Summary of Western music releases [April 2025]

Black StarCANDLEMASS

CANDLEMASS – Black Star (Official Video) | Napalm Records

CANDLEMASS, a flagship of Sweden’s doom metal scene, will release an ambitious EP in May 2025 to mark their 40th anniversary.

Showcasing the band’s hallmark weighty sound and majestic doom metal style throughout, the record channels the spirit of classic heavy metal while adding a contemporary edge.

Its towering riffs and wistful melodies, in particular, highlight the group’s uniquely mature musicality.

The EP also includes a cover of Black Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

In September, former vocalist Messiah Marcolin will reunite with the band for a special stage at Greece’s Rock Hard Festival—their first performance together in 19 years—making this an unmissable release for doom metal fans.

oysterChloe Moriondo

chloe moriondo – oyster

Singer-songwriter Chloe Moriondo from Detroit, Michigan released a new album, “Oyster,” in March 2025.

The twenty-something artist, who is also active as a YouTuber, presents a lyrical, ocean-themed sound world on her fourth album, which features 13 tracks.

It explores delicate themes such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, effectively weaving in glitchy sounds and elements of hyperpop.

This is the title track, so be sure to check it out.

WinonaDeafheaven

Deafheaven – Winona (Short Film)

San Francisco’s Deafheaven, known for their distinctive post-metal sound, pivot from the shoegaze approach showcased on their previous album Infinite Granite to a work rooted in an intense black metal sound on their album Lonely People With Power.

Featuring a choir dubbed the Winona Choir, they craft a dreamlike soundscape where roaring guitars and delicate melodies intersect.

Released alongside a short film in March 2025, this work further deepens Deafheaven’s unique musical universe and has earned high praise from numerous music media as a piece that suggests new possibilities for post-metal.

It’s a highly recommended track for listeners seeking refined musicianship and emotional expression.

Physical (feat. Troye Sivan)Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Physical (feat. Troye Sivan) (Official Visualiser)

In a track that gives 1980s disco a modern makeover, UK artist Dua Lipa teams up with Troye Sivan.

Riding powerful synth bass and danceable beats, their distinctive vocals weave an exquisite harmony.

Released in March 2025 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the classic album Future Nostalgia, the song draws inspiration from Olivia Newton-John and the film Flashdance.

Ahead of the release, there was a clever promo: handing a USB drive to a fan during a live show in Melbourne.

An energetic, irresistible dance-pop tune for every music lover who adores dance music.

CarouselGEMINI SYNDROME

Carousel

A new release has arrived from America’s Gemini Syndrome, marked by a heavy sound and introspective lyrics that open a new chapter in alternative metal.

After a lineup change, the addition of former Coal Chamber member Miguel Rascón has added further depth to their sound, which, with dynamic developments reminiscent of Tool and Mudvayne, sketches a dialogue with the self.

Led by former Otep member Aaron Nordstrom, they’ve unveiled this track as a preview from their album “Origin: From Nothingness to Everything,” slated for release in 2025.

The fusion of heavy riffs and melodic vocals makes it a perfect song for moments when you want to face yourself.

Better The Devil You KnowHarem Scarem

Harem Scarem – “Better The Devil You Know” – Official Video

Harem Scarem, the melodic hard rock band with over 35 years of history in Canada, is taking a new step toward April 2025.

Their signature powerful guitar riffs and catchy melodic lines remain intact, and the lead single from their first album in five years, “Chasing Euphoria,” is an energetic track that truly represents the band at their best.

Showcasing a superb blend of Harry Hess’s soaring high-range vocals and Pete Lesperance’s outstanding guitar work, this song is highly recommended not only for long-time fans of melodic rock but also for anyone drawn to classic, straight-ahead hard rock sounds.

All The Light Is GoneInvent Animate, Silent Planet

Invent Animate, Silent Planet – All The Light Is Gone

A track from the collaborative EP “Bloom In Heaven,” a powerful team-up between Invent Animate and Silent Planet, two bands at the forefront of progressive metalcore.

Their approaches fuse beautifully, and the soundscape—wrapped in technical guitar riffs and a majestic atmosphere—is nothing short of breathtaking.

Released in March 2025, the song also captivates with the dynamics born from the contrast between its weighty rhythm section, emotional clean vocals, and aggressive screams.

In particular, the mid-tempo middle section features a call-and-response between both bands’ vocalists, painting a dramatic scene.

A must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the evolutionary edge of metalcore.