Albums Of The Year 2024: Editor Picks

A few bars into ‘Saviors’ and already people were referencing the ‘American Idiot’ years of 2004, it may be twenty years on, but Green Day have still got it. Heartfelt warm riffs, punk palm mutes and chugs alongside the raw commentary we have come to expect from the ever ‘no-filter’ Billie Joe and his friends Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt. Starting with the radio-friendly “ The American Dream Is Killing Me” (accompanied by a pretty iconic video…minus the scandalous amount of paint used in the “American Idiot” single video shoot), it’s a real pick at the American ideal that’s sold to the masses but in reality cuts a very different way. This commentary on how real life is, or indeed, how times have impacted our host, Mr Billie Joe Armstrong, is heart-warming at times, savage at others. A beautiful balance he’s struck as he and the band have grown and experienced a whole lot of life.

From the adrenaline fuelled “Look Ma, No Brains!” to the proper pop-punky “1981!”, the scream-your-heart-out “Goodnight Adeline” or stringed ballad “Father To A Son”, it’s a real sonic and emotional journey of an album. And one (perhaps) only the godfathers of pop punk can deliver.

(Released January 19th 2024 via Reprise Records).

Words by Elise Cobain

Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Until You’re Supposed To

In terms of a cultural hit, this album comes out top trumps. Name a more influential album in terms of grabbing the ears of fans, enthusiasts and heavy music curious AND annoying the hell out of the mainstream ignorant who don’t want to see or hear our wonderful, extensive global community of musicians and fans. Digs aside, this album is both a nod to hardcore origins whilst throwing it’s net out to metalcore, punk and of course (one of the raddest deployments of multi-genre in a breakdown for a while) reggaeton. Yes! We know Skindred and many more have been doing this for an age, but this one was truly unexpected, pretty iconic and tasteful in a very well written, expertly produced long listen.

Going viral, trending on publicly available charts across the world (overall not genre specific!) and having a moment on live US TV; even if it’s not to your liking, the cultural impact of this album is undeniable. As the social comments rightly called out, we reckon this moment has anchored this band and this album in the minds of many a young ear, who have had their life changed with the ‘junt junt’ of heavy guitars coming through the TV screen. For those of you new to this exquisite piece, “Blinding Faith” will give you a good aural kicking, “Suffocate” is the GRAMMY nominated joy featuring the talented feature vocals of Poppy through to the fiery “Take Me Homel” are good starting points. But, in all honesty, pressing play will probably lead you to completing the whole album in awe.

(Released May 10th 2024 via Pure Noise Records)

Words by Elise Cobain

Neck Deep – Neck Deep

Consistency is arguably one of the most vital skills for sustaining a successful career in the often tumultuous landscape of the music industry, a skill that Neck Deep have got down to a tee. When it comes to modern pop punk they have been atop of the mountain for the best part of a decade and their 2024 Self Titled release is the perfect example of why.

Over 10 songs they deliver an array of expertly crafted pop punk anthems that bring together all the aspects of the Neck Deep sound fans have come to love over the years. Kicking off with ‘Dumbstruck Dumbfuck’ into ‘Sort Yourself Out’, it goes to show how strong their song writing has become, with both quickly becoming fan favourites. They are never short of memorable hooks and meaningful lyrics throughout, with hits like the rebellious ‘We Need More Bricks’, the cathartic sounds of ‘It Won’t Be Like This Forever’ and the energetic ‘Heartbreak of the Century’ it’s hard to find many flaws on the record.

With sold out shows across the globe including a monumental Alexandra Palace show earlier in the year, Neck Deep are just going from strength to strength and this album has become another pivotal landmark in their journey.

(Released 19th January 2024 via Hopeless Records)

Words by Ollie Route

Four Year Strong – analysis paralysis

This album blew my tiny mind. It was everything I wanted to hear as a Four Year Strong fan and more. I wanted riffs, hard breakdowns that made you pull the stankiest (yes this is a word…to us) of faces, moments of tenderness and pop punk fire. The surprise came in this band thrilling fans and new listeners alike with all of this, but also well applied modern synths and alt moments that bring it all together. The synergy is unrivalled…maybe A Day To Remember could be referenced as some sort ‘FFO’, but it’s easier to relate the energy and positivity to other bands than the literal sound. “bad habit” throws you out of any funk and gets you shaking your hips, swiftly followed by the pop-infused “maybe it’s me” that can be appreciated by even the most indie of music fan. There’s a favourite for all eras of Four Year Strong and all types of alternative / heavy music fan. Well, maybe not our death metal readers among us, but, for a band that are entering their mid-20s as an act, they are still surprising us with their originality, impressing us with their writing and stunning us with the live sets.

