2024 was a year that delivered remarkable albums across all genres and subgenres of rock and metal, proving once again that music continues to evolve and surprise. From breathtaking debuts to triumphant comebacks, this year’s releases captured the essence of creativity and passion that drives the global music scene. As we turned the page to 2025, it’s time to look back and celebrate the albums that stood out the most. Here are Myth of Rock’s 25 best albums of 2024 in alphabetical order — a diverse selection of records that pushed boundaries, made bold statements and left a impact on fans and critics alike. Let’s see what the next year has to offer. HAPPY 2025!
Sebastian Bach – “Child Within the Man” (Reigning Phoenix Music)
Bach has shaped a bombastic record, a pilgrimage to beautiful, loud and melodic hard rock/metal music. Every song is an earworm, a tune, which will force you to bang your head and tap down your feet. Then, we have the excellent performances, especially from Bach, who sings passionately and shows us that he is in a good shape and mood. It seems that the beast named Sebastian Bach has broke again the chains and has left the cage, free and brave. Also the other musicians in Bach’s solo band play furiously and work miracles with their instruments – listen to the ferocious guitars and the anvil-like rhythm section. Of course, these nice pieces of hard rock/metal are complemented by the heavy and crystal clear production. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Blood Incantation – “Absolute Elsewhere” (Century Media)
We suspected that something great would emerge from Blood Incantation this year, but not this! “Absolute Elsewhere” is a formidable, transcendental step of a band that leaves this world, becoming cosmic. Balancing admirably between Morbid Angel’s rambling brutality and Pink Floyd’s idiosyncratic psychedelia, Blood Incantation embark on an astonishing prog/death journey towards untrodden territories of the universe. The way they explore seemingly unrelated influences to form their own unconventional music world is unparalleled by anything we’ve witnessed so far. As abysmal themes, trances, and daring jamming sessions unfold across the void, shedding light on the unknown, you discover that you shouldn’t worry anymore; the future of death metal is in their hands. (Alex Nikolaidis)
Bruce Dickinson – “The Mandrake Project” (BMG)
This Sir needs no introduction when it comes to the metal world. After twenty years since the release of the last album “Tyranny of Souls”, Iron Maiden’s vocalist has returned with the finest piece of art. With his long-time collaborator Roy Z, who can deliver the best, the heaviest riffs ever heard, this record is a killer beast! It has a Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd influence on it. The vocals are powerful with chugging riffs and soaring choruses. UP THE IRONS! (Raquel Miranda)
Dödsrit – “Nocturnal Will” (Wolves Of Hades)
The Norwegians stray far from their crust roots, embracing the epic element in a stirring album, brimming with heroic emotions and grandeur. The coldness of classic black metal, viewed through Dissection’s perspective, and overwhelming anthemic melodies unleash emotions so powerful that no soul remains intact. As hymns follow one another and screams of anguish and despair pierce your mind, you feel compelled to raise your voice aloud and allow your eyes to become wet. “Nocturnal Will” reminds you of these hidden powers of extreme and heavy metal that we often overlook in the faceless digital world. (Alex Nikolaidis)
Eclipse – “Megalomanium II” (Frontiers)
Following the ‘Megalomanium I’ this album establishes for good the band among the very best bands in contemporary melodic hard rock. Catchy choruses, very heavy riffs and an all star combo, which elevates the status of the band even higher. (Antonis Mantzavinos)
Evergrey – “Theories of Emptiness” (Napalm)
Sweden sure does know how to deliver good metal to the fans, and this band is one of those examples. They keep reinventing themselves, even after lineup changes. They know how to incorporate haunting and beautiful key lines, adding to some snarling grunts. Crushing guitars make killer grooves, while choruses and verses alternate, bringing calmness and peace to the lyrics. They bring progressive elements into this record, never forgetting the tempos that fans are used to. BRILLIANT, JUST BRILLIANT! (Raquel Miranda)
Fit For An Autopsy – “The Nothing That Is” (2024, Nuclear Blast)
The guys from New Jersey don’t need any introduction, their name is synonym of quality deathcore, and their signature sound is again present in this new album. I immediately liked “The Nothing That Is” and loved its killer riffs, its infectious grooves, its monumental energy! Fit for an Autopsy unleash an incredible, phenomenal attack, they take no prisoners and submit an opus, which belongs to the best metal albums of the year. What also makes this album compelling is the varied ingredients that can be found in it – here you will discover also clean vocals, melodic lines and, of course, some suffocating atmospheres, where the listener is destined to drown! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Gaerea- “Coma” (Season of Mist)
