Upcoming album releases: 5/12/2025

December 5 brings one of the most packed music days of the outgoing year: this week features studio, live and experimental releases across virtually every genre —from flamenco and pop to metal, electronic music and avant-rock. Several artists showcase important stages in their careers —from comebacks and creative reinventions to large-scale live albums from world tours.

This day brings premieres from both legends and newcomers: José Mercé reimagines the classics of Manuel Alejandro, Scorpions and Olivia Rodrigo release live recordings, Depeche Mode presents a live album from Mexico City, while Frozen Land, Blood Red Throne and Enthroned power up December with heavy metal releases. Meanwhile Sofía Ellar, TEED, Melody’s Echo Chamber and Tom Smith deliver more intimate and atmospheric works.

Below is a complete list of the most interesting releases, according to the FOTKAI editorial team, scheduled for release on December 5, 2025.

Scorpions — Coming Home Live 

This live album captures Scorpions’ anniversary show in their hometown, where the band performed both new compositions and their iconic hits. The recording conveys the energy and scale of the concert, allowing the listener to relive the night marking the birth of a rock legend. It is not just “the best songs”: it is a celebration of the band’s history, roots, and long journey. For fans, it is the perfect way to experience the concert again and feel the significance of the moment. 

Sofía Ellar — Ellar 

The album shows Sofía Ellar returning to her “essence”: a sound that combines simplicity, honesty, and genuine emotions. The record conveys lightness, intimacy, and personal stories characteristic of her style — as if speaking “face to face” with the listener. The tracks sound natural, without unnecessary embellishments, with emphasis on melody and lyrics. It is a work where the author’s soul, inner world, and desire to be understood and heard are palpable. 

Phantoms of Future — Forever Dark 

An album in which Phantoms of Future relaunch their project, combining cold electronic sounds, rock guitar arrangements, and a dark but emotional atmosphere. The songs balance between melancholy and bursts of energy, exploring themes of night, transformation, and inner search — from “Werewolf, ” gripping with its intense drama, to “Spirit Of Love, ” where a light of hope and human vulnerability emerges. The work presents a journey: from dark, mysterious shadows to a subtle sense of life, pulse, and feeling. It is a conscious, mature comeback demonstrating the band’s ability to combine darkness with emotional depth and a visually and sonically expressive style. 

Blood Red Throne — Siltskin 

The new, twelfth studio album by Blood Red Throne presents the band as heavier, faster, and at the same time more melodic and powerful than ever. The sound has become more aggressive and sharp, with characteristic death-metal riffs, groove, vocals, and atmosphere that push and captivate. The first single, “Husk In The Grain, ” provides a preview of what listeners can expect: a combination of harshness and energy while maintaining a clear, aggressive character. Overall, the album represents a confident milestone in the band’s career, demonstrating their experience, maturity, and desire to evolve without betraying their roots. 

Depeche Mode — Memento Mori: Mexico City 

Depeche Mode’s live album and concert film document the band’s performances at Mexico City’s stadium during the “Memento Mori” tour, combining iconic hits and new songs. The package includes not only live tracks but also bonus studio recordings, offering a full spectrum of sound: from stage energy to studio nuances. It is a large-scale, realistic portrait of the band’s state at this stage, combining intimacy and grandeur. For fans, it is a chance to relive the concert, feel the stadium atmosphere, and experience the contrast between old and new material. 

The Waterboys — The Waterboys present: Rips from the cutting room floor 

For The Waterboys, this album is a compilation of material that did not make it onto the main album but remains important: songs echoing their spirit, sometimes experimental, sometimes deep and reflective. “The next time I saw Elvis” is an example of a track revealing lesser-known, more personal aspects of the band. The album is an unplanned gift for fans: a different perspective on The Waterboys’ sound and ideas. It is not just “bonus tracks”: it is part of their history and musical journey, with honesty and creative intent. 

