Every year this is one of the most dreaded and most enjoyable articles to put together. This list has been a different and exciting due to my son, Hendrix, joining in and adding his input and opinions. We are both passionate about music, so it has been an adventure to decide on what we could both somewhat decide on. Here is our list, and as always, there is a big mix of genre’s and it will be entirely different than many other lists you will probably see. With a constant flood of bands and songs coming out regularly, gems tend to get missed. I hope you all take some time to look into some of these you may not recognize. Here is Hendrix and I’s list for 2024.
20. Pallbearer – Mind Burns Alive. Pallbearer does a great job of making you feel depressed while simultaneously
soothing you. Doom metal at its finest, this quartet started in 2008 in Little Rock, Arkansas and has remained consistent throughout the years with their music and most of the members. They released their fifth album, Mind Burns Alive, on May 17th, 2024 and it is a soundscape for the soul. This mood-driven album takes you on an emotional journey. What is interesting about it, is how it can feel “right” in many settings. I even listened to it while working out one day and it weirdly kept me motivated. “Signals” and “With Disease” are ones to check out.
19. Intervals – Memory Palace. I love progressive instrumental music and this band does it brilliantly. Intervals is a
Canadian band with core member Aaron Marshall as the only remaining official member with some returning musicians for touring and recording purposes. Each album has a subject that encompasses it, with Memory Palace, released on May 17th, 2024, relating to the part of the brain that holds memory as well as neuroplasticity and everything in between. Musically there are melodic exercises that go from fast-paced to more slowed-down aspects, depending on the song and what feel it has. I really dig “Galaxy Brain” and “Chronophobia”, but really the entire album is a fun adventure that you can listen to in any setting. Playing videos games, studying, driving, anything.
18. Erra – Cure. Admittedly, I am embarrassingly new to Erra. I have heard the name over the years but had yet to 
take a minute to listen. Cure , released April 5th, 2024, changed this, and I am beyond glad it did. Labeled as progressive metalcore, they are a band of five out of Birmingham, Alabama and began in 2009. The mix of harsh and clean vocals can be a hit or miss for both of these writers, but Erra fits the ear just right. The soulful approach and cascading harmonies within the clean vocals tug on the heartstrings and breathe life into the spirit. When you add in the harsh vocals and instrumentation, it mixes just the right amount. “Crawl Backwards out of Heaven” is a wild ride all in itself, and high on my list of favorites on this album. “End of Excess” is up there as well, and gives me a wistful feeling while also somehow feeling warm. It is a great introduction and I am stoked to go back through what I have missed with this band.
17. Dark Tranquility – Endtime Signals. Sweden has become one of my favorite countries to hear music out of. Dark Tranquility began in 1989 and is one of the bigger names to come out of Sweden. This melodic death metal band
continues to maintain its spot as an influential band to many other musicians around the world, and this spot is well-earned. Endtime Signals is just another feather in their cap, and encapsulates an ever-changing soundscape, heavy riffs, melodic guitar work, harsh and clean vocals, and so much soul. “One of Us Is Gone”, is one of the stick-out tracks that almost brings tears to your eyes. The soaring instrumentation of stringed instruments and sorrowful lyrics really digs in deep. The rise and fall of the heavy to the lighter and slower, is so perfectly done, you can’t help but want to take the ride again as soon as the album is over. Why is this album so far down on our list again?
16- Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction. Science, Not Fiction, out July 19th, 2024, is a little dissimilar to some of 
their previous albums. Ben Ward has taken another path with his lyrics and became more personal. With his sobriety has come clarity and a different view on life, and because of this, this album has created some catharsis for him. “Ascend the Negative”, talks about having a more positive overview and, “reclaiming the skies”. I love the message here and the musical elements add a nearly perfect track. There is a part that slows down with chugging guitars that drives you further into the experience. “End of Transmission” takes you on a journey in one song. It has some melodies that you easily soar on and breathe with the music. I highly recommend this album to any fan of the stoner rock genre.
