Reflecting on a Year of Heavy Tunes
2024 has been a whirlwind, a wild ride through both highs and lows. While I’d love to dwell on the challenges, this time I want to celebrate the triumphs, especially in the realm of heavy music. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since I started contributing to Angry Metal Guy. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to share my passion for music with such a vibrant community. To be honest,my writing goals for this year fell a bit short. life, as it tends to do, threw some curveballs my way. But even when my motivation waned, I found immense satisfaction in providing a platform for my thoughts and recommendations. my writing may not reach the heights of some of our more esteemed contributors, but I’m constantly honing my craft, drawing inspiration from their brilliance. Ultimately,my goal is to guide listeners towards some truly phenomenal music. This year, the metal scene continued to churn out exceptional releases across a wide range of genres. The sheer volume of new music was overwhelming at times,leaving me with a stack of albums still begging for my attention. Despite the chaos, I carefully curated a list of the albums that resonated with me most, a collection that reflects the diverse and eclectic nature of this past year. I want to extend a huge thank you to our readers, the lifeblood of this online community. Your passion and support make all of this worthwhile. A shoutout to my fellow writers, my list buddy Felagund, and the tireless AMG editors and team. Your dedication and hard work keep this engine running. Cheers to another year of heavy metal bliss!
Anciients blaze a Trail With ‘Beyond the Reach of the Sun’
Canadian heavyweights Anciients have returned with their long-awaited album, *Beyond the Reach of the sun*. After weathering personnel changes and a lengthy studio hiatus, the band delivers a powerful statement with this collection of ambitious, progressive-leaning tracks. *Beyond the Reach of the Sun* showcases Anciients’ signature blend of progressive, stoner, and sludge metal, infused with dazzling guitar work and compelling songwriting. The album marks a distinct progression for the band, expanding on the genre-defying sound they established on their previous releases. “Despoiled,” “Is it Your God,” and “The torch” are standout tracks that exemplify the album’s strengths, seamlessly weaving intricate melodies and crushing heaviness. While not without minor flaws – some bloat, sequencing issues, and a somewhat flat production job – the album’s undeniable strengths ultimately outweigh these concerns.
Opeth Continues to Evoke Emotional Depth with “The Last Will and Testament”
Swedish progressive metal titans Opeth have always possessed an uncanny ability to intertwine intricate musicianship with deeply emotional compositions. Their latest album,”The Last Will and Testament,” further solidifies this reputation,delivering a captivating sonic experience that weaves together haunting melodies,virtuoso performances,and introspective lyrics.
“The Last Will and Testament” marks a return to form for Opeth, showcasing the band’s signature blend of progressive metal, death metal, and acoustic passages. From the melancholic beauty of the opening track to the crushing intensity of the album’s heavier moments, Opeth masterfully navigate a wide range of emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
A Triumph of Musicality and Emotion
Lyrically, “The Last Will and testament” explores themes of loss, reflection, and the passage of time. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s haunting vocals perfectly convey the raw emotionality of the lyrics, adding another layer of depth to the already poignant music. The album’s complex arrangements and intricate instrumentation further highlight Opeth’s musical prowess, showcasing the band’s remarkable talent and creativity. “The Last Will and Testament” is not just an album; it’s an experience. It’s a journey through a landscape of sound that is both hauntingly stunning and undeniably powerful. Opeth’s latest offering is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their continued ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners on an emotional level.As a longtime devotee of opeth, it’s exhilarating to feel a genuine sense of excitement about a new album almost three decades after their underrated debut, Orchid.pre-release buzz centered around the return of Mikael Åkerfeldt’s signature death growls, a welcome and unexpected element. Though, their fourteenth studio album, The Last Will and Testament, is much more then a nostalgic throwback. It’s a carefully crafted concept album that deftly blends vintage progressive elements from their modern sound.
This release hails as a significant leap forward from their last few uneven offerings and stands proudly as their strongest work since 2014’s Pale Communion. The album showcases dazzling musicianship, jazz-infused licks, and inventively crafted songwriting, all delivered with notable focus and conciseness.
Production is sharper than in recent years, and the songs themselves are tighter and punchier. It’s also arguably Opeth’s heaviest, most riff-driven album in a long time. while still embracing their trademark melancholic moods and darker hues,the band seems to be genuinely enjoying themselves.
This energy is palpable in the abundance of bouncy, infectious riffs, shredding solos, and boisterous grooves that pepper the album. With time, it’s likely The Last Will and Testament will climb even higher in esteem, as there seems to be much more to uncover within its intricate layers.
