2025 is upon us, and that means it’s time to reflect on what happened in 2024. For me, the year certainly didn’t end as I had anticipated, with some significant changes in my personal life. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to starting 2025 fresh, with lots of new music on the way. But before moving forward, let’s take a look back at 2024 with some of my favorites, presented in no particular order.
Simone Simons – Vermillion
How could a record created by one of the best female singers in the Netherlands, Simone Simons, combined with the creative genius of Arjen Lucassen, not be among my favorites of 2024? Even though I would have preferred the record to have more of a “Simone feeling” rather than an “Arjen Lucassen project” vibe, the songs themselves are still wonderful to listen to. Tracks like “Weight of My World,” “R.E.D.,” and especially the vulnerable “In Love We Rust” showcase some real gems in this first solo effort.
Charlotte Wessels – The Obsession
Even though The Obsession was released in September, I only came to truly appreciate it in December. Perhaps my lukewarm feelings toward the former Delain singer’s first solo record held me back from giving this one a proper chance. However, I must admit I was wrong not to dive into it earlier. The first half of the album is particularly excellent, featuring tracks like “Chasing Sunsets,” “Dopamine,” “The Exorcism,” and “Soulstice.” While the second half feels more experimental, I’m excited to see what the future holds for Charlotte Wessels.
Wintersun – Time II
Who doesn’t love a good drama? The creation of Time II has been nothing short of dramatic for Jari Mäenpää and Wintersun. With crowdfunding campaigns, devoted fans, angry disappointed fans, and more, this album’s journey has been eventful, to say the least. Finally, the long-awaited record arrived, and for me, it didn’t disappoint. Perhaps because my anticipation wasn’t as high as that of other fans, I enjoyed listening to tracks like “The Way of the Fire” and “Silver Leaves” without too much baggage.
Dark Tranquillity – Endtime Signals
August 2024 marked the release of Endtime Signals, the latest record from Dark Tranquillity. This album also introduced two new band members, bassist Christian Jansson and drummer Joakim Strandberg Nilsson, who replaced longtime members Anders Iwers and Anders Jivarp following their departure in August 2021. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the record, with standout songs like “Shivers and Voids,” “Unforgivable,” “Not Nothing,” and “The Last Imagination.” Fans of Mikael Stanne’s vocals won’t have to wait long for more, as The Halo Effect’s new record is set to release in January!
Kati Rán – Sála
Sála was one of my biggest surprises of 2024. Having no prior knowledge of Kati Rán or her work, I was mesmerized by this record for months. Tracks like “Stone Pillars,” “HIMINGLÆVA,” and “Blódbylgje” each have a distinct soul, transporting you to different places in your mind if you’re willing to let them. As I mentioned in my review, “Sála is an immersive voyage for the mind, body, and soul. Nearly every track has its own charm and brings a different state of mind. Close your eyes, lay down, and let this record take you on your own journey. I promise you’ll feel at least a bit renewed afterward.”
Sonata Arctica – Clear Cold Beyond
Sonata Arctica has been one of my favorite bands for years, which is why it’s been hard to admit that their recent work hasn’t met my expectations. Later records have suffered from poor mixing and, at times, lackluster pacing. However, with Clear Cold Beyond, the Finns have taken a huge step toward redemption in my eyes. Tracks like “Dark Empath” (a great song despite its abysmal video), “A Monster Only You Can’t See,” and “Angel Defiled” set a promising tone for the band’s future.
