TOP 10 OF 2024
The following are the lists of the best METAL/ROCK/PUNK releases for 2024 by staff members at Metal Revolution Webzine.
1
Morbid Saint - Swallowed By Hell (High Roller)
Swallowed By Hell is everything a thrash album should be: energetic, forceful, and brutal. Definitely the very best thrash album released this year.
2
Accept - Humanoid (Napalm Records)
With the release of Humanoid, German metal legends from Accept have come up with another solid record that is enjoyable to listen from start to finish. Humanoid is wonderful and modern take on the classic thrash sound.
3
Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God Chapter 1 (Nuclear Blast)
One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 is the 12th album by Marilyn Manson. It's not groundbreaking, but it's good to hear from 'The God of F**k' again! Especially the singles "As Sick As The Secrets Within" and "Raise The Red Flag" are pretty solid tracks that will stick in my head for some time.
4
Judas Priest - Invincible Shield (Columbia/Epic)
Invincible Shield is the nineteenth studio album by heavy metal legends, Judas Priest. Despite of some turmoil and inconsistency, Invincible Shield shows that Judas Priest are still the epitome of British heavy metal.
5
Sebastian Bach - Child Within The Man (Reigning Phoenix)
Sebastian Bach, I remember you! 10 years after the last outing, Child Within The Man comes roaring, it's simply old-school love at first sound. Bach reminds me of my teenage years and Child Within The Man cements that Bach is back!
6
Illdisposed - In Chambers Of Sonic Disgust (Massacre)
Illdisposed are an indispensable Danish metal institution. In Chambers of Sonic Disgust does not change this status, it just underlines it. In Chambers Of Sonic Disgust is full of anger and frustration, making it the band's most ambitious and creative album to date.
7
Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project (BMG)
The Mandrake Project is an expansive, impressive piece of work, touching on various styles from Mr. Dickinson's career. It's a complete, free of unnecessary sounds, beautiful and mature record.
8
Ministry - Hopiumforthemasses (Nuclear Blast)
Ministry's music often resonates with listeners because of the intense energy, raw emotion, and provocative themes. Their sixteenth studio opus, Hopiumforthemasses is no exception – as this album has some real cool in your face songs.
9
The Black Crowes - Happiness Bastards (Silver Arrow)
Released back on my b-day, March 15, Happiness Bastards is the ninth studio album by the Black Crowes. It is as good as anything in the back catalogue. Happiness Bastards is a glorious ode to rock n' roll and a wonderful reunion.
10
Panzerchrist - All Witches Shall Burn EP (Emanzipation)
This EP from a Danish death metal act Panzerchrist was an excellent way of beginning 2024. Now, almost a year later I still listen to it at least once a month. I simply love their pure breed of blackened death metal.
1
Static-X - Project: Regeneration Vol. 2 (Otsego Entertainment Group)
Not my favourite band, but it’s time to give it up to Static-X. Though their reunion was meant to salute late singer Wayne Static, the band in its current form still remains a solid force in driving, industrial music. Project: Regeneration Vol. 2 is better produced and heavier than its predecessor, and quite possibly the best Static-X album in many years.
2
Green Day – Saviors (Reprise Records)
Saviors is an absolute megaton of energy. It's got highs and lows, punk anthems and acoustic ballads, fast beats, slow melodies, and everything in between. Saviors is so much more than I could have expected from Green Day. With the release of Saviors, the band stay pretty true to their original sound while simultaneously sounding fresh and inspiring.
3
Opeth - The Last Will And Testament (Reigning Phoenix Music)
Unlike what we are used to hear from Opeth, most songs on their fourteenth studio album, The Last Will And Testament are relatively short songs. These are really packed with great stuff. The music is fast paced, intense and constantly changing shape. For long-time fans, The Last Will And Testament feels like the one we've been waiting for, while for newer listeners, it offers an excellent entry point into the world of this progressive metal band from Stockholm.
4
Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 (Nuclear Blast)
I know that at least one from my collegues has One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 on his Top10 list of best releases in 2024. Like him, I consider this album to be nothing short of a masterpiece, and a powerful testament to the Manson's creative evolution. From the first track to the last, it’s clear that Manson has poured his heart and soul into this record.
5
Nightwish – Yesterwynde (Nuclear Blast)
Yesterwynde is the tenth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. Yesterwynde is definitely my favourite of the Floor-era albums. Still has some pretty underwhelming tracks, but the good ones are worth coming back to. Stylistically, it's an excellent piece of symphonic female-led metal.
6
Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project (BMG)
The one and only Bruce Dickinson returns with his new solo offering entitled The Mandrake Project. It is an album worth attention, complete, free of unnecessary sounds, beautiful and mature, as one would expect from Mr. Dickinson.
7
Fleshgod Apocalypse – Opera (Nuclear Blast)
Another symphonic/melo-death album on my list. This time it's Opera, the sixth studio album from Italian symphonic death metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse. Opera is a very cohesive and excellently written record. This is the best album of the Fleshgod Apocalypse full symphonic era that began with Agony.
