As one year comes to an end, here is my Top ten Albums of 2024
Brave Rival – ‘Fight or Flight’
Uplifting, heartbreaking and very very real yet with enough gloss in the production to elevate it to something that shimmers, this second album from Portsmouth rockers Brave Rival is outstanding. A future classic, this release shows they have the compositional firepower and musical talent to see them rise to the very biggest leagues with certainty. Classy, soulful and with real heft, this is an absolute diamond.
Tribe of Ghosts – ‘City’
Having been subtly growing in power since their inception, the breathtaking wonder of Tribe of Ghosts is fully unleashed in this unrelenting slab of modern metal. Brutal yet beautiful, this is a band who can crush planets whilst whispering to your heart.
Gun – ‘Hombres’
Few rock bands these days can claim a slot in the top ten of the general album charts but Gun scored just that titanic achievement with ‘Hombres’. A love letter to their fans and a brawling mix of muscle and melody, the Scots show once more that they’re once of the best acts in the country.
Sephine Llo – ‘Diamond Fall’
Raw and emotional, no other release this year quite captures visceral emotions with the depth displayed here. Anthems for heartbreak, this is an album that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Evergrey – ‘Theories of Emptiness’
Cinematic metal played with heart, no-one can truly touch Evergrey and once you’re hooked it’s game over. Breathtaking in scope and emotion, 2024’s release shows the Swedes are at the top of their game.
Flint Moore – ‘The Aches and The End’
It may have been a long time coming, but this full length debut from Flint Moore has all the makings of a world changing classic. Intelligent, twisting and with a warmth that speaks to the soul, this is extraordinary.
Crimson Veil – ‘Hex’
Sensuality and sublime thrills blend with this Goth infused creation, born from some very fevered imaginations. Almost impossible to describe, this is a mind altering journey to the heart of darkness and back again.
Crossbone Skully – ‘Evil World Machine’
Like the best barroom band on Sunset Strip, Crossbone Skully play rock ‘n’ roll with a glint in their eyes and dirt under their fingernails. With the involvement of production legend Mutt Lange this was going to be good, but this is a hard rocking treat that will have you smiling for days.
Saxon – ‘Hell, Fire and Damnation’
With his age-defying voice and commitment to heavy metal, Biff Byford once more leads the Saxon troop into battle with his storming release. Some bands have no idea where their mojo is after several years but the Barnsley brigade are healthier and more ferocious than ever as they tick off their four decades and a half of existence.
Judas Priest – ‘Invincible Shield’
The legends return and like Saxon, they seem to have hit a purple patch recently, this coming on the heels of the mighty ‘Firepower’. Full of full-on foot to the floor monsters, this new release shows the Metal Gods have no intention of slowing down.
Words by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
