The best albums of
2024
Part 1
Every year, it seems, we talk about how great a year it has been for Metal. Album after album was released, many unheralded and not written about, and many hit the spot for a whole manner of reasons.
For those who read Metal Epidemic, you may be aware of my Top 10, but I created a top 20 albums that you, if you haven’t already, be checking out.
20 Hellman – Born, Suffering, Death
In January, these Chilean upstarts released a magnificently aggressive slab of hardcore influenced Death ‘n’ Roll. Riffs aplenty, Hellman helped 2024 off to an outstanding start.
19 Temple of the Fuzz Witch – Apotheosis
Another album containing a bagful of riffs is Apotheosis. Sounding like the band name may suggest, Temple of the Fuzz Witch provide a superbly produced stoner/doom album with the aforementioned fuzz standing tall. An excellent listen.
18 Iron Front – Hooked
Is slam and hardcore infused death metal your thing? Then look no further that the delightfully short Hooked by California outfit Iron Front. With an emphasis on groove, Hooked is a catchy listen……..
17 Black Lava – The Savage Winds of Wisdom
Australia, home of wildlife that can kill and also the home of killer bands! Black Lava invaded July with a crushing blackened death metal album. The Savage Winds of Wisdom combines numerous styles, all of which combine to melt your soul.
16 Generation of Vipers – Guilt Shrine
Sludgey, post-metal was the sound of my summer holiday in Greece. Perhaps it was the sun, perhaps it was the all-inclusive booze or perhaps it is just because it is an extremely enjoyable album, Guilt Shrine by Tennessee band Generation of Vipers makes the top 20.
15 Austrian Death Machine – Quad Brutal
Essentially a parody band, Austrian Death Machine play death metal as it should be played. Loud, aggressive and, well fun! Take away the jokey element, and Quad Brutal is a far better album than it should be.
14 Isleptonthemoon – Only the Stars Know of my Misfortune
In a year of superb post rock/black metal releases, one of the more unheralded albums is Only the Stars Know of my Misfortune. This is a must listen, perhaps being the most atmospheric album released in 2024. If you haven’t heard this, correct that mistake.
13 Fellwarden – Legend: Forged in Defiance
Fellwarden do not do poor albums. Legend: Forged in Defiance is the 3rd, high quality album by solo artist Fen. If you want a bit of black/folk metal in your life, then check this out and immediately wonder why you are not as talented.
12 Winterfylleth – The Imperious Horizon
The UK black metal stalwarts returned with an impressive 8th album. If you like Winterfylleth you will like this, if you like black metal you will like this, if you don’t like black metal, listen to this and then realise that you do like it.
11 Vale of Pnath – Between the Worlds of Life and Death
A journey into the world of blackened/tech death metal awaits those with the juice to check out Vale of Pnath’s 3rd full length album. This is a treat to listen to blending symphonics into an album that never fails to impress. A worthy addition to the top 20.
So, these albums just failed to make the top 10, but each is worth your time. Check them out.
Thus ends part 1 of my favourite albums of 2024. The top 10 will follow.
The DevilsHorns 
Leave a comment