30. Trytan - Alliance: The Best Of Trytan (Retroactive Records)
Excellent compiling of the best songs off the three Trytan albums: Celestial Messenger (1987), Sylentiger (1990) and Blood Of Kings (2021). Detailed liner notes composed by founding member and vocalist/guitarist Lary Dean ‘dive into the inspiration, history, and spiritual impact behind the songs, offering rare insight into the band's creative process and message’ (quoting the groups press material).
29. Ordained - Thunder Roar (Girder Records)
Previously known as Swingle & Thompson Ordained, referencing rhythm guitarist Randy Swingle and vocalist Dale Thompson (Bride), Ordained hits its musical stride on very fine fifth full-length album Thunder Roar. Songwriting takes the next step found in stronger hooks and melodies imbuing the group’s signature eighties metal and hard rock sound.
28. Stryper - The Greatest Gift Of All (Frontiers Music SRL)
Long awaited Stryper Christmas album includes melodic metal covers to five traditional Christmas songs in addition to three new holiday themed cuts. Rounding out the track listing are re-recorded versions to eighties singles “Reason For The Season” and “Winter Wonderland”.
27. Hammerdown - Thunder (Independent)
Traditional heavy metal and straightforward hard rock with doom and progressive overtones on debut full length Thunder from Freedom, California’s Hammerdown. Seven and half-minute magnum opus “Time” is a potential song of the year candidate.
26. Wytch Hazel - V: Lamentations (Bad Omen)
Aptly entitled fifth Wytch Hazel album V: Lamentations finds the Lancaster, UK based act continuing to draw upon New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, a Thin Lizzy twin hard rock guitar attack and folk rock eccentricities of Jethro Tull. When further factoring influences of sacred medieval music and medieval stage attire, the picture is complete. Vocalist and guitarist Colin Hendra offers commentary regarding his faith based prose:
‘I'm a Christian in a heavy metal band. I don't see it as Wytch Hazel is a Christian heavy metal band. So, for me, it's just about doing normal stuff while having a Christian voice or influence. In terms of lyrics and stuff, it (my faith) was always going to come through because I write the songs, but for me it's not really an issue- I know that not everyone shares the same views, I believe in democracy.’
25. Saint - Immortalized At The BMI (Independent)
A fourteen song compiling taken from the highly regarded traditional metal acts rehearsal sessions prior to its appearance at Immortal Festival 2025 Part 1. Encompassing material from all eras of Saint’s history, Immortalized At The BMI impresses as a greatest hits package recorded live in the studio. Further value realizes in form of classically trained new front man Eli Prinsen (The Sacrificed).
24 (tie). Remedy Three - What Happened To Me? EP (Independent)
Remedy Three debuts with impressive melodic hard rock and AOR EP What Happened To Me? defined by focused songwriting, strong production and faith based lyrics. Guardian, Petra, Fear Not, Sweet Crystal and White Heart represent points of interest. Further detail from the Rochester, New York four-piece regarding the meaning behind its name:
"Christ is our remedy. Three has a big meaning in the Bible. Jesus prayed three times in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. There is God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit- the Trinity. There are all sorts of threes in there. Three days, and He rose again in three days. So that’s kind of the way it came together, Remedy Three.”1
24 (tie). Fear Not - Weight Of The World EP (Roxx Records)
Five song EP Weight Of The World maintains the trend of recent Fear Not albums For The Wounded Heart (2019) and Fields Of Sorrow (2022) from combining eighties melodic hard rock with modern distinctions. Of note is the excellent Kenny Wayne Shepherd cover “Blue On Black” and bluesy acoustic groove to song of the year contender “A Circle Complete”.
23. Temple Dogs - Temple Dogs (Soundmass Records)
Recorded in 2007 but not released until 2025, self-titled debut from UK’s Temple Dogs reinforces straightforward hard rock aligned with strong aspects of blues and classic rock. Talented lineup including guitarist Paul May (A.N.D. & Atkins May Project), vocalist Dave Rowley (Crucifer), bassist Pete Emms (V-Rats) and drummer Rob Allen (PPP) create some truly outstanding material.
22. Hearts On Fire - Signs & Wonders (Pride & Joy Music)
Hearts On Fire preserve the melodic rock and AOR affinities on sophomore album Signs & Wonders in which it combines commercial melodies and beguiling hooks with Mark Boals’ soaring lead vocals. While not a Christian band, Hearts On Fire thanks ‘our Father in Heaven for making this possible and for the inspiration to make music’ in albums liner notes. Lyrics are correspondingly positive in reflecting a strong Christian worldview.
