2024 DEATH METAL Albums RANKED (Part 1)
Entertainment
Introduction
2024 has already shaped up to be an incredibly prolific year for death metal, and it seems that we’re facing an overwhelming number of releases. In this first part of the ranking series, we'll take a look at 25 death metal albums released this year, from technical marvels to brutal grindcore.
1. Apan - Cyber Stric
Starting off with Apan, their latest project features Max Smith, known for his killer vocals in Crosis, Alter Beast, and Hammer of Dawn. This album is a gnarly blend of technicality, brutality, and melodic riffing, perfectly showcasing irresistible grooves and dizzying guitar work woven into great progressive songwriting. Rating: Perfection.
2. Master - Saints
This legendary band, formed in Chicago in 1983, is now on their 15th album, Saints. Despite being a little repetitive, the fast-paced riffs and a vocally aggressive performance make this an enjoyable listen, though it lacks some novelty. Rating: Good.
3. Exocrine - Legend Forever
Exocrine delivers a prolic album with Legend Forever, showcasing a chaotic yet infectious blend of guitar work, which features some saxophone explosions in certain tracks. This is a must-listen for fans of modern death metal. Rating: Fantastic.
4. Engulf - The Dying Planet Weeps
Combining old-school death metal vocals with technical instrumentation, Engulf presents a dissonant yet engaging listen, featuring guest musicians that elevate its unsettling vibe. Rating: Amazing.
5. Pestilence - Solar Clorex
Hailing from Spain, Pestilence offers sickening vocals and lurching, doomy guitars on their third album. While it may not be everyone’s taste, the unique atmosphere makes it fascinating. Rating: Good.
6. Vitriol - Suffer and Become
Vitriol's aggressive performance combines technicality with heavy atmospherics, maintaining a dynamic structure throughout. Opening fans' eyes to the progression in their sound makes this a standout release, garnering a rating of Fantastic.
7. Drowned - Procol Hisa Shine
Despite being their first full-length in a decade, Drowned recaptures retro production elements with atmospheric and black metal influences. However, a one-note vocal delivery distracts from its full potential. Rating: Meh.
8. Resin Tomb - Cerebral Purgatory
With a background of noise and old-school influences, Resin Tomb blends classic sounds with technical finesse. The promise shown in their EPs shines in this debut full-length, earning a Fantastic rating.
9. Una Colton - Hexen Sabo
This longstanding Chilean band delivers dark atmospheres mixed with shredding solos, driving influences from both doom and death metal into their sound. Rating: Great.
10. Blood Red Throne - Nagon
Celebrating over two decades of existence, Blood Red Throne's 11th album combines chugging brutality with melodic leads catering to both modern and old-school fans alike, resulting in an Amazing rating.
11. Cognizant - Fantas
The tech-death offering from Cognizant serves as an impressive mix of melodic instrumentation, all designed around engaging songwriting which results in a rating of Fantastic.
12. Null - As Spoken
Blending death metal with grindcore influences, Null categorizes as a spiraling vortex of chaotic energy, leading to the album making a significant impression—landing at Perfection.
13. Morta Scold - Creation Undone
Formed in 1990, Morta Scold is a heavier take on death metal, although the vocal performance felt dull and unremarkable. Thus, it receives a Meh rating.
14. Messiah - Chtis Hyper Cubis
Messiah's newer release brings an interesting mix that straddles the line between being captivating and tedious, landing it at a Good rating.
15. Hideous Divinity - Unexinct
This band’s dense and menacing sound is somewhat off-putting upon initial listen. Yet, it is heavy as hell and features ripping bass. Rating: Great.
16. Ultimus - With Epic Go
Despite not adhering strictly to death metal’s core sound, the involvement of well-known metal musicians makes this notable. The unexpected vocal style results in a rating of Meh.
17. Petrifaction - Sever Sacred Light
Influenced by autopsy and maintaining brutal energy, Petrifaction's sophomore album shows solid dynamics with a rating of Great.
18. Contaminated - Celebratory Beheading
With powerful, cavernous vocals and a blend of doomy and faster sections, this Australian band regularly impresses. It lands in the Amazing category.
19. Aborted - Vault of Hores
With guest spots from various prominent musicians, Aborted delivers probably their best album to date. Each track shines with intensity and fluidity, landing them at Perfection.
20. Coffin Curse - The Continuous Nothing
Fusing fast-paced elements with blackened guitar styles, Coffin Curse draws mixed reactions but still stands out, deserving a Great rating overall.
21. Suffer - Grand Canvas of the Athet
Suffer’s sophomore effort shows a balanced fusion of classic influences and modern energy, meriting a rating of Amazing.
22. Devotion - Astral Catacombs
Bringing classic vibes, Devotion delivers a solid effort; however, the vocal delivery may leave something to be desired, leading to an Okay rating.
23. Atoll - Inhuman Plants
This punishing record takes brutality to new heights, maintaining an Fantastic rating due to its crushing demeanor.
24. Necrophobic - Within Twilight Gray
Despite being a longtime favorite for many, this newer album left some feeling bored. As such, it’ll sit comfortably in the Great category.
25. Job for a Cowboy - Moon Healer
Marking their impressive comeback, Job for a Cowboy’s sound has evolved beautifully, resulting in a rating of Perfection.
Keywords
Death Metal, 2024, Albums Ranked, Apan, Master, Exocrine, Engulf, Pestilence, Vitriol, Drowned, Resin Tomb, Una Colton, Blood Red Throne, Cognizant, Null, Morta Scold, Messiah, Hideous Divinity, Ultimus, Petrifaction, Contaminated, Aborted, Coffin Curse, Suffer, Devotion, Atoll, Necrophobic, Job for a Cowboy.
FAQ
Q: What are some of the standout albums in 2024 so far? A: Albums like Cyber Stric by Apan, Vault of Hores by Aborted, and Moon Healer by Job for a Cowboy are highlighted for their impressive execution.
Q: How does the ranking system work? A: Each album is rated based on its technicality, songwriting, and overall impact, ranging from "Meh" to "Perfection."
Q: Are there any recurring themes in the 2024 death metal scene? A: Many albums feature a blend of technical prowess with elements of brutality, showcasing both old-school and modern influences.
Q: What can we expect in the next installment of the 2024 death metal rankings? A: More album rankings and insights on emerging bands and working musicians within the genre, continuing to explore the diversity of the death metal landscape this year.