Olivia Rodrigo — Live from Glastonbury (A BBC Recording) 

This live album documents Olivia Rodrigo’s performance at the legendary Glastonbury Festival 2025 — her set includes both her own hits and special live interpretations with guests. The recording conveys the energy and magic of the festival, from emotional moments to sincere audience interaction. For the listener, the album provides the opportunity to relive the concert, feel the scale of the event, and appreciate the singer’s artistry. It is a record of a significant moment in her career: live proof of her popularity and musical strength. 

St. Lucia — Fata Morgana: Dusk 

St. Lucia’s new release is a creative continuation of their concept, an album full of dreamlike atmosphere, light, and at the same time, gentle melancholy. The record combines modern production, synthesizers, and emotional vocals, creating the image of “twilight” between reality and fantasy. It features both dynamic, rhythmic moments and contemplative, atmospheric passages that immerse the listener in a special mood. It is not just a pop album: it is a sonic landscape to be experienced with closed eyes. 

Enthroned — Ashspawn 

Enthroned returns with powerful, ritualistic black metal, where explosive riffs and aggressive rhythms combine with a dark sonic palette. The album is presented not just as a record but as a transformation: death as a catalyst for rebirth, spiritual regeneration, and reinterpretation. The tracks feature dense atmosphere, contrast between chaos and discipline, blending raw force with clear structure, making the work deeply emotional and precise. For fans of heavy, dark music, it is a testament to the band’s maturity and strength. 

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds — Live God 

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ live work is a deep, emotional album where Nick Cave’s vocals intertwine with a rich instrumental atmosphere. The recorded performances convey drama, tension, and dark beauty, characteristic of the artist. The audio work communicates not just songs, but moods — internal experiences, sometimes painful, sometimes uplifting. For fans, it is not just a concert: it is an intimate encounter with art, where every word and note resonates sharply. 

Alison Wonderland — Ghost World 

“Ghost World” is a deeply personal and emotional album in which Alison returns to her roots while expanding sound and feelings. The record acts as a “safe space” for those who feel out of place, seeking their “somewhere.” The music features elements of trap and future bass, powerful bass lines, and intense production, alongside an atmosphere of vulnerability, dreaminess, and inner exploration — often dramatic and sincere. The album is full of contrasts: from dark, aggressive tracks like “PSYCHO” and “XTC” to softer, dreamy, lyrical tracks like “iwannaliveinadream, ” “Floating Away, ” and “Everything Comes In Waves, ” making the sound varied yet cohesive. Overall, “Ghost World” is not just a music release but an emotional landscape: an invitation to enter her inner universe, where fears, hopes, and vulnerability turn into strength and connection. 

TesseracT — Radar 

“RADAR” is a concert film and soundtrack capturing the band’s special performance at the Manchester festival in 2024, marking fifteen years of TesseracT’s journey: emotional, powerful, and technically precise. The recording includes 12 tracks, such as “Natural Disaster, ” “Nocturne, ” “Legion, ” and “War Of Being, ” performed with full commitment, dramatic vocals, dense instrumentation, and live energy, enhanced by the Choir Noir backing choir, adding depth and scale to the show. This release allows fans to relive one of the band’s key concerts, appreciate the evolution of their sound, and feel the power of live performance — so captivating that it invites repeated listening. 

La Plazuela — Lugar nº0 (D.L.Y) 

La Plazuela’s album sounds like an attempt to find their “zero point”: a starting point, whether in life, feelings, or musical path. It conveys sincerity, a desire to experiment, and to express something personal, without following patterns. The songs are stories, emotions, and moods united by a common idea. This release can be a revelation for the listener: a record that speaks directly, without filters or embellishments. 

Ozuna & Beéle — Stendhal 

The collaborative album by Ozuna and Beéle aims to merge two voices and styles to create something fresh and modern. The tracks feature elements of reggaeton and Latin pop, combined with each artist’s signature performance. The album conveys dynamism, rhythm, and a desire to appeal to a broad audience while maintaining individuality. It is a work capable of becoming a pop hit, appealing to fans of both artists as well as contemporary Latin music listeners. 