8
My Dying Bride - A Mortal Binding (Nuclear Blast)
Now, another Nuclear Blast release, this time with My Dying Bride's fourteenth studio album A Mortal Binding. It literally binds the listener in one mood universe as it repeats its gloomy, distorted, sad chords. A perfect setting for cold and dark December in Scandinavia.
9
The Cure - Songs of a Lost World (Universal/Capitol)
Songs of a Lost World is the band's first album in 16 years, where it finds Robert Smith and Co. on reliably melancholy form. The album is decidedly one of the Cure's moodiest projects to date. It captures a myriad of moods throughout all eight lengthy songs.
10
Swallow The Sun – Shining (Century Media)
Shining symbolizes the band's pride and resilience, showcasing their brightest and strongest work to date. With the release of Shining, the band brings a profound melodic instinct to the nucleus of sorrowful doom metal that this Finnish death-doom is known and feared for!
1
Sunnata – Chasing Shadows (Self-released)
Musically, Sunnata takes their unique brand of alternative doom and grunge inspired music a step further on Chasing Shadows. The growth with each next Sunnata release is unavoidable, despite the band not changing their approach drastically. The progress this time around is mostly noticeable in the overall feel and the flow of the album, which is near-flawless despite the diversity of the material.
2
Mother Of Millions – Magna Mater (ViciSolum Productions)
Magna Mater from Greek Mother of Millions is contemporary with an artistic vision which matches its emotional weight and as such it’s a masterclass in modern Prog Metal and an impeccable example of something outstanding arising from a tragedy.
3
Dool – Shape Of Fluidity (Prophecy Records)
There is a nerve and appeal to Dool, and on Shape of Fluidity, they balance it better than most. The sophistication of the material interlocks perfectly with its emotional depth, which on the other hand balances its intensity with commercial qualities. And Dool does it all without sacrificing their integrity.
4
My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding (Nuclear Blast)
My Dying Bride doesn’t release weak albums, but it’s worth mentioning that more than three decades into their recording career, with A Mortal Binding they have released one of their strongest albums since 2006’s A Line of Deathless Kings. You may take off your hats now.
5
The Mysterines – Afraid Of Tomorrow (Fiction Records)
The second album from the Mysterines takes their grungy, dark, indie rock to a triumphant new levels. It's a big step forward on all parameters, but most notable when it comes to songwriting and those subtle nuances that, keep rewarding the listener with each next spin. Afraid of Tomorrow has an immediate impact, but at the same time it grows on the listener additionally the more time they invest in it.
6
Witherfall – Sounds of The Forgotten(Deathwave Records)
Starting as something of a supergroup and releasing three very strong albums is impressive in itself. What dazzles additionally is that with their fourth album Sounds of the Forgotten they have not only created their strongest album to date, but also their most concentrated, creative and impactful album to date.
7
1000mods – Cheat Death (Ouga Booga and the Mighty Oug Recordings)
With Cheat Death, Greek Stoner Rock/Metal band 1000mods have created the strongest release of their career. On the album they embrace their entire career and more importantly the album is a result of everything the band has learned in the course of their career.
8
Dvne – Voidkind (Metal Blade)
In 2021 Dvne released Etemen Ænka which was a massive release for modern progressive genre in general, and managing to follow it with an album that is equally strong is near-impossible. Dvne have, however, managed to do something that is almost as hard – they created a follow-up that is undoubtedly more than a worthy successor.
9
Leprous – Melodies Of Atonement (InsideOut Records)
Leprous have established themselves as one of the most reliable European Prog bands and with their studio album number eight they yet again underline the fact that they are a band of many qualities. But aside from those classical ones, it’s their curiosity and hunger that makes them so interesting. Their back-catalogue is extremely strong and while the quality might vary, common for each release is that they all come across as highly inspired.
10
Cassandra’s Crossing – Garden of Earthly Delights (Frontiers Music Srl)
Cassandra’s Crossing’s is the latest Frontiers Music collaboration to feature George Lynch. Joining him this time is Cassandra Carsson. The debut Garden of Earthly Delights is an interesting Modern Hard Rock album where Lynch unfolds most of his repertoire and he seems inspired across the musical spectrum of this album – from the gist of songwriting and performance to playfulness and those trademark twists that make all the difference.
1
Time Lurker – Emprise (Les Acteurs De l’Ombre)
Much anticipated outing from French Atmospheric Black Metallers Time Lurker. Honestly, I had not given them much thought since their last release five years ago, but immediately began spinning it once I heard that this once was due to hit the market. And it certainly didn’t disappoint.
2
Svartelder – Trenches (Soulseller)
Looking back at my review of this album and didn’t get further than ‘the band that pulled me back into my first ever Gorgoroth gig’. So naturally it will be high on this list.
