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Mindful Practices for Chronic Pain Relief and Emotional Wellness
Photo by Keenan Constance on Pexels.comChronic pain manifests in various forms, complicating life and diminishing joy. Whether stemming from autoimmune diseases, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic conditions, it not only impacts physical health but also has profound emotional and psychological effects that can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. This multifaceted experience often challenges our daily routines, leading individuals to navigate a world that frequently seems unforgiving. To counteract these struggles, embark on a gentle meditative journey that encourages us to fully experience the body as it is, without judgment, and to cultivate awareness of our inner sensations and emotional states. By incorporating techniques such as mindfulness and visualization, we can ease our pain through the transformative power of gratitude, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and nurturing resilience amidst adversity.
Body Scan
A body scan incorporated into meditation can be a gentle way to ease chronic pain, offering a pathway to greater mindfulness and enhanced body awareness. As we embark on a body scan, we lovingly direct our attention to various parts of our body, acknowledging sensations or tension without judgment. This compassionate practice allows us to recognize and alleviate the anxiety and stress that often accompany chronic pain, paving the way for a more peaceful experience. By embracing relaxation, we help to release muscle tension and foster a deeper connection with ourselves, empowering us to manage our pain responses more effectively. As we cultivate acceptance and compassion towards our pain, we may discover a reduction in discomfort and an uplift in our overall well-being.
Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels.comVisualization
Visualization in meditation can be a powerful ally in easing chronic pain, as it fosters a gentle mental picture of relaxation and healing, potentially transforming the way we experience pain. By engaging in focused imagery, we can nurture our minds, leading to a reduction in stress and an increase in the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. This calming approach allows patients to create a distance from their discomfort, offering a renewed sense of control over their pain management journey. Moreover, visualization techniques can deepen mindfulness, empowering individuals to navigate their pain more effectively by reshaping emotional responses and alleviating anxiety tied to chronic conditions.
Affirmation
Affirmations like: I am in control of my body; Each breath brings me healing and relaxation; Pain is a temporary experience; I am strong and resilient; I embrace comfort and release tension, can genuinely transform how we perceive chronic pain by nurturing a sense of empowerment and mindfulness. By regularly uttering these gentle affirmations, we can forge a deeper bond with our physical sensations and emotional states. This nurturing practice invites a shift from seeing pain merely as an enemy to acknowledging it as a part of their unique journey, fostering personal growth and resilience. Furthermore, embracing the transient nature of pain can cultivate a profound appreciation for moments of relief, ultimately enhancing one’s overall well-being. In the end, such affirmations help to create a compassionate mental space where hope and positivity can blossom, leading to improved coping strategies and a more fulfilling life, even amid the challenges of chronic pain.
Gratitude
Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.comThese tools offer unique ways to navigate the challenges of chronic pain, allowing glimmers of hope to shine through the clouds of distress we may face each day. I can personally empathize with how challenging it can be to cultivate gratitude during flare-ups. When caught in the grip of intense pain that lasts for hours, days, weeks, or even longer, it feels nearly impossible to foster a sense of thankfulness. Yet, I’ve discovered that embracing gratitude can be a crucial aspect of coping with chronic illness over the long haul.
Expressing Gratitude in Coping with Chronic Pain
Daily expressions of gratitude can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain, offering both emotional and psychological benefits. When individuals take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, they effectively shift their focus away from pain and discomfort. This shift can create a sense of balance, allowing for moments of joy and contentment to emerge even amidst the challenges posed by chronic conditions.
Fostering a Positive Mindset
Gratitude encourages a positive mindset, which can significantly influence how we perceive and react to pain. By actively recognizing the things we are thankful for—be it supportive relationships, small victories, or moments of beauty in our daily lives—we create a mental buffer against negativity. This approach can lessen the impact of chronic pain symptoms and foster resilience, enabling us to navigate our circumstances with greater strength.
Enhancing Emotional Well-being
Chronic pain often comes with emotional burdens, such as frustration, sadness, and isolation. Practicing gratitude can counter these feelings by anchoring us in a place of appreciation and hope. Frequent acknowledgment of what we are grateful for helps to rewire our internal dialogue, promoting feelings of empowerment and control over our life experience. This emotional shift can lead to reduced anxiety and an overall enhanced sense of well-being.
Building Connections
Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.comExpressing gratitude can also strengthen social connections. When we share our gratitude with others, we open up opportunities for connection and support. This network can be vital for individuals dealing with chronic pain, as it fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. Engaging with empathetic friends, family, or support groups can enrich our coping strategies and provide avenues for sharing experiences and feelings.
Cultivating Mindfulness
Incorporating gratitude into our daily routine encourages mindfulness, prompting us to be present in the moment. This practice allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings about pain without judgment. By integrating gratitude moments into mindfulness exercises, we can deepen our awareness of both our pain and our capacity for joy, creating a holistic approach to managing chronic pain.
Developing Resilience
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.comFinally, gratitude cultivates resilience. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can better adapt to the challenges posed by chronic pain. This resilient mindset not only helps us endure difficult moments but also empowers us to explore solutions and treatments that enhance our quality of life. Embracing gratitude invites us to see beyond our present struggles and fosters hope for healing and growth.
Daily expressions of gratitude are a transformative practice for coping with chronic pain. By fostering a positive mindset, enhancing emotional well-being, building connections, cultivating mindfulness, and developing resilience, we can navigate our journey with greater clarity and strength, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aAbwS4h06BaL9GSyYlaQk?si=AdV1LU1yRh6bZ-18fzWp_A
Discover the beauty of resilience as you immerse yourself in this soothing guided meditation, thoughtfully designed to ease the physical and emotional burdens of chronic pain. Carry this sense of calm with you throughout your day, reminding yourself that you possess the inner strength and tools necessary to manage your pain. Thank you for dedicating this precious time to yourself.
Namaste.