21. Mad At The World - Love & Despair (Independent)
Brothers Randy (vocals & drums) and Roger (vocals & guitars) Rose reunite for ninth full-length Mad At The World album Love & Despair. The modern infused synth-pop sounds to earlier releases are supplanted by a fine tuned hard rock propensity akin to nineties era albums Seasons Of Love (1990), Boomerang (1991) and Through The Forest (1992).
20. Undoubting Thomas - In The Process Of… (Roxx Records)
Progressive rock veteran and multi-instrumentalist Thomas McKeown (vocals, guitar, bass, piano, organ, synth & percussion) returns under the Undoubting Thomas moniker with concept album In The Process Of… that explores the tension between faith, suffering and doubt while asking the following questions:
• Is God still good when everything is falling apart?
• Is there meaning in our suffering?
For fans of Neal Morse, Genesis, Porcupine Tree, Kansas and artists previous band Damascus.
19 (tie). Dynamis - Byzantine Metal (Symmetric Records)
Dynamis delivers hymnology/hymnography based power metal lyrically drawing heavily from the Book of Psalms on its aptly entitled debut Byzantine Metal. The Athens, Greece two piece consisting of vocalist and keyboardist Christopher Laskos and multi-instrumentalist Bob Katsionis further stays true to the Byzantine metal themes via the use of layered choirs, Gregorian chanting and baritone male vocals.
19 (tie). Himmelschor - Himmelschor (Soundmass)
With its name meaning ‘Heavens Choir’ in German, Himmelschor re-images timeless hymns such as “Amazing Grace”, “At The Cross” and others within a Gothic, doom, symphonic and power metal context. The use of Gregorian choirs, baritone male vocals, operatic female vocals and occasional extreme growl builds upon the melancholic and atmospheric themes. Some of the most eye catching cover art of 2025 to boot.
18. We Are Resolute - Full Armor (Roxx Records)
Hitting its stride on fourth full-length album Full Armor, We Are Resolute pursues a newfound traditional metal bearing in presenting with its most inspired package of songs. The project of guitarist and songwriter Bryan Carman, drummer and guitarist John Mokma and iconic vocalist Dale Thompson (Bride) takes a spiritual warfare themed approach in light of song titles such as “Thunder Of God”, “Full Armor” and “Battle Cry” not to mention eye-catching knight on his knees with sword at side cover art.
17. X-Sinner - Goin’ Out With A Bang (Independent)
Comeback of the year recipient X-Sinner release first album since 2008’s World Covered In Blood with the high-energy and blues driven hard rock of Goin’ Out With A Bang. Joining founding member and guitarist Greg Bishop on group’s fourth full length album is long term vocalist Rex Scott (Zion), getting his start on 1991 sophomore release Peace Treaty, and Zion cohort and drummer Tommy Bozung.
Note: Goin’ Out With A Bang saw digital release in December of 2025 with the CD and vinyl versions to follow in 2026.
16. Pascual, Germán - Beyond Our Comprehension (Roxx Records)
Sophomore solo effort Beyond Our Comprehension from former Narnia and Divinefire vocalist Germán Pascual delivers melodic power metal with refined production and top-notch musicianship. Album finds artist working with composer and multi-instrumentalist Jani Stefanovic (Miseration, Crimson Moonlight & Renascent) to create a work more progressive and technical than very fine 2012 solo debut solo A New Beginning.
15. Jerusalem - Stitches (Independent)
Swedish Christian rock veterans Jerusalem return following fifteen-year hiatus with eighth full-length album Stitches. Gone are the U2 influences to predecessors She (2010) and Prophet (1994) in favor of a blues based classic heavy rock sound akin to inaugural releases Volume 1 (1980), Volume 2 (1981) and Warrior (1982). Jerusalem also has not forsaken its progressive roots, as found in standout ten minute epic “Jeremiah”.
Note: Stitches represents the English version to the Swedish release from 2023 entitled Stygn.
14. Bride - Vipers & Shadows (Independent)
Veteran blues based hard rock outfit Bride goes the two CD route on eighteenth studio album Vipers & Shadows. Yes, some inconsistency in light of the sheer volume of material (twenty songs!) but otherwise founding members and brothers Dale (lead vocals) and Troy (guitars) Thompson preserve the high quality trend it started with acclaimed comeback albums Snake Eyes (2018), Angelic Warlord album of the year Here Is Your God (2020) and Are You Awake (2023).
Note: Bride also put out in 2025 the fourth edition to its Lost Reels series featuring 10 unreleased tracks recorded during the Vipers & Shadows sessions.
13. True Strength - Ancient Of Days (Roxx Records)
True Strength sixth album Ancient Of Days follows in the footsteps of its predecessors from stressing non-commercial heavy metal influenced by that on the epic, traditional, doom and classic US power based sides. Soulful mid-ranged new front man Lukky N. perfectly complements the groups sound. Album finds True Strength upholding its Old Testament conceptual themes from covering the Book of Daniel from beginning to end as faithful to scripture as possible.
