Best Metal Albums of 2024
Audio Ink Radio is highlighting six of the best metal albums of 2024, including both classic metal bands and newer artists. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo Travis Shin
The year is about to wrap up, and that means it’s time to look back on some of the best metal albums of 2024. This year has brought a slew of fantastic metal releases, both from classic bands releasing new music and newer bands flexing their musical muscles and getting heard. Here, we’re highlighting six of the best metal albums of 2024. While the roster is in no particular order, we do have our pick for the best metal album of the year in the first spot.
The Top Metal Albums of 2024
Judas Priest, “Invincible Shield”
To say it was difficult to pick a No. 1 best metal album of the year would be an understatement, but after listening to all of the options, a winner emerged. Judas Priest unleashed their 19th studio album in March, “Invincible Shield,” and on it, they sound just as mighty as they did back in the day. It’s incredible for a band that’s been around for more than 50 years to still churn out genre-molding music, but Judas Priest continue to set trends in heavy metal, and for that, “Invincible Shield” is Audio Ink Radio best metal album of 2024.
Audio Ink Radio interviewed Judas Priest singer Rob Halford about the album this year, and he sounded confident that it wasn’t Priest’s last. “I think most bands will tell you that their relevance is based on their music and where they are in that particular moment in their life as a band, and that’s always sustained by the new music that you create,” he said.
Bruce Dickinson, “The Mandrake Project”
It’s always a treat when Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson releases new music with his solo project, and this year, fans got a taste of that Dickinson glory in “The Mandrake Project.” The album sings from front to back, and it features music that’s very Iron Maiden-like without sounding just like his main gig. Dickinson always makes for an intriguing listen.
Kerry King, “From Hell I Rise”
Just when Slayer fans thought they’d never heard new Slayer music, they got a bit of Slayer bliss in Kerry King’s debut solo album. The record is packed with raging heavy metal in the best way. On top of that, live, Kerry King’s band sounds solid and like they’ve been together for years. Kerry King and his band opened on Mastodon and Lamb of God’s summer tour, and fans seemed to love it.
Body Count, “Merciless”
One never knows what to expect from Ice-T and Body Count, but for those who love heavy metal, they’re usually not disappointed. On “Merciless,” the latest album from Ice-T’s metal band Body Count, fans are treated to a collection of angsty heavy metal with that Ice-T edge.
Opeth, “The Last Will and Testament”
Leave it to Opeth to create an album that takes one on a musical journey. On “The Last Will and Testament,” the band’s 14th studio album, Opeth serve up the kind of career-summarizing one would hope to find on a new album from a band that’s been around as long as Opeth. What’s exciting about “The Last Will and Testament” is how the album features a mix of both early Opeth and sounds from later in their career. It really blends all eras of Opeth beautifully and masterfully.
Static-X, “Project Regeneration, Vol. 2”
Static-X was a unique band, and when Wayne Static sadly passed away in 2014, it really seemed as if the Static-X chapter was finished. But, when the band found some old tapes of Static’s vocals, they were able to craft a slew of new music using his voice. They also have a new single, the mysterious Xer0, who also releases new music with the band. “Project Regeneration, Vol. 2” is a powerful collection of industrial metal that makes one wish there were more secret tapes of Static’s vocals yet to be found.
Poppy, “Negative Spaces”
When it comes to alternative metal, bands like Bad Omens and Poppy were flourishing in 2024. While Bad Omens are touring on their 2023 release, Poppy had a new album out this year in the Grammy-nominated “Negative Spaces.” The album strays even more from Poppy’s pop-tinged music to heavy metal riffing and breakdowns.
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