In late 2025, we polled our readers to vote for their favorite doom metal release from a handful of our nominations.
The winner of The Best Doom Metal Album of the Year is…
Eva by Church of the Sea
Forming in Athens, the Greek doomgaze trio caught my immediate attention with their plodding, seductive conceptual record – Eva. I spoke to the group in the wake of their victory.
Bonding over a mutual appreciation for Chelsea Wolfe, Church of the Sea actually claimed that they’d ideally share the stage with Dead Can Dance. While initially surprised, both bands do share a dramatic dose of gothic ambience – notably Alex’s heavy synth work across the title track, “Widow,” and “How to Build a Universe, pt. II.”
Music aside for a moment, Eva is conceptually really damn interesting. Irene’s siren-like vocals call out a re-imagining on the biblical tale of Eve: “her actions are not seen as the origin of sin, but instead they are interpreted as an act of curiosity, courage, and defiance against blind obedience.”
Church of the Sea recently enjoyed their local show alongside Universe 217, Allochiria, Ninkasi, and Breakeven, and plan to continue performing this new material live. Eva is available on Bandcamp, CD, and colored vinyl.