Album Of The Year: @ink_black_studio
This week we’re sharing a set of Album of the Year lists from the collaborators, contributors and trusted allies who are helping make Sherwood what it is.
First up is our graphic designer Ink Black Studio, without whom Sherwood simply wouldn’t exist in its current form. Having joined the team in the summer of 2025, Ink Black Studio has been nailing the visual identity that we need, and is a champion of up and coming bands, who’s always on hand for logos, artwork and visuals, so get in touch!
Ink Black Studio’s Albums Of The Year
I just couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I didn’t talk about Turnstile’s Never Enough on a 2025 list.
I’m not putting the most important album of the year on my list. Say what? Well… that album is Turnstile’s Never Enough. 2025 belonged to Turnstile. It’s rare that one album not only explodes a band to such an extent but lifts a whole genre into the broader public’s awareness. The change this album has brought reminds me of the impact of albums like NIN’s Pretty Hate Machine and Stormzy’s Gang Signs and Prayer. Those albums changed the broader public’s awareness, appreciation and understanding of whole genres, not just those performers. They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and in this case that tide was called Never Enough. Turnstile haven’t sold out, they’ve just rewritten the rulebook and lovingly pulled a whole genre into the limelight with them. So why isn’t it in my top albums? Simply just because it’s already in every top ten of 2025 everywhere you look. They’re getting their attention already, and I want to give some other bands their flowers. So…
Album Of The Year: Scowl - Are We All Angels
A glorious soundscape full of pounding rhythms, brutal guitars and singalong choruses all elevated by Kat Moss’ distinctive combination of dreamy, at times breathy and melodic voice and her screaming vocals. Scowl are among the best of US hardcore and truly ready for the big time. With this album they have shown they are ready and poised to barge unapologetically through the door Turnstile have kicked open this year.
Also Album Of The Year (yes, I know, but I couldn’t make my mind up): Witch Fever - Fevereaten
Congregation was a good album, but Witch Fever have exceeded all expectations with Fevereaten. They are constantly surprising, often harsh, sometimes dissonant, and then suddenly darkly and decadently beautiful. I cannot stop listening to this album. There is a musical and emotional complexity to it that is haunting and continues to reveal itself further with every play. There is beauty in darkness.
(Very) Honourable mentions in no particular order:
Split Dogs - Here To Destroy
Harry and co pulled together a relentless - if short - 22 minutes of pure stomping fist pumping good old fashioned unpretentious punk rock and roll. Turns out they do make them like they used to and maybe even better. Lemmy would have loved this album and he would have loved Split Dogs, and you can’t give a better compliment than that.
Nova Twins - Parasites And Butterflies
Parasites and Butterflies is the most inventive, challenging, and yet accessible album of the year. Georgia does things with her bass pedals that will make your head spin, and Amy has taken her voice into new territory that she hadn’t explored before. They have been on a huge journey this year and have listened and learned from everyone they have played with, and they’ve fused all that into a magical record full of highs and, erm, highs. This album is built for future stadium and festival headlines.
Ho99o9 - Tomorrow We Escape
I’ve been waiting years for Ho99o9 to truly click. In the past they felt half way there, but this album is the complete package. Song after song they use their signature blend of rap and hard guitar breaks and now they have found a perfect balance with added catchy earworms. All of this wrapped up in their customary caustic social commentary. Here and there you will also find some really well thought out collabs with the likes of Nova Twins, Chelsea Wolfe, Pink Siifu and others. Inspired.
Anita Velveeta - Liquid Gold
The first time you listen to Liquid Gold your initial thought is ‘WTF?'. It’s eclectic, chaotic, digital industrial with a metalcore vibe and the slightest hint of funk thrown in. I think. I’m still not sure what I’m listening to to be honest. But I do know it’s fantastic. Anita Velveeta has pulled together so many threads that we struggle to follow but the end result is that they have woven those threads together to form an unhinged but beautiful musical patchwork quilt. Mad as a bag of ferrets.
EPs of the year:
Be N!ce - Where Am I?
A 6 track EP that is packed end to end with fantastic tracks tackling religious hypocrisy, sexual assault, misogyny, the grinding depression of a 9-5, and so much more. This EP may not be super-polished, but it is a brilliant, challenging calling card that lays the groundwork for a very bright future for Be N!ce.
Last Hounds - Growing Pains
Birmingham’s masters of the hardcore crossover do it again. From opener Growing Pains through to closer Bubbles this 5 track ep thunders through filthy riffs, hammering rhythms, ripping vocals and catchy-as-hell choruses. These guys really deserve more exposure.
Televised Mind - Masks
Televised Mind have been crafting some of the best post-punk of the last few years and this EP is a new high for them. Masks is full of cutting social commentary, brilliantly structured songs and unexpected musical twists and turns all wrapped up in a pure contemporary post-punk vibe.
