Albums that hooked me in September 2025
It has been a good month for releases if you share my tastes in death and doom. I’m not sure if I’m going to make a habit of these lists, but if there’s something worth talking about in October, you never know.
Paradise Lost - Ascension
I’ve already shared my thoughts on the new Paradise Lost album. I’m not unbiased in this as I have been listening to these guys since the mid 90s, but any new release from the gloomy crew from the north of England is a momentous occasion.
Thankfully, it was so good I bought it twice, once on Qobuz, once on CD. That thing’s a keeper.
In Mourning - The Immortal
Released at the very end of August, In Mourning’s latest release ‘The Immortal’ is a solid slab of melodic death metal from deepest darkest Sweden.
I adore melodic death metal for its ability to blend brutality with an unmistakable sense of harmony. The Immortal masterfully blends both harsh and clean vocals, brutal riffs with melodic leads. Highlights include ‘Silver Crescent’, ‘Song of the Cranes’ and ‘Sojourner’.
Nailed to Obscurity - Generation of the Void
Releasing on the 5th September, Generation of the Void was my first taste of German death-doom crew Nailed to Obscurity. I really like what I’ve heard so far.
I’d probably categorise ‘Generation of the Void’ as more melodeath, but there’s a definite hint of doom in there too. As with In Mourning, there’s a lovely blend of harsh and clean vocals at work here too.
Highlights include ‘Overcast’, ‘Echo Attempt’ and ‘The Ides of Life’.
Honourable Mentions
Between the Buried and Me - The Blue Nowhere
Between the Buried and Me released their new album ‘The Blue Nowhere’ on 12th September.
This album is completely mad. There’s bits of death, bits of funk and a lot of prog to bind it all together.
Whilst I enjoyed it, it didn’t grip my as hard as the three mentioned earlier. It can be a difficult listen at times, but it is undeniably impressive what these guys have put together.
Counting Hours - Dreaming in the Mire
It is always a good day when Counting Hours release new material. However, this was one new track and a proper release of Wintry Insight, which previously appeared on an unreleased demo.
I love both tracks, but hopefully the rest of the album will follow along soon. I will probably buy it immediately, because it is Counting Hours.