I have started writing for Merg en Been around September this year. While being mainly busy with my own bands and projects (and going back to school, for the first time in 12 years) I listen to a lot of music. A big part of that is old and trusted work like 1349, Nordjevel, many cavernous death acts like Haunter, Fossilization, Cosmovore and since a while Anotherside (those drumfills with small breaks, then continuing to bomb blasts the hell out of the kit are magnificent!). I also adore bands like Deeds of Flesh (one of the reasons I ever started making music), really digging Pneuma Hagion and stuff like Perdition Temple and Embra.
As seen above, I have been growing from black metal to a more death metal taste (most preferably a combination). I’d like to call my style very defined, but according to my fiancee it is just blasting and noise all along (mostly then). For me it does not matter, a great album remains a great album.
During this year I have discovered many great new bands, and saw the release of bands I know and like. It is not a secret that I really like the music of Hate Forest, in fact, I have a solo project that is inspired by them (Duindwaler). So it will not be a surprise that having released a new album, it will be in this yearlist.
2025 gave birth to many great new music, and I’d like to share my top 10 favourite releases :
10. Fordæðuskapr – Hræflóð Markar Fjalla
9. Sorcier des glaces – Sorcier des glaces
8. Malthusian – The summoning bell
7. Unmerciful – Devouring darkness
6. Dysylumn – Abstraction
5. Altars Ablaze – Indiscriminate extermination
4. Death pulsation – S/T
3. Phrenelith – Ashen womb
2. Hate forest – Against all odds
And in my opinion the best release of this year, on number one:
Brazen horde – Behold! The ashen cross.
This was an album that came on my radar through Greg Biehl (known name in the underground, vocalist of Nunslaugther). His youtube channel No gleaming light posted this album and the artwork was the first thing that caught my attention. I was sold at the first playthrough, and many, many more followed. I am still waiting on the vinyl version, which will be released at a later date. This is a must have!
Next year will be one of many great things, new work from my current bands/projects, personal wins (hopefully) with education, many new bands and music to discover and above all: write more for Merg & been!! Last weeks were very busy for me, but me and Peter are also working together on some musical projects, so choices have to be made.