Best New Releases May 2025

 

May was a big month in the heavy underground scene. Filled with both highly anticipated albums from some big names as well as some surprise gems from relatively unknown or new artists, it was anything but boring. 

I set what is quite possibly a record for me by choosing seventeen albums for the Doom Charts, all of which are very special in their own way and therefore a difficult and almost heartbreaking experience to rank. I also have two honorable mentions, so let's jump right in:

  Honorable Mentions 

(In no particular order)

Gryflet - Sea and Sand 

Gryflet, one of my favorite instrumental stoner bands, rather quietly released a two-track EP this month called Sea and Sand.  This release, while overall as relaxing as an afternoon on the shore as implied by its title, has a very yin-and-yang feel. The title track is a little coarser, offering up some surf-inspired stoner rock tonality amid the cool psychedelia. Conversely, second track Research Channel has a much calmer pace, but a dismal undercurrent of darkness keeps the song interesting while never letting it become too light and airy. A perfect appetizer for your ears as you hit the beach this summer. 

Favorite Track: Research Channel 

Pelican - Flickering Resonance 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not big into post rock, and I'm quite picky about instrumental music in general, strongly preferring a meaningful vocal accompaniment to help me understand the purpose and passion behind the song. However, there's no denying that Pelican's new album Flickering Resonance is absolutely gorgeous, even in the absence of words. Perhaps even because of it. The opening track Gulch particularly stood out for me, a sonic representation of exactly how I'd define the word "triumphant". '

Favorite Track: Gulch

Best New Releases of May 2025

Exactly what I submitted to the Doom Charts, in descending order

17.) Causa Sui - In Flux 

Just in time for summer, beloved Danish instrumental psych outfit Causa Sui is back with their latest release, In Flux. Much like the tides I envision while listening to this lovely album, Causa Sui masterfully utilizes building to allow their meditative, sun-drenched grooves to ebb and flow in intensity. The music is never too heavy or chaotic, peaking at a point that it doesn't disrupt the peaceful state it generates within you. In fact, it only allows that encompassing feeling of gladness to crescendo and, for me personally, makes me feel deeply grounded and grateful for life, the natural world, and for music like this...it's a very powerful thing. 

Favorite Track: Milkweed's Pod

  

16.) Exdirectory - Vitamine 

Exdirectory is an instrumental psychedelic quintet strongly influenced by stoner and progressive rock. While you'll find that these heavier muses lead to trippy, distorted guitars, vibrant crescendos, and soundscapes as steadfast as they are malleable, an ethereal lighter layer also floats past. Here, you'll notice the impact of Krautrock and dream pop on Exdirectory's style, carving out an infinite number of pathways for unexpected twists and turns. Contrast is key, and Exdirectory allows their songs to naturally drift into atmospheres both jubilant and morse, moody and groovy, apprehensive and serene. It only makes sense that for their new EP Vitamine, the band live-recorded three completely improvised jams, allowing the listener to fully experience a vibe that could previously only be felt at one of the band's spellbinding live shows. 

Favorite Track: A

15.) Tumble - Lost in Light

Lost in Light from Tumble possesses not only an authentic late 60s/early 70s rock and proto metal spirit, but it also contains soulful notes of blues, groovy psychedelia, and a delightful garage rock noisiness that gives their sound a special energy. This five-track EP flies by in just nineteen minutes, but that's more than enough to give you both a memorable first impression of Tumble and an insatiable craving for more. 

Favorite Track: Wings of Gold

  

14.) Turtle Skull - Being Here

Being Here is truly the perfect album for summer, filled with luscious, neo-psych grooves and soaring, sunny tones. However, you'll find hollows of stark realism hidden in the shadows, where the poppy psych and seraphic vocal harmonies make way for "flower doom". Here, fuzzed-out buzzing tones, pounding drums, and a sinister glint from the vocals create a feeling of apprehension. Whether daydreaming among the flowers or cloaked in darkness, Being Here consistently tackles weighty and thought-provoking subject matter, reminding the listener to "be fully present, to embrace the chaos, the beauty, the weight of it all". 

Favorite Track: Apathy

    

13.) El Saguaro - Enthusiecstacy 

Influenced by giants such as Grand Funk Railroad, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin, El Saguaro harnesses the psychedelic groove and confident swagger of decades past to create an authentic retro rock sound while making it all their own, In addition to their vibrant single Ticket to Ride, the band proves on their debut EP Enthusiecstacy that they're equally capable of concocting a more heartfelt and soulful tune on which their impressive instrumental aptitude paints palpable emotion. However, even the most woebegone track always ends in a hard rocking jam of epic proportions. If the four-track Enthusiecstacy is a mere snapshot of what we can expect from El Saguaro, I can't wait to see what they'll come up with next! 

You can read my full review here.