#affirmation #awareness #balance #blessed #chronicIllness #chronicPain #chronicPainManagement #chronicPainRelief #emotionalWellness #experience #fibromyalgia #flow #gratitude #healing #health #holistic #holisticHealth #illness #lupus #managingPain #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellbeing #mentalWellness #mindful #moments #ms #pain #practice #spoonie #visualization
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“Barrister's powerful speech at #FiltonTrial reminds jury of its right to defy judge”
by Jonathan Cook on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected] @[email protected]“#Starmer and the #media need convictions to justify Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathancook/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Barrister #Speech #Menon #PalestineAction #Proscription #Terrorism #AbuseOfPower #VichyMedia
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“Barrister's powerful speech at #FiltonTrial reminds jury of its right to defy judge”
by Jonathan Cook on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected] @[email protected]“#Starmer and the #media need convictions to justify Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathancook/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Barrister #Speech #Menon #PalestineAction #Proscription #Terrorism #AbuseOfPower #VichyMedia
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“Barrister's powerful speech at #FiltonTrial reminds jury of its right to defy judge”
by Jonathan Cook on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected] @[email protected]“#Starmer and the #media need convictions to justify Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathancook/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Barrister #Speech #Menon #PalestineAction #Proscription #Terrorism #AbuseOfPower #VichyMedia
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“Barrister's powerful speech at #FiltonTrial reminds jury of its right to defy judge”
by Jonathan Cook on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected] @[email protected]“#Starmer and the #media need convictions to justify Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathancook/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Barrister #Speech #Menon #PalestineAction #Proscription #Terrorism #AbuseOfPower #VichyMedia
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“Barrister's powerful speech at #FiltonTrial reminds jury of its right to defy judge”
by Jonathan Cook on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected] @[email protected]“#Starmer and the #media need convictions to justify Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathancook/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Barrister #Speech #Menon #PalestineAction #Proscription #Terrorism #AbuseOfPower #VichyMedia
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“Barrister’s Powerful Speech At Filton Trial”
by Jonathan Cook in Savage Minds on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@BBC5Live
@BBCRadio4
@BBCNews“#Starmer and the media need convictions to justify #PalestineAction’s proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv #Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/savageminds/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Filton24 #Trial #Jury #Proscription #Labour #Dictatorship #PoliceState #Terrorism
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“Barrister’s Powerful Speech At Filton Trial”
by Jonathan Cook in Savage Minds on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@BBC5Live
@BBCRadio4
@BBCNews“#Starmer and the media need convictions to justify #PalestineAction’s proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv #Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/savageminds/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Filton24 #Trial #Jury #Proscription #Labour #Dictatorship #PoliceState #Terrorism
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“Barrister’s Powerful Speech At Filton Trial”
by Jonathan Cook in Savage Minds on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@BBC5Live
@BBCRadio4
@BBCNews“#Starmer and the media need convictions to justify #PalestineAction’s proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv #Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/savageminds/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Filton24 #Trial #Jury #Proscription #Labour #Dictatorship #PoliceState #Terrorism
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“Barrister’s Powerful Speech At Filton Trial”
by Jonathan Cook in Savage Minds on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@BBC5Live
@BBCRadio4
@BBCNews“#Starmer and the media need convictions to justify #PalestineAction’s proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv #Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/savageminds/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Filton24 #Trial #Jury #Proscription #Labour #Dictatorship #PoliceState #Terrorism
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“Barrister’s Powerful Speech At Filton Trial”
by Jonathan Cook in Savage Minds on Substack
@uk_politics
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@[email protected]
@BBC5Live
@BBCRadio4
@BBCNews“#Starmer and the media need convictions to justify #PalestineAction’s proscription as a terrorist group. Rajiv #Menon KC spells out to the jury why it is a vital last defence against government tyranny”
https://open.substack.com/pub/savageminds/p/barristers-powerful-speech-at-filton
#Press #UK #Filton24 #Trial #Jury #Proscription #Labour #Dictatorship #PoliceState #Terrorism
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https://www.europesays.com/es/530080/ El Vítaly La Mar BCBadajoz UEX y el Finca Sagrado Cáceres dominan en semifinales de Primera Nacional, pero la final queda en el aire – PORTADA #aire #Baloncesto #Basketball #BCBadajoz #Cáceres #de #Deportes #dominan #el #en #ES #España #extremena #federación #final #finca #la #mar #Nacional #pero #Portada #primera #queda #sagrado #semifinales #Spain #Sports #UEX #vitaly #y
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#Fashion talks - so what does your office outfit say
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/ireland.html#LimerickLeaderAxios Vitals - #Hospital billing shift found to drive
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#43El #Dow #Jones cae más de 900 puntos y sube el petróleo
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/us-capitals.html#Boston#Columbus Athenaeum listed for $85 million amid receivership
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/us-capitals.html#ColumbusFire horror on #United #Airlines plane as emergency
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/business.html#8Even #Apple knows the new iPad Air is a worthless upgrade
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/infotech.html#67 -
City of Raleigh Government Event Guide: Braceridge Road Pop-Up Meeting (April 29, 2026)
Stay informed and get involved in your community with this important City of Raleigh public meeting happening today. Residents are invited to learn more and share feedback on a key infrastructure project impacting North Raleigh neighborhoods.
Braceridge Road Drainage Improvements Pop-Up Meeting
🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Open space next to 4109 Batiste Road, Raleigh, NC 27613The City of Raleigh is hosting a pop-up public meeting focused on the Braceridge Road Drainage Improvements Project. This is a great opportunity for residents to connect directly with city staff, learn about proposed solutions, and provide input on a project that directly impacts the neighborhood.
Project Overview: Why It Matters
Flooding has become a recurring issue along Braceridge Road between Batiste Road and Sunridge Road. Currently:
- Water from a bioretention area flows through multiple residential backyards
- Runoff continues into the street
- This results in yard flooding and street flooding, impacting nearby homes and safety
The City is working to identify effective drainage solutions to address these concerns and improve stormwater management in the area.
What to Expect at the Meeting
Residents and stakeholders attending the pop-up meeting can:
- Learn about the proposed drainage improvements
- Ask questions directly to City staff
- Share feedback and local insights
- Help shape solutions that impact the community
This informal, drop-in style meeting makes it easy for neighbors to participate and stay informed.
Why Community Participation Matters
City-led infrastructure projects are strongest when residents are involved. By attending, you can:
- Ensure your voice is heard
- Provide real-world context about flooding impacts
- Help guide decisions that affect your neighborhood
If you live in or near the Braceridge Road area, your input is especially valuable.
Final Thoughts
Community engagement plays a vital role in shaping Raleigh’s growth and infrastructure improvements. Don’t miss this chance to connect with city leaders and contribute to a safer, more resilient neighborhood.
Stay tuned to DoRaleigh for more updates on City of Raleigh meetings, community events, and local news that matters.
Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page. If you interested in Advertising click here.
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#CityOfRaleigh #CommunityEngagementRaleigh #DoRaleigh #drainageImprovementsRaleigh #events #News #NorthRaleighEvents #raleigh #RaleighCommunityMeeting #RaleighGovernment #RaleighInfrastructure #RaleighNCEvents #RaleighNeighborhoodNews #RaleighPublicMeeting #stormwaterRaleigh -
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Location: Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru
Mountain Tapirs inhabit the high Andean cloud forests and páramos above 2,000 metres in the northern Andes. They are found in Colombia’s Central and Eastern Cordilleras, throughout Ecuador including Sangay and Podocarpus National Parks, and into northern Peru, notably in Cajamarca and Lambayeque.
The Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque is one of the most threatened large mammals in the northern Andes, currently listed as Endangered. Their populations have declined by over 50% in the past three decades due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, climate change, and rampant mining. With fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining, they are quietly disappearing from their mist-shrouded mountain homes. Human encroachment, infrastructure development, and cattle grazing now invade their last strongholds. Without urgent action, they may vanish forever. Use your wallet as a weapon and fight back when you shop #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife and be #BoycottGold
Sweet-natured Mountain #Tapirs of #Ecuador 🇪🇨 #Peru 🇵🇪 and #Colombia 🇨🇴 face serious threats incl. illegal crops, #gold #mining, #palmoil #deforestation and hunting. Help them survive #BoycottPalmOil 🌴⛔️#BoycottGold 🥇⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2025/12/28/mountain-tapir-tapirus-pinchaque/
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterThe Wooly #Tapir AKA Mountain Tapir gives birth to one calf at a time 🩷😻 They’re #endangered due to a many threats: #climatechange and #pollution from #gold mining. Resist for them! #BoycottPalmOil #BoycottGold 🥇☠️❌ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2025/12/28/mountain-tapir-tapirus-pinchaque/
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterAppearance & Behaviour
Also known as the woolly tapir for their thick, dark, shaggy coat, Mountain Tapirs are built to survive in the cold, damp cloud forests and páramo grasslands. Their dense fur, white lips, and prehensile snout give them an almost prehistoric appearance. These solitary and elusive mammals are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, navigating dense foliage with ease. Once thought to be loners, long-term studies in Ecuador have revealed that they form small, close-knit family groups, with calves gradually dispersing over several years (Castellanos et al., 2022).
Threats
Deforestation for palm oil, meat agriculture and illicit opium/coca cultivation
Large swathes of Andean cloud forest and páramo are being cleared to make way for palm oil agricultural expansion, cattle grazing, and opium or coca cultivation. These activities are not only destroying core habitat but also breaking up previously connected populations, leaving tapirs isolated and vulnerable to local extinctions. The introduction of cattle into remote tapir refuges has become increasingly common, even inside designated national parks such as Sangay in Ecuador. This leads to trampling of sensitive vegetation, direct competition for food, and destruction of the unique montane ecosystems that Mountain Tapirs rely on for survival.
Illegal hunting for meat, traditional medicine, and cultural uses
Although hunting pressure has declined slightly in Ecuador due to greater public awareness, it remains severe in Colombia and Peru. Tapirs are killed for their meat, and their skins are used to make traditional tools, horse gear, carpets, and bed covers. Additionally, body parts are sold in local markets or prescribed by shamans for use in traditional medicine. In many remote areas, Mountain Tapirs are still being actively poached, and it is now rare to find populations that are not affected by some form of overhunting.
Gold mining and illegal mining causing deforestation and poisoning of ecosystems
Gold mining projects in the northern Peruvian Andes and central Colombia are rapidly destroying the last cloud forest headwaters and páramo ecosystems where tapirs persist. Both legal and illegal mining operations contaminate streams and watersheds with heavy metals and toxic runoff, which has severe consequences for both tapirs and the human communities downstream. Mining also brings roads, noise, and human settlements into previously inaccessible areas, increasing hunting pressure and reducing available habitat. In some parts of Peru, nearly 30% of the Mountain Tapir’s current range now overlaps with active or planned gold mining concessions (More et al., 2022).
Climate change pushing tapirs further uphill into shrinking habitat
As global temperatures rise, the high-elevation ecosystems where Mountain Tapirs live are shrinking. Suitable climate zones are shifting higher up the mountains, but because mountains have limited space at the top, this forces tapirs into ever smaller areas with fewer food resources. This phenomenon, known as “the escalator to extinction,” is especially dangerous for highland species like the Mountain Tapir, who cannot move downward into warmer zones. Climate change also alters rainfall patterns and vegetation cycles, further straining the species’ delicate habitat requirements.
Road construction and vehicle collisions within protected areas
Infrastructure development is rapidly cutting through mountainous areas, including roads that bisect national parks and reserves. This not only fragments tapir habitat but also leads to direct deaths through vehicle collisions. Once roads are completed, traffic speeds increase and tapirs crossing roads—especially at dawn and dusk—become highly vulnerable. Roads also make previously remote areas more accessible to poachers, settlers, and resource extractors, while local governments often lack sufficient ranger staff to monitor and protect these newly exposed areas.
Fumigation campaigns using toxic chemicals to eradicate drug crops
In Colombia, the government authorises aerial fumigation of coca and poppy fields using glyphosate-based herbicides like Round-Up. These chemicals are sprayed over wide areas, including forests and National Parks, contaminating soil, plants, and water sources. Mountain Tapirs can absorb these toxins through skin contact or ingestion, potentially leading to illness, reproductive failure, or death. Fumigation also destroys native plants that tapirs rely on for food, further decreasing habitat quality in affected areas.
Widespread introduction of cattle and the threat of disease transmission
Domestic cattle are increasingly being introduced into mountain tapir habitat, especially within protected areas where enforcement is weak. These animals not only compete with tapirs for forage but also carry diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease. Disease outbreaks have already been documented among tapirs in other parts of Latin America and pose a serious threat to small, isolated populations. In the Andes, cattle often form feral herds that reproduce and spread deep into cloud forests, further eroding habitat integrity and increasing the risk of tapir extinction.
Weak enforcement of environmental laws and lack of large protected areas in Peru
Although some Mountain Tapir habitat falls within designated protected areas, law enforcement in Peru is generally under-resourced and poorly coordinated. Rangers are too few to patrol vast mountainous regions effectively, and illegal activities such as mining, logging, and hunting continue within protected boundaries. Furthermore, most reserves are too small or fragmented to support viable tapir populations over the long term. Without stronger policies, larger protected zones, and meaningful binational cooperation with Ecuador and Colombia, tapirs in Peru face an uncertain future.
Low reproductive rate and slow population recovery
Mountain Tapirs have a long gestation period of around 13 months and typically produce only one calf at a time, meaning population growth is inherently slow. When combined with high mortality from hunting, roadkill, and disease, their populations cannot recover quickly from losses. Calves stay with their mothers for extended periods, further limiting reproductive output. This slow life cycle makes the species particularly vulnerable to sudden or sustained threats across their fragmented range.
Geographic Range
This species is found in the high Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and northernmost Peru. In Colombia, they are present in the Central and Eastern Cordilleras but are absent from the Western Cordillera and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. In Ecuador, they range from the central Andes down through Sangay National Park to Podocarpus, with new records emerging from previously unconnected areas in the western Andes. In Peru, they occur north and south of the Huancabamba River in Cajamarca and Lambayeque (More et al., 2022). The total range in Peru is estimated at 183,000 hectares, but mining concessions cover nearly 30% of this habitat.
Diet
Mountain Tapirs are browsers, feeding on a wide variety of vegetation including leaves, shoots, fruits, and bromeliads. Their diet varies depending on the availability of plants within their high-altitude habitats, playing an important role as seed dispersers within these fragile ecosystems.
Mating and Reproduction
Mountain Tapirs have a slow reproductive rate, with a gestation period of approximately 13 months. Females typically give birth to a single calf, which stays with them for several months or even years before dispersing. Calves are born with white stripes and spots that fade as they mature. Their slow breeding cycle makes it difficult for populations to recover from hunting and habitat loss.
FAQs
How many Mountain Tapirs are left in the wild?
Fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain in the wild, and the population is continuing to decline by at least 20% every two decades due to ongoing threats like habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change (IUCN, 2015).
What is the average lifespan of a Mountain Tapir?
