Max’ Favorite Releases of 2024

Witch Vomit‘s third album is arguable the most diverse material they put out so far. While staying true to their OSDM sound, they have added more atmosphere and melodic elements. Funeral Sanctum is like a dark primordial soup, which may sound a bit weird but should definitely be tried. Trust me you will not be disappointed. Riffs for days.

Oranssi Pazuzu are a band that reinvent themselves with every new release. Muuntautuja is no exception. Is this a challenging record? Of course!  Dark industrial parts and absurd space rock elements create this weird fever dream. Muuntautuja definitely needs a lot of time and a few listens. Musically, however, it is an absolute masterpiece. Don’t be scared. 

Apparition’s sophomore album should definitely get some flowers from the metal community.  It’s still a mystery to me why only a hand full of people are as high on Disgraced Emanations from a Tranquil State like me. An absolutely monstrous record. The production could hardly be better and fits the monolithic sound of the band perfectly. Wake up and give this one a spin. Perhaps the most underrated album on this list.

200 Stab Wounds manage to refine their death metal attitude with a pinch of thrash. The distinctive groove paired with a high level of precision continue to characterize their sound. They manage to improve significantly in all areas. Stagnation? No way!

Slow and doom-ridden to the core. Thou deliver an absolute wall of noise that couldn’t be more beautiful and painful at the same time. Umbilical embodies all characteristics of sludge and what we all love about this genre. Thou, whatever is in the Louisiana groundwater please never stop drinking it and keep delivering bangers like this record!

Dödsrit found a way to turn crust into an epic and melodic juggernaut with their latest record. One brilliant solo follows the next, there is hardly any room to breathe. Nocturnal Will contains straight up dark crust anthems. An epic journey that results into the band’s magnum opus.  Maybe this record needs a few spins before you realize how epic and harmonious every second really is. But believe me, it’s absolutely worth the time.

This record broke me. A perversion of violence, noise and torture. The almost 25-minute running time feels like being put through a meat grinder while being waterboarded at the same time. I feel nothing but disgust towards Concrete Winds‘ latest work.

Review

Spectral Wound haven’t missed a beat when it comes to releasing great albums. Arguably one of the most important black metal bands of recent years, the Canadians continue to perfect their sound. Songs of Blood and Mire fits seamlessly into Spectral Wound‘s unmarked discography. Cold, dark and atmospheric.

Review

Full of Hell have already released a terrific album in 2024 with Coagulated Bliss. However, I liked the collaboration with Andrew Nolan even more. This might not be the most popular pick but fuck it, this is about my favourite releases. The noise and drone nerds will certainly understand my love for this record. Full of Hell has always worked very well for me when they can collaborate with other artists and fuse all their crazy ideas together.

Sparagmos is not only the best death-doom album of the year but also my fav. metal release of 2024. The whole concept behind this record works so well in every morbid way. Spectral Voice belong to the absolute elite of extreme metal and their sophomore album provides plenty of arguments for that. 

Review