Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
It’s time for children’s favorite sub-genre. The one that needs no introduction. The one with the dank memes. The one your grandparents think about when it comes to Metal representation. The most beloved and hated at the same time: Black Metal. Reducing this list to a handful of albums was an odyssey. With great releases from Necrowretch, or Hulder to Misotheist, or Vredehammer narrowing it down wasn’t easy. But enough with honorable mentions—let’s get to it!
Ixione
Having spent the majority of 2024 immersing myself in as much music as possible, I was surprised to find it challenging to choose my favorite albums of the year—not because there were too many, but because I hadn’t listened to as many as I had hoped. That said, I still managed to put together a list I’m proud of, even though I know there are countless great releases I’ve yet to explore. Without further ado, let’s dive into my top 10 Metal albums of 2024.
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.
It’s that time of the year when everyone in our deranged community swallows a pack of stimulants and tries to assemble an end-of-year list. Because why not? Why not put yourself through this absurd stress right when you’re (hopefully) on holiday? Anyway, in another attempt to procrastinate this thankless task, I’m reviewing Druparia’s The River Above. I’m feeling generous, and a unsigned band releasing a debut at the end of the year feels fitting for the season. Let’s go—I have a Christmas dinner to eat!
Ixione
There are very few things on this planet that go together as well as Black Metal and Germany. As much as this may reflect my personal bias, I have yet to find a German Black Metal band that isn’t good—Morbus Dei is no exception. Its latest effort, The World We Left Behind, undoubtedly succeeds in delivering a freezing cold, razor-sharp sound that feels like a misanthrope’s greatest fantasy. At first glance, it may not seem like anything overly ambitious, but that is precisely where its strength lies.
Let’s keep reviewing our greatest omissions of the year. Some of these are older than MER Industries itself, so you can’t blame us too much for missing them. However, I suspect that they’re are going to end up on a few end-of-the-year lists, so it would be criminal to let them slip by without glory—even if this moment of honor feels insignificant. Alright, so here’s part two of our redemption rounds. If your favorite album is missing, relax—there will be more parts.
It’s time for some small redemption. There are a few heavy hitters we missed when they were just released. Whether it was because we didn’t get the promo or simply didn’t find the time amidst the avalanche of Metal we receive every second (yes, per second!), these albums deserve recognition—especially if they don’t make it to any of our end-of-the-year lists. Consider this an apology for past and future mistakes. Convenient, right? Anyway, some of these albums you’ve probably listened to death, while others might not have even appeared on your radar. Let’s get to it!
As we approach the end of the year, it’s almost time to annihilate whatever remains in the filter, so we can start the new year full of promises and dreams completely out of touch with reality. However, before I do that, there’s still some time to explore what the underground has left to offer this year. In this case, we return to this blog’s guilty pleasure: Death/Doom. Harkane‘s Argo claims to be inspired by The Argonautica, the most boring-interesting Greek epic I’ve ever read. Let’s hope it delivers more action!
Pegah
“Man is wolf to man. Who in the face of all his experience of life and of history, will have the courage to dispute this assertion?“
– Sigmund Freud
Pillar of Light’s debut album, Caldera, weaves a rich tapestry of themes through its Post-Metal and Sludge Doom Metal lens. The album’s title and cover imagery suggest a potent exploration of destruction and renewal, evoking transformation both in the world and within the human spirit. The interplay between light and darkness—embodied by the stark, illuminated gate set against a shadowy background—serves as a metaphor for hope versus despair, life versus death, and the dualities that shape our existence.
Polish Black Metal has already established itself as its own school of thought in our small community. It’s hard to define it precisely. However, the sound of human decadence is the first thing that comes to mind. Kir is trying to portray that, but from an urban perspective in L’appel du Vide. You’d think that with such a title, this would be a mellow Post-Rock album, but no—this is as dirty as it gets. Still, it would be good to know more about the quality of the work itself, right? Stick around, kid.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 