In the wild, Mountain Tapirs may live up to 25 years, though this is significantly affected by environmental threats. Captive individuals can live slightly longer under safe and controlled conditions.
What are the biggest challenges to conserving Mountain Tapirs?
Major challenges include habitat fragmentation due to road construction, agriculture, and mining; the presence of armed conflict zones that hinder research and protection; and the slow reproduction rate of the species, which makes population recovery difficult (Guzmán-Valencia et al., 2024; More et al., 2022).
Do Mountain Tapirs make good pets?
No. Keeping a Mountain Tapir as a pet is unethical and illegal. These intelligent, solitary animals require large, wild habitats to survive. Capturing and trading them causes immense suffering and drives the species further toward extinction. Advocating against the exotic pet trade is vital to their survival.
Take Action!
Boycott palm oil and products linked to Andean deforestation. Support indigenous-led conservation and agroecology initiatives in the Andes. Call for stronger protections against mining and deforestation in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Refuse to buy exotic animal products, including those used in folk medicine. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan #BoycottMeat
Support Mountain Tapirs by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Castellanos, A., Dadone, L., Ascanta, M., & Pukazhenthi, B. (2022). Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) social groups and calf dispersal patterns in Ecuador. Boletín Técnico, Serie Zoológica, 17, 9–14. Retrieved from https://journal.espe.edu.ec/ojs/index.php/revista-serie-zoologica/article/view/2858
Delborgo Abra, F., Medici, P., Brenes-Mora, E., & Castelhanos, A. (2024). The Impact of Roads and Traffic on Tapir Species. In Tapirs of the World (pp. 157–165). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65311-7_10
Guzmán-Valencia, C., Castrillón, L., Roncancio Duque, N., & Márquez, R. (2024). Co-Occurrence, Occupancy and Habitat Use of the Andean Bear and Mountain Tapir: Insights for Conservation Management in the Colombian Andes. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5061561
Lizcano, D.J., Amanzo, J., Castellanos, A., Tapia, A. & Lopez-Malaga, C.M. 2016. Tapirus pinchaque. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T21473A45173922. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T21473A45173922.en. Accessed on 06 April 2025.
More, A., Devenish, C., Carrillo-Tavara, K., Piana, R. P., Lopez-Malaga, C., Vega-Guarderas, Z., & Nuñez-Cortez, E. (2022). Distribution and conservation status of the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) in Peru. Journal for Nature Conservation, 66, 126130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126130
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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Join 3,174 other subscribers2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
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How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
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4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Pledge your supportLearn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNGFrill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum
Ecuadorean Viscacha Lagidium ahuacaense
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read more#animals #Bantrophyhunting #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #cattle #climateChange #climatechange #Colombia #deforestation #Ecuador #endangered #EndangeredSpecies #ForgottenAnimals #gold #herbivore #herbivores #hunting #infrastructure #lowlandTapir #Mammal #mammals #mining #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #Peru #poaching #pollution #Tapir #Tapirs #ungulate #ungulates #vegan
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#News: Nature's talented #engineers - #toucans are saving endangered #trees in #Brazil! 🦜🌳 #Extinct locally in the 60s, they were returned 50 years ago and are now vital seed dispersers. Protect wildlife = restore the forest! #BoycottGold #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetectives
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/03/toucans-reintroduced-50-years-ago-disperse-seeds-of-endangered-trees-in-brazil/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=Palm+Oil+Detectives&utm_campaign=publer -
#Africa - #Coexistence That's Built to Last
"For two decades, African People & Wildlife has partnered with communities across #Tanzania to protect wildlife, restore landscapes, and support sustainable livelihoods. See how this work has grown and where it’s going next.
Landscape Restoration and Connectivity
We lead collective efforts to restore and connect a flourishing mosaic of lands that benefits people, parks, and wildlife while building local #ClimateChange #resilience.
#HabitatLoss and #fragmentation pose one of the greatest threats to the future of Africa’s people and #wildlife. Without urgent action and collaborative partnerships, our most critical landscapes and their natural resources could be lost forever.
Support Local Corridors
We engage communities in the conservation of critical corridors for wildlife and livestock that link protected areas with communal and private lands.
Revitalize #DegradedPastures
The #overgrazing of local pastures can lead to #SoilErosion and inadequate food for wildlife and livestock. Together with local communities, we monitor and manage the long-term health of vital habitats that benefit people and wildlife.
Layer Programming to Maximize Impact
We overlap our rangeland management programming with the observed range of lions, leopards, and cheetahs to ensure the health and connectivity of vital big cat habitat. We also enhance the health of these pastures with an increased beehive presence through our Women's #Beekeeping Initiative.
Leverage Partnerships to Enhance Connectivity
We work with multiple partners – including government authorities – across large landscapes like the #Ngorongoro Conservation Area to identify shared goals and implement joint programming with local community members."
#SolarPunkSunday #WildlifeCorridors #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Stewardship #EnvironmentalStewardship #SoilRestoration
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#GlobalStudy led by #UniversityOfBristol revealed #CarbonSink #vulnerability of #recovering forests. #Tropical #forests are #vital in the fight against #ClimateChange & have great #potential as a carbon sink. However, new #data shows that new tropical #deforestation & forest #degradation are #outstripping rates of forest #regrowth .
#StopDeforestation #StopEcocide #StopClearcuts #SaveOldGrowth #WorthMoreStanding #protectOldGrowth #ClimateAction #ecojustice #ecology
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@BBCWildlife @bbc-wildlife-magazine-BBCWildlife #Kelpforests are impressive #ecosystems, characterized by a vast #diversity of #species. These underwater landscapes serve as vital carbon sinks for the #greenhousegas #CO2. Consequently, such extraordinary habitats are of scientific interest for contributing to counteract global warming.
Text by Stefan F. Wirth
References:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelp_forest#/media/File%3AKelp_forest.jpg
Science writing G. Green (2026): https://www.discoverwildlife.com/environment/patagonia-megatransect?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
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Habitat heterogeneity is vital; the various species that form niches as well as the species that rely on edges of varying niches are part of this process. Seasonally semi-floode/dry habitat; species such as cursed crowfoot thrive in these transition-based niches and microclimates.
There is so much more to life than meets the eye. Holistic approaches are the best approaches.
