Here are the best rock and metal albums that have come out in 2025 so far!
Although this year isn’t as flush with new releases as in years past, that’s only by comparison to an overabundant standard established throughout the 2020s.
One look through over 50 highlights from this year alone will have you convinced that there’s really no shortage of anything. Perhaps a shortage of free time to listen to all of them (especially more than once on release day), but no rock and metal fan is waiting very long at all to hear a slew of exciting new releases.
READ MORE: 2025 Hard Rock + Metal Album Release Calendar
So far, the new school has truly shined. Turnstile, Sleep Token and Spiritbox have all impressed, quickly cementing themselves as the titans of their era. Meanwhile, rock and metal’s veterans are enjoying late career highs, from metalcore (Killswitch Engage) to prog metal (Dream Theater) to hard rock (Three Days Grace).
Whatever you’re a fan of, 2025 has delivered for you.
Take a look below to see how many of your favorites from this year are named in our list of the best rock and metal albums of 2025 so far!
The Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2025 (So Far)
The year of 2025 marks that midway point through another decade. Here’s the best rock and metal albums of the year… so far!
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
The 25 Best Metal Songs of the Last 25 Years (2000-2024)
So much metal, so many subgenres, but these songs stood out above the crowd in furthering heavy music over the last 25 years.
Contributions by Jordan Blum (JB), Chad Childers (CC), Joe DiVita (JD), John Hill (JH) and Lauryn Schaffner (LS).
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
The 25 Best Rock Songs of the Last 25 Years (2000-2024)
Tens of thousands of rock and metal songs have been released in the 21st century. Here are the 25 best ones of these last 25 years!
Entries written by Rabab Al-Sharif (RA) Chad Childers (CC), Joe DiVita (JD) and Lauryn Schaffner (LS).
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff