10 Best Rock Albums Of 2025 (so far)
As 2025 unfolds, it’s already shaping up to be a landmark year for rock music with a slew of exceptional albums capturing the spirit of the times.
These are the albums that stand out from the rest.
Number 10
The Darkness
– Dreams On Toast
Dreams On Toast encapsulates The Darkness’s ability to blend humor, introspection, and diverse musical influences into a cohesive and entertaining package. The album delivers what fans have come to expect: a rollicking good time with a wink and a nod.
Number 9
Killswitch Engage
– This Consequence
This Consequence reaffirms Killswitch Engage’s position in the metalcore genre. While it may not break new ground, the album delivers what fans have come to expect: a solid mix of heaviness and melody that continues to define their sound.
Number 8
Arch Enemy
– Blood Dynasty
Blood Dynasty finds Arch Enemy balancing brutality with melody, weaving blistering riffs, dark tones, and Alissa White-Gluz’s dynamic vocals. From the ferocious “Dream Stealer” to the haunting “Illuminate the Path,” it’s a bold evolution that stays true to their metal roots.
Number 7
Pop Evil
– What Remains
Pop Evil’s What Remains ups the intensity with heavier riffs and raw emotion. From the anthemic “When Bullets Miss” to the eerie “Deathwalk,” it blends hard rock grit with sharp hooks. Familiar yet fierce, it proves the band’s staying power.
Number 6
Lacuna Coil
– Sleepless Empire
Sleepless Empire reaffirms Lacuna Coil’s position in the gothic metal genre. The album balances innovation with the band’s signature sound, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a rich auditory experience.
Number 5
Tremonti
– The End Will Show Us How
The End Will Show Us How reaffirms Tremonti’s ability to craft engaging hard rock and metal compositions. While some may find certain elements familiar, the album’s execution and energy offer a satisfying listening experience.
Number 4
Epica
– Aspiral
Epica’s Aspiral dives into transformation and unity with epic scope, rich vocals, and heavy symphonic power. It marks a bold shift, ending with a ballad and expanding the A New Age Dawns saga with three sweeping new chapters.
Number 3
Dream Theater
– Parasomnia
Dream Theater’s Parasomnia dives into the shadows of the mind, blending prog-metal precision with raw emotion. Portnoy’s return fuels a haunting, exhilarating journey through sleep, fear, and illusion—an album both intricate and intensely human.
Number 2
Spiritbox
– Tsunami Sea
Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea crashes in with bold genre-blending and Courtney LaPlante’s dynamic vocals. From crushing riffs to eerie melodies, it’s a storm of sound. Experimental yet powerful, it cements their place as fearless metal innovators.
Number 1
Dorothy
– The Way
Dorothy’s The Way roars to life with powerhouse vocals and fearless energy. From the soaring I Come Alive to the gritty Tombstone Town with Slash, it’s a bold, hook-heavy ride. Polished yet raw, it proves Dorothy doesn’t need to reinvent rock to own it.
The 10 Best are selected based on lyrics, innovative compositions, a unique approach to the genre, production quality, and public opinion/popularity.
Honorable Mention
Architects
– The Sky, the Earth & All Between
Architects’ The Sky, The Earth & All Between blends crushing riffs with melodic depth, tackling themes of resilience and introspection. It’s a bold, mature leap forward—ferocious yet reflective, proving evolution doesn’t mean losing your edge.
Franz Ferdinand
– The Human Fear
The Human Fear finds Franz Ferdinand dancing with dread, not reinvention. Slick grooves meet simmering tension as new blood revives their swagger. Not flawless, but when it hits, it crackles—fear you can move to, charm with sharp edges.