#environmentalscience #nature #naturephotography #ecosystems #ecosystemscience #ecology #climate #climatescience
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Young people play a vital role in protecting the #environment and supporting sustainable #food production.Here, we are carefully separating #biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials, a practice known as #waste management Biodegradable materials, can decompose naturally and be transformed into compost manure that enriches the soil. This process is essential for improving #soil fertility and increasing #crop production sustainably
#climateAction #photography #nature #mastodon #socialimpact -
"Mangoes, a symbol of abundance and nourishment, can play a vital role in achieving Zero Hunger. As climate change threatens global food security, mango trees offer a resilient solution. They're drought-tolerant and can thrive in challenging conditions. Let's promote sustainable mango farming to ensure a fruitful future for all, while combating hunger and climate change. #ZeroHunger #ClimateAction #SustainableFarming"
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High-stakes summit on trade, #Iran and #Taiwan -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/etc.html#TaiwanOfficial marking of land for #Brazil’s uncontacted Kawahiva -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/uk.html#9What’s happening at Real #Madrid? -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#26a#Kilkenny v Kildare throw-in time, #TV and stream information, -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/ireland.html#IrishMirror#Donegal boy's race against time for vital drug -
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/ireland.html#DonegalDailyView all World Country news https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/2026/03/latest-news-from-countries-of-world.html
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Italian restaurant off Montrose Boulevard permanently closes
After five years of business, Fiori chef Alessio Vitale announced his leave from the restaurant…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #Italiancuisine #ChefAlessioVitale #closing #CommunityImpact #floralboutique #Italia #Italian #italiancuisine #ItalianRestaurant #italiano #italy #montrose #nearme #restaurantnews #trending #updates #wheretogo
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2449472/italian-restaurant-off-montrose-boulevard-permanently-closes/ -
Italian restaurant off Montrose Boulevard permanently closes
After five years of business, Fiori chef Alessio Vitale announced his leave from the restaurant…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #Italiancuisine #ChefAlessioVitale #closing #CommunityImpact #floralboutique #Italia #Italian #italiancuisine #ItalianRestaurant #italiano #italy #montrose #nearme #restaurantnews #trending #updates #wheretogo
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2449472/italian-restaurant-off-montrose-boulevard-permanently-closes/ -
Italian restaurant off Montrose Boulevard permanently closes
After five years of business, Fiori chef Alessio Vitale announced his leave from the restaurant…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #Italiancuisine #ChefAlessioVitale #closing #CommunityImpact #floralboutique #Italia #Italian #italiancuisine #ItalianRestaurant #italiano #italy #montrose #nearme #restaurantnews #trending #updates #wheretogo
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2449472/italian-restaurant-off-montrose-boulevard-permanently-closes/ -
Italian restaurant off Montrose Boulevard permanently closes
After five years of business, Fiori chef Alessio Vitale announced his leave from the restaurant…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #Italiancuisine #ChefAlessioVitale #closing #CommunityImpact #floralboutique #Italia #Italian #italiancuisine #ItalianRestaurant #italiano #italy #montrose #nearme #restaurantnews #trending #updates #wheretogo
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2449472/italian-restaurant-off-montrose-boulevard-permanently-closes/ -
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/01/lng-liquefied-natural-gas-imo-talks-shipping. "If the #world is to make the shift needed away from #fossilfuels to a #green #economy, cleaning up #shipping will be vital. But when so many shipping #companies, & so many #countries with big #fleets, have a vested #commercial #interest in keeping the world hooked on #oil, any attempts to green the #fleet can quickly run aground. #LNG... is one of the most costly #fuels to move."
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[#TRADESHOW] #Changshu #International #Textile and #Apparel #Intelligent #Manufacturing #Expo (#CAME2024) will take place from September 20-22, 2024, at the Changshu International #Exhibition #Center. As a cornerstone #event for #China’s apparel #industry, #CAME has established itself as a vital #platform for connecting industry leaders, #showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and driving the #future of textile and apparel #manufacturing. https://cnbusinessforum.com/event/changshu-international-textile-and-apparel-intelligent-manufacturing-expo/
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Saunders and Dear Hollow’s Top Ten(ish) of 2025 By Steel DruhmSaunders
Yes, folks and loyal AMG readers and devotees, another year is nearly done and dusted. As per tradition, the time has come to share reflections and recommendations from another eventful year. Personally, 2025 threw down some rough moments and life challenges, navigating a spike in anxiety-driven mental and physical health concerns. Previously, I have mentioned how much AMG has grounded me over the years, keeping my focus and motivation on track when other parts of life navigate turbulence, stress, or uncertainty. This has proven especially pivotal this year and highlights the importance of contributing in some small way to this amazing blog and how much it means to me.
Highlights… After a few lean years post-pandemic on the gig front, as an avid concertgoer, 2025 proved productive for getting my mojo back for live music. I caught Karnivool in action for the first time in over a decade, ripping through infectious prog metal anthems and impressive new jams from their highly anticipated album set to drop in early 2026. An unexpected gig was a solo show in my hometown from none other than former Fear Factory legend Burton C Bell, performing in a local dive venue. Ploughing through career classics and some solo material, the setlist offered up gems like “Drive Boy Shooting,” “Scapegoat,” “Scumgrief,” and “Replica.” It was a nostalgic joy.
Meanwhile, after years of stubbornly jaded neglect, I finally bit the bullet and witnessed Metallica live. Probably a couple of decades too late, however, as an impressionable young’un raised on early Metallica, it was a cool experience to finally see the aging juggernaut in a stadium setting that will remain in the memory bank for years to come. A couple of days later, I once again caught the mighty Opeth at the iconic Sydney Opera House with quality support from Caligula’s Horse, before rounding out the year by finally seeing Dying Fetus live in an extra beefy triple bill including Ashen and 200 Stab Wounds. Good times indeed….
Big thanks to everyone for keeping this mighty blog running and cogs turning. From the ever-growing readership and awesome AMG community, through the entire, recently beefed-up writing crew, inspiring colleagues and all-around awesome people, to the higher powers (Steel Druhm, Angry Metal Guy, Sentynel, Doc Grier, and all the other editors) for their extra behind-the-scenes work whipping us into line. Cheers all to a safe, happy, and healthy 2026.
#ish: Green Carnation // A Dark Poem Part I: The Shores of Melancholia – After being mesmerized by Green Carnation’s timeless opus Light of Day, Day of Darkness many years ago, I never really expanded my listening beyond that widely regarded masterpiece. Then comeback album Leaves of Yesteryear dropped in 2020 and turned me from a casual listener into an avid fan of their work. A Dark Poem Part I: The Shores of Melancholia signals a long-awaited return and the first part of a planned trilogy from the seasoned Norwegian veterans of classy, mood-driven progressive metal. Admittedly, this album didn’t reach the dizzying heights or quite gain the traction of its predecessor. Nor does it disappoint, adding another finely crafted chapter in Green Carnation’s enduring career, while building excitement for the two albums to complete the trilogy. Meticulously crafted and chock full of emotive, silky, and delightfully catchy gems, A Dark Poem Part I: The Shores of Melancholia is another top-shelf prog metal jam.
#10. Caustic Wound // Grinding Mechanism of Torment – Back in 2020, Seattle’s Caustic Wound emerged from the muck and unleashed a gnarly ball of unvarnished deathgrind rage courtesy of debut, Death Posture. Due to the endearing old school charms and brawling, stomping attack, Death Posture left a lasting impression, amping anticipation for their long-awaited return on sophomore slab, Grinding Mechanism of Torment. Though a little less refined and losing a smidgen of the debut’s grimy charm, Caustic Wound otherwise pounded out wickedly crunchy, buzzsawing deathgrind with violent glee, infectiousness, and subtle variety to keep you coming back for more. The album’s tight construction and propulsive performances deftly harness the controlled chaos and blasty, groove-laced fun, as the likes of “Drone Terror,” “Advanced Killing Methods,” and “Blood Battery” attest.
