5 New Albums To Check Out On December 19, 2025

Tacos may rule Tuesdays, but Fridays are all about new albums. This week’s list of new releases features KISS drummer Peter Criss, Brahmashiras, the “Song Sung Blue” Motion Picture Soundtrack, and more. Whether you favor CDs, vinyl, or digital downloads, it is time to start making your shopping list. With Christmas just around the corner, don’t forget, music makes a great gift! Here is a look at this week’s new music and five new albums that you definitely need to check out this Friday.

Peter Criss — Peter Criss (Flatiron Recordings)

KISS drummer Peter Criss will release a self-titled solo album this Friday, his first since 2007. The new album is expected to be more rock-driven than some of his earlier solo work. The album will feature guest work from John 5, Paul Shaffer, Billy Sheehan, Michael McLaughlin, and Piggy D. Criss and his KISS bandmates were honored at the Kennedy Center earlier this month.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith — Thoughts on the Future (Nettwerk)

Experimental synth artist and composer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith will release a new instrumental album entitled Thoughts on the Future this week. Smith likes to use rare synthesizers and mix them with orchestral ensembles to create a unique sound. Smith released the first track, “I Miss The Way You Swim,” two weeks ago. The track tells the story of a deeply personal moment of Smith getting someone she loves through losing someone they loved.

Brahmashiras — Trinitite (Caligari Records)

Russian metal band Brahmashiras returns with their second studio album this week. Released a day early on Thursday, the new album Trinitite is a hostile, vengeful effort. With raw vocals, tight riffs, and chaotic drums, this one is not for the faint of heart. The first single, “Wax Cities Ruby Towers,” is out now.

Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack (Back Lot Music)

“Song Sung Blue” will be out in theaters on Christmas Day, but the official soundtrack will hit record stores this Friday. The movie tells the story of a Neil Diamond tribute band and stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Those two, along with Michael Imperioli and The Ton3s, perform some of Diamond’s most iconic songs, like “Sweet Caroline,” “I Am… I Said,” and, of course, the title track.

Exos — Sweet Dreams (Mutual Rytm)

Icelandic techno veteran Exos makes his return to the Mutual Rytm label with his fifth studio album, Sweet Dreams. The new album explores the past, present, and future of techno. Sweet Dreams is a journey through all facets of his sound, from his dub roots to his ambient explorations to some emotional vocal pieces. The album even includes a 28-year-old collaboration with the artist’s father.

The Best of the Rest

If none of the above releases fit your musical tastes, here are some of the other new albums and re-releases due out on December 19:

Acaz — Epilog (No Return Records)
Aleph — Exo EP (Mesh)
Aytee — Schizoid (Pink Sugar Records)
Balcony’s Paradise — Spot The Difference (Bretford Records)
Bloedmann — Vampyric War in Blood (Immortal Frost Productions)
BRB — Live Forever (Umami Records)
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso — Top of the Hills (5020 Records)
Consumer — Consumer Society (self-release)
CoreLeoni — Live At Hallenstadion Zurich (Perception)
Dc2trill — Parental Advisory (Concrete Rekordz)
Dead Sun — This Life Is a Grave (Emanzipation Productions)
Ekin Fil — Bora Boreas (Dronarivm)
Fhase 87 — Parade EP (Perc Trax)
The Housse — Now What’s the Point? EP (Missing Fink Records)**
Jiakar — Ferrovia (Newrhythmic Records)
Joey Trap — Church: The Throw Aways EP (Young Rich Squad)
Luminity — A Bit Bored (Internet Success Label)
Lychgate — Precipice (Debemur Morti Productions)
Nemorous — What Remains When Hope Has Failed (Bindrune Recordings)
Nishith — Ozone (Socializing)
Polo G — Hood Poet: Black Heart Edition (Columbia)**
Todd Rundgren — Solo in Clearwater (Cleopatra Records)**
Various Artists — Aztec Records: Pure Synthmas Vol. 2 (Aztec Records)
Wun Two — Snow, Vol. 10 (Vinyl Digital GmbH)
Z-ro — Unappreciated (One Deep Entertainment)

** Reissue