Favorite Track: Ticket to Ride

 

12.) Black Honey Cult - (self-titled) 

Black Honey Cult is an enigma that's been taking shape since the early 90s with a foundation of friendship and creative bonds that have stood the test of time. Now, in 2025, this deliciously groovy band is formally introducing their infectious sound to the world with their self-titled debut. Filled to overflowing with the vibrancy and noise of garage rock, the trippy qualities of psychedelia, energetic punk, hypnotic krautrock, and an ever-present vein of darkness from start to finish, this album is a memorable encounter you'll make fast friends with. 

Favorite Track: Dead in Me

 

11.) Tellemahookah - (self-titled) 

On their debut self-titled EP, UK stoner trio Tellemahookah goes above and beyond with their promise to bring "a raw thick wall of fuzz to your ears", delivering an intoxicating blend of trippy, psychedelic doom, stoner metal, and even a dash of proto metal. There's never a dull moment across the four tracks found here, as Tellemahookah's tones move from droning and atmospheric to heavy psych grooves to blistering heavy metal interludes. However, the scuzzy density of the fuzz-heavy guitar and the low electric buzz of the bass are ever-present, a constant reminder of that defining sound we know and love here in the realm of stoner/doom. 

Favorite Track: The Rise of the Night Witch

  

10.) Jusolis - (self-titled)

If the nostalgic sound resonating from Jusolis' self-titled album sounds like it flew in on a time machine straight out of 1994, that's because it did. Formed in Chile in the early 90s, Jusolis was a young band fueled by the pent-up rage and newfound freedom they experienced following the oppressive dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet Ugarte. The band developed an angst-ridden signature sound swirling with notes of stoner rock, metal, and grunge, and they quickly found themselves with both a loyal fan base and a record deal. However, life quite literally took the members of Jusolis to different corners of the globe only a few years after their formation, and they had no choice but to disband. Amazingly, thirty years later, the band reunited to record their first "proper" album. Within its six heavy tracks, you'll be mentally transported back to the heyday of bands like Fu Manchu, Corrosion of Conformity, Helmet, and Kyuss, lost in a sound as incredible as the inspiring story behind it. 

You can read more about the band and my full review of the album here.

Favorite Track: Grua

9.) Tao of Lucy - Lawless Lands

Tao of Lucy is an experimental rock quartet with a passion for the DIY arts and "old fantasy operas" who utilize what they aptly call "psychedelic doom blues rock" in some delightfully bizarre storytelling. The band's new album, Lawless Lands naturally incorporates trippy psychedelia, clever movement between ethereal and dense atmospheres, and the dread-fueled trudge of doom while spinning yarns about "kicking up the dust of suns, living a life of Zen". However, the incorporation of dirty, gritty blues and gruff vocals really make Tao of Lucy stand out in this arena and, truth be told, makes their story seem much more authentic. What is a wild race for your life through the cosmic unknown if not rugged, sweaty, and heart-pounding? Tao of Lucy is brilliantly successful at bringing this vivid imagery to life in a unique, immersive, and memorable way. 

Favorite Track: Pale Blue Dot Riders

 8.) ZQKMGDZ - Live in Hamburg 

ZQKMGDZ is one of my favorite bands from the unparalleled German stoner rock scene, delivering the most imaginative, mind-bending, spacey tunes on the planet (and beyond)! Therefore, you can only imagine my happiness when the band surprised their fans with the release of Live in Hamburg, a high quality and comprehensive recording of some of their most beloved songs. Most notably, the energy of this concert is not only palpable, but undeniably infectious, simultaneously filling me with warm fuzzies (pun intended) and a bit of dismay that a vast expanse of Atlantic Ocean prevented me from seeing the show myself! This is a great album for seasoned fans of ZQKMGDZ and newcomers alike, as it provides a perfect snapshot of some of the band's best songs as well as their unique style. 

Favorite Track: Zeitmachine People 

7.) Weedian - Trip to Germany

If you've been immersed in the stoner rock scene for any amount of time, you're well aware that Weedian creates some of the best compilation albums out there, showcasing deserving underground artists from various countries all around the globe. However, as the super unofficial American Ambassador for German Stoner Rock, I am more than happy to add my stamp of approval to Trip to Germany, a massive trove featuring more than 180 bands. Some of my favorite bands (and people) are represented here, compiled to create a collection that's as extensive as it is diverse. I highly recommend this album to any fan of stoner/doom and its subgenres, but this is an especially great place to start for anyone just beginning to dip their toes into the German stoner scene! 

Favorite Track: Flying Lures 

6.) The Ossuary - Requiem for the Sun

The Ossuary is an occult-heavy trio from Italy who first grabbed my attention with their powerful debut album Post Mortem Blues in 2017. Now, the band is back with their first album in four years: Requiem for the Sun. This album shows The Ossuary continuing to build upon their signature blend of doom, occult rock, psychedelia, and NWOBHM. However, Requiem for the Sun stands out brilliantly for its clear level-up in dimension - added layers in which the heavy portions are more intense, and the lighter parts are more ethereal and haunting, creating a natural surround sound experience for the listener. 

