Decembers Top 10 Albums

It's time for December's top 10 albums. Staying abreast of the month's highlights may help casual
Readers catch up on what they missed and explore these artists. I am not writing brief summaries of them; I am simply linking to the reviews. Inclusion here does not mean that these albums have been released this month, but it is a list of new  albums I have enjoyed the most. December is more about me catching up with what I have missed, so this list reflects that. This month, it ranges from neo-folk to punk. Perhaps you will find your new favorite among them. Here are the Top 10 albums of  December.

10-Ter Ziele-"Embodiment of Death" 

Blackened Sludge

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/ter-ziele-embodiment-of-death.html

9-Rebecca Black - "Salvation." 

Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/rebecca-black-salvation.html

8-nghtcrwlr-'OZ" 

Electronic

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/nghtcrwlr-oz.html

7-Pupil Slicer- "Fleshwork"

Experimental Hardcore

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/pupil-slicer-fleshwork.html

6-Grandson-"Inertia" 

nu-metal

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/grandson-inertia.html

5-School Drugs-"Funeral Arrangements."

Punk

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/school-drugs-funeral-arrangements.html

4-Wardruna-"Birna" 

Pagan Neo-Folk

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/wardruna-birna.html

3-Chokecherry-"Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls." 

Alternative Rock

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/chokecherry-ripe-fruit-rots-and-falls.html

2-Pool Kids- "Easier Said Than Done." 

Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/pool-kids-easier-said-than-done.html

1-Home front- "Watch it Die" 

Punk 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/home-front-watch-it-die.html

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The Top 10 Folk Albums of 2025

There is less country music on this list than in past years, though the influence lingers in many of these albums. 2025 finds neo-folk or the traditonal pagan music of northern Europe playing a much larger role, though not splitting the top ten down the middle, though all the albums are darker and more melancholy. These albums do not really give a damn about the Nashville status quo, even when it comes to the artists in the more commercial spotlight. These are not the coolest albums, but the best, fuck what other blogs say. 

 After I sort through the top 10 albums of all the respective genres, I use those lists to compile the top 20 albums of 2025 list. The very fact that these bands made it on the list speaks to how great these albums are, so it's not a slight that the number 8 album is above the 9th album; there is something that just gives it an edge that makes me want to listen to it more. After all, we can try to look cool and pick the hippest bands for a list, but at the end of the day, what makes an album the best is that it makes you want more, and you look forward to listening to it again. Perhaps you can find your next favorite on this list. I've included links to reviews of these albums if you want to check out the audio on these guys. Anyway, here are the top 10 folk albums of 2025

10-Greet - "I Know How to Die." 

The heart of the album si often the mournful-sounding folk chant of the vocals. There are also elements of country/ gospel music in the mix. It almost sounds like bagpipes. The vocal melody feels earnest enough to make this work amid the pulse that rings out. Matthew Broadley is weaving this all together. There is a more Appalachian feel that touches on the early Irish roots of things like bluegrass. Often droning, this abum feels like the soundtrack to an A24 movie.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/10/gothtober-greet-i-know-how-to-die.html

9-Marissa Nadler -"New Radiations." 

 Her 10th album finds Nadler stripping things down to a more minimalist yet cinematic feel. It feels spacious, yep, with an intimate yearning. Her vocals are produced in a similar reverb-heavy manner, but the layered harmonies feel more pronounced. It feels more like her earlier work than the past couple of albums in the overall sound. The kind f haunting ballads you want for Hot Ghost Summer. At times, the guitar takes things in a more folk direction with the pining twang of country ambiance coloring things with a longing ambiance.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/07/marisa-nadler-new-radiations.html

8-Jason Isbell- "Foxes in the Snow"

This might be his 10th album, but it's his first solo acoustic album. This brings a more stripped-down take on what he does without the 400 Unit or an accompaniment that shows his rock influence. Instead, what we are getting is his voice and guitar. There is minimal production; it just sounds like this cut in one take with a mic in a room. This is a novel concept in a world of auto-tune and dozens of producers/songwriters on just one song. Lyrically, there is the kind of depth you expect from him. The kind of solemn reflection that haunts "Southeastern" can be felt here. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/03/jason-isbell-foxes-in-snow.html

7-Bloodyhammers -"The Acoustic Halloween Special." 

They released this collection of brooding ballads for Halloween that dips into dark country. I prefer their more driving metal output; this works for what it is. It makes sense they would need to take a breather for the sake of their creative juices and make this album to explore this side of the melodic spectrum. It works for what they do and is better than most murder ballad crooned this year. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/11/november-is-doom-bloody-hammers.html

 

6-Chimehours -"Underneath the Earth." 

This British project blends a tense urgency with ethereeal melodies and a folky organic feel. The singer has a Björk feel to her emotive singing style. Her fragile folkish vocal haunts things like a higher-pitched Lana Del Rey at times. The darker elements are subtle, an eerie layer in the background. Some songs are more dynamic than others. The folk strum of guitars  draped in a fairytale ambiance

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/10/gothtober-chimehours-underneath-earth.html

 

6-Sowulo-"NIHT"

This Norwegian project respects ye olde days, while writing actual songs that go somewhere. Yes, there is a very ritualistic feel to what they do, but it has verses and choruses you remember. Also, a dark tension broods under some of the passages, so it is not surprising these artists are often metal adjacent in their fan base. They are named after an old Germanic name for the sun, which reflects some of the elder pagan ideology behind the concepts of this album.  

