15) Olhava, Sacrifice (Avantgarde)
Russia’s atmospheric post-black metal band Olhava delivers an evocative experience with their latest album, Sacrifice. The record captures the transcendent nature of sacrifice, the choices we make for the people and things we love, despite the pain and suffering that often follow. The album transforms this universal feeling into music through its sweeping soundscapes and emotional intensity.
Key Track(s): “Forever With You,” “Sacrifice”
14) Vitriol, Suffer & Become (Century Media)
Since their 2019 full-length debut album, Portland, Oregon’s death metal outfit Vitriol has stood out as something truly special. They’ve consistently exceeded expectations in the studio and on stage, showcasing relentless energy and immense potential. In a year packed with strong death metal releases, Vitriol managed to outshine the competition. While I thoroughly enjoyed Aborted’s latest album, which earned a spot in my Honorable Mentions list, Vitriol delivered something entirely different. Their latest effort offers no mercy. It’s a full-on slaughterhouse of blistering beats that grabbed me from the very first listen back in January and hasn’t let go since.
Key Track(s): “Shame and its Afterbirth”
13) Seth, La France des Maudits (Season Of Mist)
Seth’s La France des Maudits is a powerful black metal opus deeply rooted in the history and spirit of revolutionary France. The album crafts a dark, evocative landscape of rebellion, seamlessly blending intricate compositions with haunting lyrics that delve into themes of defiance, apocalyptic visions, and the collapse of traditions. Drawing inspiration from the 2019 Notre-Dame fire and the fervent echoes of the French Revolution, it emerges as one of 2024’s standout records.
Key Track(s): “Paris des maléfices,” “Insurrection”
12) Sólstafir, Hin helga kvöl (Century Media)
Sólstafir’s latest record blends the atmospheric depth of 2014’s Ótta with the emotional resonance of 2020’s Endless Twilight of Codependent Love, while continuing to explore their unique take on Icelandic metal and rock. Whatever label they fall under today, their sound remains as captivating as ever. Though their music has softened over the years, it remains profoundly heavy on human emotion, delivering an experience that soothes the ears and stirs the soul.
Key Track(s): “Hin helga kvöl”
11) Dark Tranquillity, Endtime Signals (Century Media)
Endtime Signals marks a new chapter for Dark Tranquillity, introducing another set of faces while retaining the band’s signature sound. With Mikael Stanne’s commanding vocals and Martin Brändström’s atmospheric keyboards, the album takes a heavier direction into the feeling of emptiness while transcending into a solid record that feels both familiar and refreshing.
Key Track(s): “Neuronal Fire,” “Not Nothing,” “The Last Imagination,” “Wayward Eyes”
10) Iotunn, Kinship (Metal Blade)
Denmark’s progressive melodic death metal outfit, Iotunn, delivered an exceptional sophomore album with Kinship. The record unfolds with intricate soundscapes, layered emotional depth, and deeply moving tracks. Transitioning seamlessly through a spectrum of emotions, it offers a taste of progressive and melodic death metal excellence. From the very first note, Kinship pulls you in and refuses to let go.
Key Track(s): “Kinship Elegiac”
09) Borknagar, Fall (Century Media)
2019’sTrue North was a masterpiece, setting exceptionally high expectations for Borknagar’s latest album, Fall. While it’s a reminder never to anticipate the same approach from a band, I admittedly hoped for a True North 2.0. Instead, Fall takes a slower, more meditative path while retaining the band’s signature somber brilliance.
Key Track(s): “Summits,” “Northward”
