Here’s a harsh truth: even in the coldest, most unforgiving conditions, the show must go on—even if it means sacrificing comfort for the sake of survival. Stuck in the Filter: November/December 2025’s Angry Misses paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity. As the CEO of a filtration service, I’ve had to make tough choices, like prioritizing my bonus over equipping my team with proper gear for the brutal winter. But here’s where it gets controversial: is it better to provide practical tools or a small gesture of warmth, like the crocheted hats I made for my employees? Hopefully, these hats will tide them over until the weather improves, and in the meantime, we’ve got some scorching music to keep us all warm. REJOICE!
Kenstrosity’s Knightly Nightmare
AngelMaker (https://www.facebook.com/angelmakerband/) // This Used to Be Heaven [November 20th, 2025 – Self Released]
AngelMaker’s journey from their 2015 debut Dissentient to their latest release, This Used to Be Heaven, is nothing short of remarkable. This Vancouver-based septet has evolved from a brutish deathcore act to a band that seamlessly blends rich layering, neoclassical melodies, and dramatic atmospheres. But here’s the part most people miss: their ability to twist their sound into unexpected shapes—hardcore, blackened, or melodic—while maintaining their core identity. Tracks like “Silken Hands” and “Relinquished” showcase their versatility, while the epic two-part suite “The Omen” unites their experimental deviations with their deathcore roots. If you’ve ever doubted deathcore’s creative potential, This Used to Be Heaven might just change your mind.
ClarkKent’s Sonic Symphonics
Brainblast (https://brainblastofficial.bandcamp.com/album/colossus-suprema) // Colossus Suprema [November 11th, 2025 – Vmbrella (https://vmbrella.com/)]
Brainblast’s Colossus Suprema is a technical death metal masterpiece that blends classical composition with jaw-dropping virtuosity. Founded by Bogotá’s Edd Jiménez, the band combines the grandeur of Fleshgod Apocalypse, the speed of Archspire, and the precision of concert musicians. But what sets them apart is their ability to infuse orchestral elements into insanely energetic performances. From Nicholas Le Fou Wells’ relentless drumming to Eetu Hernesmaa’s technical fretwork, every element is executed with precision. This debut album is not just a showcase of skill but a testament to the band’s potential for future growth.
Gods of Gaia (https://godsofgaia.bandcamp.com/album/escape-the-wonderland) // Escape the Wonderland [November 28th, 2025 – Self Released]
If you’re craving the next SepticFlesh release, Gods of Gaia’s Escape the Wonderland is a worthy substitute. This anonymous collective delivers a dark, heavy, and aggressive form of symphonic metal, complete with orchestral arrangements, choral chants, and cinematic symphonics. But the real question is: can they step out of SepticFlesh’s shadow and carve their own identity? While influences are evident, tracks like “Rise Up” showcase their grandiosity, and the album’s back half proves they’re more than just a tribute act. This is melodic death metal at its finest, with symphonic elements that elevate it to new heights.
Grin Reaper’s Frozen Feast
Hounds of Bayanay (https://houndsofbayanay.bandcamp.com/album/kem) // КЭМ [November 15, 2025 – Self Released]
Hounds of Bayanay’s КЭМ is a folk metal gem that blends heavy metal with traditional instruments like the kyrympa and khomus, as well as throat singing. But are they just another Tengger Cavalry or The Hu knockoff? Far from it. Their bold vocal stylings, cohesive fusion of folk and metal, and varied songwriting set them apart. Tracks like “Ardaq” and “Dɔʃɔrum” showcase their unique synthesis of styles, making КЭМ a hook-laden, replayable masterpiece. This is folk metal with heart, warmth, and a whole lot of fun.
Blood Red Throne (https://bloodredthrone.bandcamp.com/album/siltskin) // Siltskin [December 05, 2025 – Soulseller Records]
Blood Red Throne’s Siltskin is a relentless, pit-stomping romp that maintains the band’s reputation for consistency and brutality. But can a band this far into their career still deliver fresh, exciting material? Absolutely. With slick mid-paced slammers, warp-speed blitzes, and a touch of melody, Siltskin is a 45-minute smash-a-thon. While it may not surpass their best work, it keeps up with their high standards, proving that Blood Red Throne is still a force to be reckoned with.
Gotsu-Totsu-Kotsu // Immortality [December 17, 2025 – Bang the Head Records]
Gotsu-Totsu-Kotsu’s Immortality is a funky, rabid take on death metal, featuring slap ‘n’ pop bass and thrashy vigor. But what makes them stand out in a crowded genre? Their unique blend of intensity and groove, courtesy of bassist/vocalist Haruhisa Takahata and drummer Kouki Akita, creates a thunderous rhythm section. Add Keiichi Enjouji’s melodic shredding, and you’ve got an album that strikes with the force of a roundhouse kick. If you missed this one, you’re in for a treat—just don’t let it hound you like it almost did me.
Thus Spoke’s Random Revelations
The Algorithm // Recursive Infinity [November 21st, 2025 – Self Released]
The Algorithm’s Recursive Infinity is a cyberpunk tour-de-force that blends mesmeric compositions with a streamlined, richer sound. But is it just a nostalgia trip, or does it offer something new? Rémi Gallego transforms throwbacks into entrancing, upgraded tracks, while experimenting with vocoder vocals for a dark-Daft Punk vibe. This album is not just a reference to an endless loop but a reflection of The Algorithm’s own evolution. If you’ve ever written them off, now’s the time to reconsider.
Owlswald’s Holiday Scraps
Sun of the Suns (https://www.facebook.com/sunofthesunsofficial/) // Entanglement [December 12th, 2025 – Scarlet Records (https://scarletrecords.com/)]
Sun of the Suns’ Entanglement is a progressive death metal masterpiece that was unfortunately released during the holiday lull. But does timing matter when the music is this good? Building on their debut, the Italian trio mixes tech-death articulation with deathcore brutality, creating effervescent melodies and crystalline textures. While early tracks nod to Fallujah and Tesseract, the album truly shines when it breaks free from stylistic constraints. Tracks like “Please, Blackout My Eyes” and “One With the Sun” prove that Sun of the Suns is no mere clone but a band with its own unique voice.
Final Thoughts: This roundup is a testament to the diversity and creativity within the metal genre. From symphonic masterpieces to folk-infused bangers, there’s something here for every fan. But the real question is: which of these albums will stand the test of time? Only you can decide. Let the debates begin in the comments—I’m eager to hear your thoughts!
