22) Gaerea, Coma (Season Of Mist)
Different. Creative. Unique. Inventive. These are the qualities you experience when witnessing Portugal’s black metal outfit Gaerea live. But do their studio recordings capture the same power as their incredible live performances? The answer is yes. With Coma, their fourth album, the band continues to put their own spin on the subgenre, once again standing out. There’s no room for forgiveness here; they dive straight into madness, and it’s glorious.
Key Track(s): “Suspended,” “Wilted Flower”
21) My Dying Bride, A Mortal Binding (Nuclear Blast)
Unfortunately, A Mortal Binding brought some tension within the band, leaving me wondering when we’ll see vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe perform with the group live again. I’m definitely lucky to have caught both of their sets at 70000tons in 2024, because who knows when that opportunity will come again. It’s unclear what sparks such news surrounding a new album or shortly after its release. Regardless, A Mortal Binding cuts through your core with its dark energy: doomy, heavy, and full of all the My Dying Bride feels.
Key Track(s): “Her Dominion”
20) Ryujin, Ryujin (Napalm)
Japan’s Ryujin, formerly known as Gyze, have made a powerful return with a self-titled album under their new moniker. This strong record showcases musical mastery, blending influences from thrash, folk, power, and death metal into a dynamic mix that pushes creative boundaries. It’s one of the standout releases of 2024.
Key Track(s): “Gekokujo,” “Guren No Yumiya”
19) Evergrey, Theories of Emptiness (Napalm)
Evergrey age like a fine wine, knowing exactly what ingredients to use, much like crafting a perfect Pinot Noir. With that expertise, they create a well-polished and emotive record. Hitting play, much like uncorking a bottle, you know exactly what you’re in for. It doesn’t always exceed expectations, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Theories of Emptiness delivers the signature Evergrey sound with near-flawless execution.
Key Track(s): “We Are The North”
18) Ihsahn, Ihsahn (Candlelight)
Ihsahn is a masterful artist whose work consistently turns to gold. His self-titled album delves into various styles, from black and extreme to soft and progressive elements, with plenty of exploration in between. It’s an album that rewards patience, multiple listens reveal deeper layers, and the more you listen, the harder it becomes to stop.
Key Track(s): “The Promethean Spark,” “At The Heart of All Things Broken”
17) Cemetery Skyline, Nordic Gothic (Century Media)
Dark Tranquillity meets Insomnium/Omnium Gatherum, resulting in an incredible darkwave creation. It’s remarkable how Insomnium/Omnium Gatherum guitarist Markus Vanhala manages to juggle so many projects and tours while maintaining such consistently high quality; there seems to be no limit to his talent. Adding to the mix, Dark Tranquillity and The Halo Effect’s Mikael Stanne, one of the most charismatic and cheerful figures in metal, delivers one of the most emotionally heavy and somber albums of 2024, proving there are no boundaries to his artistic range. Featuring more clean vocals and a completely different style than one might expect from members of top melodic death metal bands, the album pushes creative limits. Perhaps they even took a page from The Night Flight Orchestra’s book. It’s unexpected, but it surpasses all expectations.
Key Track(s): “In Darkness,” “Never Look Back”
16) Romuvos, Spirits (Hammerheart)
Hailing from Lithuania and now based in Germany, Romuvos celebrated the tenth anniversary of their 2014 debut,Romuvan Dainas, with a captivating new record. This folk/viking metal outfit delivers a mesmerizing spiritual experience from start to finish. Imagine a blend of Heilung and Wardruna, infused with a unique essence of their own.
Key Track(s): “Sun and the Morning Star”
