Metalcatto
We continue our epic quest through the niche styles Metal has to offer before we reach the final countdown (yes, I made a pun!). Today, we delve into the best Post-Metal of 2024, as crowned by your dark majesty. What is Post-Metal, you ask? Nobody truly knows (we just know it sounds sad). The name may be awkward, but we’ve accepted it—much like we accept taxes as a necessary evil. Despite its vague definition, Post-Metal continues to evolve, and this year has been no exception. Let’s dive into these standout albums that embody the genre’s boundless creativity.
5. Hippotraktor – Stasis
I’ve said it before—Hippotraktor is the next big thing in Post-Metal. It sounds like a heavier Pelican without straying into The Ocean’s territory. Stasis plunges us into a strange state of mind. The secret lies in how Hippotraktor turns Djent-inspired writing into something far more creative and refreshing. Stasis might even win over old-school Post-Metal haters, proving that intricate songwriting can do more than just bash brains.
4. One With the Riverbed – Succumb
This is my surprise pick—a lesser-known band amidst these heavyweights. Still, I had to acknowledge this Post-Black gem. At first, Succumb feels like a Wolves in the Throne Room tribute, but it’s so much more. Drawing from Black, Death, Ambient, and even “Core” influences, this album blends everything seamlessly (creating sonic space like masters!), to the point where you forget how long some of its tracks are. The way One With the Riverbed creates such depth and cohesion in a crowded Post-Black scene is a triumph.
3. Alcest – Les Chants De L’Aurore
When I first reviewed this album, I felt indifferent. Don’t get me wrong—Alcest has mastered the Blackgaze formula, but it took time to grasp the beauty of its portrayal of nostalgia and lost moments. Les Chants De L’Aurore doesn’t reinvent the wheel but perfects it, sounding like a blissful journey through sunny skies on a cloud. The imagery practically writes itself, and that’s Alcest’s achievement this year: crafting music that paints vivid pictures in your mind.
2. Thou – Umbilical
This is the Thou album I’ve been waiting for. It dials back on sonic experimentation to deliver an unrelenting auditory assault. Umbilical is irrational, hysterical, and nihilistic. The shorter structures (for Thou) amplify its aggression, hitting levels the band has never reached before. This is the dark, hostile side of Post-Metal that hooked many of us initially. Late in its career, Thou not only takes risks but also leans into a more hostile direction, rejecting the comfort of Post-Rock’s softer tropes. That’s what Thou is made of.
1. Sumac – The Healer
Call me pretentious, but I believe Sumac, alongside Cult of Luna, is the band to beat in Post-Metal. The Healer is a challenging listen because it deconstructs an already deconstructed genre, pushing it into unfamiliar territory. With its improvisational nature, The Healer shows that Sumac does whatever it wants while we struggle to keep up. A true homage to postmodern art, it’s daring yet grounded. Even at its most experimental, Sumac reminds us that riffs and blast beats remain the backbone of Metal—a nod to our primal need for music to heal.
That’s it! Another great year for Post-Metal, in my opinion. Much like my Doom Metal top, this list showcases how bands under the same label can still be vastly different. From soft Post-Rock to punishing Sludge and Drone, these albums highlight Metal’s constant evolution. This year’s Post-Metal offerings remind us that while the genre’s definition remains elusive, its potential is limitless. We’re not dead—not yet.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 