12 (tie). Adorned Graves - Dream I EP (Soundmass Records)
New musical direction for Germany’s Adorned Graves by sidestepping the thrash mixed with the progressive and doom metal of previous releases for the melodic heavy metal to EP Dream I. Group in the process truncates its songwriting from epics commonly in excess of seven minutes to a standard four to five minute span. Lending to said melodic aptitude is guest vocalist Craig Cairns (Tailgunner), who brings a high end, classic tenor vocal style akin to Todd Michael Hall (Riot V) and Rob Rock (Impellitteri).
12 (tie). Adorned Graves - Wouta (Soundmass Records)
The vinyl only released Wouta impresses as a greatest hits package from featuring re-mastered, remixed and re-vocalized versions to the best songs off Adorned Graves’ second and third full-length albums Out From The Depth Of The Grave and Being Towards A River from 2017 and 2020, respectively. Guest vocalists Dale Thompson (Bride), Herbie Langhans (Seventh Avenue), Craig Cairns and Chris Ackerman (Betrayal) fit well with the groups traditional to doom to thrash to progressive metal predicated sound.
11. Worldview - Invincible (Girder Records)
On sophomore album Invincible Worldview upholds the all star themed lineup of 2015 debut The Chosen Few in featuring guitarist George Rene Ochoa (Deliverance & Recon) and vocalist Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior & Deny The Fallen). Musically, the group remains true to its technical but accessible melodic power meets progressive metal sound. Added bonus in the form of excellent production and eye catching cover art.
10. The World Will Burn - Burn Baby, Burn (Girder Records)
The World Will Burn keep up the penchant for taking a metal and hard rock founding and integrating it with a modern to grunge inclining on its fourth full-length album Burn Baby, Burn. The musical partnership between vocalist Dale Thompson (Bride) and multi-instrumentalist Alan Zaring thus stays true to its goal of creating music that ‘transcends culture, language, and genres while focusing on emotion and passion rather than commercial success’.
9. Dale Thompson & The Boon Dogs - Smoke & Mirrors (Girder Records)
Blues-rock project of front man Dale Thompson (Bride) hits its stride on musically consistent fourth album Smoke & Mirrors. While not hard rock, album rocks heavily to point I see it appealing to fans of Glenn Kaiser Band, Stevie & The Saints, Hard Road and Sign Of Jonah. Rounding out the Boon Dogs lineup is multi-instrumentalist Austin Dodig (guitars, drums, synthesizers & horns), keyboardist Graham Carruthers and a host of talented guest guitarists.
Note: Smoke & Mirrors is actually a 3-in-1 set from also including Thompson’s solo albums Speak Into The Machine (1994) and Testimony (1998).
8. Les Carlsen - Free Will (Girder Records)
Sophomore solo album from former Bloodgood front man trends similar eighties metal territory as his 2022 solo sophomore album He’s Coming. Guest performers include guitarists Paul Jackson (Bloodgood) and Craig Church (Bloodgood), vocalist and wife Joyce Carlsen and drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith). Aptly entitled classically influenced “Epic” brings to mind Bloodgood track “Seven” (off Rock In A Hard Place from 1988).
Note: Artist released in 2019 via Girder Records his debut solo album 1971, which musically reflects the early seventies period in which it was recorded.
7. Zebulon - Come Day Of Reckoning (Apollon Records)
Hailing from Jæren, Norway, Zebulon delivers epic doom metal lyrically exploring themes of judgment and faith on debut Come Day Of Reckoning. With track times averaging seven minutes and vocals walking a fine line between mid-ranged and high end, Zebulon should appeal to those into Nomad Son, Pÿlon, Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus.
6. Under The Blood - Narrow Road (Independent)
Straightforward hard rock with blues-rock and Southern undercurrents define debut full length Narrow Road from Marion, Ohio Under The Blood. Impeccable production provides enough refinement but not so much as to take away from the group’s inherent energy. Lyrically, Under The Blood affirms its mission to ‘(use) the gifts God gave us to further His kingdom and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.’
5. Sardonyx - Anthems Of Warfare (Roxx Records)
Sardonyx stays true to straightforward heavy metal and classic US power metal on its exceptional third album Anthems Of Warfare, which features some of its most memorable material to date. Group also preserves its ministry based roots, revealed from manner in which Anthems Of Warfare lyrically draws upon Old Testament warfare and worship themes with songs featuring Moses, Abraham, Gideon, the Angel of the Lord, Deborah, the Levites, Solomon, Daniel and David’s Mighty Men.
