METAL DOMAIN: TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2024

2024 is special to me because it is the year that Metal Domain was born. Through this, by trying to document all relevant releases and review some stuff I would not listen to otherwise, I experienced more than 80 new albums this year! For this reason the records that got a place in the top 10 really stood out for me among many, while some great ones unfortunately had to be left out. 

Important disclaimer: This is not an objective ranking. While music is a matter of taste, I could pick some universally appraised records and rank them. But the list is what I enjoyed listening to the most, a totally personal top 10 if you will. That kind of approach is the one that will spark more conversation and I find it more interesting to be honest. 

Without further delay, I present Metal Domain’s top 10 albums for 2024:

 

10) DESERT NEAR THE END – Tides of time 

This album is very relentless and epic without sacrificing melodic segments. One of the most inspired and diverse pure metal expressions of the year and very interesting from start to finish. Also the band’s development is a fact, so “Tides of time” also showcases a great level of growth and dedication. 

Favorite songs: ‘Oceans of time’, ‘Burn like the sun, shine like the dawn’, ‘Sunset fields’

 

9) AMARANTHE – The catalyst

There is no strong differentiation between the albums of AMARANTHE, but is it needed? They are very unique and if you like their music, their albums are excellent. They are committed to their sound, they deliver and I find that they get even better as time passes. It helps that their vocalists are also on the top of their game. Elize and AMARANTHE are a match made in heaven, Nils is currently one of the best metal vocalists and Mikael is a more versatile new addition/replacement and fitting for the role of harsh vocals. A love it or hate it band, but I believe people who love them will have “The catalyst” in their annual lists, it is a guaranteed entry for their fans. 

Favorite songs: ‘Resistance’, ‘Interference’, ‘Damnation flame’ 

 

8) SUNBURST – Manifesto

If you have heard the album you know why. Technical but not chattered instrumentation, adventurous songwriting and a voice that belongs among the higher leagues. If I have a complaint about many records today is that vocals are almost always good but rarely cross the line to excellent, which “Manifesto” actually does. Still heavy yet also very refined, a true work of art.  

Favorite songs: ‘Perpetual descent’, ‘Inimicus Intus’, ‘Hollow lies’

 

7) INNERWISH – Ash of eternal flame

It belongs to the heavier category of Power Metal similar to bands like TAD MOROSE which I really dig. The growth of the band between each record is exceptional with “Ash of eternal flame” ending up as an album that any A’ category group would like to have composed themselves. Everything works like clockwork from the heavy instruments to the vocals and the choirs. Top notch Heavy/Power. 

Favorite songs: ‘Cretan warriors’, ‘Sea of lies’, ‘The hands of doom’

 

6) DOMINUM – The dead don’t die

Exactly one year after their first strike, the zombies are back and more dangerous than ever! Songs are heavier than the debut but their catchiness has not retreated on the slighest and they are so bombastic that are a definite adrenaline boost that ends up irresistible. The best thing DOMINUM do is that they take inspiration from the biggest modern heroes of Power Metal (like many other bands), but unlike many others, they do it with grace and end up creating something great. Masters of unforgettable melodies, Dr. Dead and his undead army are determined to conquer the genre and are off to a great start!

Favorite songs: ‘Can’t kill a dead man’, ‘We are forlorn’, ‘This is not a game’

 

5) TUNGSTEN – The Grand Inferno

I have to include “The grand inferno” so high in the ranking because I had so much fun with it. I really liked its melodies, its mood, its catchy and uplifting songs. There is great variety between the tracks also, which makes each new visit sound interesting. Before it was released, the singles made available are one of the most repeated listens I had on isolated songs this year. Proof that Power Metal can sound invigorating today.

Favorite songs: ‘Sound of a violin’, ‘The grand inferno’, ‘Vantablack’

 

4) VISIONS OF ATLANTIS – Pirates II: Armada

My favorite pirates. VOA has leveled up their game insanely since the coming of their current line-up. In terms of songwriting the two “Pirates” records are as good as they get and cemented VOA as one of my favorite bands, period, be it studio releases or live performances! I never get bored of listening to them and “Armada” is no exception. 

Favorite songs: ‘Tonight I’m alive’, ‘Where the sky and ocean blend’, ‘Armada’

 

3) FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE – Opera

“Opera” is a beast of a record. It has the brutality of a Death Metal band and the eloquence of an opera play. It also contains one of the best symphonic works of the year. I am not usually into Death, but when something resonates in me it goes straight into the top positions. As I listen to “The great mass” from SEPTICFLESH even today, I predict I will do the same with “Opera” many years later. 

Favorite songs: ‘I can never die’, ‘Matricide 8.21’, ‘At war with my soul’

 

2) RELIQA – Secrets of the Future

This is THE surprise of the year. A band I had never heard of reaching number 2 just with their debut? Impressive. They have a very unique Modern/Alternative sound blending many genres and it is evident that they overflow with good ideas. To give you a perspective, it is so good that I could call “Secrets of the future” the “Fallen” (EVANESCENCE) of 2024! Considering they have all the time of the world ahead of them to give us many more albums, it is safe to say that the potential of RELIQA becoming a huge name is very high. 

Favorite songs: ‘Crossfire’, ‘Killstar’, ‘Keep yourself awake’

 

1) SEVEN SPIRES – A Fortress Called Home

What can I say about SPIRES? I find Adrienne, Jack, Peter and Chris to be some of the most talented musicians of their generation and not only. Now combine all that talent and the result is something groundbreaking. They really innovate and redefine symphonic Metal in 2024. Cherry on top is that the album is so tailored towards my tastes that it checks almost all boxes I have for a dream record. Dark & melancholic symphonic music that dives into the deepest, saddest places of your inner self. A voice that can do anything and is able to surprise you at any given point, with Adrienne you can never predict how she will sing a melody. A blend of genres that works so well as a total without disorienting (as long as you like the genres they cover that is). It is very easy to like Power metal but not Black/Death and vice versa, so it is likely that SEVEN SPIRES will be a harder recommendation for some, but if they fall within your preference range, what more can you ask from a record? 

Favorite songs: ‘Almosttown’, ‘Portrait of us’, ‘Where sorrows bear my name’

 

Pavlos Pavlakis