Nik Nocturnal

Best Songs of 2025


It’s that time of year- time for my annual best of the year posts for music! As always, I remind my readers that I am by no means a professional music reviewer or journalist & that because of my own musical preferences these lists will always be strongly biased toward rock/metal.

This post will serve to recognize my favorite songs of 2025 that are strictly singles (not part of any album) or that are part of albums that didn’t make my best albums list (that post is forthcoming). Some of my favorites have been purposely omitted because I know they will feature on 2026 albums that are sure to land on my best albums list for next year (e.g. Silent Divide by Alter Bridge, Hallelujah by Black Veil Brides).

THESE ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

We’ll start off with my favorites COLLABORATIONS for the year.

  • The Fountain by Bernth/Brandon Acker: I owe a massive thanks to Jared Dines (YouTuber extraordinaire) for introducing me to both of these extremely talented gentlemen via his Jam House series. Bernth is an Austrian guitarist who moved to L.A. this year & is mainly known for metal guitar. Brandon Acker is from Wisconsin & is a true classical guitarist, who is also a master of several very old-fashioned plucked instruments such as the theorbo (thank you, Brandon, for introducing me to such a cool instrument!). These two are both absolute masters of their craft as is evidenced by the fact that they wrote this piece together in a very impromptu fashion, & the recording you hear here is literally only their second time playing it. Absolute geniuses, both of them! And the mutual respect they have for each other is a joy to behold. Even just watching their hands is entertaining. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGlO3-eBgOQ&list=RDyGlO3-eBgOQ&start_radio=1
  • Bite My Tongue by Halocene ft Lucas Woodland (of Holding Absence): I had heard of Halocene for years but only just got into them this year when I saw them open for Fame on Fire back in April. Since then they have released two fantastic collabs. This one also has a great video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwuJdrzqrSA&list=RDYwuJdrzqrSA&start_radio=1
  • Euphoria by Halocene ft Bryan Kuznitz (of Fame on Fire): The second of the aforementioned Halocene collabs, this one features Bryan from Fame on Fire, with whom, as I said, they toured earlier this year. Though Halocene do some amazing covers, their original music is also phenomenal & they deserve so much more credit than they get. Beyond their musical abilities, I really admire that Addie & Brad have continued to work together so well despite their divorce. When I saw them in April & even met them after the show, I actually had no idea they were no longer together. That speaks to how well they have handled the dissolution of their romantic relationship without allowing the band to dissolve. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-pOWioa3uo&list=RDv-pOWioa3uo&start_radio=1
  • End of You by Poppy/Courtney LaPlante/Amy Lee: With three fantastic lead vocalists, there was never any doubt that this collab would be amazing. And we were not left disappointed. Having said that, ideally I would have liked a little more of Courtney’s screams, but hey, maybe they can do another one featuring her more prominently (this one is definitely more Amy). This has a great music video as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rS83uI0Wak&list=RD3rS83uI0Wak&start_radio=1
  • Break the Silence by Nevertel/Sleep Theory: This is a true band collab- it’s not just lead vocalist Cullen Moore from Sleep Theory who is featured here- it’s ALL of Sleep Theory. Fun video too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcp17QPN72Q&list=RDQcp17QPN72Q&start_radio=1
  • God Is A Weapon by Falling in Reverse ft Marilyn Manson: If you follow Ronnie Radke, you probably saw this one coming, as he had been teasing pictures of himself & Manson for a while before this song debuted. Yes, they are both controversial artists whom no one is under any obligation to support, but viewed objectively, it’s impossible to deny the talent they both have. Ronnie’s falsettos have never sounded so insane (in a good way). This is a what I call a slow burn- the song honestly feels more like a Manson song than a FIR song up until the end. Furthermore, on first listen I was kind of lukewarm about it but after a few more listens I fell deeply in love. Also, can we talk about how good Manson looks & sounds now that he’s several years sober? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqJurrQKNdE&list=RDxqJurrQKNdE&start_radio=1
  • Never Met Anyone Like You by Ella Langley ft Hardy: This is one cleverly written country song. It starts out sounding like a love song. I won’t spoil it for you if you don’t know it, but let’s just say there is definitely a twist here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdLcgh6NYUI&list=RDFdLcgh6NYUI&start_radio=1
  • Teeth Marks by Keith Wallen ft Haley Roughton (of Gore): Keith Wallen is best known as one of the guitarists of Breaking Benjamin (before that he was with Adelitas Way). However, he also releases his own solo music. This song featuring Haley from the band Gore is particularly great. Haley’s voice is epic, so basically anything she touches is gold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auThnhvmIiQ&list=RDauThnhvmIiQ&start_radio=1
  • My Only Angel by Aerosmith ft Yungblud: Talk about a catchy piece, this one will get stuck in your head in no time. Yungblud was the perfect addition to make Aerosmith sound fresh & young again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74mV9qwlCgg&list=RD74mV9qwlCgg&start_radio=1
  • Weirdo by The Rasmus ft Lee Jennings (of The Funeral Portrait): I have TFP to thank for introducing me to the Finnish band The Rasmus, as The Rasmus were one of the openers for TFP on TFP’s headlining show that I saw in Greensboro in May of this year (easily one of the best nights of my life). Considering TFP has a song called Stay Weird (one of my all time favorites), Lee was the perfect feature for this song. What’s also really cool is that The Rasmus have now brought TFP out as an opener on their own headlining tour across Europe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyztNT2OEGA&list=RDDyztNT2OEGA&start_radio=1
  • The End of Us by TX2 ft Andy Biersack (of Black Veil Brides): TX2 has had a similar trajectory to Andy’s BVB in the sense of being someone that people either absolutely love or absolutely hate. It’s perhaps been even more vicious of an experience for TX2 due to the proliferation of social media. In any case, it warms my heart to see Andy supporting TX2 in this brilliant collab. Their voices mix perfectly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt8XWy-1dWo&list=RDqt8XWy-1dWo&start_radio=1

