That's high praise considering my perpetual binging of its ten tracks has yet to dull. Opening up with a classy replica of late Alice In Chains, crunchy guitar grooves and that distinct harmonious singing kicks off a ceaseless run of moody, downtrodden aggressive goodness. With originality absent and familiarities running a mental list of possible mentions, Soul Blind's songwriting speaks volumes. A firm command of atmosphere and momentum seamlessly swings between hazy washes of bluesy grievance and rapturous head banging energy. Tracks tear through by on this engrossing fuzzy guitar noise, with splurges of Shoegaze melody, finding slick pivots into thudding romps of mammoth guitar groove. Sludgy, metallic, grungy and thunderous upon its arrival.

Ultimately, the aforementioned similarities seem skin deep, as emerging through obvious influences emerges a voice shaped to its own expression. Soul Blind house ill emotions. Frustration, sorrow, sadness and melancholy brood within to be exhaled through spurts of channeled aggression. The big riffs are memorable but its magic comes from the moody ruminations between. Early on the record plays these sways within tightly tuned songs. As it grows, more light is given to its aesthetic indulgence, the bluesy side, resulting in some beautifully sullen numbers like its title track. This dynamic keeps the record emotional and engaging till its final note. Its very hard to pick a favorite track, I want to play the whole thing front to back every time!

Rating: 9/10