(Released August 9th via Pure Noise Records)

Words by Elise Cobain

Bilmuri – AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS

Heavy music has long embraced genre crossovers—from rap and pop to electronic music—but few have ventured into the world of country until now… enter Bilmuri. If you have been a fan of Bilmuri, aka the brainchild of singer songwriter (and ex member of “crabcore” pioneers Attack Attack) Johnny Franck, you will know they have always experimented with genre in their music and “American Motor Sports” is waiving the country flag high and proud.

The result? A collection of irresistibly catchy, heartfelt, and heavy tracks that will have you dancing, headbanging, and singing along in equal measure. Stand out songs like ‘BETTER HELL (Thicc Boi), ‘EMPTYHANDED’, ‘ALL GAS’, ‘2016 CAVALIERS (Ohio)’ ‘STRAIGHT THROUGH YOU’ and ‘TALKIN’ 2 UR GHOST’ show their impeccable talent for writing radio friendly hooks whilst mixing country style instrumentation with heavy guitars and pounding drums, oh and let’s not forget the infectious saxophone flourishes layered throughout!

It’s a pivotal album in their career and one that has seen their popularity skyrocket this past year, and with a huge arena tour supporting Sleep Token under their belt and headline tours on the horizon, things are only going to get bigger from here for Bilmuri.

(Released 28th June 2024 via Columbia Records)

Words by Ollie Route

Trash Boat – Heaven Can Wait

So Trash Boat can light up a fricking riff and make it BURN. We all knew Trash could write a heavy-laden tune, but they really flex their muscles in this album, showing the strengths of all members of the band from Tobi’s savage (at times) vocal style, to Dann and Ryan’s shredding, James fierce basslines and Oakley’s explosive drums. This is a band that can serenade you (like on “Better Than Yesterday”), start the gnarliest circle pit with tracks with “Liar Liar” and wow you with the high bar collabs on “Be Someone feat. Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail” or “filthy / RIGHTEOUS feat. Kenta Koi of Crossfaith”. The videos for each of these are worth the watch too, being a great balance of performance, talent and visually, artistically stunning. An underrated album of the year, but this is one that will stand the test of time.

(Released 4th October 2024 via Hopeless Records)

 

Words by Elise Cobain

Kublai Khan TX – Exhibition Of Prowess

Kublai Khan TX may be personally responsible for many a gym goers PB this year, their latest release, “Exhibition of Prowess,” is 23 and a half minutes of unrelenting, riff fuelled aggression that hits like a sledgehammer from start to finish. From the explosive opener, ‘Supreme Ruler’, the Texan four-piece barely lets up, delivering a relentless barrage of high-energy, mosh-pit-inducing songs that showcase everything fans have come to love about the band.

Sonically sitting somewhere between hardcore, metal, nu-metal and doom metal, the record demonstrates growth in the band’s sound, while retaining their signature raw intensity. Songs like ‘Darwinism’, ‘972’ and ‘A Hopeless Fate’ see them draw in influences from various corners of the metal spectrum including some very Machine Head-esque sections. The riffs are huge, the drums cut through like a well sharpened knife and frontman Matt Honeycutt delivers one of his most commanding performances to date. His visceral vocal delivery is packed full of aggression with lyrics that will have crowds screaming back at him for many years to come. The record comes to a conclusion with ‘Antpile 2’, the sequel to their 2017 “Nomad” album opener, a 56 second riff fest that is about as Kublai Khan TX as you can get.

“Exhibition of Prowess” is an example of a band staying true to themselves whilst blending intensity and creativity, proving why they’re one of the most exciting names in modern heavy music.