15- Vended – Vended. You can tell Vended takes a lot of inspiration from their dads, (Corey Taylor and Clown of Slipknot), due to the similar sound, yet they also can venture into a uniqueness of their own at the same time. The
five-piece began in 2018 in Iowa and is working on paving its own path in the metal world. This self-titled album, Vended, was released on September 20th, 2024, and has some heavy-hitting songs such as, “Nihilism” which has a fast-paced drumming and siren-style sounds thrown in. There are also some slower songs such as, “Ones” with a more melodic guitar playing in the beginning and haunting vocals in the background. This first album is well-rounded and has a good composition all throughout.
14- The Browning – Omni. As a self-proclaimed, non-lover of electronic music, The 
Browning‘s mix of bizarre electronic sounds and heavy riffs and screams hits the spot. Anyone familiar with my eccentric taste in music will not be surprised to see them on this list. Starting their musical journey in 2005 in Kansas City, Missouri, you would think this band would be a more household name in the metal world, but shockingly they are not. All I can tell you, is it is worth the listen, and Omni , released on November 8th, 2024, is just another crazy experience that you almost feel confused through, but in the most exciting way. You have no idea what they will try next, you have no idea what sound will enter your eardrums, but you can guarantee you will not want to stop. The ups and downs (ins and outs, over and beyond, and all the other words in the English language), take such a dramatic twist and turn, your head and body and not sure what beat to concentrate on.
13- Helevorn – Espectres. This album is a melodic and melancholic journey of human topics we all have experienced, Helevorn takes us through the metaphorical muck in the most beautiful way while expressing thought-provoking
ideas. Espectres has created a multitude of feelings and range of emotions you might not even realize you have within you. Some of the songs I encourage you to try out are, “Signals” which has a haunting soundscape and memorable vocal shift from eerie cleans to harsh. Almost two minutes in, a catchy melody takes over. “Children of the Sunrise” is another notable song that has a piano beginning and spoken word. It eases comfortably into a singing point and the rising instrumentation makes your heart swell in your throat. It is such a beautiful song. I encourage you to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and hit play with the purpose and intention to listening to it in its entirety.
12- Evergrey – Theories of Emptiness. As I mentioned prior, Sweden encompasses some 
of the most amazing rock and metal bands that exist. I don’t know what it is about that country that oozes talent, but it has continually made me consider moving there. Evergrey is one of these bands. Album after album somehow gets better and better, and their newest album, Theories of Emptiness, released on June 7th, 2024, is the best one yet. There is so much heart and soul, emotions, and incredible instrumentation, it is easy to get lost in. The album begins with the insanely catchy, “Falling From the Sun”, which also has some of the most beautiful lyrics. Tom Englund is known for not only his powerful vocals but his lyrical geniuses. The musicianship is full and emotion-driven. There is some magnificent guitar work sprinkled throughout, along with memorable bass and drum pieces. I really enjoy, “We Are the North”, with its heavy riffs and harsh screams mixed in. I am also a big fan of, “Cold Dreams”, for many reasons, but one is the breathtaking vocal harmonizations between Englund and Jonas Renkse of Katatonia. They really sound ethereal together and I hope to hear more collaborations in the future. The album ends with the title track, “A Theory of Emptiness” which is a bewitching piano melody with spoken word in the background.
11- In Hearts Wake – Incarnation. There is something special about finding a band and an album that really hits your soul in the best way. I wish I could bottle that experience up and continue to have a new feeling over and over again.
Since this is not possible, I will enjoy the fact that In Hearts Wake has awakened this in me with Incarnation, which will be released on July 12th, 2024. A heavy and aggressive album full of important topics and ever-changing musical shifts with some guest vocalists intertwined throughout, such as fellow Australian Winston McCall of Parkway Drive in the mix. The album starts with “Spitting Nails”, which is a title that fits well with the dynamic and heavy, in-your-face tone and composition. The track that seems to stick with me the most is, “Transmission”, which has a very emotional feeling and relatable lyrics that really drive into your core and bring out some strong sentiments. Taylor digs deep to express the meaning. The album ends with, “Farewell”, which is the last song with Erich and an emotional tribute to him leaving the band.
10- Kublai Khan TX- Exhibition of Prowess. You can tell Kublai Khan TX has really found its own sound with this 
release. The difference with Exhibition of Prowess is clear as you listen to the crispness of the soundscape. The breakdowns are tasteful even with the multitude that is encompassed within the album. Their journey began in 2009 in Sherman, TX with their first EP, Youth War, released in 2010. This four-piece has created a good amount of music in a short period. According to Hendrix, “Antpile 2” is the favorite on this album with the heavy melodic changes and shifts. Also on this album, a familiar name in the metal community, Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), is featured on the track “A Hopeless Fate” and has a catchy riff and soundscape that is easy to stick straight to your ear, earworm style.
