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Welcome to my 2024 Year-End Rock and Metal List! This year has been another solid showcase of the genre, there has been plenty to get excited about. A diverse range of albums have shaped my listening experience in 2024. The excitement and relief of hearing the heavy metal growls of Opeth was a joy. Did I shed a tear? Maybe. Hearing Lizzard drop their best album was also a joy, not many people know about them, but you should. The surprising relentless energy of Linkin Park 2.0 took me by surprise and has been on my playlist ever since. But my my most surprising moment of the year though, was discovering Meer's Wheels Within Wheels a band I had never heard of up until this year, and a band i never knew I needed in my life. They completely blew me away and I would argue released a perfect 10 record. Did it make my top spot though? Read on to find out.
Torus's self-titled debut album is a gritty, riff-heavy journey that seamlessly blends the raw power of heavy metal with the atmospheric vibes of grungegaze. From the explosive opener "Avalanche" to the haunting "Speed Trial," the album is packed with massive grooves and infectious melodies. Frontman Alfie Glass delivers a performance that's both intense and emotionally charged, tackling themes of frustration, depression, and burnout with unflinching honesty. Tracks like "Into The Clear" and "When It Comes" showcase the band's dynamic range, while "Downfall" and "Back To Life" offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Torus has crafted a debut that's not only a testament to their resilience but also a promising glimpse into their potential to become one of the next great rock bands.
Many Eyes' debut album, The Light Age, is a bold attempt to carve out a new identity following the acrimonious end of Every Time I Die. Led by Keith Buckley, the album blends grunge rock and hardcore influences, creating a sound that's both familiar and fresh. Tracks like "Mystic Chord" and "Harbinger" showcase Buckley's lyrical genius and raw emotion, while the Bellmore brothers' contributions add depth and intensity. However, most reviews of the record seem to find the album struggles with consistency, with some tracks feeling safe and predictable. However, I think this ends up being a positive for me as it allows the band to really focus on delivering on their catchy melodies making it a very enjoyable listen. Despite its highs and lows, The Light Age is a testament to Buckley's resilience and a promising start for Many Eyes.
Abrams' latest album, Blue City, is a showcase of their growth and evolution as a band, offering a refined blend of heavy riffs and melodic intricacies. While it may not capture the raw intensity or the sing a long factor of their debut, Blue City introduces a more polished, mature sound that highlights their technical prowess and emotive song writing. Tracks like "Fire Waltz" and "Crack Aunt" stand out with powerful guitar work and heartfelt vocals, demonstrating the band's ability to craft compelling music. Though it takes a different direction from their first two albums, Blue City is a solid effort.
The album channels the dark, brooding essence that fans have come to love, with Cantrell's deep, emotive voice leading the charge. Tracks like "Vilified" and "Let It Lie" showcase his signature guitar work, delivering riffs that resonate with the same intensity as his work with Alice In Chains. The depth and emotion in Cantrell's voice are as impactful as ever, drawing listeners into a world of raw, haunting rock. "I Want Blood" is not just a collection of songs, but an equal to any of his AIC album’s too.
Opeth's The Last Will and Testament is a triumphant return to their progressive death metal roots. The album masterfully blends haunting melodies with complex compositions, creating a captivating and immersive listening experience and it really is wonderful to hear Mikael's death metal growls back front and centre on this record. Did I shed a tear when I heard those growls again? Maybe.
VOLA's Friend of a Phantom struck a powerful chord with me this year. The album's intricate blend of progressive metal and electronic elements creates an atmospheric, catchy and immersive experience. Tracks like "Glass Manequin" and "Paper Wolf" capture the essence of VOLA's unique sound while “Cannibal” featuring Anders Friden of Soilwork is a full on barnstormer. Discovering "Friend of a Phantom" made me realize how I had almost forgotten about their brilliant 2021 album "Witness," which, in retrospect, laid the groundwork for this latest record.
Uzumaki's debut album, "Waded," is a cracking, nostalgic yet refreshing blast from the past, seamlessly blending the grungy riffs of the '90s with the melodic charm of Britpop and Britrock. Tracks like "Scenes of Beauty" and "Look Outside" capture the raw energy and DIY spirit of grunge, while songs like "Change of View" channel the laid-back vibe of Britpop legends like Blur. This album is a love letter to the '90s, but with a modern twist that makes it feel both familiar and excitingly new.
Lizzard's latest album, "Mesh," showcases a significant evolution in their sound, blending their signature progressive rock elements with a newfound more focused depth in vocal delivery. Frontman Mat Ricou's voice takes centre stage, exhibiting a range and emotional intensity that adds a new layer to their progressive metal. Tracks like "Black Sheep" and "Mad Hatters" highlight this progression, offering haunting melodies and intricate compositions that push the boundaries of their previous work. "Mesh" is a testament to Lizzard's ability to innovate while staying true to their roots, making it a compelling listen.