#9. Phantom Spell // Heather & Hearth – One of the purest and nostalgia-driven prog releases of 2025, the sophomore album from Seven Sisters singer/guitarist Kyle McNeill was a progtastic delight, wielding old-timey, ’70s prog feels with a transportive, fantastical flair. Phantom Spell crafted a timeless, epic yet remarkably fresh experience, despite the obvious devotion to progressive rock legends and eras of the past. Dueling guitar leads, rollicking organ, and tight, expressive rhythms shine across a superbly performed and produced opus. For all the musical smarts, clever progressive arrangements, and technical showmanship, McNeill’s songwriting and powerful vocals are spot on, resulting in a nuanced though hugely hooky and focused collection, infused with folk and classic heavy metal elements, complementing the classic progressive rock core. Bookended by two spectacular epics (‘The Autumn Citadel” and stunning, heart-wrenching melodies of the closing title track), Heather & Hearth is equally compelling in its more compact, punchy forms (“‘Evil Hand,” “Siren Song”).
#8. Barren Path // Grieving – Grind delivered big time in 2025, with numerous high-quality releases to absorb. None quite delivered the hammer blow impact of the debut LP from Barren Path, featuring Gridlink alumni, including grind shredding extraordinaire Takafumi Matsubara. It’s amazing what can be achieved in a manic thirteen minutes of calculated mayhem and precision deathgrind madness. Barren Path shares traits with Gridlink’s razor-sharp precision and abrasive intensity; however, it refuses to be pigeonholed or cast into the shadows of the Gridlink legacy. Beefy production, coupled with a prominent death metal influence, riffs to burn, gripping performances, and techy edge, Grieving loudly announced Barren Path as the next innovative heavy hitter to take the grind scene by storm. All too brief if utterly compelling, I’m excited to see what this elite line-up can cook up next as they set about creating their own unmatched legacy.
#7. Changeling // Changeling – For the second time in my 2025 top ten, an album surpasses the hour-length mark, often questionable territory as far as optimal album length. The prolific Tom Geldschläger (aka Fountainhead) hired an army of high-profile musicians and contributors to bring his elaborate progressive death metal vision to vibrant life with an overstuffed and incredibly entertaining, wildly ambitious debut opus. Amongst the core lineup, Morean (Alkaloid, Dark Fortress) lends his unique vocals, Virvum’s Arran McSporran features on fretless bass, and powerhouse Mike Keller (ex-Fear Factory, Raven, Malignancy) mans the kit, while a stack of instruments, choirs, and guest musicians add further dimensions and intricacies to the color palette. Changeling is guilty of overreaching on occasions, and the whole thing is an overstimulating example of excess. And though far from perfect, Changeling is nevertheless an astonishingly complex, progressive, and technical marvel. Its bombastic, adventurous gallop, slick songcraft, earwormy hook,s and otherworldly melodies conjure up a hugely inventive and endlessly fun platter.
#6. Turian // Blood Quantum Blues – Generally, I tread carefully from anything core-related in the realms of hardcore, metalcore, and deathcore. I am not opposed to each style, but usually it takes a certain something to win me over. Another winning recommendation from the flippered one, Blood Quantum Blues, the third LP from Seattle metallic hardcore merchants Turian, found the band toying and upending their sound in wonderfully creative and ambitious fashion. Like other genre-busting albums, such as The Shape of Punk to Come and Miss Machine, Turian fuck with the conventions of their metallic hardcore. Shattering boundaries by lacing their signature sound with sharply integrated elements of rock, electronics, sludge, and grind, whipped into a grooving, raw smackdown and addictive delight, Turian pulls no punches and pushes their songwriting creativity to the limit. The line-up nails the newfound songwriting versatility through tight, explosive performances, topped by the raw intensity and charismatic vocals of Vern Metztli-Moon, who channels deeply personal, trauma-informed reflections of her Native American heritage, with vigor and rage.
#5. Retromorphosis // Psalmus Mortis – Carrying on the timeless legacy of legendary Swedish tech death wrecking crew Spawn of Possession, Retromorphosis emerged featuring the bulk of the SoP line-up and a rejuvenated sound, both familiar and energized enough to craft a new chapter of tech death excellence. Herein lies the key to the album’s success. SoP was such a special and unique entity in the tech death field. Retromorphosis pulls the signature songwriting components and twists and contorts them into their own slick interpretation, without simply rehashing past glories. Psalmus Mortis proved to have significant staying power since dropping early in the year, even amidst a pretty stacked year for quality death and tech death albums. Retromorphosis decorate their knotty, fluid and aggressive compositions with tasteful synth work, symphonic flourishes and bedazzling solos, whether charting smartly progressive, labyrinthine terrain (“The Tree,” “Machine”), and thrashy, warped tech death (“Aunt Christie’s Will,” “Vanished,” “Retromorphosis”).
#4. Terror Corpse // Ash Eclipses Flesh – After already delivering a killer grind opus earlier in the year, Terror Corpse got the creative juices flowing again in dropping a full-length debut of immense power and old school grit. Featuring a power-packed lineup featuring past and present members of acts including Malignant Altar, Oceans of Slumber, Necrofier, and Insect Warfare, Terror Corpse comes seasoned with death metal wisdom and experience. Despite a lack of innovation, Terror Corpse winds back the clock and transcends the typical old school death metal hordes. Injecting venomous strains of grind, death-doom, sinister atmospheres, and gut-churning brutality into beefy, riff-driven songs that fondly recall death metal’s glory days, Terror Corpse forge ahead into the here and now with their own character and inspired songwriting. Topped by a bevy of instantly gratifying, oozing riffs and Dobber Beverly’s elite drumming, Ash Eclipses Flesh is a gripping old school death experience.
#3. Dax Riggs // 7 Songs For Spiders – The return of Dax Riggs, and by extension the most unexpected re-emergence of the legendary Acid Bath, were surely two of the most heartwarming music moments of 2025. As a longtime devotee of both Dax and Acid Bath, I had begun worrying that Dax’s music-making days had passed as he slunk into the background and essentially dropped off the radar for the best part of fifteen years. While holding out slim hope Acid Bath will decide to cross our shores, I am stoked Dax and crew are getting the long-overdue credit and exposure they deserve. Though not strictly metal, Dax’s comeback album, and first since 2010’s Say Goodnight to the World, marks a triumphant and warm, comforting return from an underground icon. 7 Songs for Spiders delivered the goods, as Dax and friends dropped an album with a familiar, nostalgic feel that refuses to rest on its laurels. Riggs’ defining vocals sound as vital and deliciously smoky as ever, weaving signature morbid tales, deadly hooks, and earworm melodies through subdued yet deceptively hefty and bluesy folk-doom ditties.
