It’s hard to fathom the amount of daring, tremendously exciting albums that’ve been released since the beginning of the year. In January, L.S. Dunes set the tone, returning with their vibrant second album. As the months slipped by, we experienced the raging experimentalism of YHWH Nailgun’s 45 Pounds, the blown-out maximalism of Jane Remover’s Revengeseekerz, and the pulsing theatricality of Model/Actriz’s Pirouette, to name just a few. There has been something for every taste, and plenty more to come in the next few months. With the middle of the year upon us, we asked our readers to tell us the best albums of 2025 so far, and their answers didn’t disappoint. Find the top fan picks ranked below.
Read more: The July album releases in alternative, rock, metal, and beyond
5. Spiritbox – Tsunami Sea
Spiritbox have said their whirlwind breakout upon releasing 2021’s Eternal Blue felt like a “surreal simulation.” They’ve accomplished a lot since then, taking their blend of multisided heaviness on huge tours with Ghost, Shinedown, and Korn. Though it’s been a busy time for the band, their relentless grind pays off on their second album, Tsunami Sea, which ups the intensity, exudes warmth, and wades into spoken word. Our readers voted Spiritbox as one of the best rock bands right now, so it only makes sense that their latest record was going to make this list, too.
4. Coheed and Cambria – Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe
When Coheed and Cambria introduced a new villain on “Blind Side Sonny” last fall, the band teased that their next album would soon follow. The proggy vets made good on that promise, revealing plans to release their 10th full-length, Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe, and continue to expand the sprawling lore of their Amory Wars/Vaxis universe. Frontman Claudio Sanchez has said he “tries to ‘outdo’ the one before, or at least make something that sounds different and evolved,” and Father of Make Believe is another compelling addition to their worldbuilding. Look no further than early single “Searching for Tomorrow,” which is just epic in sound and storytelling.
3. L.S. Dunes – Violet
L.S. Dunes made a raucous introduction with 2022’s Past Lives, a project created during pandemic lockdowns that encapsulated the intense bond between Anthony Green, Frank Iero, Travis Stever, Tim Payne, and Tucker Rule. Though all of the members possess their own impressive CVs within the alternative and punk space, L.S. Dunes don’t sound like carbon copies of their previous bands. Instead, they prefer to draw from the present, creating something new and exciting in the process. Their hugely anticipated second album, Violet, raises the bar, reflecting a collective looking ahead, pushing each other to be better, and following their “first best guess.” With help from their “sixth member” Will Yip, Violet is a satisfying, lovingly made listen from one of the scene’s best.
2. Arm’s Length – There’s A Whole World Out There
This year certainly feels like a breakout for Arm’s Length. In addition to a busy tour schedule, the Ontario emo four-piece put out their latest album, There’s A Whole World Out There, in May, which takes everything great about their 2022 debut and chases a bolder vision. Across its tracklist, Arm’s Length get heavier and more self-assured, unafraid to lean folk or pop while continuing to hold reverence for 2010s emo (The Hotelier, Pianos Become the Teeth, etc.). Whether that’s incorporating emo banjo or messing around with 12-string acoustic guitars, they definitely elude the sophomore slump.
1. Turnstile – NEVER ENOUGH
Turnstile broke big a few years ago, and in the weeks since releasing NEVER ENOUGH, the Baltimore greats have inspired an endless debate about what is and isn’t hardcore. Wherever your opinions land, NEVER ENOUGH continues to amplify the widescreen vision of its predecessor (literally). Throughout its 14 tracks, Turnstile continue to grow their sound, throwing around house beats, flute, and cello while tapping many of their friends to hop on for a track. It’s clear that people want to see them win, and Turnstile use NEVER ENOUGH to celebrate their widening circle and their own roots while losing none of their ambition.