Pyrrhon Delivers a Surprise Masterpiece with “Exhaust”
For a band that lives in the realm of the intensely dissonant and abrasive, Pyrrhon should, in theory, be right up my alley. I once devoured skronky, experimental extreme metal with gusto. Perhaps my taste for the weird and marvelous has mellowed over time, but while I’ve generally enjoyed Pyrrhon’s career, “Exhaust” feels like the album I’ve been waiting for them to unleash. Released unexpectedly, “exhaust” carries that same sense of surprise throughout its runtime. It’s another bizarre, deranged platter of wildly inventive and chaotic extreme metal, yet it possesses a strange accessibility – at least, as accessible as Pyrrhon gets. Early listens were cautious, challenging affairs, but I found myself repeatedly drawn back into “Exhaust’s” orbit, marveling at its flexible, fractured songwriting, nimble musicianship, and raw hardcore punk energy that pierces through the dissonant experimental death metal core.
“Exhaust” is a true testament to Pyrrhon’s creative evolution, delivering an experience that is both challenging and strangely captivating.
Replicant Unleashes Dissonance and Groove on “Infinite Mortality”
New Jersey’s Replicant has long been a force to be reckoned with, blending brutal dissonance with technical prowess and hefty grooves. Their third album, “Infinite Mortality”, elevates their sound to new heights, achieving a thrilling balance of controlled chaos and memorability.
“Infinite Mortality” evokes comparisons to the great ion Dissonance with its raw and discordant sound, yet Replicant retains a uniquely memorable and accessible edge.Tracks like “First as Tragedy,Then as Farce,” “Strange Pains,” and “Stress Fractures” showcase the band’s ability to weave intricate dissonance with powerful grooves that command headbanging. They masterfully blend unorthodox melodies, jagged dissonance, and complex song structures into a cohesive and impactful listening experience.
The album is a testament to Replicant’s evolution as songwriters and musicians, proving them to be true masters of avante-garde technical death metal. “infinite Mortality” is a relentless and satisfying sonic journey, a harsh and harrowing soundtrack to a dystopian future.
Top 5 Albums of 2024: Part 1
2024 was a remarkable year for metal, brimming with creativity and sonic exploration. This year’s top albums showcase the genre’s enduring power and versatility, pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable listening experiences. Here are five albums that truly stood out: Coming in at number five is *Violence Inherent in the System* by Noxis. Sending shockwaves through the death metal scene, Noxis shattered expectations with their debut album. The canadian outfit masterfully evokes the raw energy of old-school death metal while weaving in intricate modern elements.
“Noxis unloaded a killer debut LP to savor,” notes the review. Drawing from a wide range of influences, including the classic Floridian scene, early Cryptopsy, late-era Death, Atheist, and Cannibal Corpse, Noxis creates a truly unique sound that is both fresh and deeply rooted in death metal history.
At number four, we have *Lower Form Resistance* by Dissimulator. This album is a testament to the enduring power of thrash metal,elevated to new heights.
Dissimulator combines technical thrash assaults with old-school death-thrash influences and a wealth of killer riffs, quirky vocoder action, and razor-sharp hooks. “dissimulator rewires thrash in intricate and intriguing ways,” observes the reviewer, “giving me the same giddy rush as past experiences with the likes of Capharnaum, Vhol, and…”
This marks the begining of our countdown,highlighting the diversity and depth within the metal landscape. Stay tuned for the remaining top picks.
Huntsmen Craft a Unique Soundscape on “The Dry Land”
Chicago-based metal outfit Huntsmen have carved out a distinctive space in the heavy music scene. their third studio album, “The Dry Land,” is a raw, rustic, and emotionally resonant masterpiece that defies easy categorization. The band seamlessly blends blackened sludge, doom, post-rock, prog, folk, and Americana influences into a cohesive and intoxicating musical tapestry.
“The Dry Land” is not simply a collection of songs, but a carefully crafted journey. despite featuring only six tracks, Huntsmen pack each one with powerful emotion and intricate detail. “This, Our Gospel” and “In Time, All Things” are sprawling epics with stunning contrasts and soaring peaks, while “Lean Times” offers a more plaintive, folk-infused rock sound. The album’s compact power ballad, “Rain,” is simply breathtaking in its emotional intensity.
Huntsmen’s ability to seamlessly weave together diverse musical threads is remarkable.Their sound is together heavy and delicate, raw and refined, familiar and utterly unique.