Next up the singles, again in no particular order (other than the first five).

  • The Girl You Left by Jordan Rainer: I had the great serendipity to discover Jordan Rainer through Instagram this year- sometimes those suggested posts actually get it right! I am very picky about country music but Jordan’s is exactly the kind I love. This was easily my most played song of the year, on multiple platforms. While Jordan has been very open about this being a divorce anthem inspired by her own life, I relate to it in a very different way. For me it’s about the conservative Christian culture I grew up in & how I feel abandoned by that culture. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say that I left that culture than that it left me, but the point remains the same- I’m not the girl I once was & I am so proud of that. It’s an absolute crime that this song isn’t wildly popular because it is SO. DAMN. GOOD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Etale0pLM&list=RDQ3Etale0pLM&start_radio=1
  • Evergreen & Skinny Lies by The Funeral Portrait: I’ve waxed on & on about this band so many times but I’ll never tire of evangelizing about them & trying to win more devotees to the Coffin Crew. These are both bonus songs that were released with the deluxe addition of the band’s 2024 album, the deluxe edition being released this year. Skinny Lies is heavier & extremely catchy, while Evergreen is more of a ballad & was principally written by guitarist/keyboardist Caleb. The lyrics are very personal to him, & the video which shows various behind the scenes clips of the band has become a favorite of mine. Skinny Lies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_2w7kEG-60&list=RD2_2w7kEG-60&start_radio=1 & Evergreen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exDJBs3kOYY&list=RDexDJBs3kOYY&start_radio=1
  • Popsicle by Lilith Czar: Formerly known by her legal name Juliet Simms, Lilith has rebranded over the past few years & embraced a grittier side of herself which I absolutely adore. This song is such an empowering piece that reflects on her experiences in the music industry, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The title of the song reflects a time when a record label wanted her to pose on a popsicle as part of an album or song promo. She refused. But it made great inspiration for this song which showcases both her incredible clean vocals as well as her guttural screams. Lyrics like this cut deep: “I had to let you think I ate out of the palm of your hand/Cause if you had your way/I’d be naked, starved, with nothing to say/Is it really all that you see?/So frozen & weak/I’d be riding on a popsicle in your fever dream/Turn me into something I’m not/A beautiful fraud/I melt in the silence/The payback is violent.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN8ANpnyiJY&list=RDHN8ANpnyiJY&start_radio=1
  • Pain On A Chain by Speed Of Light: I have The Warning to thank for introducing me to this extremely young but extremely talented band out of southern California. Like The Warning, the band is made up all of siblings. And like The Warning, their talent belies their age. I think the oldest member is 20 years old. So yes, they are YOUNG but they are one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen. Riley’s vocals are nothing short of viciously powerful- in the best possible way. The emotion she manages to convey while also holding it down on bass is very impressive. I was lucky enough to meet the band’s mom at the merch table after the show, & I thanked her for letting her kids travel the country introducing folks like me to such amazing songs. It truly gives me hope in this dark world to see teenagers embracing old school guitar-based music like this. Seriously, CHECK THEM OUT. And never miss the opening band! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q73qTzV2rKM&list=RDq73qTzV2rKM&start_radio=1
  • More Than Hate by Bilmuri: This is the song that finally brought me into the Bilmuri fan club. His former bandmate Caleb Shomo of Beartooth has been singing his praises for years, & now I know why. What a brilliant songwriter/performer Johnny Franck truly is! And his music videos? Oh man, I had been missing out. He somehow makes the simplest, lowest budget ideas turn into pure magic. A man who never takes himself too seriously but takes his music very seriously, this is a guy to watch for sure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzONJQRHtj0&list=RDBzONJQRHtj0&start_radio=1