The Portuguese black metal sensations Gaerea have released their long awaited creation “Coma”. I must say that “Coma” to me felt like a milestone in the band’s career,as it shaped their sound and atmosphere. With tremolo packed tracks and gorgeously dark melodies, this album was definitely my favourite of the year. (Christina X)
Grand Magus – “Sunraven” (Nuclear Blast)
The Swedish power trio brings us another brilliant heavy metal album, inspired by the AngloSaxon/Norse mythology and more particularly Beowulf. Epic battles, honor, heroics forged in iron and steel and 3 metal warriors ready to dust off their helmets and swords, ready to take on the enemy! (Antonis Mantzavinos)
Hail Spirit Noir – “Fossil Gardens” (Agonia)
The most daring Greek band never cease to amaze with their ingenuity and inspiration. Having left aside previous pure prog and ambient explorations, while safeguarding the valuable insights derived from these travels, they revisit their black metal side through a different path. “Fossil Gardens” is a dark jewel, woven with harsh outbursts and seductive melodies. The black sound becomes spacey, trippy and delicate, like a sheer veil embellished with enlightened pearls. Once again, Hail Spirit Noir defy stagnation without fear, indicating a fruitful spirit that -for our own good- hasn’t revealed its full potential yet. (Alex Nikolaidis)
Ihsahn – “Ihsahn” (Candlelight)
Emperor mastermind Ihsahn has released his 8th solo studio album that is self titled. With a blackened prog metal undertone that includes symphonic like arrangements, the Ihsahn tone is still there, yet ever so evolving. Brutal and brooding , heavy yet haunting, this album is the best ihsahn has released in my opinion. (Christina X)
Innerwish – “Ash of Eternal Flame” (Reigning Phoenix Music)
Innerwish offers us eleven incredible songs, which all take us to a power metal paradise! We are dealing with exceptional compositions—very mature, wisely crafted, and so sophisticated! This band has its own way of making good music; they have a strong character, and this signature sound is celebrated in “Ash of Eternal Flame”. Stylistically, Innerwish plays in a Symphony X-inspired style, with many other radical influences from bands like Helloween, Kamelot, Blind Guardian, Queensrÿche, Stratovarius, etc. They don’t reinvent the power metal genre, but, as said before, their music is genuine, and their songs are unique. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Judas Priest – “Invincible Shield” (Sony)
The best album since “Painkiller”, is here! The band has delivered a harder and meaner record for the older fans and the new ones sure will appreciate it, combining melody. The opening track, “Panic Attack”, was a great choice to introduce this record to the world. Rob Halford continues youthful, energetic and nothing will stop him and the band in the near future. Heavy riffs, fast paces, metallic engines roar from the first track to the last one. Judas Priest sounds aggressive, hungry and defies modern times. They sound new, fresh and modern as when they started 56 years ago. A BAND TO SEE LIVE IN 2025! (Raquel Miranda)
Kawir- “Kydoimos” (Soulseller)
Kawir tell the tale of Achilles and Iliad through the divinely dark sounds of Kydoimos. As Iliad is a personal favourite lyrical subject of mine, i was interested to see how the band dressed and lived it through their melodies and lyrics. This album is an experience, a chant heard from Aristos Achaion’s time. (Christina X)
Kerry King – “From Hell I Rise” (Reigning Phoenix Music)
Slayer’s guitarist debut album is a heavy-as-hell extravaganza, with grim guitars and inhumane beats. Kerry’s trademark solos are to die for in this record, whereas a display of thrash metal is heard. Pounding drums, wicked riffs, slamming bass are a must. Kerry and Paul are an insane duo with their riffs and beats. Like a phoenix arising from the ashes, or maybe I should say a demon arising from hell, Kerry King has returned from the battlefield victorious with a piece of art. (Raquel Miranda)
Långfinger – “Pendulum” (Welfare Sounds)
Definitely one of the finest moments in 2024, ‘Pendulum’ has proved itself as a fantastic album to listen to. Progressive. Classic or Heavy Rock. It really doesn’t matter. This one shines! Långfinger has absolutely delivered the goods. (Antonis Mantzavinos)
Nightwish- “Yesterwynde” (Nuclear Blast)
Nightwish. A band known for their beautiful storytelling throughout songs and their signature operatic- symphonic vocals. Yesterwynde to me felt like a story lived through tracks. A blend of one of this generation’s best singers, Floor Jansen and a dash of Holopainen’s compositions… this creation is a masterpiece. (Christina X)
Opeth – “The Last Will And Testament” (Reigning Phoenix Music)