“The Dry Land” is an album that demands your full attention: a breathtaking exploration of emotional depth and sonic innovation that will stay with you long after the final note fades.
The Best Doom Metal Albums of 2024
2024 proved to be a banner year for doom metal, with several releases showcasing the genre’s unique ability to weave raw emotionality and crushing heaviness into a sonic tapestry that’s both captivating and cathartic. Two albums, in particular, stood out from the pack, leaving an indelible mark on the heavy music landscape.Counting Hours – *The Wishing Tomb*
Finnish death-doom outfit Counting Hours delivered a truly devastating second album in *The Wishing Tomb*. Following the footsteps of their equally impressive debut, *Carnal Confessions*, the band crafts a captivating blend of melancholic melodies, crushing riffs, and soaring vocals. Ilpo Paasela’s dynamic vocal performance – oscillating between emotive cleans and guttural growls – perfectly complements the band’s stellar musicianship. Tracks like “Timeless Ones,” “All That Blooms (Needs to Die),” and “Starlit / Lifeless” are guaranteed earworms, showcasing the band’s ability to weave infectious hooks into their emotionally charged soundscapes. *The Wishing Tomb* is an album that demands to be experienced in its entirety, pulling listeners into its depths of sorrow and ultimately providing solace through its poignant beauty.
While doom metal may not always dominate my listening habits,when an album like *The Wishing Tomb* comes along,it’s impossible to ignore its profound impact.
Death Metal Albums That Roared in 2024
2024 was a phenomenal year for death metal. the genre witnessed a surge of amazing releases, showcasing both established masters and exciting newcomers pushing creative boundaries. While some albums soared to the top, many others left a lasting impression with their brutal intensity and innovative soundscapes.
Notable Releases
among the standout albums of 2024, “The Wishing Tomb” by Counting Hours challenged listeners with its expansive and intricate soundscapes, showcasing the genre’s potential for both brutality and beauty. blood Incantation returned with “Absolute Elsewhere,” a bold and ambitious release that cemented their status as boundary-pushing innovators. Although it faced criticism for being overhyped, the album’s blend of death metal, progressive rock, and psychedelic flourishes offered a unique listening experience. 200 Stab Wounds delivered a devastating sophomore album titled “Manual Manic Procedures.” This unexpected gem packed a powerful punch with its fast-paced, aggressive riffs and relentless energy. Ripped to Shreds maintained their reputation for undeniably awesome old-school death metal with “Sanshi,” an album featuring blistering solos, grinding riffs, and a relentless assault on the senses. Nails, with their new lineup, unleashed ”Every Bridge burning,” a furious blast of aggression, punishing grooves, and unadulterated hatred. The Unhallowed Deliverance made a remarkable debut with “Of Spectre and Strife,” demonstrating their potential as a rising force in the tech death metal scene. “of Spectre and Strife” was a pleasant surprise and one of the best debut albums of the year.2023: A Year in Review – Metal Albums That I Loved (and a Few That Missed the Mark)
2023 served up a smorgasbord of incredible metal releases, making it a truly exceptional year for fans of the genre.Albums That Dominated My Year
Topping my list is the absolute sonic blitzkrieg known as *Unhallowed Deliverance*,a slam-brutal death metal masterpiece that delivered immense talent,creativity,and pure songwriting prowess. Wormed’s *Omegon* provided my fix of calculated brutality through futuristic, slammy, technical brutal death metal executed with their trademark warped, mind-blowing style. It was a welcome return after a long hiatus. Khirki, fresh off their impressive debut, released *Κυκεώνας*, an album that continued their fiery, passionate, and eclectic mix of metal, rock, and traditional Greek folk, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with. Sergeant thunderhoof’s *The Ghost of Badon Hill* surprised me with its more restrained, psychedelically-enhanced, and introspective sound, proving to be a genuinely captivating listen.Year-End Letdowns
Not every anticipated release hit the mark. While respectable, albums from Vola, Caligula’s Horse, Ihsahn, and Zeal and Ardor fell short of my lofty expectations.Beyond Metal: Notable Albums
My non-metal picks for 2023 include works by St.Vincent, SIR, Michael Kiwanuka, Allie X, and MGMT.Song of the Year: A Timeless Anthem
Counting Hours’ “Timeless Ones” is my undeniable song of the year. From an album packed with potential contenders, this track, the opening salvo of their sophomore masterpiece, grabbed me from the outset. Rich, emotive, and steeped in dark melodic death-doom, it boasts exceptional guitar melodies and a chorus that lingers long after the music fades. Honorable mention goes to Huntsmen’s “Rain.”I don’t no about you, but I’m tired of living in interesting times. But as that wizened sage, Gandalf so wisely reminds us: “So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
So, what have I been doing with the time given to me? Quite a bit, as it turns out. 2024 has certainly been a whirlwind year for my family. My business, launched back in 2023, is chugging along nicely. It’s been over a year and a half now, and I feel comfortable calling it a success. The baby we brought home from the hospital is now, inexplicably, a whip-smart seven-year-old. My wife’s career continues to blossom, and she’s also been a fantastic business manager for me. Things are good.
