The best dark scene albums of 2025

As the year comes to an end, it's time to look back at some of the best albums of the year.
This is the first time such a ranking has been compiled on the site, based on user ratings and total views. Below is a list of 20 albums that received the highest scores. Let's get started🚀.

First place goes to "Pathways", the 11th album by Canadian industrial rock band The Birthday Massacre.


Second place is taken by "Eisenmund", the debut album from Berlin-based band Schimmel Über Berlin - post-punk with a strong '80s atmosphere.


Third place goes to "Construct", the 12th album by the iconic VNV Nation.


Just behind them are the legendary The Chameleons with their new album "Arctic Moon".


And of course, no list would be complete without something heavier. Fifth place belongs to Paradise Lost, who returned after nearly five years with the powerful album "Ascension".


Next up is "Destruction Of Form", the second album by French band SURE., blending darkwave, shoegaze, and coldwave.


Following that is the self-titled debut by SILVER TEARS, a duo formed by members of Curses! and Skelesys.


Next comes the self-titled debut album from Berlin band Die Anstalt, combining post-punk, EBM, and minimal synth.


Also featured is "Finistère", the new album by German gothic rock band Merciful Nuns.


The list also includes "Kaltfront°!", the 10th album by German industrial metal act Eisbrecher.


Next is "No Way Out", the debut album from German post-punk / darkwave band Hinfort.


Another notable release is "Asylum Lullabies" by coldwave duo Lebanon Hanover, described by the band as "your favorite soundtrack for a visit in a psychiatry clinic" 😉


Next comes "PLДYING / PRДYING", the second album by French electroclash duo Kompromat.


Also making the list is "1980", the solo debut from Chris Harms, guitarist and vocalist of Lord of the Lost.


Following that is "A Flame In The Dark", the fourth album by Philadelphia-based new wave / synthpop band Korine.


Next is "Gorgon", the fourth album from French-Swiss post-punk / coldwave band Raskolnikov.


As a small exception, the list includes one EP 🙃
"It All Falls Apart" by post-punk / gothic rock band The Funeral March of the Marionettes.


Next up is "Divergence & Declaration", the second album by US post-punk / darkwave band Vague Lanes.


This is followed by "Decay", the second album from US post-punk / deathrock band VISIONS, featuring female vocals.


And finally, the self-titled debut album by Finnish gothic rock band Distant Stares.


That's how 2025 sounded to us - a year full of albums worth returning to.