It has been quite a year. Especially the first half was….well frankly put: terrible. I had to stand my ground in more ways than possibly imagined.  Luckily, there was a turn of the tide since July,  and since that time I had the chance and time to delve into music again, resulting in quite some reviews.

My favorite Metal album of this year is Cradle of Filth’s “The Screaming of the Valkyries” (review here) Also the newest of “Der Weg Einer Freiheit’s “Innern” proves to be a highly enjoyable album. And in no particular order almost every release of Void Wanderer Productions / War Productions is top notch this year. When looking back to the latest release of Lorna Shore ) I must admit: although I really enjoyed it, the duration is short. The way every song is structured is a tad too generic for my taste. Besides metal I really liked Ash Code’s latest output “Synthome”. And also Ice Ages re-release of “This Killing Emptiness” on vinyl makes me very happy. But these bands do not operate in the Metal genre.

Live, I have seen loads and loads of bands. I’ve seen Cradle of Filth twice this year: once sober in Zwolle and once drunk (Pitfest). Both loved it.  Together with Grima (Patronaat), Perturbator (Review here) and Swans (review here) in Doornroosje these were one of the most memorable gigs I attended. But also acts such as Ultra Sunn, Dlina Volny, Curses, Twin Tribes, She Past Away, Ductape, A Night in Athens and many more made sure I re-discovered my passion for the Gothic (and affiliated) genre. Both live and on record.

2025 has been quite a musical endeavor. I hope 2026 will be, at least music wise, in the same vein. And for now, I wish you an Unholy Christmas and blasphemous 2026,66.

Yours truly,

Erik