  • Undertow by Twist It: I have Octane to think for introducing me to this young band out of Philadelphia. This one is an instant ear worm that never gets old. Side note, I love that the singer isn’t afraid to just be herself & wear her glasses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0me4168zs&list=RDFu0me4168zs&start_radio=1
  • Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs by Ashley McBryde: Switch up- time for a country song! The fiddle really adds to the sad note of this piece. It’s absolutely perfect in every way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3q7jcDWrQ&list=RDeg3q7jcDWrQ&start_radio=1
Lacuna Coil during Wacken Open Air at The Holy Wacken Land, Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany on 2022-08-05, Photo: Sven Mandel
  • Behelit by Slaughter To Prevail: The combination of orchestral parts with Alex’s insane growls is astonishing. Need I say more? I think not. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cz-GLCQ1I0&list=RD0Cz-GLCQ1I0&start_radio=1
  • Fade Out by Kami Kehoe: Like so many other artists, I found Kami thanks to Octane. What a gorgeously haunting & powerful voice she has. I look forward to hearing more from her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pJNX4tCmc0&list=RD0pJNX4tCmc0&start_radio=1
  • 2 Liter Spite by Point North: Let me be brutally honest- the first time I saw this come on Octane, I read Spite as Sprite & thought “How dumb is that, naming a song after a bottle of soda? Please.” HOWEVER, once I actually heard the song a few times, I couldn’t help but love it. Then I realized I was the one in the wrong because the title is 2 Liter SPITE, not Sprite. Ha!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDgfIqEDMTs&list=RDBDgfIqEDMTs&start_radio=1
  • Why by Plush: Plush absolutely nailed the state of the world when Moriah sings “Every time I open my eye/I bear witness to the endless suffering/Horrified by the monsters we’ve become/I’m beginning to realize/We’re a cancer consuming everything/Doing damage that cannot be undone/Oh/And I don’t know why/We’re allowed to survive/And I don’t know why we’re alive/Tell me, why/And I don’t know why/Our humanity has died.” Indeed, when I read the news, when I see the heartless comments people leave on social media, that’s exactly what I ask myself… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkvS2ktr3Do&list=RDpkvS2ktr3Do&start_radio=1
  • Dead Throne by Arankai: This is the solo project of Oscar, the bassist & harsh vocalist for Archers. I hope he doesn’t leave Archers but this song definitely proves he has lead singer energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Jsbg7pm6E&list=RDA2Jsbg7pm6E&start_radio=1
  • The Spell by Mammoth: For those who aren’t aware, Mammoth is the project of Wolfgang Van Halen, son of none other than Eddie Van Halen. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as this song proves. Wolfgang writes & performs all the parts on his albums: guitars, vocals, drums, bass- you name it, he does it. This is definitely a guy I need to see live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIP20TMlOHs&list=RDQIP20TMlOHs&start_radio=1
  • Caramel by Sleep Token: Ok, ok, I’ve finally gotten into Sleep Token- sort of. I know that many of my favorite bands & most of my fellow metalheads love this band, but for some reason I just have a hard time with them. Objectively I respect their talent but I simply haven’t vibed with them the way most people do. Having said that, this song is definitely pure magic. The music box motif at the beginning is brilliant, especially since it returns at the end- after the unexpected black metal ish breakdown. I knew the song was about the band’s complicated relationship with fame, but at first I was confused by the title of the song. However, then I saw someone explain it like this (I’m paraphrasing): everyone loves the sweet taste of caramel but no one likes the sticky residue it leaves behind on your hands. Brilliant! With lyrics like this, I can’t deny the genius of this song: “The sweetest dreams are bitter/But there’s no one left to tell/Too young to get bitter over it all/Too old to retaliate like before/Too blessed to be caught ungrateful, I know/So I’ll keep dancing along to the rhythm/This stage is a prison, a beautiful nightmare/A war of attrition, I’ll take what I’m given/The deepest incisions, I thought I got better/But maybe I didn’t.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iSvoQNfrrk&list=RD4iSvoQNfrrk&start_radio=1

As soon as I post this, I’m sure I’m going to think of songs I forgot. But for now, those are my choices for best songs of the year. It was truly an excellent year for music, so there was much to choose from. Be sure to stay tuned for my upcoming post re best albums of the year!

