Now that 2024 is coming to a close, we at Tuonela Magazine want to share the releases that we have most enjoyed. Each of our staff members will share their own list, so here is the list of our journalist, Jana De Boeck.
As we approach 2025, the rock and metal scenes seem to be exploding with new sounds, bold experimentation, and undeniable intensity. From the return of iconic legends to the rise of fresh, boundary-pushing talents, 2024 has delivered a diverse array of albums that push the limits of these genres. Whether it’s blistering riffs, atmospheric compositions, or raw, emotional performances, the best rock and metal albums of 2024 showcase the vitality and innovation driving the future of heavy music. Here’s a look at essential releases that define this thrilling chapter for me.
Top 10 International albums
10. Wage War – Stigma
9. Alcest – Les chants de l’aurore
8. Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
7. Fleshgod Apocalypse – Opera
6. Kittie – Fire
5. Zeal & Ardor – Greif
4. Judas Priest – Invincible Shield
3. Fit For An Autopsy – The Nothing That Is
2. Powerwolf – Wake Up the Wicked
1. Linkin Park – From Zero
Like many of us, I grew up listening to LINKIN PARK. I know “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora” by heart, and those two records mean a lot to me. Even though I lost interest when they took a different stylistic direction, I always held them in high regard and was devastated when Chester Bennington passed away. I still regret never having the chance to see them live. I have mixed feelings about the new lineup, but I’ve eventually had to admit to myself that I really like “From Zero” and revisit it time and time again.
Top 10 Finnish albums
10. Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja
9. Moon Shot – The Power
8. Where’s My Bible – Waves
7. Crownshift – Crownshift
6. Crimson Sun – Sorrowbreaker
5. Swallow the Sun – Shining
4. Nightwish – Yesterwynde
3. Wheel – Charismatic Leaders
2. Wintersun – Time II
1. Ensiferum – Winter Storm
It’s the same story with ENSIFERUM: growing up with their music and faithfully awaiting each new release. “Winter Storm” lives up to all my expectations, with its powerful, dynamic sound that shines in its diversity and captivating storytelling. I appreciate the flirtation with power metal and the way the band keeps reinventing themselves.
Top 3 EPs
3. Far From Refuge – False Flag
2. Dear Mother – Necessary Darkness
1. Sylosis – The Path
I discovered SYLOSIS in 2023 and have been hooked ever since. “The Path” showcases their most refined sound yet, blending technicality, melody, and raw emotion in perfect harmony. I highly recommend it to anyone into metalcore and/or melodic death metal.
Top 5 music videos
5. Bury Tomorrow – Wrath
4. Body Count – Psychopath ft. Joe Bad
3. All That Remains – Let You Go
2. High On Fire – Burning Down
1. Spiritbox – Soft Spine
Top 5 international songs
5. BABYMETAL x Electric Callboy – Ratatata
4. Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine
3. Bury Tomorrow – Villain Arc
2. Bad Omens featuring Poppy, “V.A.N.”
1. Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne – Mea Culpa (Ah! ça ira!)
When GOJIRA announced their collaboration with opera singer Marina Viotti and classical conductor Victor Le Masne, I was immediately intrigued. Known for their pummeling riffs and intricate lyrics, the French quartet is venturing into uncharted territory here. “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)”, a unique blend of metal and classical music, proves to be an ambitious yet stunning exploration of genre fusion. It’s a piece that challenges boundaries and their much-debated 2024 Paris Olympics performance was out of this world.
Top 5 Finnish songs
5. Where’s My Bible – Waves
4. Swallow The Sun – Charcoal Sky
3. Wintersun – Storm
2. Wheel – The Freeze
1. Ensiferum – Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife
“Long Cold Winter of Sorrow and Strife” shows the band in top form, offering a track that’s both epic and deeply personal. It’s a song that lives up to its name, inviting listeners into a world of sorrow, struggle, and eventual triumph. With its combination of fierce energy and melancholic beauty, this track is sure to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Top 5 best last-minute songs
5. NOVELISTS – Coda
4. Burning Witches – Mirror, Mirror
3. PATRIARKH – WIERSZALIN II
2. Neuroklast & Mechanical Vein – HELLFIRE
1. Architects – Whiplash
Top 5 Album Covers
5. The Black Dahlia Murder – Servitude
4. Hyperdontia – Harvest of Malevolence
3. Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
2. Vitriol – Suffer & Become
- Alcest – Les chants de l’aurore
The cover art is a painting by Yoann Lossel that reminds me of the scenes depicted in Japanese ukiyo-e (“pictures of the floating world”).
Best collaboration
Bad Omens featuring Poppy, “V.A.N.”
“V.A.N.” is an ambitious, genre-defying collaboration that sees both BAD OMENS and POPPY stepping outside their comfort zones. The song is a thrilling blend of metal, electronic, and pop elements, with a dark, futuristic atmosphere that elevates it above the usual genre boundaries.
Best concert
Due to personal reasons, I wasn’t able to attend many concerts in 2024, but the most memorable one for me was definitely WHEN PLAGUES COLLIDE. The symphonic deathcore band, reminiscent of the likes of LORNA SHORE, played in a small local venue here in Belgium. The intimate atmosphere, combined with the enthusiasm of the crowd, set their performance on fire. I enjoyed every second of it.
Most promising act
I’m curious: is LINKIN PARK’s new lineup shooting for the stars or will they burn out in the process? They are selling out shows all over the world, but at the same time, there is so much controversy surrounding them that I wonder if they will be able to rise above it all. I hope they focus less on the past and keep fine-tuning their own sound.
Top 5 most anticipated releases of 2025
5. The Darkness – Dreams On Toast
4. Architects – The Sky, The Sky, the Earth & All Between
3. The Halo Effect – March of the Undead
2. Bury Tomorrow – Will You Haunt Me, with That Same Patience
1. Bleed from Within – Zenith
BLEED FROM WITHIN’s “Shrine” (2023) opened my eyes to their potential. The album incorporates elements of progressive metal and even touches of symphonic metal, blending ferocity with sophistication. Needless to say, I’m excited for what they have in store with “Zenith.”
Want to share your lists with us? Comment below with your lists.
The whole Tuonela Magazine team wishes you an inspirational 2025 filled with a lot of new music to discover. We hope to see you back next year!
