You know who had a killer year this year? Nicolas Cage Fighter.
On top of releasing their breakthrough album I Watched You Burn, the boys scored worldwide headlines when it was revealed their namesake, actor Nicholas Cage, revealed he knows of them and is a fan.
Doesn't get more validating than that right?
As the band continue their rise in Australia, we grabbed guitarist Justin Ellis to share his fav releases from the year and to give us a sneak peek behind the scenes at NCF camp...
TOP 5 RELEASES OF 2025
5 - Sanguisuggabogg - Hideous Aftermath
4 - Tribal Gaze - Inveighing Brilliance
3 - The Acacia Strain - You Are Safe From God Here
2 - Deafheaven - Lonely People With Power
1 - Deftones - private music
TOP 5 SONGS OF 2025
5 - Malevolence - 'Salt The Wound'
4 - Blackbraid - 'The Dying Breath Of A Sacred Stag'
3 - Rivers Of Nihil - 'House Of Light'
2 - Chevelle - 'Pale Horse'
1 - Deftones - 'Milk Of The Madonna'
WHICH AUSTRALIAN BAND CAN’T YOU GET ENOUGH OF?
There are so many good bands, but I still absolutely love Justice For The Damned. Their new album is a crusher.
BEST GIG YOU PLAYED THIS YEAR AND WHY?
Playing a hometown show for our album launch with all our friends was an unreal way to finish up the year
TELL US ABOUT A CAREER HIGHLIGHT YOU HAD IN 2025
A highlight for this year was putting out our new album I Watched You Burn. We put so much work into this one and it awesome to see all the positive feedback.
ANY SNEAK PEEKS OF INBOUND PLANS NEXT YEAR?
Play some shows and maybe work on some new music. We'll wait and see.
BEST ADVICE GOING INTO 2026?
Find fun in the grind, not just after it.
Written by Justin Ellis @bigriffz_ncf
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