Druidess's album "The Product of My Love" is a dark, atmospheric journey that nods to the gothic, doom-laden soundscapes reminiscent of Type O Negative. The melancholic vocals and brooding melodies draw listeners in to their grungy, slacker sound, with tracks like "Undine" and "Amphetemine" standing out for their emotional depth. Additionally, there's a raw, gritty edge in their sound that echoes the grunge influences of Nirvana, adding a layer of raw intensity to the album which can be witnessed on the amazing closing track “Brahmastra”. This probably should have been higher up the list in retrospect, but there was just too much good stuff this year.
Chapel of Disease's Echoes of Light is a stunning showcase of beautiful guitar work and a captivating tone. The album's production is top-notch, with crystal-clear sound that brings out every nuance of the intricate guitar melodies and atmospheric layers. Tracks like "A Death Though No Loss" highlight the band's ability to blend melodic hooks with a haunting, ethereal vibe. "Shallow Nights," in particular, stands out with its stunning guitar playing, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that is both moving and immersive. This album floored me from the start of the year and remained on my stereo weekly, truly making it a remarkable listening experience and the guitar playing is some of the most beautiful and complicated i have ever heard.
Devin Townsend's PowerNerd is a quirky, fun, and exciting album that stands out as his heaviest release in a long time. Tracks like "Ruby Quaker" exemplify Townsend's genius, combining massive riffs with a playful, energetic vibe that makes it irresistible. "Ruby Quaker" not only showcases Townsend's signature heavy sound but also features clever, humorous lyrics, making it the greatest song about coffee ever put to tape. Its infectious energy and catchy melodies ensure it's one of my favorite songs of the year. The album as a whole is a blast from start to finish, reaffirming Townsend's place as one of the greatest artists of any genre.
Huntsmen's The Dry Land is a stunning journey through beautiful Americana soundscapes, weaving together haunting melodies and powerful storytelling. The album's rich textures and intricate arrangements truly come to life on headphones, revealing layers of sound that are both immersive and captivating. Despite my friend Eric's opinion, who doesn't really like the album much but admits they are amazing as a live band, I firmly believe he's missing out on its brilliance. Listen to “Lean Times” and tell me that's not the greatest metal song released this year? The Dry Land is a remarkable work that showcases Huntsmen's ability to create deeply emotive music that resonates long after the final note.
Linkin Park's album From Zero marks a new start for the band with the introduction of their new singer, Emily Armstrong. The revitalized lineup brings a fresh energy and a renewed sense of creativity that truly elevates the band's sound beyond their nu-metal past. I believe Linkin Park 2.0 is far superior to Linkin Park 1.0. After Hybrid Theory, I never gave much concern to their music, but this new version made me sit up and take notice. Emily Armstrong's dynamic presence, combined with great song writing, has crafted an album that stands as the best mainstream rock release of the year. "Casualty" is heavier than anything they've done before, showcasing their ability to push boundaries. From Zero is a testament to the band's ability to evolve and captivate both old fans and new listeners alike. Also I am as surprised as you to see this so high up my End of the Year list!
Darkest Hour's Perpetual Terminal marks a significant return for the band after a considerable seven-year gap since their last album, Godless Prophets & the Migrant Flora. This latest release embraces a more melodic metal sound, delivering a heavier and more intense experience. The album's sheer heaviness and powerful riffs blew me away all year, showcasing the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Tracks like "Societal Bile" and "The Nihilist Undone" exemplify this blend of aggression and melody, making it a standout release in their discography. This is not mall metal; it's a powerful, authentic expression of their music and Perpetual Terminal is an incredibly strong and almost perfect Heavy Metal album.
Meer’s Wheels Within Wheels is a breathtaking masterpiece that epitomizes the essence of true progressive rock. The album's intricate compositions and stunning arrangements drew me into a world of musical sophistication, stunning songwriting and emotional depth. Each song is a journey, weaving together lush harmonies and complex rhythms that showcase the band's extraordinary talent as songwriters.
This album's beauty lies in its ability to balance technical prowess with heartfelt expression, making every song a memorable experience. Tracks like "Come to Light" and "This is the End" exemplify this balance, offering both aural complexity and melodic elegance with the latter being the heaviest song on the album and the closest to metal this album gets. The lead single "Chains of Changes" is a particular highlight (and one of the strongest openers to an album this year), with its mesmerizing progression and captivating lyrics.
Wheels Within Wheels progressive brilliance and emotional resonance are undeniable, making it a shocking yet well-deserved winner of the coveted top spot. A stunning album in every way.
Earthtone9 - In Residence Nexus
Evergrey - Theories of Emptiness
Alcest - Les Chants des Laure
Classic Traffic - Turn it Up
NewDad - Madra
Disastroid - Garden Creatures