#2. Messa // The Spin – It would be an oversimplification to describe Messa’s fourth LP as a streamlined version of the enigmatic Italian band’s doom-centric formula. Each album has impressed in its own unique way, adding intoxicating twists and charm to continually evolve and refresh their sound. The Spin carries over elements of their past works and character-defining idiosyncrasies, yet feels like Messa’s most laser-focused, accessible, and direct album to date, and also one of their best. While I’ve enjoyed each of the band’s prior works, The Spin is the band’s most efficient and instantly gratifying, and addictive album. Easily Messa’s shortest opus, The Spin, uncorks killer tune after tune. Sumptuous melodies and rich textures color blockbuster doom bangers (“At Races,” “Fire on the Roof”), residing alongside atmospheric, jazz-dappled charmers (“The Dress”), bluesy, emotive slow burners (“Immolation”), and brooding, psych-tinged doom (“Thicker Blood”).
#1. Tómarúm // Beyond Obsidian Euphoria – Weirdly enough, my number one picks often don’t materialize as obviously as one might expect. This has largely been a trend throughout my tenure here at Angry Metal Guy. In all honesty, any of the top three could have been interchangeable in the top spot, but I reserved top honors for the spectacular second LP from Atlanta band Tómarúm. All the more surprising due to sleeping on their well-received debut, Beyond Obsidian Euphoria smacked me upside the cranium with an explosion of creativity and ambitious songcraft, encompassing elements of progressive black, melodic death, and tech death bombast. It’s an overly ambitious, sometimes slightly messy masterwork. Yet the eye-watering 68 minutes largely warrant its exhaustive length. Sure, shrewd editing here and there may have tightened things up. However, the whole experience is so consistently gripping and superbly written and performed that minor quibbles are squashed well below the surface. This fully loaded, immersive masterwork sparkles and scorches through tremendously crafted, multi-faceted compositions, including standout epics, “Shallow Ecstasy,” “Shed This Erroneous Skin,” and “Silver, Ashen Tears,” nestled harmoniously against the blunt force discordance of ‘Blood Mirage,” and compact progressive fireworks of closer “Becoming the Stone Icon (Obsidian Reprise).”
Honorable Mentions:
- Sigh // I Saw the World’s End – Hangman’s Hymn MMXXV – Skepticism of the dangerous game of the re-record was swept aside in a stunning reimagining of their 2007 classic.
- Plasmodulated // An Ocean ov Putrid, Stinky, Vile, Disgusting Hell – The album title says it all. Delightfully scabby, grooving old school death, seasoned with quirky Voivodisms.
- Igorrr // Amen – When seeking that taste of batshit crazy experimentation and avant-garde lunacy, Amen proved a reliable tonic. A challenging, though freakishly creative and addicting listen.
- Blood Vulture // Die Close – A grungy, Gothy slab of doom designed by talented Two Minutes to Late Night host Jordan Olds (aka Gwarsenio Hall). The future appears bright, judging by this highly addictive debut, which garnered lots of rotation throughout the year.
- Vittra // Intense Indifference – Hugely impressive melodic death platter from Swedish up-and-comers Vittra. Drawing inspiration from their homeland’s classic melodeath past, Vittra injects oodles of thrashy energy, inspired axework, and hooky songcraft, bringing a fresh edge to a retro sound.
- Dormant Ordeal // Tooth and Nail – Perhaps a little late on this one, however, after spending considerable time with Dormant Ordeal’s latest opus, the hype and critical praise are indeed justified—a fine example of brutal, crushing Polish blackened death.
- Species // Changelings – Admittedly, like various other overlooked gems, I didn’t spend as much time as I’d like with Changelings. But catching up has been a blast. Species brought the weird on this wacky, proggy technical thrash thrill ride, not to be missed.
Disappointment o’ the Year:
Sadly, we lost a number of metal legends in 2025, headlined by three individual legends that had a profound impact on me over the years. There will never be a larger-than-life frontman/metal icon like Ozzy Osbourne. While his demise was not unexpected, it left a huge void and an incredible legacy never to be matched. At the Gates and all-around iconic Swedish vocalist Tomas Lindberg sadly passed away following a horrible illness, while former Mastodon guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds tragically passed in a motor vehicle accident. Rest in Peace legends….
Non-Heavy Picks (snapshot):
- Aesop Rock (Black Hole Superette & I Heard It’s a Mess There Too), clipping., Bon Iver, Miguel.
Song o’ the Year:
Messa – “Fire on the Roof” – Narrowing down a definitive song o’ the year candidate is often a futile task. Twenty-twenty-five was no exception. Rather than overthink or analyze the situation, I locked in one of the year’s most addictive, replayable gems from Messa’s stunning fourth LP, The Spin.
Dear Hollow
Welcome to the end of 2025! We at AMG hope the year has been kind to you—that your lives are filled with love, your hearts with joy, and our world with peace. I hope that you have found your people and have those you can lean on. If we have ever given you a voice, a platform, or just love and support when you need it, then we have done our jobs.
It feels redundant to say that this year has been a roller coaster, but 2025 pulled no punches. In May, the Hollow household welcomed a second kiddo, a boy, into the fold. He is a supremely easy, endlessly happy little guy, but the stresses of parenthood—and especially of two kids—are a daily lesson of “bend, don’t break.” Our daughter is now four, and learns new things and says sassy things day in and day out, enjoying gymnastics and dancing, and singing around the house for fun.
My reviewing has remained steady this year, if not a little less than the usual. Between parenting two kids, working as a high school English teacher to increasingly apathetic kids, working on a noir crime novel that has paid dividends in complexity (and all the noir jazz my ears can handle),1 continuing to unpack my upbringing and trauma and how they all have affected my views on family, relationships, and self-love, you can imagine how wild each day has been. But I’ve somehow managed it, and the end of the year is here to celebrate it.
Special shout-outs to those who have been instrumental in my journey this year: the ineffable and tireless dream team of Steel Druhm and Angry Metal Guy, the genre-confusing Dolphin Whisperer, my fellow Whitechapel apologists Iceberg and Alekhines Gun, and those who have been supportive all year (Thus Spoke, Killjoy, and Mystikus Hugebeard). Couldn’t have done it without y’all.
To the metal!
#ish. Kalaveraztekah // Nikan Axkan – Subject of a rollicking Rodeö, Mexico’s Kalaveraztekah’s balance of cosmic Aztec atmosphere and cutthroat death metal is sublime. Riffs for days balanced by an experimental madness that conjures cosmic destruction and rebirth, Nikan Axkan recalls the antics of Hell:on, folk influence only sharpens its attack and injects an atmosphere of foreboding. Refusing both gimmick and total immersion, Nikan Axkan is riffy, fun, and evocative, made for a mosh-pit and a soundtrack for the destruction of the Five Suns.
#10. La Torture des Ténèbres // Episode VIII – Revenge of Unfailing Valor – If you’re like MalteBrigge, you’ll probably end up with tinnitus and a sprained shoulder once Episode VIII kicks in, but Ottawa one-woman raw black metal/noise outfit La Torture des Ténèbres returns to the bleak space-faring atompunk of its 2016 debuts alongsdie the dystopic rage that pervades more recent efforts – moments of peace adding dimension and texture. La Torture des Ténèbres is about as ambitious as raw black metal can get.
