2024 was a treat, with both anticipated favourites and pleasant surprises. I won’t spend too much time on the preamble because this list got away from me as usual, so you have enough reading to do below. I finally hit my goal of listening to 100 whole albums released this year and I still have so many on my to-listen list! Narrowing things down even this much was a challenge, so I hope you enjoy!
If I had one complaint this year, it was the boring gothic vocals that suddenly got everywhere. But enough negativity. The trends I like from the last few years such as fun, sincerity, and experimenting with 1970’s vibes continue. Another thing I really enjoyed this year was an uptick in folk influences in genres outside folk metal. This isn’t entirely new, but I love that it’s gaining traction. It makes everything so much more interesting. Also, a shout out to at least two bands on this list who have done what I asked the last time I wrote about them. I doubt either of them read my work so I will chalk this up to my incredible mind powers.
Single of the Year
Valyria broke their four year silence with “Erekosë,” and debuted their new vocalist Jordan Rutledge (also of Justicar). While it definitely leans more to the power metal end of their sound, it’s punchy, engaging, and I listened to it an embarrassing number of times. I know it’s a big claim, and I do not say this lightly, but Rutledge’s performance here reminds me somewhat of power metal legend Hansi Kürsch. The rest of the band, who also comprise most of Tower Hill, are also knocking it out of the park. A full length is expected in 2025 and I await it with great interest.
EPs from Bands to Watch
Forsaken Rite – The Forgotten West
Folk Metal, Canada
This band gave me a folk metal waltz-pit for my birthday (and waltzes are my favourite time signature) so I’m biased, but Forsaken Rite’s lineup shuffles have ended up in a very exciting place. “The Forgotten West” EP packs so many folk metal favourites into a short time. Do you want to dance a jig, build a shieldwall, quest through inclement weather, light a bonfire, or reminisce about times gone by? You can do all that and more across this release while enjoying catchy drums, pleasantly noodly solos, folky keyboards, and a good blend of clean and harsh vocals. My waltz-pit biases aside, Forsaken Rite is a well rounded folk metal band, and I look forward to seeing what they do next.
Justicar- Outbound Flight
Power Metal, USA
Do you like Star Wars and power metal? If you don’t I dunno why you’re reading something I wrote but that’s beside the point. Songwriter and guitarist Alicia Cordisco (Transgressive, ex-Judicator, ex-Project Roenwolfe, honestly a credit list that would take this whole paragraph) continues to be made out of sick riffs. She’s joined by Jordan Rutledge on vocals, showcasing his range and a different style from his work with Valyria. Rounding out the lineup is the iconic big clanky bass of Leona Hayward (Owlbear and another big string of credits), Joshua Payne (ex-Judicator), and Jeff Taft (also Owlbear). Cordisco and Rutledge have a very different relationship than I do with the old Star Wars Extended Universe, but I love hearing fellow fans inspired by their favourite parts of the lore, and they’ve done it extremely well.
Atavistia – Inane Ducam
Melodic/Symphonic Death Metal, Canada
I opened last year’s top ten list by asking Atavistia to branch out with their sound a little more to escape being pigeonholed as “Canadian Wintersun who actually does stuff.” Boy, did they ever deliver. “Timeless Despair” went straight onto my playlist for when I need to shake my brain out like an etch-a-sketch, and I’d say this EP is more for the Dimmu Borgir side of my taste than the Wintersun one. This pivot to a much heavier sound while remaining melodic is extremely welcome. That, plus hints at more folk metal influence on the next album, has me so stoked I may actually disintegrate into a vague cloud of excitement particles.
Full Length Honourable Mentions
Borknagar – Fall
Progressive/Melodic Black Metal, Norway
From a songwriting perspective, a lot of this hits closer to prog rock than black metal. What would happen if you filtered the 70s through Rotting Christ and maybe Heilung? This album, apparently.
Listen to “Nordic Anthem”
Schammasch – The Maldoror Chants: Old Ocean
Interesting Black Metal – Switzerland
This is a big sad noise for my big sad brain. Schammasch takes their time and always delivers.
Listen to “Your Waters Are Bitter”
Lowen – Do Not Go To War With The Demons Of Mazandaran
Progressive Death/Doom with Iranian Folk Elements, England
I was skeptical because this was mostly described as progressive death/doom and folks left out the folk elements, but between the heaviness, grooviness, and Nina Saeidi’s incredible vocals, I am entirely won over.
