Besides always listening to Sleep Token and Black Veil Brides (as my Spotify Wrapped told me) this year mostly Alpha Wolf’s music got my ears and attention. I don’t really know why, but I find this album so catchy, so it’s my number one for 2024. The rest of the ten albums are in no particular order, just records I liked this year.
1. Alpha Wolf – Half Living Things
This year I was super obsessed with metalcore and Australian bands and these guys have those two qualities. They were a constant on my headphones, especially with this album. A short-length studio album that pumps you up to full motivation with whatever you must go through, and it also doesn’t forget about feelings, with a couple of ballads.
For me, it’s a 10/10 and like Alpha Wolf’s song, these guys did bring back the noise this year.
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/metalcore-with-dj-scratches-alpha-wolf-half-living-things-album-review/
Caligula’s Horse – Charcoal Grace
Another Aussie band (get ready for a lot of them in this post). Caligula’s Horse released this absolute masterpiece of progressive metal.
Beautiful work. Groovy music. Introspective lyrics and vibe. Pure virtuosity.
Shame that it’s an underground band, they deserve a lot more recognition.
To my full album review: Album Review_ Caligula’s Horse – Charcoal Grace
ERRA – Cure
Erra and this album was another of my obsessions this year. This is such a beautiful and powerful work of art.
This American progressive metalcore band makes you go through different emotional states both throughout their albums and throughout each of their songs.
These musicians’ virtuosity combined with J.T.’s growls and especially Jesse Cash’s charming voice (that I can’t get enough of it) plus his guitar work.
Solid record!
To my full album review: Album Review_ERRA – Cure
Judas Priest – Invincible Shield
The return of the Metal Gods was big news in the metal music world, especially in the heavy metal community.
This legendary British metal band can’t do anything wrong, and this new record wasn’t the exception.
A must-have for any metal fan.
Rob Halford and their band keep on delivering amazing heavy metal no matter how old they get… Judas Priest proved once again why they are still the Metal Gods!
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/the-metal-gods-are-back-judas-priest-invincible-shield-deluxe-edition-album-review/
Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project
Another British heavy metal legend that returned this year (with a solo album) was Iron Maiden’s singer Bruce Dickinson.
This is not a concept album, but it’s linked to a comic.
Glad to hear Bruce brought some new material after 19 years. And that he still has his distinctive voice and storytelling way of singing.
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/bruce-dickinsons-first-solo-album-after-19-years-the-mandrake-project-album-review/
Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
The belle of the ball this year was Knocked Loose. The American hardcore band had a really successful year, getting even television appearances and a Grammy nomination for 2025.
This band’s sound is an acquired taste because of Bryan’s screechy voice, but after many listening, I grew used to it and loved this album.
This is an explosion of energy that didn’t go unnoticed, not only for the hardcore punk community but also for the metal community and music in general.
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/the-thin-line-between-hardcore-and-metalcore-with-knocked-loose-you-wont-go-before-youre-supposed-to-album-review/
Novelists – Okapi
Okapi is the EP from the French progressive metalcore band Novelists. With this work, they presented their third vocalist, Camille, who brought a new sound to the band.
I wasn’t a big fan of the band before, but I love their current sound.
Although this is an EP, it is great work, and it helps us to imagine what the band’s new direction will be.
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/a-transformation-with-a-feminine-touch-novelists-okapi-album-review/
To The Grave – Everyone’s A Murderer
If all these previous albums weren’t heavy enough for you, another band from Down Under came to the rescue this year. The Australian vegan deathcore band To The Grave not only blew up our speakers but came with a relevant message and a lot of breees or pig squeals. Fucking sick and amazing!
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/vegan-deathcore-with-to-the-grave-everyones-a-murderer-album-review/
Health – Selected Works
Now, if the previous band was too much here comes Health, an American noise rock/industrial band that has an ethereal, atmospheric sound in particular with this compilation. They have a lot of great collaborations here with bands like Lamb of God, Poppy, and my favorite, The Drain, with Bad Omens.
This album has a whole vibe.
To my full album review: https://metalbere.com/a-compilation-by-health-selected-works-album-review/
Make Them Suffer – Self-Titled
And to end this list I couldn’t do it without another Aussie band, Make Them Suffer. A metalcore band that keeps getting better and better.
I love heavy music, and harsh vocals intertwined at times with a female voice (that also growls). This band provides all the requisites mentioned before, and more.
To my full album review: Album Review_ Make Them Suffer – Self Titled
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* The reviews in PDF format are posts I wrote for https://www.thisdayinmetal.com/