Words by Paige Cobos
Paige Cobos is an Indiana based freelance writer and content creator. Currently, she is a contributing writer for Off Shelf and had wrote for The Wright State Guardian covering the lifestyle and music scene around Dayton, Ohio. She is an avid music consumer of the metal variety. Outside writing she is traveling to the next metal show or playing video games in full view of the general public. Here are her top ten albums in no order.
Hulder – Versus in Oath (20 Buck Spin)
Darkness and the ethereal intertwine with Hulder’s Versus in Oath. Channeling almost a darker form of her folkish roots, Hulder explores the more enticing aspects of metal while staying true to a core black metal sound. “An Elegy” is an eerie but perfect dark setting for the 40-minute album. Yet when the track “Enchanted Steel” comes around, Hulder leans into an almost death metal vibe and it is fantastic. Overall, it is an incredibly balanced experience that pushes the boundaries of what can be done with black metal in the year 2024.
Wayside – What Does Your Soul Look Like? (self-released)
The Aussie group Wayside create an infectious hybrid of melodic and heavy with their album What Does Your Soul Look Like? With smooth vocals, catchy riffs, and strong lyricism Wayside leans into a more reflective atmosphere guided by heavy emotions. Stand-out tracks, such as “Parallax Error”, stunningly showcase their ability to weave these elements together into an undeniably catchy sound. Fans of alternative and heavy rock will find Wayside to be their new favorite band.
Alcest – Les Chants de l’Aurore (Nuclear Blast)
Their first album since 2019’s Spiritual Instinct, the French duo returns with the warm embrace of Les Chants del’ Aurore. Invoking the spirit of late summer and childhood memories, this album leans into the post-rock aspects of Alcest’s iconic sound. The album paints beautifully with soaring melodies, addictive guitar riffs, and samples of nature and children at play. Conceived during a time of great darkness for all of us, Alcest reminds us to look to the light and that better days are yet to come. “L’Enovl” is a personal favorite of mine on this album.
Ocean Grove – ODDWORLD (SharpTone Records)
The Aussie metal scene continues to impress with Ocean Grove’s ODDWORLD. Originally a metalcore group, the guys of Ocean Grove have evolved into something that calls back to early 00’s nu metal, grunge, and hip-hop. ODDWORLD radiates razor-sharp riffs and explosive beats that leave you wanting to keep it on repeat. But the boys have range too. Their lighter singles such as “LAST DANCE” demonstrate their growth and knack for catchy melodies. ODDWORLD feels like the perfect cross-section of party starter and mosh pit madness.
Huntsmen – The Dry Land (Prosthetic Records)
Out of the dark woods and into the light, Huntsman presents a different kind of animal with their album The Dry Land. Their signature genre of Americana and Doom gets a little fusion of sludge and stoner this time around. Each track transforms in a way like “Lean Times” which begins as a country ballad and then shifts into something more epic with its sweep of guitars. The album feels like an endless dark portrait of the wilds of the mind. With such an unsuspected return, Huntsman crafts a dark American epic that may be their best to date.
Tzompantli – Beating Drums of Ancestral Force (20 Buck Spin)
Tzompantli returns this year with a savage follow-up that is Beating Drums of Ancestral Forces. Now a nine-member strong band, Tzompantli utilizes their newfound force to create some of the most brutal heavy music out there. Never losing sight of their pre-Colombian Indigenous life force, tracks like “Chichimecatl” demonstrate the band’s growth in expanding their sound. What Tzompantli has become is a force to be reckoned with as they continue to overtake the dark masses with their unyielding sound.
Caligula’s Horse – Charcoal Grace (InsideOutMusic)
Prog rock band, Caligua’s Horse makes a valiant return with their sixth album, Charcoal Grace. Out of the gate, the band builds a monolith of snazzy guitar riffs and lush orchestral compositions. Leaning away from their more heavy sound of years past, Caligua’s Horse keeps only the essentials for this outing that explores themes such as the cycle of abuse and forsaken human responsibilities to our planet. This can be heard on the excellent track “Golem”. Charcoal Grace is a reminder that this Aussie band is in top form and plays by its own rules.
Mountain Realm – Shadowlorn (Cryo Crypt)
Simon Heath of Atrium Carceri presents his side project of Mountain Realm. It’s exploration of the world of dungeon synth has culminated in this year’s Shadowlorn. The entirely instrumental album is packed with atmosphere and haunting melodies that are perfect for any dark fantasy RPG setting. Heath, who has scored video games in years past, leans a bit into the analog realm with Shadowlorn. The track “Beneath the Graves of my Brothers” particularly showcases the unique mood of the dark worlds of the Mountian Realm with its drones and light chanting. Dark Soul fans rejoice!
Chicane – Trampolines (Armada Music)
Having been a successful producer and DJ for decades, Chicane returns to his roots with Trampolines. Many have left some of the easy listening trance in favor of more pulse-pounding EDM fare these days, but not Chicane. Trampolines feel like both a walk on the coasts of Europe in summer and in spaces less occupied by the party. Being both introspective but fun, the album pairs funky tracks like “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” with the more quiet but earnest “In the Waiting Room.” What is delivered is a sunny album that looks both to the past and the future with a smile.
Twin Tribes – Pendulum (self-released)
Hailing from Texas, Twin Tribes comes to life with their album Pendulum. Their darkwave sound conjures up a dramatic 80’s nostalgia. The duo’s style pulses with a gothic sound that is undoubtedly catchy and addictive. This album perfectly illustrates why they should be on everyone’s radar in the years to come. “Eternal” is a dreamy dance floor number, while “Sanctuary” shows their more intense energetic side. Pendulum feels like the beginning of dark gatherings and parties to come.
Guess I have my weekend listening plans all set!