I love music, and I listen to everything from grindcore to folk. Despite this, these 10 albums significantly impacted my music taste, and even my view on life. These may not appeal to everyone, but I consider these albums absolutely incredible!
Considered one of the first progressive rock albums, this album paved the way for many artists. I first listened to this in 2022 and it amazed me, especially with the heaviness of the album, nearly unheard of for the 1960s. In contrast, there are softer parts of the album as well, particularly the song “I Talk To the Wind”. Only five songs long, this album gives a great taste of progressive rock and more experimental music in general. My favorite song off this album would be “21st Century Schizoid Man”.
Daughters’ final album, also considered their best. One of the few albums given a 10/10 from popular music critic Anthony Fantano. I also believe this album’s a 10/10. Droning. Dark. Hypnotizing. It hits you like a ton of bricks. I describe this album’s sound as falling down a never-ending hole. This album creates a wonderful modern-day classic for experimental fans. My favorite track off this album would be “Satan in the Wait”.
- Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You – Ethel Cain (2025)
The prequel to her debut album, “Preacher’s Daughter”, this album made a big splash within the month it released. This album’s very similar to Cain’s debut album; however does include several longer, and I believe, harder-hitting tracks. With a diverse sound, from the swinging country of “Nettles,” to the heavy-hitting “Janie.” I would consider this album to arguably be the most exciting and well-received album of 2025. My favorite tracks are tied between “Dust Bowl” and “Waco, Texas.”
Uncle Acid’s fourth album. Raw, heavy, nostalgic-sounding. This album takes you back to the 60s, but actually released in 2015. This album has a similar sound to Uncle Acid’s other albums; however, the heavy tracks hit hard. This psychedelic trip of an album will definitely get your head banging, but dancing at the same time.“Waiting for Blood”, the opening track, happens to be the best in my opinion.
This ethereal masterpiece creates something to behold. Raw, creepy and with vocals like a broken doll. Garside’s first solo album, which has grown to be an underground classic, sounds like the recording’s been done on an iPod, but in my opinion, that’s what makes this album so incredible. My favorite song off this album would be “Road Kill”.
After retiring from her project “Lingua Ignota”, Hayter creates a new sound inspired by old Appalachian tape music. Inspired by her attempt of trying to heal through religion, this album sounds like a worn gospel record, circa 1950. But still with avant-garde elements reminiscent of her past project, the blending of sounds creates a sound like mold behind floral wallpaper: Disturbing but beautiful. My favorite song off this album would be “I’M GETTING OUT WHILE I CAN”.
- Dahmer – Macabre (2000)
Unique. The only word I can use to describe this album. It’s got death metal, grindcore, parodies, and a concept album about the life and death of Jeffrey Dahmer! Fun! But this album rips and creates an insanely heavy sound, as always when it comes to Macabre during the metal sections. If you’re looking for something brutal but fun, check out this magnum opus. My favorite tracks are tied between “Hitchhiker” and “Blood Bank”.
Ethel Cain’s debut. Telling a beautiful but tragic story about generational trauma, Cain’s album has become one of the soundtracks of our generation. Exploring a wide range of sounds from the pop hit “American Teenager” to the terrifying “Ptolemaea”. This is an album you need to listen to best, in my opinion, going in without any knowledge, and in its entirety. That’s how I first listened to this and it moved me to tears, which no other album since has done to me. Deciding favorite tracks gets hard now, but narrowing to a top three: “Ptolemaea”, “Gibson Girl” and “A House in Nebraska”.
- – Perverts – Ethel Cain (2025)
Ethel Cain AGAIN! I bet you can’t tell she’s my favorite artist. Only I like her second studio release a little bit more. This album’s OFF PERIOD PUTTING. But so good! The opening, droning title track made me jump the first time I heard it, but transitioned to a beautiful slowcore, ambient album which relaxes me, and hopefully will relax you too, while leaving you a bit on edge too. My favorite songs, again, top three: the title track, “Amber Waves” and “Vacillator”.
- Dopethrone – Electric Wizard (2000)
And last but certainly not least. Oddly enough, I cannot listen to this album or band anymore. They were my favorite. I streamed them 20,000 times in 2024 alone. So why did I put it here? Because, oh my goodness, how it shaped me, and how insane this album is. I know my way around metal, but this album has to be THE heaviest album of metal I’ve heard. So heavy in fact, when playing it in my car, at full volume, my car shook like a leaf. You need to hear this. Top songs? Without a doubt, “I, The Witchfinder”, “We Hate You” and “Dopethrone”.