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/06/sowulo-niht.html

5-Allie -X- "Happiness is Goiung to Get You." 

There is a more nuanced style of pop songwriting that leans in a somewhat Lana Del Rey direction this time, with a 1950s California vibe. These more organic vibes increase as the album progresses into this folk direction, which might not be what you would expect considering her past releases. It's moody but not as dark as the last album. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/11/allie-x-happiness-is-going-to-get-you.html

 

4-Florence + the Machine-"Everybody Scream." 

A very brooding album with the centerpiece being the trembling vibrato of her rich alto is a key selling point, and she is capable of creating memorable hooks with it,t even though she wanders in a pondering circle much like Natalie Merchant at times. I can also hear the influence of the Cowboy Junkies lurking in the more organic moments, which grew on me with repeat listens. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/11/florence-machine-everybody-scream.html

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3-Wardruna- "Birna" 

Six albums into their career, Norway's primal folk bards are still bringing an increasingly cinematic conjuring of otherworldly eons past. It is weird how they are the biggest band making this kind of music. Also, even stranger is how they can headline festivals. It is very much a wintery sound as should be expected from the region where the music is being made. It feels like they are getting ready to be hit by the worst storm in over a hundred years and are invoking the ghosts of their ancestors

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/12/wardruna-birna.html

2-Noah Cyrus- "I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me." 

Yep, this is Miley's sister. Regular readers here will know I am a fan of Miley, whom I talked about her before, saying she's never wanted her help or wanted to do anything similar to what Miley does, and you can hear that on this album. However, there is less of an indie feel on this one, with a more produced sound; however, she is not making pop country either. She has a good voice, but isn't a powerhouse like her sister. It is more melancholy and atmospheric than what Miley does. What they do have in common is that country music is just in their DNA. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/07/noah-cyrus-i-want-my-loved-ones-to-go.html

1-Lord Huron- "The Cosmic Selector Vol 1." 

This is the 5th album from this melancholy folk rock band, which employs a reflective atmosphere in its sound that feels honest in its soul-baring introspection. They're playing a more modern take on Americana, as the vocals gain more confidence in their narrative, thanks to the shuffling groove provided by the drums that keep them moving as country influences slide in . Pull out the bong for this album. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2025/07/lord-huron-cosmic-selector-vol-1.html

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Wardruna : "Birna"

Somehow, this album came out and got filed into the I need to hunt it down on the internet path for so long it was forgotten about til now. Six albums into their career, Norway's primal folk bards are still bringing an increasingly cinematic conjuring of otherworldly eons past. It is weird how they are the biggest band making this kind of music. Also, even stranger is how they can headline festivals. The title track is not as grandiose as how they open the album, and it feels more reflective, with the female vocals providing a more ethereal touch. It is very much a wintery sound as should be expected from the region where the music is being made. It feels like they are getting ready to be hit by the worst storm in over a hundred years and are invoking the ghosts of their ancestors.

There is a more celebratory tone to "Ljos til Jord".  Then drops down to a more solemn mood with the lonely horn blast leading into "Dvaledraumar" which incorporates some weird ambient sounds that feel less organic. So, for all the ancient instruments, you would be amiss to think there were not some studio tricks in play at times. It's a more minimalist arrangement that allows you to hear how Einar's voice has grown stronger over the years. The arrangement feels like it should be more of an interlude, yet they sprawl it out for over 15 minutes without the climax you expect. 

I suppose 'Jord Til Ljos" is the darker side counterpoint to "Ljos Til Jord it holds a steamier sizzle to how it undulates. By the time I get to "Himindotter" the songs are starting to fade into a background soundtrack, so I have to go back and give another listen. There is both an epic and a celebratory mood to how this one unfurls. The song after this is mroe stripped down. It feels more like a folk song.'Skuggehesten"  has the Viking gallop you want from these guys, that sounds like it is about to kick off a piece of historical fiction. There is a darker undercurrent to it, but things take a darker turn with 'Tretale' though it does progress into a more Celtic feeling frolic. They close the album with a more ritualistic piece. It works off a hypnotic chant. It takes you on a journey with varied dynamics while riding the same pulse. This album is impressive, and they have perfected what they do. I will give it a 

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Wardruna : "Kvitravn"

 

Ghaal has been long gone from this project and they have carried on with their Viking music . With a folk album so entrenched in ancient tribalism it would be easy to get lost in the ritualistic  nature of the sounds and not be aware of the songs. That is not the case here. They have taken a page from Dead Can Dance in this regard. There is a sense of movement that creates a primal groove and layers added to create dynamics. This is the band's first album on a major label, Columbia Records. This is no way has caused them to try to make music more accessible to western audiences . I think the first two songs amore solid than "Skugge" which is Swedish for shadow. "Gra" is more minimal in it's instrumentation. The songs begin to focus more on the atmosphere as the album progresses. "Gra" does embrace a wider scope of dynamics it builds into than the previous song  

"fylgjutal" or accompanying number, is very melodic and flowing, with half the volume and even less of the anger this band manages to come across just as chilling as any black metal band. There is a bleakness to the sound of this album that is wonderful . Alot of neo folk comes across like the are trying too hard for Renn Fest. This feel very real and very natural. They touch upon a more folk melody with "Munin". I mean yes this would be great music to play Dungeons and Dragons to, but it is not fun and games in and of it's self.  "Kvit Hjort" or white deer, takes a minute to build , but is worth while when it gets there. "viseveiding" might not have the same impact but is still solid for what it is. 