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Best Songs of 2024


It’s that time of year, y’all! Time for my annual “Best Of” lists for both albums & singles. I used to just do albums but since the consumption of music is now heavily weighted toward streaming, many artists are focusing more on singles than albums. Part of me finds that sad but I also understand the logic & realize we must adapt with the times or else get left behind. In order not to ignore the many excellent songs that are either stand alone singles or on yet to be released albums (or are part of an album but I either didn’t love the rest of the album or never got around to checking it out), it only seems fair to make two different posts nowadays. Keep in mind that this post (& the forthcoming albums post) will be heavily weighted toward rock/metal since that’s my favorite genre of music. Also keep in mind that music is my favorite hobby but it IS just a hobby- I’m not a professional music reviewer with all the time in the world to check out every new album/song/artist. So without further ado, & in no particular order, here are my choices for best songs of 2024!

  • Bleeders by Black Veil Brides: It’s no secret that BVB is one of my all time favorite bands. I saw them live twice in 2024, which makes for a total of four times now, & I’d still pay to see them again in a heartbeat. I’ll never understand the hate they’ve received over the years because they are truly talented musicians. Bleeders was inspired by vocalist Andy Biersack’s obsession with Sweeney Todd, as you can easily tell by the incredibly well done music video. During the Bleeders tour this past Spring, Andy even had a microphone with an imitation razor blade on it to fit the Sweeney Todd theme. Genius. Did I mention this is one of the band’s heaviest songs to date? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AThcMJmiTXI&ab_channel=BVBArmyVEVO
  • Paralyzed by Sleep Theory: This quartet from Memphis can seriously do no wrong. These guys have never made a bad song but this might be their best one yet. It does an excellent job of, at various times, featuring all 3 vocalists- lead singer Cullen Moore as well as bassist Paolo Vergara & guitarist Daniel Pruitt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXK3zww_k6U&ab_channel=SleepTheory
  • The Emptiness Machine & Heavy Is the Crown by Linkin Park: Linkin Park was one of the first rock bands I ever liked but I cannot claim to be a “super fan.” Nonetheless I was intrigued to see the band make a return this year. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t checked out the full album yet but these two singles are without a doubt fantastic work (I’ve heard a few of the other songs & was less impressed with those). I for one am happy to see Emily take on the lead singer role in such an iconic band for my generation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280&ab_channel=LinkinPark
  • Mud by Dorothy: Ah, Dorothy, yet another artist who is incapable of producing a bad song. But I’ll confess that her last album or two didn’t speak to me the way her first two albums did. This song, however, is probably my favorite of hers to date. It’s heavy, it’s fun, it’s incredibly catchy, & it features some killer screams from Dorothy. What’s not to love? As the lyrics say ” You ain’t living life ’til you’re down in the mud/Now if your crown ain’t bent & your halo ain’t crooked/You might as well be six feet in dirt, yeah/Some call it danger, some call it trouble/I call it digging deep without a shovel.” Yes, girl!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBmbb2d84VE&ab_channel=DOROTHYVEVO
  • Rockstar by Hardy: I’ll also confess that Hardy’s 2024 album just didn’t do it for me like his previous album did. But this song is a certified banger. And the music video is brilliant, featuring Hardy & his band dressed up as & paying homage to various classic bands, everything from AC/DC to Queen to Limp Bizkit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_xpKAjOS8&ab_channel=HARDYVEVO
  • Indifferent by Megan Moroney: I don’t keep up with modern country very well but I did come across this song this year & was immediately impressed. From what I can tell, it’s the ladies who are doing the best work on the country side of things these days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwbSy6Wr0kE&ab_channel=MeganMoroneyVEVO
  • Creating Monsters & Fake Ass Friends by Set It Off: Set It Off have been going strong for over a decade but I was late to the game & only discovered them through Octane in 2023. They had multiple fantastic releases that year & did the same this year. Creating Monsters honors vocalist Cody’s jazz background & even pays homage to the classic tune It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing. Former band geeks like me, yes, you will swoon when you hear it! Fake Ass Friends is incredibly catchy & now that I’ve seen SIO in concert, I can attest that both songs go hard live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9vQw1cB0MI&ab_channel=SetItOff