#9. Imperial Triumphant // Goldstar – Goldstar is Imperial Triumphant’s most accessible album, the NYC trio’s signature brand of death/black and jazz funneled into a straightforward art-deco-themed brutalizing. It’s no less adventurous, always punishing, and will stay with you long after your ears stop ringing from the sound of New York City taxis and decadent skyscrapers displayed in extreme metal format: more straightforward, more melodic. While its recent predecessors are an affluent nightlife, Goldstar offers a sunbathed New York City.
#8. Howling Giant // Crucible & Ruin – Nashville’s stoner outfit Howling Giant reconciles the melodies and riffs, exploratory songwriting, and mammoth hooks gathering in each movement of Crucible & Ruin. Featuring hints of knuckleheaded sludge and proggy chord progressions, it’s an album that keeps your attention for forty-eight minutes. New member Adrian Zambrano offers more atmosphere and layers of guitar riffs and melodies to go with the surefire dichotomy of instrumental heft and vocal ethereality. Crucible & Ruin is an experience of fun, subtlety, and above all, riffs.
#7. Geese // Getting Killed – Perhaps the vocals of NYC’s Geese don’t bother me because of Cameron Winters’ similarity to singer/songwriter John Mark McMillan,2 so the album’s sonic anxiety of noise rock, post-punk, country, and blues that creep in and out like lovers who never stay does not bother me. Getting Killed feels viciously aggressive, venomously satirical, and fluid and elastic in its humble movements. Geese are overrated Pitchfork-bait, sure, but an overrated hill to get killed upon regardless.
#6. Structure // Heritage – Steel Druhm’s the real masochist for low and slow, but the balance of sad death/doom and devastating funeral doom in Netherland’s Structure is special. The guitar work in the mammoth riffs, melodic leads, and climactic solos has just a much of a voice to contribute as Pim Blankenstein’s formidable roars—as if griever and grieved converse in both melancholy and rage. Heritage is Structure paying homage to doom metal’s contemplation while paying its dues in death metal’s viciousness – pure devastation.
#5. Patristic // Catechesis – Catechesis is born out of the “impending shadow of the cross.” As tumultuous as the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the church and pagan rebellion, the black/death of Rome’s Patristic assaults the ears with tension, fury, and reverence. The first act is the holy war, a rationalization of steel and zealotry, while the second is the way the soldier tells it to his children, the lessons and cautions borne of blind faith and its devastation. Cathechesis is not only fiery sermons and unending blasphemy, but regret and meditation.
#4. In Mourning // The Immortal – I’ve loved Sweden’s In Mourning since their 2010 album Monolith: balancing chuggy guitars, progressive songwriting, and the slightest hints of doom (such as in 2008’s Shrouded Divine). The Immortal is an album that balances The Bleeding Veil’s darker elements, Garden of Storms’ signature melody, and The Weight of Oceans’ iconic patience. The Immortal offers yearning melodies and chords alongside vicious riffs, and melodeath has never sounded so good.
#3. Yellow Eyes // Confusion Gate – New York’s Yellow Eyes’ Confusion Gate conveys a black metal place better than most, an environment teeming with life. Like the Romantic Sublime, it maintains a crystalline beauty, like a light scattering through broken glass, and a madness born of terror—at the source of the light. Here is the crux of it, from poet Rainer Maria Rilke’s “The First Elegy”;
Who, if I cried out, would hear me among the Angels’
Orders? and even if one of them pressed me
suddenly to his heart: I’d be consumed
in his more potent being. For beauty is nothing
but the beginning of terror, which we can still barely endure,
and while we stand in wonder it coolly disdains
to destroy us. Every Angel is terrifying.#2. Igorrr // Amen – Gautier Serre’s work with Igorrr has rarely felt bad, but Amen evolves it from his typical standard. You get the typical apeshit antics in the midsection, but a full band fleshes out the jewel-encrusted skeleton for a fully, nearly spiritual experience. Minimalist compositions build upon a breakbeat before cracking into a full choir and death metal experience, while an overwhelming onslaught of insanity reminds us who exactly we’re listening to. Amen is hella fun, as expected, but also something we can take seriously.
#1. Primitive Man // Observance – Primitive Man is the heaviest band on the planet. While I’ve appreciated the Denver trio’s pitch-black approach to death metal laced with noise, doom, and sludge—from afar—Observance booked me in with upbeat tempos and a surprising melody. It swallows you whole like any good Primitive Man album ought to, but the devotion to deteriorating songwriting and weaponized noise. The atmospheric death/sludge counterpart to the riffs of Warcrab, for instance, Primitive Man offers a sound like no other—and it’s the best of the year.
Honorable Mentions:
- The Acacia Strain // You Are Safe From God Here – While incorporating the same ol’ hardcore beatdown you expect from the Massachusetts deathcore OGs,3 denser tones make for higher blasphemy. Simple math, trust me.
- Ethel Cain // Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You – Leaving behind the more experimental and darker tones in noise/drone counterpart Perverts, a more atmospheric and contemplative direction showcases the singer-songwriter’s nostalgic and gentle storytelling that does not shy away from darkness.
- Changeling // Changeling – While lacking the darkness and weight of Ingurgitating Oblivion, guitarist Tom “Fountainhead” Geldschläger is granted fretless freedom in a tech-death album whose lightness and amorphousness guide ethereal constructions of proggy sensibilities. More Dolphin Whisperer fare but still dope as hell.
- Author & Punisher // Nocturnal Birding – Tristan Shone releases an industrial sludge album that hits like an anvil, casting aside the more atmospheric tendencies for a headbanging good time, amplified by the crunch of new guitarist Doug Sabolick. Melodic motifs based on the birdcalls of migratory birds as a metaphor for immigrants, Shone and Sabolick offer the short and sweet despite a heavy-handed subject.
- Bad Angels // Until Silence – A late-year find, Polish composer Adrian Anioł concocts dense dark ambient sprawls with moody jazz, haunting saxophone glitches, ominous upright bass, and pitch-black meandering. Perfect for walks on spooky rainy nights.
Songs o’ the Year:
- Ethel Cain – “Dust Bowl”4
Surprises o’ the Year
- KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack – Mainly, how much time I devoted to it. What can I say? I’m gonna be, gonna be golden.
- SpiritWorld // Helldorado – Knuckleheaded riffs for days.5
Disappointments o’ the Year
- Messa // The Spin – Maybe it’s because I saturated my year with sultry noir jazz, but Messa shorts its doom metal with some goofy jazz—all novelty, no substance.
- Orbit Culture // Death Above Life – Once again, the melodeath/thrash riff reigns supreme, but until they can get out from behind the wall of compression, the Swedes continue to tread water.
- Vildhjarta // Där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar – The undersung princes of atmodjent show up with the swampy djunz and forsake everything that makes them legendary. It’s djent—disappointingly nothing more.