The Swedish giants release a magnificent concept album, definitely one of the best for 2024. The growls are back (for good? We’ll see about that!) in a dark and gloomy atmosphere which brings us back to the 00s era of the band, perfectly mixing the heavy and melodic aspects of the band. (Antonis Mantzavinos)
After the release of the last album, “In Cauda Venenum”, many things have changed. The band has released one of the best records of the year and came back to the roots after nearly twenty years. Let’s say after “Watershed”. It’s not one of the best, but THE RECORD THAT THE FANS HAVE WAITED FOR SO LONG! Death metal growls and instrumentation that Mikael Åkerfeldt and the rest of the team have delivered are finally here. Not only that, but it has also psychedelic occult vibes, macabre accentuations and vibes. A TRUE WORK OF ART, FROM THE COVER TO THE LYRICS. (Raquel Miranda)
The Quill – “Wheel Of Illusion” (Metalville)
The Swedish rockers from Mönsterås has offered us a magical album in 2024. The ‘Wheel of illusion’ is brilliantly crafted and considered among the best in their catalogue. Diverse, well balanced and dynamic in its structure, with heavy and mellow aspects, it capitalizes on the band’s capacity to be on the forefront, creating great rock albums for the fans to enjoy. (Antonis Mantzavinos)
Riot V – “Mean Streets” (Reigning Phoenix Music)
The album pays homage to the legacy of Riot while simultaneously carving out its own identity, ensuring that the flame of metal tradition burns ever brighter in the hearts of fans old and new. “Mean Streets” is a hell of a classic metal album! Brimming with awesome metal anthems, this album stands as a rallying cry for metalheads everywhere, beckoning them to join the ranks of the faithful and revel in the power of true heavy/power metal. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Rotting Christ – “Pro Xristou” (Season Of Mist)
Hellenic black metal pioneers Rotting Christ released “Pro Xristou” and got amazing feedback from the audience. The melodies of “The Apostate” remain in my brain as mantra. The gorgeous “Ygdrassil” that is inspired from norse mythology is a definite hit. Overall the creation was definitely a success. (Christina X)
Silent Winter – “Utopia” (No Remorse)
I am absolutely thrilled with “Utopia”—I love every song on the album. Take, for example, “We Burn the Future”, a track that could easily have been written by Helloween, or “Hellstorm” and “Silent Shadows”, which are irresistibly catchy. Then there’s “Hands Held High”, a compelling anthem that combines the style of Sabaton with the character of Iron Maiden. The album concludes gloriously with its title track—”Utopia” is a Euro power metal maelstrom that sweeps everything in its path. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Spineless – “Dysphonia” (Submersion)
Spineless’ “Dysphonia” is a tale of musical freedom, standing at the crossroads of various rock and metal styles. Chrysa Tsaltampasi draws influences from alternative metal, doom metal, post-rock/metal, noise rock, and extreme metal, while showcasing both clean and brutal vocals. This experimentation yields a brilliant sonic outcome: an album of musical fantasy that will resonate with all fans of avant-garde rock and metal. The remarkable aspect of “Dysphonia”, beyond its experimental nature, is its abundance of compelling compositional ideas and fresh, catchy song structures. It’s no exaggeration to say that the vocal lines, melodies, and rhythms will stay with you long after listening. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)
Triumpher – “Spirit Invictus” (No Remorse)
We needed a shocking new chapter in epic metal, something that would give us chills, and it came unexpectedly from a new Athenian band. Triumpher’s unmitigated triumph in “Spirit Invictus” shakes the foundations of the epic genre with an astonishing work of anthemic tunes and selective black metal strokes, reminiscent of Dissection. Apart from the undisputed quality of all songs, it’s the band’s soul and bravery, bursting from every verse, that make you feel a part of “Spirit Invictus”. That’s exactly what this album is: a strong feeling, rather than just a listening experience. Please, don’t miss this opportunity! (Alex Nikolaidis)
Ulcerate – “Cutting the Throat of God” (Debemur Morti)
Ulcerate reached their summit four years ago, but they’re not willing to let it go. In their new endeavor, the band’s art and creativity climax in a nightmarish maze, where you confront your inner self and worst fears, without hope of seeing the light. Ulcerate’s avant-garde character is provocatively immense, revealing a plethora of dense patterns and atmospheric soundscapes in a dissonant, sublime, and seemingly chaotic creation. However, Ulcerate control chaos, set rules, and arrange the slightest details according to their own standards. “Cutting the Throat of God” is another solitary apogee of frightening pursuit and far-reaching intelligence. As to where Ulcerate may lead us further, we know not! (Alex Nikolaidis)