9- Persefone – Lingua Ignota: Part I. The first time I heard Persefone I was completely blown away. I couldn’t believe they were not already a bigger name in the metal community. While this is only part one, it is a dynamic
beginning and I already eagerly await part two. Lingua Ignota: Part I, released on February 3rd, 2024, is full of progressive greatness and a mixture of soundscapes. The new vocalist Daniel Rodriguez Flys is a perfect addition to a flawless band. From the small country of Andorra, Persefone is anything but small, and their humbleness is admirable. The alternating clean and harsh vocals give even more depth to the music. Add the heavy riffs, fast bass and drum beats, and consistent shifts in musical paces, it is sure to keep you at full attention. “One Word” has become a theme song in my head since this release. I love the aggressive vocals with a changing melodic instrumentation, then the shift into the heartier chorus with a harmonizing vocal approach.
8- Greenleaf – The Head & The Habit. The Greenleaf Swedes are at it again with another incredible album full of fun 
videos and heartfelt subjects. The Head & the Habit is a mix of groovy riffs, stellar bass and drum beats, and melodic, beautiful vocals. I have become a bigger and bigger fan with each new album. This is their ninth studio album and fifth with vocalist Arvid Hällagård. The Head & The Habit begins with, “Breathe, Breathe out” which has a steady drum beat until the guitar works in. The pace fills up more space before Hallagard introduces his vocals. The video is not one to miss! “Different Horses” is another must-watch video, especially if you have ever wondered what Arvid may look like as a mythical creature. The most notable song is, “That Obsidian Grin”. This track is bluesy and a raw take on the talented vocalist. It also tugs at your heartstrings, I get emotional listening to it. “The Tricking Tree” is a brilliant adventure built into a song. I love this band, and I love this album.
7- Kozoria – The Source. France has really been showing what they are offering to the metal genre for a while now, and Kozoria is a beautiful addition to this. It took me around five seconds of hearing the first track, “Pandora’s Box”,
for me to realize I had just stumbled upon something very special. While there are some Gojira influences, Kozoria takes a different approach and seamlessly becomes its own entity. The Source, released October 11th, 2024, is a technical album with some beautiful lyrics and vocal arrangements. It is impossible to sit still or not become completely enthralled from the first song all the way to the end of the album. The two I find my mind replaying are the last two tracks, “Fading Embers” and title track, “The Source”, but the whole album is truly extraordinary. “The Source” is an adventure all on its’ own. It is breathtaking, heartfelt, and a perfect conclusion. Kozoria is paving their way in metal in full force with this debut release.
6- Thy Will Be Done – Pillar of Fire. Make sure you have done your stretches and warm your neck up before this next 
album. Thy Will Be Done is back, and this release is heavy metal intensity at its best. Pillar of Fire, out September 13th, 2024, does not give you a break from its intensity all throughout the entirety of the album. Not only is it energetic, but it is also wise lyrically. J Costa discusses some important topics you will want to be sure to pay attention to. Make sure you take a deep breath, get some water, again, do more stretches, and click play to experience some mighty metal. “Prelude of Apostasy” begins with all-out, in-your-face, vocals and fast-paced drumming. The chorus is catchy along with a riff that shifts, but is memorable. It ends with, “Eye, The Ascension”, which continues that intensity, you simply don’t get a break with this album, but it still reflects some melodic instrumentation that keeps you wanting to continue listening. So go ahead and start from the beginning all over again.
5- Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To. In Hendrix’s opinion, this is one of the best albums to come out this year, which happened May 10th, 2024. Having popular tracks such as, “Blinding Faith”, and
“Suffocate” (Feat Poppy), they have separated themselves from other bands in the metalcore genre, including Brian Garrison‘s voice being a little more experimental. Some songs connect exceptionally well in the album, such as, “Moss Covers All”, jumping straight into, “Take Me Home”, with a simple yet eerie guitar riff. “Slaughterhouse 2” (Feat Chris Motionless), is a sequel to a Motionless in White song that happened to feature, you guessed it, Brian Garrison. “Thirst” track one of You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, is a heavy-hitting introduction to the album. Knocked Loose‘s music videos are very interesting in how they were filmed with looking older, almost a 70’s style movie openings.