"Ni" finds them bringing some different sounds to the table, but it is a slower song with less movement to draw you in. The last song finds them back in a place that certainly is giving me everything I could ask from this project. If you are a fan already then this is what you are going to want. I do not see this album opening up many new doors for them , but is a solid testament to what they do and I will give it a 9.5 They make Norway proud. 

9.6

the Weekly Play list VOL- 8 Sonic Temples

Many of the past playlists have focused on either a particular artist or theme. This time I am going more for the sound of the soul. I wanted a departure from the more conventional forms of popular music consumed by the masses. Music is a universal language . This phrase has been said many times with not defined meaning to it. So what I have done is complied some of my favorite genre defying artists though most would be considered folk music of their cultures of as Brendan Perry said when I saw Dead Can Dance live “We’re going to play you a cover song, it’s about 500 years old” . So this is music that defies trends . None of this would make commercial radio, as it’s not about hooks it is about sounds that connect with the spirit.


 It is believed by some that “om” is the vibration caused by “the big bang” . Setting into motion matter from spirit. I am not going to debate metaphysics on this blog , I will save that sort of thing for Cvlt Nation. If you have followed my work on Cvlt Nation then you know I am out of the broom closet when it comes to my interest in the occult. So these are songs I find fitting for ritual. They range culturally from Egypt to Norway , yet hold the same exotic current. It hits you somewhere between a drone and slither. So if music is a language this is not for the consuming masses , but getting in touch with a transcendent place beyond the mundane. Enjoy, happy journeys.


Wardruna - "Hagal"

 


 Dead Can Dance- "Yulunga"


 


Peter Gabriel- "Of These Hope"


 



Hang Massive - "Once Again"

 

 Zywiolak - "Hela"


 

 Heilung - "Alfadhirhait"


 

 Anna Von Hausswolf- "the Mysterious Vanishing of Electra"


 

 Folknery - "Karchata"

 


 Natasha Atlas & Trans Global Underground - "Ali Mullah Lament"



  Odo Ensemble - " Nami Nami"

Leaves Eyes : King of Kings"

I Haven't reviewed any big overwrought symphonic metal in sometime so lets take a stab at this one. It opens with more of a folk metal feel, which I prefer to a horde of cellos chiming in, but it's merely an intro piece as the more Nightwish like title track proves to be the first song. The first thing I notice is that former Theater of Tragedy singer Liv Kristine's vocal has gotten stronger and more operatic. The album is a concept album that tells the story of Harald Fairhair the first King of Norway. "Halvdan the Black" finds things getting really Nighwish like, with layers of vocals and a pretty straight ahead power metal chug. Truth be told this kind of music has always been power metal for goth kids who outgrew Lacuna Coil. These guys can play and know how to fuse dynamics, in fact this album has more kick than what I have previously heard from them.

There are a few formulas these bands tap into one of them is get off to a delicate start, driving drum beat, not metal but not quite pop either though the vocal could have come from any anime soundtrack and then build it up from there. They mix the guitars a little further back than some to achieve this effect. The drummer doesn't relent on the double bass when this comes about. So now in rating this album I find myself looking for the moments that are uniquely Leaves Eyes and are not afraid to stray from the book of Symphonic Metal 101. Its moments like the Bag pipes and other folk instruments frolicking in the interlude before "Vengeance Venom" that is a clearer direction of where the band should go and while these elements are sprinkled about if pushed forward in the mix then the band would be onto something. Never the less the elements that are there keep things varied enough to make this one of the first real stand outs to me. There is a more melodramatic take on the folk thing on the double bass driven "Sacred Vow" which finds a more pop tone taken while she sings about the viking nation waging warfare.But like this kind of thing or not you have to admit Leaves Eyes are just as formidable as any of the other diva metal bands.

The divas battle it out as Simone Simons shows up for "Edge of Steel" which has some of the albums most metal riffing on it. There voices blend well. After the more folkish interlude "Blazing Waters" Linda Fay Hella from Wardruna lends her voice to this one. For what it is it is well done, it just depends how much frilly shirted bombast you can take with your metal. They do combine this with more folk on the closing song "Swords in Rock". You know for what this is it's well done , there is nothing on it that makes me cringe , I will acknowledge I am not the biggest fan of this sort of thing aside from Kamelot, who is a little darker and heavier , even with the more growled death metal vocals that sometimes scream out from the background on this album. There is not a lot of darkness , however they have pulled off the preformance they intended which is ambitous so they deserve and 8 for that.