4 (tie). Ariel - Two Voices Strong (Independent)
With its name meaning ‘Lion of God’ in Biblical Hebrew, Vancouver, British Columbia’s Ariel returns with by far its finest album to date in third full length outing Two Voices Strong. Group ups both its progressive repertoire, noting track times in the six to seven minute range, and ability to infuse its material with recognizable AOR tinged melodies similar to Shadow Gallery and Time Horizon.
4 (tie). Bostic, PJ - Hope In The Winter Stage (Independent)
Rush influenced progressive rock with a deep-rooted sense of melody defines fourth solo album from vocalist and multi-instrumentalist PJ Bostic. Lyrically, the former Grammatrain and Paragon timekeeper asserts his passion for the truth of historical Christianity. Ten-minute epic “Metaphoric World” challenges for song of the year.
3. EchoSoul - Time Of The Dragon (No Dust)
On its sophomore album Time Of The Dragon, EchoSoul presents with manifold forms of metal including power, traditional, progressive, thrash and extreme. Regardless of form, songwriting is of a high-inspired quality. Lyrically, Time Of The Dragon looses based around the Book of Revelation and end times themes.
2. Cosmic Cathedral - Deep Water (Inside Out)
Cosmic Cathedral delivers the progressive rock ‘all star’ project goods on debut Cosmic Cathedral with a talented lineup including vocalist & multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse (Transatlantic & Flying Colors), lead vocalist & guitarist Phil Keaggy (Glass Harp) and drummer Chester Thompson (Genesis). Group leaves little doubt as to its progressive acumen - referencing thirty-eight minute, nine-part mega epic “Deep Water Suite” - and musical diversity by extending its songwriting into jazz fusion, blues, AOR, hard rock, ballad and classic rock territory.
1. Weapons Of God - TRIbulation (Roxx Records)
Dayton, Ohio four pieces maintains its self-proclaimed ‘positive metal approach’ on impressive third album TRIbulation in which it continues to reinforce straightforward metal and hard rock with progressive and doom overtones. Weapons Of God comes into its own songwriting wise from elevating creativity and inspiration and composing its finest package of songs to date, referencing albums three song TRIlogy, “Ten Crowns”, “Damnation Riders” and “Salvation Is Here”, that chronologically follows the tribulation.
Reissues
3rd Day Rising - Spiral (Soundmass Records)
At times eighties metal based and others alternative nineties grunge derivative sophomore 3rd Day Rising album from 1999 includes a fresh re-master and updated CD layout and design.
A.N.D. - Get Real (Soundmass Records)
Re-mastered 1994 third album of metal and hard rock from UK based act features eye catching new cover art and bonus material in the form of two songs off debut Madman’s Overture, one from sophomore album 100 Hours and a previously unreleased song from the Get Real sessions.
Allos - Spiritual Battle (Girder Records)
Epic symphonic power metal of 2012 Allos debut re-mastered and reissued on CD and vinyl. CD version includes seven instrumental bonus tracks.
Angelica - Walkin’ In Faith (Girder Records)
Re-mastered 35th Anniversary CD Collectors Edition to melodic hard rock of Angelica sophomore album Walkin’ In Faith.
Bride - Scarecrow Messiah (Girder Records)
Long overdue re-master and reissue of blues based hard rocking 1994 sixth Bride album on CD and vinyl.
Bride, Deliverance & Sacred Warrior - Live At Cornerstone Fest 2001 (Retroactive Records)
Originally released in 2001 on M8 Records, Live At Cornerstone Fest 2001 performances from Bride, Deliverance and Sacred Warrior re-mastered and re-issued on CD and vinyl with upgraded cover art and packaging.
Jacobs Dream - Drama Of The Ages (Retroactive Records)
Much needed re-mastering to CD & vinyl reissue of third album from classic US power metal outfit Jacobs Dream corrects any production misgivings of the original Metal Blade release from 2005.
Pascual, Germán - A New Beginning (Roxx Records)
Melodic power metal of 2012 Nightmare Record solo debut from vocalist Germán Pascual (Narnia, Divinefire) re-mastered and reissued on CD and vinyl with a previously unreleased excellent bonus track, “Live Amongst The Dead”.
Rev Seven - Heavy Laden Volume I & Volume II (Retroactive Records)
Underrated Ozzy tinged heavy metal albums from guitarist and vocalist Bill Menchen re-mastered and reissued with new cover art and upgraded packaging.
Signum Regis - The Eyes Of Power (Beyond The Storm)
Slovakian melodic power metal outfit remixed, partially re-recorded and reissued its 2010 historical themed sophomore album with new cover art and detailed packaging.
References
1. Owens, Howard B. “Remedy Three Forging Hard Rock Path With Scripture-based Message”. Retrieved August 27, 2025.