  • Live Not Fantasize by Tetrarch: Tetrarch is very open about being heavily influenced by nu metal & the likes of Korn & Slipknot. Those influences are very easy to hear in their music. What I love about Tetrarch is that I am more intrigued by their take on those influences than by the original bands (not that I don’t appreciate Korn & Slipknot- I do). This song might be their best release yet & has me very hungry for their upcoming album this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNrPzS8I2M&ab_channel=NapalmRecords
  • A Banger a Day Keeps the Doctor Away by Solence: I discovered this song thanks to Octane’s test drive. I just happened to be driving when it came on & I was immediately entranced. Solence are a Swedish band who have plenty of serious songs but also aren’t afraid to cut loose & be silly – a la Electric Callboy. This song is a play on the old phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” You absolutely MUST watch the music video to appreciate the full comedic value of the song. But don’t get me wrong, the MUSIC is seriously good too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-nZ9L057Js&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic
  • Hang Tight Honey by Lainey Wilson: Lainey’s album probably deserves a full listen- I really need to get around to that. But in the mean time, I can attest that this song is loads of fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIzEdmRgu14&ab_channel=LaineyWilson
  • Pray by Old Flame/Jonny Craig: Yes, Jonny Craig is a former addict who did some terrible things while addicted to heroin. BUT he has now maintained long term sobriety & shown true remorse for his previous sins, so I for one am happy to give him another chance. There’s nothing I like better than seeing people conquer their demons, & I truly believe Jonny is doing that. I actually never listened to any of his older music anyway. But his voice is no doubt stellar & this song does an excellent job of showcasing it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU2uNfDpKKI&ab_channel=SBGRecords
  • Say What You Will by Myles Kennedy: Myles is another artist who can do no wrong if you ask me. Alter Bridge was one of the first rock bands I ever loved & are still a favorite of mine. However, this song comes from Myles’s solo album & it’s a great one for when you feel discouraged. Video is fun too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_LXR96kh9s&ab_channel=MylesKennedy
  • Soft Spine by Spiritbox: “Soft spine! You all deserve each other! Your god will sort you when you die!” Courtney held nothing back with the rage in this song, & I AM HERE FOR IT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80VTmBAnTSE&ab_channel=riserecords
  • Ghost by Minute After Midnight: I know nothing about this band (or solo project?) but I discovered this song on Octane & have been addicted to it ever since. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZYUN3FDylA&ab_channel=%E9%A0%AD%E5%B4%A9%E5%A3%8A
  • New Way Out by Poppy: I have mixed feelings about Poppy but this song is a certified banger, no doubt about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqVNYcaS-3E&ab_channel=Poppy
  • Pretend by The Plot In You: Here’s a band I’m only just now getting into, even though I know they’ve been around for a long time. If you’ve never listened to them before, this song is a good place to start. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlY8qK1A9Ls&ab_channel=FearlessRecords
  • Hollywood Forever by Hollywood Undead: Hollywood Undead is a band that I frankly did not take seriously until I saw them live in 2022. Suddenly I could not ignore their talent any longer. These guys put on an incredibly fun show that you should absolutely be sure to see someday if you haven’t. Their latest song features three full verses- each performed by a different band member- & reflects on their career, all the way from the dirty streets of LA to where they are today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0trg8w9Wtsw&ab_channel=HollywoodUndead
  • Going Places by Sick Puppies: 2009’s Tripolar by Sick Puppies was a phenomenal album but I’ll confess I’ve not followed them closely since then, especially once the original lead singer left the band. However, this song has me back in the fold, so to speak. I’ll be the first to admit that this was a slow burn for me. The first time or two I heard it, I honestly didn’t like it. But it kept getting stuck in my head & after a few more listens, I couldn’t help myself- it’s just fun! Also the second verse talks about growing up in a small town & longing for a bigger world- I can’t help but relate to that! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_tLQrNZyKk&ab_channel=SickPuppies
  • Good in Goodbye by Catch Your Breath: This one is a real tearjerker, something Catch Your Breath have quite a knack for it seems. It was partly inspired by the death of guitarist Teddy Herrera’s grandmother who was influential in supporting the band in their early days. Unfortunately Teddy was not able to get to Mexico to see her in person before she died. As the chorus says,
