My favorite metalcore albums of 2024
Music has been a huge distraction of mine for many years. I often use it to escape from reality or evoke some deeper emotions.
I am used to listening to different genres — based on what type of effect I need at the moment — such as metalcore, indie, ambient, pop, alternative rock, and rap. Overall, I consider myself a pretty versatile listener. But one kind of music dominates my daily playlist. It is metalcore. This genre has turned into something very unique over the past few years. Although it's metal music at its core, it often features a lot of ambient and slower parts. For me, it is usually a therapeutic experience.
Despite loving this genre so much, I started noticing how much I rely on it to process my emotions, especially negative ones. Well, it is fun to headbang to some heavy and dynamic tunes. But when I sit frustrated trying to numb my anger, it is not really healthy. Last month I actually decided to pass my most challenging month of the year — November — without much music. It was tough during the first few days. I couldn't help but want to listen to some metalcore to forget about stress. A few more weeks had passed, and it was eye-opening for me to see that I am capable of dealing with my emotions on my own. Instead of distracting myself from them, regardless of how uncomfortable they might feel, I can try to understand them in silence.
There is a chance that metalcore will stop dominating my music preferences at some point. It sounds weird and a bit upsetting now, but if that's what it will take for me to become mentally stronger, I should be willing to accept it. That being said, it is currently an enormous part of my identity. I believe I owe the music a lot.
So it's finally time to share a few metalcore albums that I spent a lot of time with (those that came out in 2024):
Boundaries — Death is little more. It is a very old-school sound mixed with unique modern elements. The instruments are supported by dark lyrics. I finally became a fan of theirs this year. Top 3 tracks for me: Easily erased, A pale light lingers, Scars on a soul.
156/Silence — People watching. This album has the most disturbing album cover I've seen in 2024. It offers a very spooky atmosphere. It's well-paced: it speeds up when it needs to, and it slows down accordingly as well. The vocals have some sick flows, which remind me of two vocalists from bands such as Silent planet and early The devil wears prada, respectively. This band is my discovery of 2024! Top 3 tracks for me: Better written villain, Unreasonable doubt, Healing process (leave of absence).
Allt — From the new world. Every time I listen to this album, it feels like I transcend our human race and this world. It is a very powerful experience. Some fans label it as Christopher Nolan core, which is pretty accurate. I also got lucky to see these guys live in November. The vocalist has an insane range, and he sounds the same as on the album. Top 3 tracks for me: Aquila, Emanate, The orphan breed.
Like Months To Flames — The cycles of trying to cope. This album came out back in May, but I finally got my hands on it only in December. I had been certain this album would be great long before it came out. I have always loved this band's distinct sound. So after spending more time with the album, I want to say it may be their best work. It contains all the things I love about them — bouncy and technical riffs, sick vocals, and unexpected song structures. Top 3 tracks for me: Over the garden wall, What do we see when we leave this place, The depths I roam.
Imminence — The Black. This album might be the most unique on this list. Here's the thing, the main vocalist sings and often plays the violin simultaneously. In my opinion, this album is such a journey. It features a lot of cleans and beautiful interludes as well. The latter I often like enjoying during my studies. This band played an EU headline show this year, which is likely my favorite core concert of 2024 (Linkin Park is in another category for obvious reasons:D). It seems they've been finally getting more recognition. Just like they have been deserving it for many years. Top 3 tracks for me: Death by a thousand cuts, Continuum, The black. (Bonus: sorry but I have to mention their instrumental songs too — L'appel du vide, Le noir.)
It has been a great year for metalcore. There are so many fantastic albums. Some of which I haven't even checked out — I decided not to immediately jump on all the bandwagons that exist in the metalcore community. Some say that one misses out on so much in that case. It is fine by me though. I would rather hear less but more! I am looking forward to what 2025 will bring to me in the realm of my favorite genre.