2025 was a varied year, full of compelling and captivating releases that truly drew our attention—and, it seems, will continue to keep us good company for a long time. As 2026 arrives full of hope, Myth of Rock takes one final look back at the year that passed, highlighting the 20 best albums of 2025. Spanning a wide range of genres and catering to rock and metal aficionados of all stripes, these 20 releases are essential listens and worthy additions to any rock/metal record collection. Farewell, 2025—you will be remembered for the following full-length albums (listed in alphabetical order and according to the editors of Myth of Rock).
- ACID DEATH – “EVOLUTION” (7HARD)
“Evolution” is an honest, technically impeccable work that gradually unveils a wealth of surprises. Acid Death’s skill is unquestionable; they deliver a masterclass in precise, passionate musicianship without ever exaggerating. Most striking, however, is that after so many years, the band’s flame doesn’t wither. They continue to stand strong and fully engaged, and “Evolution” makes it clear that they still have plenty left to say. (Alex Nikolaidis)
- AEPHANEMER – “UTOPIE” (NAPALM)
Aephanemer has reached new artistic heights, following a unique and magnificent vision. I could talk for hours about this breathtaking album that is bound to shake the foundations of the symphonic metal scene! Filled with nothing but great moments, “Utopie” is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year. Fans of bands like Therion, Edenbridge and Nightwish will absolutely love it. “Utopie” is an impressively crafted record — shaped with wisdom, passion, and attention to detail. A complete symphonic metal album that will stay with us for a long time. A very long time. Aephanemer’s utopia is here! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- AVATARIUM – “BETWEEN YOU, GOD, THE DEVIL AND THE DEAD” (AFM)
Marcus Jidell and Jennie-Ann Smith, the two masterminds behind Avatarium have crafted another great album, another piece of great musicianship and inspired art. The band’s sixth album reaches a point where they create a complete and mature piece of music, which personally I cannot wait to listen to it live … it definitely stands out in Avatarium’s discography as it masters all their trademark elements and characteristics, in songwriting, production, performance, orchestration and everything. (Antonis Mantzavinos)
- DREAM THEATER – “PARASOMNIA” (INSIDE OUT)
The band’s singular style is present throughout the record, with sonic elements drawn from all periods of their long and storied career. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newer fan, this record will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for the sophisticated, dynamic sound that only Dream Theater can deliver. “Parasomnia” may not rival the band’s mythic masterpieces, but it is certainly a compelling and impressive new chapter in their ongoing story. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- EUPHROSYNE – “MORUS” (BLACK LION)
“Morus” is a journey. A trip to be taken solemnly and with great respect. It’s dark yet ethereal, breathtaking yet slow. The emotions this creation conveys are truly one of a kind. I must admit that this is my most recent favorite album to listen to. Euphrosyne did it again, and they are here to stay. I look forward to their next creations, as this album is truly admirable. (Christina X)
- CRISTIANO FILIPPINI’S FLAMES OF HEAVEN – “SYMPHONY OF THE UNIVERSE” (LIMB MUSIC)
Cristiano Filippini’s Flames of Heaven and their new opus are every power metal fan’s dream come true — filled with energy, positivity, uplifting emotion, and majestic atmosphere. This is power metal done with passion and respect for the listener, offering the very best the genre has to give. It would be no surprise if Flames of Heaven become a big name in the scene. Either way, they’ve just released one of the finest power metal albums in recent memory — and they should be incredibly proud of it. As for us, we should just be grateful! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- THE HELLACOPTERS – “OVERDRIVER” (NUCLEAR BLAST)
This record makes you: avoid thinking of the successful ‘Eyes of Oblivion’ and live for what lies now in front of you, enjoying every second on this well balanced and placed record, where there are no fillers or indifferent – bypass – songs but inspired and authentic true rock n’ roll tunes that I look forward to listen them live very soon. This is AGAIN High Energy Rock N’ Roll at one of its finest moments. Play the album loud and let yourself get away with it! (Antonis Mantzavinos)
- HELLOWEEN – “GIANTS & MONSTERS” (REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC)
The new, seventeenth offering of the Pumpkins will surely impress and enchant every melodic metal listener – it has the songs, the riffs, the melodies, the solos, the vibe, the class of Helloween. Unique, brilliant and mindblowing, Helloween are here, ass-kicking and loud playing. The euro power metal giants have done it again. Rejoice! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- MARCO HIETALA – “ROSES FROM THE DEEP” (NUCLEAR BLAST)
Hietala is truly a gorgeous storyteller. I would say this is what I expected but this record has truly exceeded it and I find myself longing to hear it time and time again. If you are a fan of his previous bands, I truly recommend you hear this record. It feels more personal and the connection Hietala conveys is astronomical. (Christina X)