3
Zørza – Hellven (Godz Ov War)
Polish Post-Black Metal, the natural continuation of their former EP, with the edges sanded off but not enough to lose their proverbial edge. More of the same, but better, as a follow-up release should always strive to be.
4
Griffon – De Republica (Les Acteurs De l'Ombre)
Lauded (by me) as the band that finally made me realize exactly why I have such a strong affinity for the French Black Metal scene (in any and nearly all its forms), Griffon is powerfully self-assertive as a band and very talented as musicians.
5
Houle – Ciel Cendre Et Misère Noire ( Les Acteurs De l'Ombre)
Nautically themes bands seem to be having a surge in popularity that is by now stretching beyond the Doom Metal genre – Case in point, Houle: Probably the most powerfully evocative of the bands I have come across with the atmosphere being more about the sheer ferocity of the oceans as to its vast indifference to its occupants. And it is very effective.
6
Belore – Eastern Tales (Northern Silence)
Folkened Black Metal created by fusing together members of Darkenhöld and Nydvind – What's not to love?
7
Forever Falling – The Determinism Of Essence In Matter (My Kingdom)
Funeral Doom on the rise, this specific duet has a lot of different projects in the works. This one might just be my favourite however, especially after their recent deep-dive further into the genre
8
Sordide - Ainsi Finit Le Jour (Les Acteurs De l’Ombre)
Aggressively angry, highly political Black Metal-infused punk in French? Sign me up.
9
Profane Burial – My Plateau (Sure Shot Vorx)
Polish Black Metal akin to the kinsmen Batouskha. Not nearly as famous as the former (yet), however I do get the impression that is only a matter of time.
10
Kanonenfieber – Die Urkatastrophe (Century Media)
Melodic Black/Death Metal hybrid not unlike early to mid-era God Dethroned – And with a similar war-oriented bend, specifically focusing on the first world war. Learned quite a few lessions from their Dutch counterparts and are quickly rising to vast prominence.
1
Dead Runes - Raidho (Self-released)
At the beginning of the year, the ‘Runes sent their debut album to MR. Thank the rock gods they did. A strong contender for album of the year ended up top of my list, no question. A stoner rock monster, the Nashville trio is the top spot. Excited for what the band does next.
2
1000 Mods – Cheat Death (Ouga Booga and the Mighty Oug Recordings)
The Hellenic quartet keep getting better with each album. Their latest is a rock n roll exploration. Influences range from 70s rock, stoner rock and NWOBHM. Cheat Death closes out their latest album with a 10-minute blues/psych/rock epic.
3
Ian Blurton’s Future Now – Crimes of the City (Pajama Party Records)
The least metal of the top 10. It’s still hard rock. It’s a banger. This one is still in heavy rotation and will be for a long time. Future Now is one of those bands I’m telling everyone about. Think 70s and 80s big rock groups mashed with stoner rock.
4
Obnoxious Youth – Burning Savage (Svart Records)
The album art intrigued me. Yes, sometimes an album cover pushes me over the edge to try out a new band. They didn’t disappoint. An album still on rotation as we close out another great year in metal music. A tough critic of thrash metal, the Scandinavian quintet know how to shred.
5
Better Lovers – Highly Irresponsible (Sharptone Records)
The New York state post hardcore band put out their second release, and their first full length album. The only band to make my top 10 list 2 years in a row. The debut E.P. is pure fury. The one album not reviewed, just a hint to the Lovers, next album, send it on to us at MR. Their second release explores broader musical boundaries. Hearing the evolution of the group didn’t let down.
6
Shadow Witch – Eschaton Eschaton (The End of All Things) (Argonauta Records)
A fine fusion melting the classic era of metal, blues rock and stoner rock. A solid album, soulful vocals and a tight groove throughout. In the original review, the vocal style is a hybrid Robert Plant and Chris Cornell tone. The more I spin this one, the better it gets.
7
Greengoat – A.I. (Argonauta Records)
A rock duo based in Spain put out a solid song set in January to kick of a great year for heavy metal music. An uncommon choice for my ear, a stoner/nu-metal hybrid has enough straight on hard rocking to include in the best records of the year.
8
Thrasherwolf – Inside the Sickened Mind (Vicious Witch Records)
Good ol’ fashioned NWOBHM for the modern music fan. This one caught my eye from the album art reminiscent of the early thrash metal days. What’s on the album punches all the right buttons. The UK is arguably the best exporter of rock music.
9
Kerry King - From Hell I Rise (Reigning Phoenix Music)
A Bonafide thrash metal super group. Members of Slayer, Death Angel, Forbidden, Machine Head and Vio-Lence. This line up is a dream team, by virtue of their individual accomplishments, this album is (almost) an automatic entry to my 2024 top 10. The 13-song set proves metal lives!
10
Shock the Algorithm – Rock and Roll Kills (Self-released)
An album from a band I knew nothing about was a pleasant surprise. A cocktail of rock and punk makes my top 10 list for 2024. A second Greek band making the best of the year list. The Greeks are the next wave of heavy metal.