Whether you're a season fan of The Ossuary or a first-time listener, one thing is certain: you'll be utterly entranced by the band's ghostly occult sound electrified by classic heavy metal energy. 

You can read my review here.

Favorite Track: Far from the Tree

 

5.) White Hovse - The Mighty One

The Mighty One, the full-length debut from Indonesian band White Hovse, is a gem from start to finish, featuring a sophisticated blend of sounds both atmospheric and gritty. After laying a foundation of barreling stoner/desert rock, the band balances things out with fluid psychedelic rock on one end and their weightiness of doom and sludge on the other, covering nearly the entire spectrum of heavy music in one fell swoop. However, my favorite characteristic of White Hovse's sound is an undeniable grunginess, made known primarily in the vocals with their melodic yet murky tone that pairs incredibly well with the variable instrumentals. This album is sure to make a lasting impression on many heavy music fans. 

Favorite Track: Dead Rolling

  

4.) Witchcraft - IDAG 

For their highly-anticipated seventh album IDAG, beloved occult doom band Witchcraft surprised fans with an eclectic collection of songs unlike any they've ever created, naturally leading to some mixed reactions. With half of the tracks sung in frontman Magnus Delander's native tongue of Swedish, the album feels very raw, intense, and unfiltered, yet warm and cozy. While there are certainly some more rollicking moments on the album, its foundation is built upon acoustic interludes, often heart-wrenchingly dark musings, deeply palpable emotion, and even a few whispers of jazz and blues. IDAG is incredibly beautiful, a true artwork, and strikingly candid. At its core, I get the overwhelming feeling that this is the poetic essence that gave rise to Witchcraft's previous albums, bottled up in an intensely concentrated form. When approached with an open mind devoid of certain expectations, IDAG submerges the listener in the potency of Witchcraft's spirit, allowing for the purest look at the band we'll have the honor of hearing. 

Favorite Track: Drömmen Om Död Och Förruttnelse 

 

3.) Paralyzed - Rumble and Roar

Rumble and Roar shows beloved heavy blues and retro rock quartet Paralyzed baring their souls while boasting a much cleaner production. Undoubtedly the band's most raw release yet, this highly anticipated album delivers wisdom and confidence that can only be gained with time and experience. The warm retro rock instrumentals are more adept than ever at pulling the listener in with their bluesy soul and heaviest groove to date. Once you've been enticed, the powerful but gravelly, impassioned howl of the vocals hook you on an emotional level, their unfettered performance resonating deeply in your soul. What's more, you'll find some more melodic tracks peppered among the heavy rock numbers, showing a new and softer side of the band. All in all, Rumble and Roar shows that Paralyzed is not a group to rest on their laurels and continues to challenge themselves and grow as a band. This is a must-listen!

Favorite Track: White Paper

2.) Castle Atom - The Years of Blood 

Castle Atom is one of the most refreshing bands I've stumbled upon in a while. This highly underrated group scratches every imaginable itch for this die-hard alt rock fan by combining vibrant garage rock, murky grunge, and poetic indie with some whispers of punk rock energy here and there. Their new album Years of Blood seamlessly moves between hard rocking, somber, dreamy, and jubilant tones. However, my favorite tracks on the album are those that combine all of these moods at once, resulting in an overwhelming outpouring of cathartic emotive chaos, simultaneously painful and beautifully relatable. Because of this, I can already tell that Years of Blood will be an album that's going to stick with me, one that I can pull out to both rock out to and connect to on a deeper level, much like an old friend who knows you inside and out. 

Favorite Track: Years of Blood 

 

 1.) TIER - Backwood Blues 

TIER specializes in what they very aptly call "Dark-Western-Stoner". From this framework, the band creates ultra theatrical, layered songs that evolve into cinematic tales, often with an important message. On their full-length debut Backwood Blues, you'll quickly notice TIER's clever use of contrast within these sonic tapestries, employing dense and gritty stoner metal, heavy blues, and southern rock between finer threads of 70s rock. Perhaps best of all, the band utilizes rich vocal harmonies, which range from bone-chilling to ethereal depending on the mood. All of these elements work together to act out each and every tale and set vivid scenes for the listener. However, TIER isn't all over-the-top theatrics and dark cowboy tunes; the band also knows how to concoct a bright and catchy stoner alternative song, a few of which you'll find among the darker numbers. Bottom line: TIER does many things, and they do them all exceptionally well, appealing to a wide variety of heavy music fans in powerful, memorable ways. 

You can read my full review here.

Favorite Track: Aether Ride 

 

That's it for May! I really hope you enjoy these albums as much as I did. 

Be sure to check out this month's Doom Chart where there are forty albums waiting for you to discover, and as always, show your favorite heavy underground artists some much-deserved love!