Written By Kevin McSweeney
Welcome to Seven Deadly Songs, Metal Lair’s weekly feature in which, at this time of year at least, we lovingly place seven glorious musical gifts beneath your Christmas tree.
Albums of The Year list may have dropped, courtesy of my esteemed colleague Chris Norris, but we’re not anywhere near done with the incredible new music of 2025, as this list proves beyond any doubt.
These seven opulent offerings are taken from albums and EPs released between the 8th and the 14th of December, with our emphasis being on artists who have yet to receive the recognition their immense talents deserve. So, grab a mince pie and a warming beverage of some description, and indulge! It’s Christmas, after all.
Breaths – The Mirror
Our first selection comprises a quixotic and compelling blend of styles from Richmond, Virginia resident Jason Roberts, whose solo project Breaths mixes the dreaminess of shoegaze with the nightmare fuel of black metal and the organic earthiness of sludgy doom metal to keep it all grounded in diurnal garishness.
That might just be the wankiest sentence I’ve ever written. Roberts is incredibly prolific, having provided us with six full-length albums, amongst other releases, since 2021.
The latest of those albums is Violescent, which will be available from December 12th, courtesy of the distinctly Hibernian-sounding Fiadh Productions.
We feel it’s only right to reward Roberts for his commendable productivity by giving him your attention. The video for this track is a bit of a visual spectacle and well worth your attention in its own right.
Bygone – Shadow Rising
Time now for some classic, 70s-style heavy metal, with bluesy riffs, soulful vocals and cosmic keys, hearkening back to the glory days of Deep Purple, Hawkwind and Rainbow.
Not to be confused with the indie folk duo of Joshua Lee Turner and Allison Young, it’s old-time rock ‘n’ roll – groovy without becoming too proggy, and its production is delightfully retro.
The band from Boston, Massachusetts release their self-titled debut album on December 12th via Svart Records, and on this track as well as the others I’ve heard, they evoke the sonic spirit of a, well, bygone age. We strongly advise that you do not allow this particular Bygone to be bygone.
Glasgow Kiss – Forsaken
For anyone unfamiliar with the terminology, a Glasgow Kiss is a charming little colloquialism from the UK, meaning a headbutt – Glasgow being a city that is synonymous with casual violence.
I’ve been there several times and was never assaulted, just for the record. Unlike their nomenclature, Glasgow Kiss are not from the UK; they’re a female-fronted alternative metal band from Norway who, according to their label Eclipse Records, have: “…a power-rock vibe that will rattle the windows and shake the foundations.”
They’ve only been around since 2020 and their debut album, Down in Flames, is due to be released on December 12th. Check out the video for Forsaken forthwith, or we’ll stick the heid on ye!
Nattradio – Alright For Now
Things now take a turn for the Gothic on this track from The Longest Night, the second full-length album from Sweden’s Nattradio.
They are not as heavy as Paradise Lost, nor as innovative as Type O Negative, and Martin Boman’s vocals have neither the gravel of Nick Holmes nor the booming low register of Peter Steele, but this is a fine piece of gothic metal nonetheless from the band whose name means “night radio” in their native tongue.
It’s actually not a million miles from what Nate Garrett was doing with his Neon Nightmare project, and any comparison to Garrett is high praise indeed in my book.
Other apposite comparisons might be made to Finnish legends HIM, with their dark and brooding melodies.
The album is available from December 12th via Darkness Shall Rise Productions, aptly enough, and it would be more than alright for now if you were to seek it out.
Ophelia’s Eye – Severance
Google searches lead me to a mini dress, which is disappointing, as Ophela’s Eye sounds vaguely euphemistic to me.
Maybe it’s just because it’s panto season that I’m seeking innuendo where it doesn’t exist. I really don’t know what’s come over me.
Anyway, the Swiss modern metal/metalcore band are due to release the Severance EP independently on December 12th, and the title track is a fine demonstration of their style.
Leaning towards the Killswitch Engage side of proceedings, they boast heavy verses and bold, melodic choruses, and a mercurial and multifaceted vocalist in the form of Jan Brasser.
No, he’s not the guy who did the Miami Vice soundtrack. That would be Jan Hammer. Oh, and Ophelia’s Eye have nothing to do with Taylor Swift, who also recently referenced Hamlet’s drowned love interest, so for that, we can be very grateful.
Unfyros – Black Magnetism
For our penultimate selection, we turn, as we so often do, to Finland. This icy Nordic land always punches well and truly above its weight when it comes to producing metal of the highest quality.,
This week is no exception, as we savour some exquisite black metal courtesy of Unfyros, whose second full-length album, Star Blood, is due to be released on December 12th via Avantgarde Music.
Though it is undeniably black metal, and especially in the vocal style, this particular track bears a strong resemblance to classic doom metal, particularly that of the likes of Anathema and My Dying Bride in their 1990s heyday.
The riffing and pace of the track are pure doom for the most part; there’s nary a blast beat nor a bit of tremolo picking to be found.
That might not be the case with the rest of the album, however. I guess you’ll just have to listen to it to find out!
Weazzel – The Only Way to Be
We conclude this week’s proceedings with some traditional heavy metal in the NWOBHM style, courtesy of skilful Austrian multi-instrumentalist Philip Rubenser, whose solo project goes by the name of Weazzel. And let me assure you: this weasel does not go pop!
We’re talking razor-sharp riffs, epic solos, pummelling drums and vocals that remind me of erstwhile Iron Maiden and Wolfsbane frontman Blaze Bayley.
That’s a serious amount of talent for one man! Rubenser’s second full-length album, Make Money Not Friends, is due to be released independently on December 12th, and you’d better not weasel out of giving it a listen, or you’re going straight on the naughty list!
OK, that’ll do it for this week. See you next week, when I still won’t be ready for Christmas!
Missed last week’s Seven Deadly Songs? You can find it right here
FAQ: Seven Deadly Songs December 12th – 18th 2025
Q: What is Seven Deadly Songs?
A: Seven Deadly Songs is Metal Lair’s weekly roundup of the heaviest new releases across the metal spectrum from black and death to doom, thrash, and speed metal. Each week we spotlight seven standout tracks you shouldn’t miss.
Q: When does Seven Deadly Songs update?
A: We post a new edition every Friday, typically highlighting weekly new releases.
Q: Where can I find the best new metal songs?
A: Right here. Seven Deadly Songs is your go-to source for discovering the latest metal tracks including fresh black, death, thrash, doom, and speed metal releases, all curated in one place.
Q: How can I listen to the songs featured?
A: Every featured track links out to the artist’s official release, streaming platform, or label page so you can dive deeper and support the bands directly.
Q: Does Metal Lair have other weekly series?
A: Absolutely, Try:
Deep Cuts Metals Hidden Gems for rare, overlooked tracks or unreleased demos.
World Metal Weekly, your passport for metal around the world.
Metalhead Horoscopes shows you what the stars have in store, translated into metalhead language and paired with a lucky song of the week.
A Rip in Time: Women in Metal, A series celebrating the voices, pioneers, and rule-breakers reshaping heavy music’s DNA.