2024 was an absolutely stacked year and making my list was probably the hardest and the least sure I’ve been in a while. Between both albums and EPs, I was switching my listings up until the very last minute; but I think I’m finally happy where I placed everything!
ERRA – CURE
ERRA was a band that really pulled me in with their self-titled record, which of course was not only fantastic but a massively successful record for them. I’m sure a lot of fans can relate to the feeling of not knowing where they’ll go after such a successful album but fast forward and we finally have CURE.
This was an interesting album release for me, as it’s completely different record from the self-titled which was exactly what I wanted from the band, but it was definitely a grower album. It’s very much more low-key than the in-your-face approach of the self-titled, but it quickly became one of my favourite records of the year.
Like Moths to Flames – The Cycles of Trying to Cope
LMTF have always been a sleeper band in my opinion, and since Pure Like Porcelain they’ve really locked in in every aspect of their sound. TCOTC sees the band with their updated production and instrumentals, but fusing that with the melodic aspects of their Dark Divine era and it really is a treat of an album.
Dark Divine is one of my favourite records, so to see the band brining that melodic side back with the heaviness from Pure Like Porcelain really just is a recipe for me to love and the record pretty consistently stayed in my rotation all year.
Cane Hill – a piece of me i never let you find.
I never really jumped into Cane Hill, they were always a band that I knew existed but just never sat down and listened to. They quickly got my attention when they dropped Midnight Sun and Ecstasy in Grief.
The album upon release has stayed in my rotation weekly, it has such a melancholic but absolutely beautiful vibe. The contrast just is executed amazingly and I feel like this album is underrated. Highly recommend this if you haven’t heard it yet.
Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Do I really need to explain one of the biggest metal records of the year? I was never a big KL guy, but these new tunes quickly changed my opinion. As someone who’s not super into the hardcore realm, the runtime is absolutely perfect here.
Clocking in at under 30 minutes, it’s just the perfect amount of getting slammed in the face. My favourite songs on this one would easily be Thirst, Moss Covers All and Sit and Mourn.
FOXCULT – THE AMETHYST DRIFT
FOXCULT have been a band I’ve followed since day 1 and they truly are something special. Combining a nostalgic style of emo and post-hardcore with a synthwave flavouring, they are a band I preach anytime I can.
Their first EP was great, but TAD really shows a great progression and tightening up of their sound. One of my most listened to EPs of the year, while NGC 3503 is one of my favourite songs of the year as well.
Counterparts – Heaven Let Them Die
I didn’t think we were getting new Counterparts material and boom, they come swinging with a surprise EP filled with some of their best material to date. Just 17 minutes of being crushed with some of the heaviest breakdowns of the year.
With Loving Arms Disfigured is the song that I still can’t get over, that breakdown will cause chaos in a live setting. Considering it only dropped in November, the fact it quickly made my End of Year list just goes to show memorable this project is.
Stand Atlantic – WAS HERE
I adore Stand Atlantic and WAS HERE is probably the album I adore most from them. Having discovered them on their last record f.e.a.r. and having loved their classic pop punk sound, I was actually a bit indifferent on some of the new singles upon their releases but once the full album dropped WAS HERE quickly became one of my most listened to record of 2024
I genuinely believe that GIRL$, KISSIN’ KILLER COBRAS, NOSE BLEED and CRIMINAL are all some of the bands best songs to date.
Windwaker – HYPERVIOLENCE
Windwaker are another one of my most listened to bands in general, their debut record was a masterpiece in my opinion. So, when they had the vocalist change, I was naturally a bit worried about their sophomore record. That worry was quickly alleviated though, as the bands range did not take a dip in the slightest. They knew what Liam’s strengths were vocally and fully honed into that.
My favourite songs are the hyperpop influenced Break the Rules, or the more trap focused Venom & Tabula Rasa.
Galleons – Violent Delights
I think it’s fair to say that Galleons are probably in my top 3 bands ever. Their self-titled album is quite perfect to me, so I was very excited on what they’d do next. Violent Delights is without a doubt, my most listened to album of 2024 and it’s not close. It sees the band retain the accessibility of their previous album, but also bringing back more of the chaos and experimentation of their albums before that.
It really does feel like a magnum opus in their discography, taking everything they’ve done so far and putting it in one place. Yakisoba Dare quickly made it into one of my favourite songs ever.
Bilmuri – AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS
My Album of the Year for 2024 easily goes to Bilmuri’s AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS. I only discovered Bilmuri in January of this year, and he quickly became one of my most listened to artists of 2024. I love the country influences fused with metalcore influences and the songwriting is masterclass all around. I absolutely adore this album and if you aren’t on the Muri Nyash train yet, this is your calling to go check him out immediately. 2016 CAVALIERS (Ohio) also won my Song of the Year for 2024.
My favourite songs from the record are EMPTYHANDED, 2016 CAVALIERS (Ohio) and ALL GAS.