Listen to “Waging War Against God”
Korpiklaani – Rankarumpu
Folk Metal, Finland
Yep, this is Korpiklaani. Honestly this is not anything new from them, but it is fun, catchy, and solid. If you liked “Jylhä” you’ll like this.
Listen to “Nouse”
Velkhanos – The Vampire of Alva (Pt.1 – Gunpowder)
Melodeath, Spain
2020’s “The Wrath” has been in steady rotation since then, so this was on my most-anticipated list. Unfortunately I think it has some issues keeping it out of the top ten, but there’s still a lot here to like, so I eagerly await Pt.2.
Listen to “Gunpowder”
Ensiferum – Winter Storm
Folky Melodic Death Metal, Finland
This is not on the level of “Iron” and “Thalassic” for me, but those are a high bar to clear. This is very solid, very fun, and everything I like about the band. I also think people who say it’s too silly are getting mixed up with some other Ensiferum who has not always been pretty silly. Points for not rhyming victorious with glorious.
Listen to “The Howl”
Wintersun – Time II
Symphonic Melodic Death Metal, Finland
I can make jokes about Jari Mäenpää and his Time Package all day but I still have ears and therefore have to tell you the man can still write some really good music. Despite all the nonsense, this album taken in isolation is actually fantastic.
Listen to “The Way of The Fire”
Unleash the Archers – Phantoma
Power Metal with Heavier Moments, Canada
Those who read my review know I had a kind of mind meld with this album after repeated close listens. I do still think it’s great, but I didn’t find myself coming back to it very much. I also think some conceptual elements were a neat idea but should have been further researched before implementation.
Listen to “Ghosts in the Mist”
Glyph – Honor. Power. Glory.
Power Metal, Canada/USA
While this album is a stunning debut, it features their disgraced former vocalist so is not on as many year end lists as it would otherwise be. Since they did the right thing and are now re-making the entire album with an incredible roster of voices from around the scene, you should pay attention to them in the future!
For now, listen to “Glorious (with Friends)” featuring Matt Corry of Fellowship.
dArtagnan – Herzblut
Jaunty Folk Rock/Metal, Germany
Original adventuring songs and a drinking tune or two, plus tracks utilizing traditional songs such as “Greensleeves” or “Korobeiniki.” For fans of Boisson Divine, swashbuckling adventures, and dancing.
Listen to “Coeur de la Mer”
Mesarthim – Anthropic Bias/Departure
Beep Boop Space Black Metal, Australia
Mesarthim, calm down and let some other bands have a turn on the list. Jokes aside, Mesarthim continues to blend trance, black metal, and more in a very satisfying way.
There are only two tracks, listen to both or flip a coin.
Finally, on to the Top Ten!
10. Zack Brannon – Chasing a Memory
Melodic Instrumental Prog, Canada
Every year I leave a few of the bands I haven’t yet heard on the Hyperspace Metal Festival lineup unexplored. This is because fest organizer Joey Hockin excels at surprising me with new favourites. Zack Brannon was one of those discoveries at Hyperspace IV.
Most people who know me know I don’t like a lot of prog, and I’ve also never really gone in for many of the solo guitar noodley guys. Brannon is good enough to overcome both those things, and “Chasing a Memory” spent a lot of time in heavy rotation.
There are a lot of influences here, from the electronic-tinged “The Insomniac” to jazzier sensibilities later in the album. “Chasing a Memory” achieves a rare balance in prog- it’s very detailed and interesting on a close listen, but it’s not stressful to have on in the background either.
9. Nightwish – Yesterwynde
Symphonic Metal, Finland
As I discuss at length here , this is a tricky one for many of us. Listening to new material from a formative favourite who has changed so much over the years can also force us to face what’s changed within ourselves. It can be uncomfortable to admit that we’ll never get to listen to that first life changing album again for the first time.
Luckily, memory, wistfulness, time, and change are common Nightwish themes, and are out in force on “Yesterwynde.” Compositionally there are echoes, hints, and references to every album in their discography, although some more than others. For longtime Nightwish fans, this is a lovely trip for those willing to let it lead them down memory lane.
This album also can’t be rushed through. It’s easy to miss the point if it’s not allowed to unfold gently. I absolutely prefer the heavier side of Nightwish a lot of the time, but sinking into the gentler latter half of this work is a gorgeous experience.