(Released 20th September 2024 via Rise Records/ Artery Recordings)

Words by Ollie Route

SPEED – ONLY ONE MODE

The almost leering chants of ‘SPEED’ are commonplace at a gig with these Sydneysiders. The crowd are riled up (in a positive way), ready to throw shapes and bounce around with their kin for the night. A SPEED show is not to be missed. The band and their crew have long been sharing their artform in their home country of Australia, but something over the past 2-3 years has seen them rightly catch the eyes and ears of the international crowd. This album, as Turnstile did before with “Glow On” is bringing together a carefully constructed blend of hardcore with wider genres to create something that’s accessible but not straying from the roots of the scene and genre. One thing we really love about this piece is it’s both a ‘dip in’ listen and a full start to finish album journey; depending on your need. Something that a lot of albums can struggle with outside of the singles.  “REAL LIFE LOVE” welcomes listeners into the album with the soft ebb and flow of Jem’s flute playing (yes! Hardcore and flutes work) rolling through to the finale “CAUGHT IN A CRAZE” which rolls out with a delectable riff that will get the most rigid of rockers nodding their head.

(Released July 12th via Flatspot Records and Last Ride Records)

Words by Elise Cobain

 

While She Sleeps – Self Hell

It must be a daunting task for Sheffield’s While She Sleeps when it comes to writing a new record. Their back catalog is packed full of hits and critical acclaim so the expectation is set at a constant high. While it may have been easier to play it safe and stick to a set formula, that is not who WSS are and “Self Hell” represents a step into uncharted sonic territory while keeping the raw intensity we all know and love.

The record is still undeniably While She Sleeps with their blend of head bang inducing riffs, huge breakdowns, intricate guitar lines and powerful vocals, however it’s clear they have made a conscious effort to push the boundaries of their creativity. The pulsating synths and atmospherics throughout add an extra element to their sound with a couple of largely instrumental electronic fuelled tracks acting as palette cleansers. Title track “Self Hell”, “WILDFIRE”, “DOPESICK” and “RADICAL HATED / RADICAL LOVE” offer some of the most melodic moments on the album, introducing in some alt rock and punk influences into the mix. Songs like “LEAVE ME ALONE”, “RAINBOWS” and “DOWN” deliver that classic heavy WSS sound, while the masterpiece that is “TO THE FLOWERS” hits like an emotional punch to the gut.

While She Sleeps are truly masters of their craft and a shining example of how to evolve your sound without compromising on authenticity.

(Released 29th March 2024 via Spinefarm)

Words by Ollie Route

 

Falling In Reverse – Popular Monster

Oh to be Ronnie Radke. A mega-talented gent who’s years on this planet have seen him dip into some of the ‘naughty’ spaces in life, but ultimately have been spent creating music that many of us adore. Despite (sadly) being denied admission to the UK for tour dates at the end of the year, we’ve still had the joy of the ‘Popular Monsters’ campaign, which has seen us hear the most direct and at other times playful version of Falling In Reverse we’ve met. If you follow him on social media you know he’s very open about his disdain at the grim nature of it all, the vicious nature of society at times and more and he’s not holding back on letting you know via this 11-track journey.

Name us another album where you can hear country-tinged bops like “All My Life” (featuring Jelly Roll) alongside the absolute beast that is “Ronald” (featuring Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible). As someone who is really open to a bit of pop as much as I like my face melted by a savage breakdown, this album took me on a real journey from start to finish; and trust me, Ronnie’s version of “Last Resort (Reimagined) leaves you feeling like you’ve just watched the most epic film of your life with the most perfect end credit music sync you could have.

(Released 16th August via Epitaph Records)

Words by Elise Cobain

The Home Team – The Crucible Of Life

The Home Team having been bubbling under the surface for a while now but their 2024 release “The Crucible Of Life” feels like a truly break out moment for the Seattle quartet. Their self coined description of ‘Heavy Pop’ couldn’t be more accurate as they effortlessly blend pop, r&b and funk elements with rock, metal and pop punk. Every track on this record radiates energy and charisma with frontman Brian Butcher delivering an accomplished vocal performance, cementing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the scene.

The slick production enhances the expert musicianship on show as slick guitar licks intertwine with funk-infused basslines and dynamic drum grooves on songs like ‘Brag’, ‘Overtime’, ‘Roommates’ & ‘Love & Co’. Meanwhile, ‘Walk This World With Me’ offers a more emotional and vulnerable side, while ‘Hell’ and ‘Loud’ bring some heavy detuned guitars into the mix.

“The Crucible of Life” is a solid, captivating record that has garnered attention from fans worldwide and one that will be seen as a catalyst for their future success.

