It seems like melodic/modern metal has gained a lot of traction over the last couple of years, with 2024 being particularly blessed with releases that cement the innovative metal genre’s status. From more established acts to newcomers wanting to carve a piece out of this modern metal cake while it’s still fresh and on the rise, here are some of the best anthems that have been released this year:
10. Edge of Paradise – Rogue (Aim for the Kill)
Cool grooves, breezy vocals, and chugging guitars are pretty much the calling cards of EDGE OF PARADISE, and the band’s latest single, “Rogue (Aim for the Kill),” makes great use of their signature sound. The interplay between the driving rhythms and Margarita Monet’s sharp voice gives it a nice balance of heaviness and melody while the chorus is about as catchy as it can be, boosted by an absolutely killer melodic hook.
9. Crimson Sun – Neon Lights
With a clear ‘80s vibe it to, “Neon Lights” is a straightforward banger wonderfully carried by a driving rhythm section and Sini Seppälä’s emotive vocals. The chorus is easily singable and has an almost disco feel to it but the guitars keep it grounded. The main melody of the song is simple but effective, creating a very captivating atmosphere. The colorful video perfectly captures the essence of this song, beautifully enhancing the ambiance and the lyrics.
8. Metalite – Cyberdome
Catchy vocal melodies and an almost trance-like atmosphere reign supreme on “Cyberdome” but the fast-paced guitars and thunderous drums keep it well grounded, while the speedy rhythm gives it a strong power metal influence. It’s an interesting mix of melodic parts on the verses and a heavier chorus that METALITE have used here (and scattered throughout the full length, “Expedition One”) with great penchant but, then again, that is the formula for modern metal.
7. Arctis – Tell Me Why
Taken from the recently released eponymous debut album by up-and-coming Finnish metal band ARCTIS, “Tell Me Why” is a high-octane dance-friendly track with a great chorus enhanced by some electronic soundscapes, groovy rhythms, and heavy guitar riffs. Again, the melody is simple but effective in driving the track’s momentum forward as Alva Sandström showcases her vocal and emotional range backed by some nice sonic textures and an ethereal ambiance.
6. Dynazty – Devilry of Ecstasy
DYNAZTY are switching genres again, and this time the Swedish quintet have set their gaze upon melodic metal to which they add a modern sheen thanks to the crisp production value of this single. And, as per usual, they deliver on all fronts from the vocals and instrumentals, to the groovy melody and the underlying message of the lyrics, everything is top-notch. Moreover, it’s a consistently heavy and refreshing number that breaks away from the usual ebb-and-flow of melodic and aggressive parts.
5. Delain – Dance with the Devil
I know DELAIN’s official genre is synth-metal (according to the press release for their latest EP, “Dance with the Devil”) but their music ticks many of the boxes of melodic/modern metal – from the fresh, crisp sound, to the layers of keys and synth, and the catchy vocal melodies. The aforementioned EP’s title track is especially well-balanced between the free flow of the melodies and the incredibly heavy mid-section. The chorus is also pretty catchy, having an almost radio-friendly vibe to it.
4. Spiritbox – Perfect Soul
The second single from SPIRITBOX’s upcoming sophomore album, “Tsunami Sea,” is a modern metal anthem despite Courtney LaPlante’s soft, airy vocals. It is mostly carried by the groove that’s coming from the bass and drums while the guitars give the song a lot of weight. On top of all this, Josh Gilbert’s backing vocals add layers of harmony to the main vocal melody and fans couldn’t be happier about it.
3. League of Distortion – Galvanize
The title track of the band’s most recent outing, “Galvanize” juggles between melodic cleans and some harsher vocals from Anna Brunner boosted by a hooky chorus and intense guitar riffs. It ebbs and flows between softer passages and more aggressive sections while some digitized vocals and electronic soundscapes embellish this heavy number and give it an eerie, almost artificial vibe, which works rather well with their harsh soundscape.
2. Amaranthe – Interference
The spiritual successor to “Boom!1,” “Interference” showcases newcomer Mikael Sehlin in grand form as his growls and harsh vocals are pretty much the bedrock of this track. On the other hand, the chorus and parts of the verses are wonderfully carried by Elize Ryd and Nils Molin, whose melodic cleans merge incredibly well with each other and with the instrumentals. It’s a heavy number that seamlessly jumps between electronic beats and futuristic soundscapes as the band bare their teeth and show (once again) AMARANTHE are more than just a pop metal band.
1. Ad Infinitum – My Halo
Another band that has switched genres recently is AD INFINITUM who have forsaken the richness of symphonic metal for the melodic delights of modern metal. The lead single for their latest album, “Abyss,” showcases a more melodic soundscape that rides high on Melissa Bonny’s beautiful vocals. The instrumentals add heft and urgency to the music while the subtle electronic sounds enhance the single’s futuristic ambiance.
Written by Andrea Crow