The world is changed from when I, and many of you, first discovered Nightwish. The musical landscape is different, Nightwish is different, we are, ourselves, changed. But if we don’t let our assumptions and expectations blind us, we can enjoy both our memories and our new experiences.
Standout tracks are “The Antikythera Mechanism,” “The Day Of…,” “Sway,” and “The Weave”
8. Greyhawk – Thunderheart
Heavy Metal with Power Metal Sprinkles, USA
Greyhawk is another Hyperspace favourite. For Hyperspace II in 2019, I figured a band sharing the name of an old school Dungeons & Dragons setting might be one best experienced for the first time live. Then a man in a dragon mask walked on stage, pointed a glowing scepter at us, and sang a catchy song about wizards. While all of this made my nerdy little heart extremely happy, their sound still veered a little more towards traditional heavy metal than where my personal preferences truly lie.
“Thunderheart” initially sat in my honourable mentions tier, but it ended up in my heavy rotation and I found more to enjoy on every listen. Perhaps that’s because this entry has more power metal flair. It’s ideal both for when I want uplifting songs about questing and togetherness, and for when I want to shake my ass and do hair flips. Come on down to “Rock & Roll City” with me and bop to some catchy tunes with engaging solos. Who could say no?
It’s also a stunning farewell to vocalist Rev Taylor, who has departed the band for serious opera reasons. This makes perfect sense when you listen to “Steadfast” and “The Golden Candle,” and he will be missed. That said, Anthony Corso has stepped into these shoes and is more than up to the task. I had the pleasure of seeing Greyhawk in May and if I hadn’t known, I would never have guessed it was his second ever show with the band. I was coming off a brutal work week and could hardly stand when I walked into the venue, yet I danced and sang full-out through their whole set. The energy is real.
Greyhawk are seriously hitting their stride, and I can’t wait for their next album, which is already in the works. In the mean time, absolutely check this one out. My personal standout tracks are lead single “Thunderheart” and the heartwarming “The Last Mile.” I leave you however with Corso’s rendition of “Spellstone,” so you can simultaneously glimpse both what is and what is to come.
7. Firtan – Ethos
Melodic Black Metal, Germany
My one complaint with Firtan’s 2022 entry “Marter” was that I prefer less of the post-black-metal sound. I was therefore thrilled that “Ethos” hits much closer to the vibes of 2018’s “Okeanos,” but also doesn’t feel like a retread. Even opening the album with “Hrenga,” a collaboration with Harakiri for the Sky, doesn’t push anything too far into the post-black zone.
“Contra Vermes” is particularly a heavy hitter for fans of a more classic black metal sound, albeit one that still feels fresh and has real production values. Hilariously, “Contra Vermes” shares subject matter with a previous album of the year. Heilung’s “Nesso” off of “Drif” references similar ancient anti-worm chants. I guess if you want me to like your album give me a pagan worm cure! I digress.
“Arkanum” is a great example of how to do a slow and heavy track without losing energy, which picks up speed leading up to lead single “Wermut Hoch Am Firmament.” The latter manages a big intense ominous sound without losing the attention to detail that makes Firtan a mainstay of these lists. “Moloch” is pleasantly tuneful but has some delightful thundery drums, “Ruakh” breaks out the dulcimer, and the closing two tracks have some utterly standout moments from both vocals and violin.
While seasoned black metal fans will love this album, I would also recommend it to genre newcomers. While Firtan has a consistent and recognizable sound, there’s a lot contained in that sound which is explored by turns across the album. My favourite thing about Firtan is the delicate balance of harshness and beauty. It’s melodic and cohesive enough to be approachable, but intense and complex enough to be enticing. As a newbie I would want to know more. As a long-time fan I find this hitting the sweet spots of so many things I love about the genre.
6. Wormwood – The Star
Melodic Black Metal, Sweden
I struggle with placing Wormwood sometimes, as their 2016 offering, “Ghostlands: Wounds from a Bleeding Earth” is one of my all time favourite albums of any genre and it feels pretty untouchable. That said, this is by far my favourite from them since. “Nattarvet” and “Arkivet” are both perfectly respectable, but “The Star” returns to the sonic grandiosity, the emotional urgency, and the sweeping wistful drama of it all that just grabs me by the heartstrings and pulls.
