12/19/2025
2025 YEAR-END REVIEW: RISING FLAMES OF TRADITIONAL HEAVY METAL
As 2025 draws to a close, the heavy metal underground continues to thrive with a resurgence of classic sounds—twin guitars, soaring vocals, and unapologetic anthems that echo the glory days of the NWOBHM while charging forward with fresh energy. Amid a year packed with tours, lineup shifts, and bold new releases, a handful of bands stand out for keeping the torch of traditional heavy metal burning bright. Here at [Your Magazine Name], we've been banging our heads to these acts all year. Let's dive into the highlights from Tailgunner, Castle Rat, Burning Witches, Bronze, and Wings of Steel.
TAILGUNNER: BLITZING TOWARD STARDOM
British speed demons had a relentless 2025, building on the momentum of their acclaimed 2023 debut Guns for Hire. After extensive touring (including over 100 shows supporting legends like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest members), they signed with Na**lm Records and teased their sophomore album Midnight Blitz (set for February 2026, produced by K.K. Downing). Singles like the blistering title track and the epic "Tears in Rain" (inspired by Blade Runner) showcased their evolution into a tighter, more explosive force—described by fans as the "bastard child of Maiden and Priest." Lineup changes (new drummer Eddie Mariotti) didn't slow them down; upcoming supports for Fozzy promise even more chaos. Tailgunner proved they're not just revivalists—they're the future of high-octane heavy metal.
CASTLE RAT: DEFENDING THE REALM WITH MEDIEVAL MIGHT
Brooklyn's fantasy doom warriors Castle Rat solidified their cult status in 2025 with the release of their sophomore album The Bestiary in September. Following 2024's captivating debut Into the Realm, this beast-themed opus (featuring tracks like "Wizard" and tales of phoenixes, serpents, and dragons) blended crushing riffs with theatrical storytelling, earning rave reviews for its immersive medieval doom. Extensive touring—US runs, European festivals, and a massive spring 2026 co-headliner with Dethklok and Amon Amarth—expanded their "Realm" worldwide. With elaborate live shows featuring staged battles against the Rat Reaperess, Castle Rat delivered pure escapism and heavy grooves, proving gimmick-free fantasy metal can still slay in the modern age.
BURNING WITCHES: HEXING THE CHARTS ONCE MORE
The Swiss all-female powerhouse Burning Witches celebrated their 10th anniversary with Inquisition, their sixth album dropping in August. Packed with razor-sharp riffs, anthemic choruses, and Laura Guldemond's commanding vocals, it built on 2023's The Dark Tower with even heavier, more melodic fury. Planned US and European tours (delayed but rescheduled) kept the momentum going, alongside festival slots and merch frenzy. Always a live juggernaut, Burning Witches reminded everyone why they're queens of modern traditional metal—unyielding, empowering, and endlessly riff-driven.
BRONZE: QUIET STRENGTH IN THE SHADOWS
Bronze Band maintained their underground presence in 2025 with sporadic live appearances and teases of new material. Staying true to their raw, heavy metal roots, they embodied the genre's enduring DIY spirit. No major releases this year, but their consistent output and loyal following kept the flame alive amid flashier acts.
WINGS OF STEEL: WINDS OF EPIC TRIUMPH
LA's Wings of Steel
soared higher than ever with Winds of Time in October—their most ambitious album yet. Epic 10-minute tracks like the title opener and "Burning Sands" fused classic '80s hard rock/metal with narrative depth, earning praise for Leo Unnermark's soaring vocals and Parker Halub's bombastic riffs. Following European triumphs and a live album, this independent release cemented them as rising stars. Upcoming tours promise to bring their timeless sound to even bigger stages.
FINAL VERDICT: A BANNER YEAR FOR TRUE METAL
2025 was a testament to heavy metal's unbreakable spirit—bands like these delivered authenticity, energy, and escapism in a world that needs it more than ever. Tailgunner and Wings of Steel teased breakout potential, Castle Rat enchanted with fantasy flair, and Burning Witches proved consistency reigns supreme. Here's to 2026: more riffs, more tours, and more headbanging glory. Raise your horns!
