If anyone still wants to argue that rock is dead, 2025 officially told them to shut their ass up.

This year was stacked with killer releases, breakout bands, and legacy acts proving they still belong at the top. We’re seeing bands sell out arenas and amphitheaters again, crowds getting louder, and rock music feeling dangerous, emotional, and alive. Honestly, 2026 feels like it’s about to be even bigger.

Here are a few of my favorite albums of 2025 that stayed in constant rotation for me this year.

1. President – King of Terrors

President has easily been one of the most talked-about bands of the year—and for good reason. From the moment they dropped the first single and video, “In the Name of the Father,” they exploded onto the scene.

I love everything about this band: the vibe, the screams, the guitar riffs—and maybe most importantly, the fact that they actually sound better live, which is rare. Some people want to slap the “label plant” tag on them, which is hilarious considering most of that noise comes from Ghost and Sleep Theory fans. Wild ass take.

Either way, King of Terrors has me fully locked in and incredibly excited for a full-length album next year.

2. Bush – I Beat Loneliness

Bush may have been around for decades, but they’re far from slowing down. Earlier this year, they dropped I Beat Loneliness, which might honestly be one of my favorite releases from them yet.

Not only are these guys still packing arenas, but they also hit #1 on rock radio with “The Land of Milk and Honey.” Sonically, the album feels like a darker, heavier evolution of The Art of Survival—harder guitars, pounding drums, and more intense lyrical themes.

The future is still incredibly bright for Bush, and this album proves it.

3. Revis – Killing Time

It’s been a minute since we last heard new music from Revis, but damn—Killing Time was absolutely worth the wait.

This album blends elements of their early sound with a noticeable sense of growth. There’s maturity here, a feeling of battling through life and coming out the other side stronger. It feels honest and earned.

This is one band I would love to bring in for a Tiny Room Concert Series soon. Fingers crossed.

4. Austin Meade – Almost Famous

I’ve been a fan of Austin Meade for years, and Almost Famous continues to prove why he stands out. His blend of rock and country has always worked, but this album hits a little differently.

Yes, it still has that signature Austin Meade sound—but there’s also something more family-rooted here. As a first-time father, that really resonates with me. It’s raw, relatable, and grounded without losing its edge.

5. Sleep Theory – Afterglow

Sleep Theory is one of those bands I loved instantly the first time I heard them. Afterglow, their first full-length album, absolutely delivers on all fucking levels.

Front to back, this album is solid—no skips. The guys were cool enough to swing by Q92.9 and hang with us for a Tiny Room Concert Series episode, which made it even better. Great dudes, great music, and a massive future ahead.

I can’t wait to see what 2026 looks like for these guys.

Rock had an incredible year in 2025, and all signs point to it getting even louder, heavier, and more exciting in 2026. Bands are selling out rooms, new artists are breaking through, and the genre feels energized again.

So yeah—STFU if you thought rock was dead. – Crews