“Self-releasing an album is a monumental effort. Between production, distribution, artwork, press, yadda yadda yadda, the logistical weight quickly consumes vast amounts of time, money and energy. And that’s before you factor in the arduous task of creating music that’s actually fucking good. Indeed, for a young band, initial encounters are everything, which means it behooves one to ensure everything is as polished and professional as possible. Desoration understands this” Self against self.
“In defiance of the shit burger we’re all eating every day while we wait for the AI drone war to start, 2025 was my best year in a while.” An oddly optimist AMG Himself has written a list.
Doktor Grier has had one hell of a year. Thankfully, he’s here with his elite list so you all have something better to listen to then the shit that’s been posted by others.
![Aephanemer – Utopie [Things You Might Have Missed 2025]](https://www.angrymetalguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aephanemer-Utopie-01.jpg.webp)
“I first encountered Aephanemer between Prokopton and A Dream of Wilderness, and it was love at first listen. Their classical flourishes seamlessly converge with aggressive riffing to develop complex layers of hook-infested earworms so inescapable that no prescription can rid me of their iron thrall. Four years after their last outing, Aephanemer returns with a mature interpretation of their signature sonic stamp.” Apes and hammers and melodeath.
And now you come to me and you say, “AMG, give me the Record(s) o’ the Month.” But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me Dr. Metal Guy or compliment my excellent taste. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you ask me to give you the Record(s) o’ the Month—for free.
Since 2003, Mors Principium Est has released eight full-length albums of top-notch melodic death metal. Most people agree, however, they really took flight in 2012, which coincidentally is a year after Andy Gillion joined the band. Gillion was fired, however, in 2021. So, with the re-entry of the original guitarists and a new creative engine, I’ve been dying to know how Mors would navigate album number nine. And now it’s here…
“Two months ago, I saw a post on social media announcing Vittra’s sophomore album, Intense Indifference. The name struck me as funny. “A bit like a Radical Neutrality Party or my side-project Exaggerated Understatement,” I quipped quippily while jonesing for that hot rush of dopamine that comes along with them sweet, sweet likes. But once my fix was had, I hastily forgot about them.” Like me and your mom.
“Ever since I was awoken by the editorial staff here rap-tap-tapping on my coffin lid earlier this year, I’ve been 3 for 3 in terms of albums by one-person bands. Completing the hat trick this time around is Sonus Mortis, a prolific death/doom act navigated by one Kevin Byrne, who was originally the bassist for Irish upstarts Valediction before splitting off on his own. His eighth album in 12 years, Synapse the Hivemind sees Byrne tackling personal privacy in a world that’s continuously being overrun by A.I. and the all-seeing eye of the camera. But what interested me was that, despite the output, I’d never heard of Sonus Mortis before.” Alone but not quiet.
“When I recently commented that I miss Eternal Tears of Sorrow, the universe must have heard me. Or, at least, Steel Druhm did, as he spied from our vast promo pit The Fathomless Dominion, the sophomore full-length from US-based Cantu Ignis, an album allegedly recommended for fans of Eternal Tears of Sorrow (among others).” Tears and wish fulfillment.
“While underground solo albums can be a scary prospect, Exilium is an exception. Andy Gillion served as lead guitarist and primary songwriter for Mors Principium Est in their heyday, from 2012’s …And Death Said Live through 2020’s Seven. This has earned him a permanent spot in both melodeath royalty and my heart, and got me thrilled to review Exilium. Gillion’s prolific solo career has spanned video game soundtracks, melodeath, and chiptune-infused metal. However, Exilium goes out on no limbs, opting instead for a synthy, rifftastic style that will please fans of Mors Principium Est.” MOAR Principium Est.