From the release of the gorgeous and harmony-filled “Ro,” (a bold choice for lead single as their 10 minute album closer,) I knew we had something really special again. While I deeply miss the folk-forward aspects of “Ghostlands,” I do respect their dabbling in other influences. “Stjärnfall” opens with some synths, which return in another form on “Galactic Blood,” a song about hopelessness which reminds me a lot of Windir in many ways. “Liminal” hearkens back to “Ghostlands” by not confining itself genre-wise, particularly in the solo, but the real return to form is the violin and clean vocals on “Suffer Existence.” I believe I cried.
Thematically, this is a bleak album overall. Much of the lyrical content focuses on humanity’s mistakes and the possibility of looming extinction. “A Distant Glow” offers a glimmer of hope, or at least reflects frustration with widespread apathy. It’s a scream against giving up. It hits incredibly hard and is both challenging and comforting in the increasingly frequent moments when I’m processing climate grief or fretting over the general state of the world.
5. Tyr – Battle Ballads
Folky Progressive Power Metal, Faroe Islands
(the following is a condensed version of my full review, which can be found here)
Many longterm Týr fans wondered if it was worth looking forward to this year’s album. The answer to that is an emphatic yes. “Battle Ballads” joins Korpiklaani’s “Jylhä” and Ensiferum’s “Thalassic” on my list of fantastic folk metal comeback albums, giving old school fans something to be excited about without re-treading tired ground.
The compositional elements which give Týr their unique sound are all present on “Battle Ballads.” Subtly interesting time signatures lead their simple melodies to flow across bars, and help parts of the song roll into each other. Heri Joensen’s syllabic lyrical delivery combined with this style of composition lends the whole sound an ancient feeling, reminiscent of some early medieval music. While updated for the modern metal listener’s ear, this all comes together as a wonderful way to tell bardic tales, both traditional and those written fresh for the album.
Some higher energy, sing-along tracks such as “Unwandered Ways” and third single “Dragons Never Die,” give the album as a whole a more power metal sensibility. This is reinforced by the guitar work of both Joensen and new member Hans Hammer. Joensen also experiments with harsher vocal delivery which, combined with choral hints and subtle symphonic background instrumentation, lends the album sonic diversity across tracks. For those of you who, like me, also love Týr’s harmonised vocals and slower songs, that style is here too, notably on “Torkils Døtur”.
Týr is back, baby.
4. Andy Gillion – Exilium
Melodic Death Metal, England
Mors Principium Est is one of those bands I should get into one day probably, but have not yet got around to. Andy Gillion was a driving force behind their sound for a decade and his departure was greeted by much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Luckily, both current and new fans of his work have this absolutely stunning album as a result.
The biggest problem with this album is I want more of it. As it is, “Exilium” is 35 minutes of catchy riffs that remind me of why I love this genre in the first place. Despite the breakneck pace, it’s thoughtfully crafted, no busy fast stuff happening for no reason. While it evokes the feeling of listening to the bands that got me into melodeath, there’s enough complexity to keep experienced ears interested. Those basslines? Delicious. Those harsh vocals? Exactly the style I like with this sort of thing.
Speaking of vocals, second track “As the Kingdom Burns” features Brittney Slayes of Unleash the Archers. This is an inspired choice executed well, to no one’s surprise, and an absolute treat for those who prefer the heavier side of the Unleash the Archers discography.
I’ve seen some Children of Bodom comparisons around and I don’t think they’re wrong so much as incomplete. Gillion may be best known by the guitar fanboy faction (for good reason), but he has nailed a very full bodied sound here. He has paid full attention to everything, not just guitars and vocals. The symphonic elements lend a certain gravitas without taking over or, as in too many cases, being used as a crutch.
If you’re a longtime melodeath fan, this is for you. If you were but you burnt out, give this a try. If you’ve never got into the genre, this is a crash course in many of the best elements.
3. Thy Catafalque – XII: A Gyönyörű Álmok Ezután Jönnek
Folky Jazzy Melodic Blackened Death Metal, Hungary
Do I know how to pronounce that album title? Absolutely not. Do I really know what genre this is? No. Is this the single most interesting thing I heard all year? Definitely.
Thy Catafalque began as a black metal band but quickly departed for stranger pastures. They were unknown to me until about a month ago, when I picked them off a friend’s year end list based on curiosity and vibes. The sound I was greeted with is not devoid of black metal, but has more in common with former labelmates Septicflesh than it does their starting genre. However to categorize them that way would leave so much out.