Yet 2024 has also been harder than I could have ever imagined. My dad died back in April. It remains both devastating and surreal. He battled multiple sclerosis for over a decade. As many of you know, MS is a cruel disease. But for all it stole, it never took away who my father was; it couldn’t quite make off with what made him him.
He was my best friend before his diagnosis, and he remained my best friend until that impossible evening in a hospital room in early April. To be honest, he’s still my best friend, only now he’s free to walk wherever I imagine him.
I quickly realized that you can’t capture a life in just a few paragraphs. I couldn’t do it in his eulogy, and I certainly won’t attempt to do so here on a heavy metal blog. But I will share this:
My dad was a carpenter by trade and an artist by choice; he was a fisherman and a cook; a handyman, a builder, a designer, and a writer.He taught himself how to play guitar, and he’s perhaps the singular reason why I’m writing for this website today.
Becuase while he wasn’t a fan of…”
Quote from the Old Man
My late father instilled in me a passion for music, not just as a listener, but also as someone who appreciates the artistry behind its creation. He was a musician himself, and I believe the best way to honor his memory is by sharing his music. with his blessing, I’m sharing two songs he wrote and performed in the late 1980s, “A Place in Time” and “Street Legal.” They were recorded on cassette,so please forgive the sound quality. His deep love for Rush is evident in these tracks. Hearing his voice again has been a source of comfort; it reminds me of him in his prime, full of life and striving to create something he loved.Discovering Solace in Metal
While this year has been challenging,discovering new music on AMG has brought me solace. It’s interesting that I found much peace in genres that are frequently enough considered discordant and dissonant. More importantly, I found kinship and support within the AMG writing team. their kindness meant the world to me during a difficult time,and I’m deeply grateful for their friendship.Top Albums of 2024
Here are the albums that resonated with me the most this year.
2024 was a year of expanding musical horizons, and for this writer, it meant diving headfirst into the world of grind and its adjacent genres. This exploration led to a surprising revelation: the 18-minute sonic assault that is sunrise Over Rigor Mortis by Beaten to Death.While initially unfamiliar with the band, this album quickly burrowed its way into my consciousness, leaving an indelible mark.
It almost feels like cheating to include such a concise release on a year-end list, but Sunrise Over Rigor Mortis demands to be heard. Beaten to Death doesn’t waste a single second; the album is a whirlwind of grinding aggression, punctuated by unexpected prog elements and infused with a darkly humorous sensibility. Consider this a personal invitation to delve into their back catalogue – an exploration that promises to be both rewarding and exhilarating.
A Dive Into Experimental sounds: Sleepytime Gorilla Museum’s ’Of the Last Human Being’
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum’s “Of the Last Human Being” is an album that demands attention. A glowing review from Gardenstale, comparing the band to the eccentric Diablo Swing Orchestra, piqued my interest. I dove into this experimental maelstrom and emerged entirely captivated. Don’t let the album’s runtime deter you—it feels more like a captivating performance art piece than a lengthy musical endeavor. “Of the Last Human Being” is a sonic adventure filled with hard-edged riffs, unexpected instrumental turns, and moments of both ominous theatricality and beautiful, sparse melodies. Leading the charge is Nils Frykdahl, whose deranged vocals add a layer of captivating insanity to the mix. While I haven’t spent enough time with this album to truly grasp its depths, it’s earned a well-deserved spot on my list.it’s a testament to the power of experimental music,proving that pushing boundaries can lead to truly unique and unforgettable listening experiences.
Necrowretch – *Swords of Dajjal*
Necrowretch’s *Swords of Dajjal* is a relentless barrage of black/death metal fury. I was initially hesitant, unsure if it could hold its own against the ferocious competition in the genre. But the album refuses to be ignored, demanding attention with its raw, unbridled aggression. This isn’t music for the faint of heart; it’s a sonic assault designed to pulverize eardrums and leave listeners reeling.