Roddy Ricch — The Navy Album 

Roddy Ricch’s album is modern hip-hop/rap with the artist’s characteristic mood: honesty, street atmosphere, and reflection of life experience. With 16 tracks, it offers variety: from melancholic, contemplative songs to energetic, rhythmic tracks. It is an attempt to show different sides of the artist: the introspective and the assertive. The result is a cohesive, balanced work reflecting Roddy Ricch’s style and worldview. 

Kylie Minogue — Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) 

Kylie Minogue’s compilation is a festive return to her Christmas-themed music with a fresh perspective: the album combines familiar winter motifs and holiday spirit with the artist’s characteristic polished style. Adding new tracks to already known songs brings freshness and a cozy holiday feeling. This release is more of a musical gift: light, pleasant, and filled with winter atmosphere, perfect for evenings of joy and warmth. It shows that Kylie can create a festive mood while maintaining her unique sound. 

Tom Smith — There is nothing in the dark that isn’t there in the light 

Tom Smith’s solo album (known from Editors and Smith & Burrows) is a sincere, intimate work, where voice and lyrics take center stage. The music reflects a desire to step away from the scale of group activity and focus on personal experience: calm, thoughtful songs, sometimes sad, sometimes bright. This release functions as a sonic diary: honest, quiet, yet powerful. It invites the listener to pause, listen, and reflect on themselves, life, and simple things. 

Melody’s Echo Chamber — Unclouded 

Melody’s Echo Chamber’s new work is an album with psychedelic, dreamy melodies framed by modern electronics and atmospheric production. The compositions balance experimentation and melody, creating an image of “clouds”: light, airy, yet full of emotion. It is immersive music that allows one to drift into a world of imagination and feeling. It is not just an album: it is a sonic dream to dissolve into. 

Peter Goalby — Don’t Think This Is Over 

Peter Goalby’s release is a concise pop/rock album reflecting a mature, calm approach to composition and performance: balanced tracks, thoughtful and sincere sound, not loud. The album invites contemplation, without excess, focusing on the song itself: its melody, lyrics, and mood. It is music for those who value simplicity and honesty beyond trends. There is a sense of respect for the classic approach with contemporary sensitivity. 

José Mercé — Canta a Manuel Alejandro

This album is a kind of tribute to Manuel Alejandro, where José Mercé reinterprets his most famous songs, transforming them into traditional flamenco versions. His deep voice and authentic accompaniment (guitars, percussion, double bass, and even piano) create a touching, “rooted” atmosphere, showing respect for the composer’s legacy. The record combines nostalgia with a contemporary reading, acting as a bridge between Spanish classical music and the soul of flamenco. These are not just covers: it is a reinterpretation full of feeling, passion, and sincerity. 

Now Or Never — The Legacy 

Now Or Never’s album is a heavy, energetic release, aligned with their genre (heavy metal / hard rock), with powerful sound, guitar riffs, and driving atmosphere. The tracks convey strength, assertiveness, and musical identity. For genre fans, it is a reminder that Now Or Never knows how to play hard yet with soul. It is not background music: it is a statement, energy, a “sound that must be heard.” 

TEED — Always With Me 

TEED’s album focuses on a minimalist, atmospheric sound: clear, light vocals over soft synths and electronic pulses create a sense of airiness and dreaminess. Lyrically, it reflects on connection, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life’s chaos, touching on love, nostalgia, and resilience. The songs narrate a sense of loss and the attempt to find support: an emotional diary full of hope and melancholy. It is music for those who value tenderness, honesty, and the vulnerability of human experience. 

Heckspoiler — Bock auf Stress 

The album “Bock auf Stress” is an explosion of metal punk and thrash, where Heckspoiler makes a loud, uncompromising statement: heavy bass, aggressive drums, and minimal lineup (bass + drums + vocals) sound like a full horde of guitars. The lyrics are ironic, sarcastic, sometimes aggressive and provocative, balancing cynicism with social critique, reflecting modernity through chaos. “Bock auf Stress” is not background music: it is a sonic punch, for moshpit energy, for those seeking power, raw sound, and unflinching directness.