- JINJER – “DUEL” (NAPALM)
I feel like this record solidified Jinjer’s position in the scene, making sure to let everyone know that they are here to stay. I personally would love to hear something like this from them in the future. Great addition to their discography. This album is mature, masterful and overall, a great look for the band. (Christina X)
- LIV KRISTINE – “AMOR VINCIT OMNIA” (METALVILLE)
The Queen of dark, symphonic metal is back with a blast of an album! … After the huge success of the previous one, “River Of Diamonds” (2023), and the re-edition of “Deux Ex Machina” (1998), the singer comes better than ever and delivers one of the best albums of this year. The quality of the songs is getting better, and the lyrics are to die for … (Rak Miranda)
- LABYRINTHUS STELLARUM – “RIFT IN REALITY” (SELF RELEASED)
I am utterly astonished by “Rift in Reality”. This album firmly establishes Labyrinthus Stellarum as the torchbearers of cosmic black metal. Lost in the void, drawn toward distant stars and unfathomable realms, we stand in awe. Let us welcome and congratulate these bold voyagers – true heroes of the astral abyss. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- MEMORIES OF OLD – “NEVER STOP BELIEVING” (LIMB MUSIC)
This is pomp metal at its finest, a celebration of melody, imagination and fantasy. If you wish to reach and enter a mythical realm, “Never Stop Believing” is your portal. Open the door, take the path, and let Memories Of Old guide you into an ethereal place where magic and music become one. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- THE ORIGINAL ALICE COOPER GROUP – “THE REVENGE OF ALICE COOPER” (EARMUSIC)
All the songs offer something special, there’s not a weak moment to be found. If you’re a fan of classic hard rock, you’re going to love this album – It’s a release that will definitely strike an emotional chord with long-time Alice Cooper fans. “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” deserves to be placed right next to “Muscle of Love” (1973). This is the return we’ve all dreamed of — and yes, it lives up to the legend. After five decades of silence, the original Alice Cooper group has spoken again — and what they had to say is absolutely remarkable. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- PENTAGRAM – “LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE” (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)
With this new release, Pentagram rises once more like a phoenix. “Lightning in a Bottle” is a reminder of why this band matters. Doom metal fans, old-school heavy rock lovers and heavy hippie music enthusiasts should not miss it. Pentagram delivers a strong, passionate album that honors their past while sounding alive and hungry in the present. A must-listen for all doomheads and metalheads! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- TESTAMENT – “PARA BELLUM” (NUCLEAR BLAST)
In any case, the album -despite its peculiarities- aligns seamlessly with Testament’s spirit and current vision. At that age, the band showed a clear drive to experiment and evolve – and they did so with creativity and technical prowess, aided by a production team that amplified their signature heaviness and groove. I don’t care to rank “Para Bellum” within Testament’s discography – I don’t find any meaning in that. What matters is that it entertains, and for me, that counts a lot. (Alex Nikolaidis)
- THE VINTAGE CARAVAN – “PORTALS” (NAPALM)
With “Portals,” The Vintage Caravan have made a statement — that classic rock and prog sensibility can still sound vital and full of emotion in 2025. They’ve opened a gateway to a new world of retro-inspired rock, and I sincerely hope they continue down this path. “Portals” is an album that awakens! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- VYR MUK – “CHANTS OF THE TENEBROUS DEPTHS” (SELF-RELEASED)
Vyr Muk delivers a death/black metal monstrosity—grim, poisonous, cobwebbed, and decayed—made for devotees of extreme metal. If you can’t handle bearing witness to this outcry, avoid “Chants of the Tenebrous Depths”. But if blackened death metal is what you breathe, live and sleep by, this album will be your new obsession! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- VOID DROID – “MYTHIC” (ONE LITTLE VICTORY)
“Mythic” hides a unique musical grandeur, built on brilliant compositional ideas that launch Void Droid into the realm of truly great artists. Embrace “Mythic” and welcome Void Droid as triumphant winners — they absolutely deserve it! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
- WE.OWN.THE.SKY – “IN YOUR ABSENCE” (DUNK!)
“In Your Absence” transforms into an instrumental masterpiece—beautifully standing on its own and clearly rising above other albums of the genre. With their new album, we.own.the.sky captivate and magnetically attract every listener who appreciates melody, atmosphere and emotion in music. “In Your Absence” is an album that tries to leave its mark and finally achieves that with great success. One of the rare cases in recent years of a wordless album that says so much, and says it so powerfully. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Welcome 2026! Have a happy new year!!!