The synth presence on this album ranges from classic 70s to modern dreamy EDM and imitation theremin. While there doesn’t seem to be a real theremin, session musician credits include, but are not limited to, oud, bouzouki, baglamas, clarinet, violin, cello, french horn, english horn, flugelhorn (FLUGELHORN! What?), trombone, trumpet, and saxophone.
Mastermind Tamás Katái uses these all to great effect. The album focuses on the history of his native Hungary, incorporating copious Hungarian folk and folk influence. He alternates this with jazz, and sometimes melds them together in ways I did not expect. I don’t even like jazz, but I love this! I am utterly perplexed and having a great time!
Standout tracks: “Mindenevő,” “Vasgyár,” “Nyárfa, nyírfa,” and “A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek,” but honestly this is a thing to experience whole.
2. Fellowship – The Skies Above Eternity
Power Metal, England
This album is like listening to a hug. I am late to the Fellowship party, but I’m so happy to be here, and to welcome you if you would like to come too. They hit the sweet spot between silliness and sincerity that I adore, and they back it up with serious musical chops and copious classical influence. “The Skies Above Eternity” is really pushing the limits of power metal locations, but that’s on trend for this year (Thornbridge apparently decided flying high up in the sky was insufficient and went high above the sky instead, and Sonata Arctica decided on… “California” for some reason). Anyways.
From the opening “Hold Up Your Hearts (Again)” onwards, this whole album is an uplifting experience. Vocalist Matthew Corry takes us through both the epic and the intimate with delivery that is either powerful and determined or tender and wistful by turns. Lead single “Dawnbreaker” is the true banger of the album, but there are many other opportunities for singing along and knocking over everything on your desk by getting carried away with power metal arms. All this is bolstered by lyrics about hope, togetherness, self discovery, and perseverance.
“The Skies Above Eternity” was exactly what I needed to get through the gruelling end of this grim year and will likely need a lot more going forward. That said, the emotional core is borne up on the musical talent of all members. The neoclassical guitar sensibilities are present but not obnoxious at all, and Sam Browne and Brad Wosko both deliver engaging and intricate solos. While power metal often focuses on vocals and guitar, Ed Munson’s bass is allowed moments to shine, and Callum Tuffen on drums is both energetic and an anchor. Corry’s skill I have mentioned already but it bears repeating.
1. Visions of Atlantis – Pirates II- Armada
Pirate Themed Folky Symphonic Power Metal, Austria
I tragically discovered 2022’s “Pirates” in January 2023, so it wasn’t in its rightful place on my yearlist, but it has seen a lot of play since. “Pirates II – Armada” joins Sabaton’s “The War to End All Wars” as a follow-up album I was initially skeptical about but ended up loving. “Pirates” and “The Great War” are both full of straight bangers, but “The War to End All Wars” and “Pirates II – Armada” both succeed in being both more pensive and more varied. Far from being albums of afterthoughts, these albums have the breathing room to explore their subject matter on deeper levels.
Visions of Atlantis is the best pirate themed band active today, and maybe ever. They hit their stride when they leant fully into the gimmick, which is the opposite of most bands with themes. “Pirates” was a revelation, and I was hoping they’d stick the landing with this follow up, which they have done handily. They achieved this by balancing campy fun with heart wrenching sincerity while backing both up with top tier musical ability. “Pirates II” has subtle Pirates of the Caribbean references, the incredibly catchy and danceable “Tonight I’m Alive,” the crowd participation shout-along “Armada,” heavy hitters such as “Hellfire,” and the achingly beautiful “Ashes to the Sea.”
For the better part of two decades people have been trying to get me to listen to bands they claim are “like Nightwish.” Visions of Atlantis’s current work is the only thing I have ever found to truly hit the same spot. They do have their own style, but there are similarities in the epic scope of their sound and in the dual vocals of Clémetine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli. As a particular example, “Magic of the Night” is reminiscent of Nightwish’s “I Want My Tears Back.”
I still love Nightwish as we have seen elsewhere on this list, but Visions of Atlantis is by far the more fresh and exciting band currently. “Pirates II – Armada” is a masterful blend of swashbuckling, high adventure, here-there-be-monsters style nautical shenanigans and beautiful, wistful songs about love and grief. Take into account the catchy anthem about living for the moment and a bagpipe here and there, and you have a recipe for not only my album of the year, but likely a spot among albums of the decade.