It’s not simply the brutal instrumentation; there’s an underlying sense of chaotic energy that permeates *Swords of Dajjal*.Blistering blast beats intertwine with ominous riffs, creating a soundscape that is both threatening and strangely captivating. Lyrically, the album delves into dark and complex themes, exploring the apocalyptic visions of the Islamic antichrist figure, Dajjal.
A Triumph of Extreme Metal
Necrowretch’s *Swords of Dajjal* is a testament to the power of extreme metal. It’s an album that refuses to compromise, delivering a raw and uncompromising sonic experience that will leave a lasting impression. While the brutality might not be for everyone, those who embrace the darkness will find much to admire in this unrelenting tour de force.
My Top 8 Albums of 2024 (So Far)
With the year’s halfway point rapidly approaching, I always get that itch to compile a list of my favorite albums released so far. This year has been particularly strong,making the selection process especially tough.So, without further ado, here are eight albums that have been keeping me company and fueling my headbanging sessions in 2024:
8. Necrowretch – Swords of Dajjal
Some albums grab you right away, others take some time to sink in. Swords of Dajjal by Necrowretch did the former. From the moment I hit play back in February, I was hooked. This album delves into Islamic mythology,exploring the legend of the Great Deceiver through a ferocious blend of blackened death metal with a touch of thrash thrown in. As Carcharodon pointed out, the “blackened” aspect is definitely leading the charge here, and that’s not a bad thing.Necrowretch has a knack for crafting memorable hooks and a captivating atmosphere without sacrificing heaviness or intensity. Swords of Dajjal is a triumph, and my only complaint is that it arrived so early in the year. It’s a masterpiece that deserves to be on everyone’s end-of-year lists.
7. The Vision Bleak – Weird Tales
#6. Stenched // Purulence Gushing From The Coffin
Believe it or not, rotsgiving, the annual festivity of all things death metal, wasn’t a complete success this past November.Rotpit’s less-than-stellar release left a sour taste, but fear not, metalheads! I’ve moved on and am ready to embrace the rotten wonders the genre has to offer.
Enter Stenched and their latest offering, *Purulence Gushing From The Coffin*. This album marks redemption for Rotsgiving and delivers a sonic onslaught of pure death metal goodness.
Masterful Metal Mastery
Stenched seamlessly blends the brutality of death metal with a dose of gothic atmosphere, creating a truly unique listening experience. It’s heavy, it’s grim, and it’s utterly captivating.Aklash – Reincarnation
Rounding out the top Five of our list is the stunning melodic black metal release *Reincarnation*, the fourth studio album from Aklash. This album arrived on our radar thanks to a glowing review from our own Kenstrosity in June’s Stuck in the Filter, and its place on my personal playlist had steadily climbed ever since.
*Reincarnation* is a truly immersive experience, showcasing Aklash’s masterful blend of melody and aggression.It’s a testament to the band’s evolution and their unwavering commitment to crafting captivating metal.
Death metal continues its reign on the list.
4. Devenial Verdict – Blessing of Despair
While Devenial Verdict’s 2022 debut,Ash Blind, didn’t make a strong impression,their sophomore album,”Blessing of Despair,” hit me right when my captivation with dissodeath was truly blossoming. This album is an exceptional blend of crushing dissonance and melancholic melodies,making it a standout release.
Aborted’s “Vault of Horrors” Dominates the Death metal Scene
Belgian death metal veterans Aborted have once again proven their dominance with their latest offering,”Vault of Horrors.” This marks the band’s 12th studio album in a career spanning over 25 years. For any self-respecting death metal fan, including “Vault of Horrors” on their end-of-year list is practically a requirement. Aborted’s signature blend of blood-drenched brutality and outrageously catchy grind is on full display here. The album’s sonic landscape is tight and explosive,creating a menacing atmosphere reminiscent of classic grindhouse theaters. “Vault of Horrors” isn’t just about pushing sonic boundaries; it’s a tribute to horror cinema itself. Tracks dedicated to classics like ”Return of the Living Dead,” “Hellraiser,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” showcase the band’s love for the genre. As the writer puts it, “how could I do anything other than include this gem of an album in my top 3?”
“I for one welcome our horror-themed overlords.” Indeed, aborted reigns supreme in the realm of horror-inspired death metal. ”Vault of Horrors” is a testament to their enduring legacy and a must-listen for any fan of the genre.