(Released 12th July 2024 via Thriller Records)

Words by Ollie Route

NOAHFINNCE – Growing Up On The Internet

Noah is a mid-twenties rock, punk and emo kid who grew up wanting to make his own music. What’s happened is we have a concoction of these influences and so many more. Noah’s vision of music in this new decade with carefully placed nods to the legends of recent past. Not afraid to play with synths, FX and toying with the new era of production tools that can make the instrumentation sound so much more than the sum of it parts, yet also staying true to a proper three-piece rock outfit, that he and his live band bring to every live show (and he’s got quite a few under his belt now after years of touring the UK, US, EU and beyond).

The longest track on this album just scraps past four minutes, but averaging three minutes is more representative which matches the high energy, power punch track-by-track listen you get here. The wonderful thing about Noah’s writing is that it’s full of major chords, bubbly breakdowns and aside from a few tender moments, you can hear the massive smile our boy has with every lyric. A true performer flexing his muscles on his debut in an impressive stance. The deluxe has 4 new tracks too including one of our favourites “Headcase” so treat yourself to the expanded version if you’re a first listener, or get going on the extra tunes if you had only played the original!

(Released 8th March via Hopeless Records. Deluxe edition release November 1st via Hopeless Records)

Words by Elise Cobain

Linkin Park – From Zero 

I’ll state from the start I’m a previous Linkin Park fan. Not a manic fan, but yes, ‘Hybrid Theory’ cracked open a part of me that led to where I am today and I love so much from their earlier discography. So naturally when the first bars of “The Emptiness Machine” were heard, and that second verse kicked in featuring our new heroine Emily Armstrong, it was a real rush of a moment. Glass half empty me wanted to pick at it, but hands up, especially after the quickly followed live performances they put in across the globe, she really is a force of nature and perfectly partners with Mike Shinoda vocally and the band to bring Linkin Park back to the limelight.
This album, for producers, engineers and the more acutely trained listeners might be a more challenging listen, with some of the tracks sounding (dare I suggest) very rough round the edges. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the demo-style which frankly shows off why Linkin Park are one of the best live bands of our time. For those who want something polished and more reminiscent of Linkin Park’s latest era before we lost the sensationally talented Chester Bennington, you might want to start with tracks such as “Over Each Other” or “Stained”, but if you want to get back to a full nu-metal infused mosh there is nothing more commanding than Emily’s opener for “Casualty”.

(Released 15th November via Warner Records)

Words by Elise Cobain

Stand Atlantic – WAS HERE

Coming a long way from their pop punk beginnings, Sydneys Stand Atlantic released their eclectic fourth album “WAS HERE” this year. Delving into their sonic box of tricks, the record takes on various forms throughout, from electronically driven tracks, to heavy riffed up ragers and pop fuelled anthems. Frontwoman Bonnie Fraser takes centre stage as she lays it all bare with an impressive vocal performance that ranges from pissed off venom to beautiful vulnerability.

It’s a bold leap forward, blending soul-searching lyrics with no-holds-barred experimentation to craft their most authentic and unpredictable work yet. Tracks like ‘FRENEMIES’ and ‘KISSIN’ KILLER COBRAS’ have big metal energy while ‘GIRL$’ and ‘ROCKSTAR’ are full of empowering upbeat vibes. ‘LOVE YOU ANYWAY’ , ‘17’  and ‘G.A.G.’ offer some of the most vulnerable moments and emotional resonance on the record.

Stand Atlantic prove that breaking boundaries and staying true to yourself can lead to something genuinely cathartic. This is their most fresh, fierce, and fearless record yet.

(Released 23rd August 2024 via Hopeless Records)

Words by Ollie Route

Cassyette – This World Fucking Sucks 

Cassyette is a true star. She understands how to command a stage of any size, she puts effort into every angle of her image, music, performances and her content. She’s been building for years now, spending the time that lockdown allowed to craft her vocal ability and write oodles of music. Following an introductory EP and a multitude of live shows, (ranging from small headline venues around the UK to opening for the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Bryan Adams and Yonaka internationally), for her debut album she spent a bit more time pulling it together. At the end of summer this year we met with ‘This World Fucking Sucks’; 16-tracks of everything from alt rock ballads to industrial pop outbursts. This is a girl who embraces the spirit of alternative across the 80s-90s-00s and modern day. She can scream as much as she can melt the sternest of frowns with her mellifluous voice. “Say My Name” or “Untouched” are great starting points for people who haven’t yet heard a single note from Cassyette so you can understand why she is an absolute gem of a voice in this generation. “Ipecac” and “Sex Metal” see this album dip into industrial and electro elements, whereas you can sit and bawl your heart out to ballads like “When She Told Me” which was created from a very raw moment of this artists life, when she found out about the passing of her father.

