Genuinely, last year felt a bit slow out of the gates, however, 2025 is already churning our some absolutely noteworthy releases, from Russia and Ukraine to New Zealand.
Every month, there is an overwhelming amount of heavy, extreme, and beautiful metal albums released from every region of the world. We’ve curated the most notable records that dropped in February…
Bronze Tier: Metal Album of the Month – February 2025
Shepherds of Cassini
In Thrall To Heresy
Self-released
Based in Auckland, New Zealand
Very much so wearing their 90’s prog metal influences on their sleeve, Shepherds of Cassini is the perfect modern execution for that boundary pushing experimental nostalgia. With beautiful and sometimes Maynard James Keenan-like melodies of frontman Brendan Zwaan elevating the hard-hitting excursions of drummer Omar Al-Hashimi, bassist Vitesh Bava, and Felix Lun, In Thrall to Heresy is an instant addiction.
FFO: Tool, Mastodon, Between the Buried and Me
‘In Thrall to Heresy’ on Bandcamp
Silver Tier: Metal Album of the Month – February 2025
Jinjer
Duél
Released via Napalm Records
Based in Donetsk, Ukraine
Truly out for blood, Duél is Jinjer’s kill or be killed album – their fifth full length that leaves no room for any emotion beyond wounded spite. Vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk may have established the band’s distinct sound through dynamic clean vocals, growls, and fierce vulnerability, yet (with the exception of a couple tracks “Someones Daughter,” “Kafka”), she is strictly on the offensive this round.
FFO: Decapitated, No Doubt, Infected Rain
Gold Tier: Metal Album of the Month – February 2025
Grima
Nightside
Released via Napalm Records
Based in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Lurking in the frozen forests of Serbia, Grima harnesses the immense atmospheres of the nature around them for their breath of fresh air black metal. On their sixth full-length offering, masked hermits Vilhelm and Morbius are joined by Serpentum on bass and drummer Vlad as well as keyboardist Valentina Astashova and bayan-accordian player Sergey Pastukh. Nightside is a cold, crisp, and harsh wound, bleeding out in the snow full of cathartic euphoria.
FFO: Wolves in the Throne Room, Alcest, Enslaved
Honorable Mentions
Seventh Station
On Shoulders of Giants
Released via Layered Reality Productions
Based in Israel, Slovenia, United States, Belgium, United Kingdom
With a notable lineup featuring the likes of Davidavi Dolev (Subterranean Masquerade), Eren Başbuğ (Dream Theater), and more, this international project’s new EP holds five twisted, yet stunning re-workings of classical pieces by 20th century composers.
‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ on Bandcamp
Obscureviolence
Refuting the Flesh
Released via Transcending Obscurity
Based in Russia
Intoxicatingly brutal, the Russian trio’s debut EP make the likes of Nails or Morbid Angel sound elementary in comparison.
‘Refuting the Flesh’ on Bandcamp