    • “Where’s the meaning in a heartbreak? Where’s the lesson in the loss? Darling, through all the pain what have we gained? ‘Cause I’m still searching for silver lines/ Maybe the scars you gave Make me strong one day Down the line/I guess I’m trying to find The good in goodbye.” Whew, heavy stuff.
  • Mayday by Three Days Grace: Say what you want about this band but they were definitely a gateway band for me & many others as teenagers/20 somethings. To have original vocalist Adam Gontier return to the band alongside current vocalist Matt Walst is something fans have been clamoring for for ages but never thought we’d actually see. With a bass line intro that is very reminiscent of their classic hit Animal I Have Become, this song is a new instant hit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5hWEa1w6Z8&ab_channel=ThreeDaysGraceVEVO
  • God’s Image & Bestrafe Mich by Mike’s Dead: Mike’s Dead is swiftly becoming a new favorite of mine. His voice & music remind me of both Marilyn Manson & Motionless in White, so obviously I can’t help but like him. But he’s by no means a copycat- don’t get me wrong. Check out any of his work & you’ll quickly see what I mean. Fair warning, both of these songs/videos are not for the faint of heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L8zhLGiUuw&ab_channel=MikesDeadVEVO
  • Nu Dehli by Bloodywood: Bloodywood have done it again- made another bloody brilliant song! This one honors the city of New Dehli, the capital of India. But yes, there are definitely some nu metal influences in this song, which I assume is why they spelled the title as they did. There’s plenty of their signature Indian flavors here too of course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3C9NwGKgq4&ab_channel=Bloodywood
  • Whiplash by Architects: Architects are one of those bands that I constantly see other bands reference & yet I’ve never listened to them much myself. However, this song is one I can’t get away from since it debuted just a few months ago. Warning, it’s HEAVY- headbanging to it may indeed give you whiplash. It will be worth it though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c67cjKK_08M&rco=1&ab_channel=Architects
  • Kid of Darkness by Slaughter to Prevail: I have mixed feelings about this band but this song slaps. The guitars really do it for me. I don’t think I need to warn you that this one is heavy because that’s standard for this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJtJrbFeWw&ab_channel=AlexTerrible
  • Sincerity by Butcher Babies: I’ve never gotten into this band before but this song has been all over Octane lately, & I’m loving it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b–E1yQAnkU&ab_channel=ButcherBabies
  • Bad Omen by The Haunt: I discovered this band a few years ago when I saw them open for The Hu. I adored them live but must confess that I often find their recordings to be a little too polished for my taste. They just don’t always capture the raw grit that I heard when I saw them live. Having said that, this song is phenomenal. Annabelle may be young & tiny but she has a BIG voice & they did a great job capturing it on this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HAox__XprY&ab_channel=TheHaunt
  • Belly Up & Black Road by Return to Dust: If, like me, your favorite grunge band is Alice In Chains, boy, are you in for a treat with these guys! Not only does this band channel AIC with their guitar tones but the dual vocalists also create harmonies that are eerily reminiscent of Layne Staley & Jerry Cantrell. Shockingly, these guys are only in their early 20s. But their 90s influences are strong, & I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JAS6mXWKTk&ab_channel=ReturntoDustVEVO
  • Another Ghost by Upon A Burning Body: This is one of UABB’s softer songs in terms of the music/vocals but it’s one of their heavier songs in terms of the subject matter. The song was inspired by the opioid epidemic & is a touching testament to those who’ve been made ghosts by it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hMmXRiOUh0&ab_channel=UABBTV
  • Judas Mind by Seether: I’ve never followed Seether regularly but from what I know of their work, I feel safe saying this is one of their heaviest songs to date. It has their signature guitar tones but with a lot heavier vocals than I remember from Shaun in the past. It’s brilliant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERZA81acxD4&ab_channel=Seether

Lastly, I’d like to honor my favorite covers, remakes, & collaborations of the year.

  • Fall Forever by Nik Nocturnal & Paula Carragosa ft Matt Heafy: Woah! Matt Heafy can sing/growl like THAT?! Yep, he sure can. So glad Nik & Paula chose him to feature on this track. And let’s not forget the impressive guitar work here from Nik & Paula (possibly my favorite metal couple). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKILFvblLhY&ab_channel=NikNocturnal

Well, that’s it! I could probably add some more but I have to end it some time, & this has taken me HOURS already. Happy listening!

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