Top 20 Albums of 2024 - Part 1: 20 - 16

20. Powerwolf - Wake Up the Wicked (Symphonic Power Metal)

German Symphonic Power Metal plonkers, Powerwolf deliver the goods yet again. Yes, the whole Christian Werewolves concept is ridiculous, but musically these boys have found their niche and they can undeniably write a catchy tune. Wake Up The Wicked is chock full of absolute bangers and will please the band's existing fans as well as those of you who are partial to a bit of cheesy Power Metal silliness.

Recommended track(s): Bless 'em With the Blade, 1589, Kyrie Klitorem.

19. Fu Manchu - The Return of Tomorrow (Stoner Rock / Metal)

What is there to say about Fu Manchu other than they are absolute legends in the Stoner Metal scene. The Return of Tomorrow, the band's 13th album, finds them on classic form and is another solid addition to their already exceptional back catalogue. Whereas many bands in the genre go in for longer songs, Fu Manchu are more partial to a punchy sub-three minute stomper.

Recommended track(s): Dehumanize, Loch Ness Wrecking Machine

18. Kvaen - The Formless Fires (Melodic Black Metal)

When it comes to Melodic Black Metal, Sweden's Kvaen are head and shoulders above the rest. As always, The Formless Fires is packed to bursting with memorable riffs, soaring melodies and blistering solos. Don't worry though, this one-man powerhouse haven't forgotten about writing great, epic tunes. Kvaen deeserve a place at the top table of Black Metal and The Formless Fires moves them one step closer to earning it.

Recommended track(s): The Wings of Death, The Formless Fires.

17: Deicide - Banished by Sin (Death Metal)

Floridian Death Metal royalty, Deicide are arguably on their best form in three decades. Banished by Sin delivers the stomping swagger of the band's early albums, but minus the filler of recent releases. Deicide rarely go in for all out brutality, but rather opt for a nore considered mid-paced melodic approach. As always, the solos are wailing and sumptuous, the riffs are proper neck wreckers and Glen's vocals are guttaral and dripping with filth and malice. Lovely stuff.

16: Torchia - Arcane Magicae (Melodic Death Metal)

As everyone knows, Finland is the spiritual home of Metal and the latest prospect to emerge from the teeming Melodic Death Metal masses is the rather brilliant, Torchia. I found the first couple of albums to be a litte forgettable, but now on album three, the band have stepped up to the oche / plate (insert weird sporting reference of your choice) and have dropped an absolute belter. The crisp production really adds weight to the bands, Bodom-esque histrionics and lifts this album ip to a whole new level.

Recommended track(s): La Magra, There's a Witch Among Us

A Brave New World?!

Recently, while I was compiling playlists requested by friends, I decided to look back at my old blogs for inspiration and to jog my (worryingly, fading) memory. While I was doing so, I was surprised to see that I had posted more than 200 blogs over a 10 year period. That it was so long and that I posted my first blog in 2010 is unfathomable to me. I'm not just saying that. It's true, it's just how my memory works.
Anyway, that isn't my point. I realised just how much I enjoyed writing, regardless of how many people read them or how much feedback I received. I genuinely enjoyed sharing my opinions and getting my thoughts out there.
This got me thinking that maybe it's time for me to revive this tired old blog. I've been through some tough times over the past 4 or 5 years (as have most of us) and I need an outlet for my passion for music and my creativity, such as it is.
2024 has been a fantastic year for music and it feels fitting to honour the bands, old and new, who are keeping Metal and music, in general, alive. To those bellends who claim that Metal peaked in the 80s, I pity you and your blinkered little lives. Music has never been more vibrant and creative and I'm glad to be an aging rocker in this brave new world.