The Best 20 Albums of 2024

2024 was yet another year where disappointment seemed to hang over everything. Not because of the music, though. Metal music was absolutely phenomenal this year. But somehow, we always find ways to feel dissatisfied with life. At least, that’s how it feels for me.

Sometimes, it only takes something as small as a fly bite or a few hours scrolling through social media to pull me into a downward spiral. Fixing your mental state often feels impossible, but understanding it can make things a little easier to manage.

For me, music doesn’t fix my mental state, but it’s a powerful tool. It takes me on an astral journey, pulling me away from the haze of overthinking. Other times, it does the opposite by helping me think deeply and see my problems with clarity.

2024, though, was probably the worst year of my life. It was boring, unproductive, and unmemorable—a year so devoid that I’m almost ashamed to admit it. But music kept me going. Two of my favourite bands released albums this year, and they were so good that they climbed even higher among my all-time favourites. And so many other awesome records came out too, transcending experiences, awaited crushing returns.

So, without further ado, here’s my list of the best 20 albums of 2024:

Honourable Mentions:

Slimelord – Chytridiomycosis Relinquished

Godspeed You! Black Emperor – "No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead"

Better Lovers – Highly Irresponsible

Oxygen Destroyer – Guardian of the Universe

Five the Hierophant – Apeiron 

20- Spectral Wound – Songs of Blood and Mire

19- Frail Body – Artificial Bouquet

18- Black Curse – Burning in Celestial Poison

17- Gigan – Anomalous Abstractigate Infinitessimus

16- Knocked Loose – You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To

15- Devenial Verdict – Blessing of Despair

14- Defeated Sanity – Chronicles of Lunacy 

 

13- Papangu – Lampião Rei

12- Inter Arma – New Heaven 

11- Nails – Every Bridge Burning

10- Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement

The best non-rock/metal/punk album of the year

9- Panzerfaust – The Suns of Perdition - Chapter IV: To Shadow Zion

The best black metal record of the year.

8- Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown

The sorrowful album of the year

7- Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja

The bloodcurdling, ritualic soundscape of the year

6- Thou – Umbilical

The rawest album of the year.

5- Chat Pile – Cool World

The whack job of the year.

4- Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere 

The most transcendental record of the year.

3- Geordie Greep – The New Sound

The break-up album of the year.

2- High on Fire – Cometh the Storm

The riff temple of the year.

1- Ulcerate – Cutting the Throat of God

The best album of the year, and existence.

Best Tracks of 2024

While these albums stood out as the best of the year, here’s a diverse list of tracks that defined 2024.

Blood Incantation – The Stargate
Geordie Greep – The Magician
High on Fire – Darker Fleece
Inter Arma – Violet Seizures
Kamasi Washington – Dream State
Nails – Give Me the Painkiller
Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja
Panzerfaust – The Damascene Conversions
Thou – House of Ideas
Ulcerate – Undying as an Apparition

2023 Album That Refuse to Fade in 2024

Every year, people choose an album of the year, but does it truly stay with us? I expect music to have permanence. I don’t want it to fade into a dim memory in my mind. The most time-resistant album of 2023 is:

Wayfarer – American Gothic

Music is the harmony of the spirit, an anchor, an escape, a companion, and a reflection of our lives. In 2024, these albums shielded me from failure and kept me standing. Hoping for a better 2025.