4- Obeyer – Chemical Well. There is something very special about finding an album you immediately connect with 
and wanting to dive into the journey of the whole album. With so much music being released somewhat easily, it can be difficult to find the diamonds in the rough. Obeyer and their debut album, Chemical Well, is one of those diamonds I have been so thankful to come across. Released on November 15th, 2024, Chemical Well is aggressive, thought-provoking, and heavy as hell. I did not want to get off the roller coaster, I wanted to stay on that ride forever. Track one, “Witness”, begins your incredible adventure with some steady rhythms and aggressive vocals, and flows into a melodic soundscape, just to jump back into ultra-heavy riffage. I really dig the progressive instrumentation, but it is in a way the song needs instead of the flashiness. The album is consistent with unrelenting dynamic riffs, beats, and vocals. The other layer of excellence this band brings is the lyrical content. Brown is a great lyricist, with insightful thoughts about the human experience and the social media influence that has infiltrated our species.
3- Entheos – An End to Everything. What can I possibly say about Entheos to even begin to give them justice. This dynamic duo (and recently married couple), are the epitome of talent and hard work. Chaney Crabb and Navene
Koperweis started this new adventure away from their previous projects in 2015. The way they mix progressive and technical metal with deathcore vocals is a recipe for perfection. Crabb has a wide range she is able to accomplish with her vocal instrument, including growls and cleans. Her clean range is astonishing to hear after she takes you through all her insanely well-done harsh vocals. Koperweis was already a well-known multi-instrumentalist, so the pairing is magical for the metal world. An End to Everything is an EP, but the two writers putting this list together are such big fans, we made the collective decision to add it, and then it worked its way up to the top three, easily I might add. While I want to say the first and title track, “An End to Everything” is a favorite, the whole EP is so incredible they are all favorites in their own way. If you haven’t checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?
2- Verona on Venus – Popular Delusions. Sometimes musicians you feel you have figured out throw a curveball and 
shock you to your core. That is what happened with Mike Spreitzer (ex DevilDriver), with his new project Verona on Venus. I knew he was talented, but had no idea he was capable of all he has accomplished here from singing (who knew), to the artistic mind that is creepy in an oddly comforting way. Popular Delusions, is a warm hug from the 90’s, and true to the 90’s, it is full of sorrow, heart, and beauty. It is amazing how it carries a certain familiarity, yet is entirely its’ own thing. Spreitzer bares his soul so beautifully, that you almost feel as if you have peeked into his consciousness with each lyric, each vocal style, and each melody. His uniqueness creates a landscape of a dark and distant land you ironically want to keep adventuring to. Between the vocal ranges, musical shifts, and incredible art both visually and audibly, it draws you in and you are left wanting more.”Dirty Cigarettes” has been one of the many favorites over time, along with the magnificent Acid Bath cover of “The Bones of Baby Dolls”. That is a scary song to attempt, and damn if he doesn’t somehow master an already perfect song. Now with band members chosen and Verona on Venus moving full speed ahead, I am beyond anxious to hear what they do and where they go from here.
1- Opeth – The Last Will And Testament. As already mentioned in this article, my love for bizarre music runs deep, so logically Opeth would be on this list. What easily makes The Last Will And Testament number one, is how they have
somehow taken an already nearly perfect musical recipe, threw it in the dryer on high with other sounds and instruments, and came out with a masterpiece. Yes, I do think it is a masterpiece. I love the journey it takes me on, from the familiar harsh vocals, to the operatic harmonizes, to the almost theatric singing parts. The whole experience is a trip, but one I regularly have returned to willingly, over and over again, and it has yet to feel stale or not enjoyable. I even at times hear a Mr. Bungle style soundscape, which is an added amusement. I cannot pick a favorite with this one, mostly because I think it needs to be digested as a whole, almost as if it is one story. You simply can’t start a story in the middle or end, you should start from the beginning and read to the end. I know the streaming world has taken this away from most music listeners, but I urge you to find the time to do this with The Last Will and Testament.