Be prepared though: with Cassyette you’re not just listening to an album, you’ll be drawn into her diverse world of visual content, extracts of songs that are yet to be made, her talented array of peers and friends and some sorely needed real talk and commentary on the world as it is.

(Released 23rd August via 23 Recordings)

Words by Elise Cobain

Make Them Suffer – Make Them Suffer

When it comes to modern metalcore it’s hard to think of a band carving their own sonic path better than Make Them Suffer and their 2024 self titled album is up there with one of their best. In a world of cookie cutter bands that are largely indistinguishable from one another, the second a Make Them Suffer riff kicks in, it is undeniable them. It’s a sound they have been honing and perfecting over many years now and it’s on full display on this record and more.

The blend between crushing heaviness and melodic hooks is well balanced and the atmospheric soundscapes filling the gaps is noticeably enhanced from their previous releases. The 11 tracks traverse a range of heavy genres from the straight up metalcore offerings on the likes of ‘The Warning’ and ‘Doomswitch’ to the deathcore tinged ‘Mana God’ and the technical metal flashes in ‘Venusian Blues’, there’s glimpses of everything from nu-metal to hardcore littered in throughout. Single ‘Epitaph’ is a standout as newest member Alex Reade delivers a huge soaring chorus contrasting Sean Harmanis’ visceral screams.

The album strikes a perfect balance between aggression and artistry. This is Make Them Suffer at their most dynamic and uncompromising—a must-listen for fans of heavy music.

(Released 8th November 2024 via Sharptone Records)

Words by Ollie Route

 

Siamese – Elements

Denmark’s Siamese are perhaps a dark horse in this list, they’re a band that have been honing their craft for many years now but their latest album “Elements” is as accomplished as any of their peers. Taking their modern metalcore sound to new heights, the record is full of catchy hooks, huge riffs and pounding electronics. If you’re a fan of bands in the realm of Bad Omens, you will 100% dig the sound this album presents.

Their ability to craft ear worm hooks and combine them with pulsating synths and heavy guitars and drums is second to none, with tracks like “The Shape Of Water”, “Vertigo”, “On Fire” and “Hurricane” being some of the stand outs. They flex their drum and bass muscle on “Predator” and deliver an unexpected cover of Ariana Grande’s “God Is A Woman” which actually rips. They conclude the record with the brilliant “This Is Not A Song” that is purely designed to cause absolute chaos live as they repeat the line “This is not a song it’s a mother fucking moshpit”.

“Elements” feels like a break out moment for the group and one which will deservedly open them up to a wider global audience.

(Released 9th August 2024 via Long Branch Records)

Words by Ollie Route

 

Honourable Mentions

 

Fever 333 – Darker White

Fever 333 returned with a brand new line up and album that delivers their blend of hip hop, rock, metal and electronics packed full of vital messages.

 

 

 

 

 

Windwaker – HYPERVIOLENCE

Melbourne’s Windwaker delivered their sophomore album “HYPERVIOLENCE” – a powerful mix of modern metalcore and electronic music that flits from crushing breakdowns and soaring melodies to filthy drum and bass at the drop of a hat.

 

 

 

 

The Story So Far – I Want To Disappear

Pop Punk kings The Story So Far returned with their first album in 6 years and it’s packed to the brim with heartfelt anthems that bring together elements from their back catalog.

 

 

 

 

 

Poppy – Negative Spaces

It’s been a big year for Poppy and her latest full length saw her lean into the heavier side with an impressive collection of tracks produced by Jordan Fish.

 

 

 

 

 

Kid Kapichi – There Goes The Neighbourhood

Modern punk stars Kid Kapichi dropped their vital new album tackling important societal issues via a collection of seriously heavy hitting anthems.

 

 

 

 

 

Sum 41 – Heaven :x: Hell

It’s a bit of bittersweet moment as pop punk legends Sum 41 dropped their final album this year. The double album acts as a celebration of their career and a love letter to fans that brings together all aspects of the bands sound, with half high energy pop punk and half heavy metal influenced.

 

 

 

 

 

EP’s Of The Year

While these couldn’t make our top albums, these are the EPs that have blown us away this year.

House Of Protection – Galore

unpeople – unpeople

Snayx – Better Days

Cody Frost – Anatomy