Survey of the American publication includes works by classic bands and albums by lesser-known groups or those whose careers are still short
THE Rolling Stone USA published a list of the 20 best albums released in 2024 in the opinion of its team. The survey was carried out by journalists Rick Carp, Brenna Ehrlich, Dan Epstein, David Fear, Kory Grow, Joseph Hudak, Kim Kelly and Hank Shteamer.
In an introductory text, before highlighting the chosen works, the American version of the magazine highlights that “aggression can bring healing, something that fans of extreme music know very well”. Names like Kerry King, Sumac and Knocked Loose are immediately anticipated, in addition to others that occupied different positions in the ranking.
Third place went to The Stygian Rosethird studio album by the American epic doom metal band Crypt Sermon. When analyzing the album, Kim Kelly stated:
“Epic doom metal is a difficult (and highly specific) genre to get right without seeming derivative or cheesy, but Philly’s Crypt Sermon have been making it look irritatingly easy for nearly a decade. The band’s six members bring a ridiculously high level of musicianship to the table, and Crypt Sermon’s true strength lies in its stellar songwriting (‘Heavy is the Crown of Bone’ alone could fuel its own prestige fantasy series on HBO).
The Stygian Rose is awash in muscular, expertly executed riffs that oscillate between brooding doom and traditional heavy metal. The band confidently conjures hooks that make you want to punch the air, undulating solos and the almost arrogant confidence typical of their speed-metal without losing an ounce of their esoteric edge. On the mic, Brooks Wilson’s bold, authoritative wail illustrates the album’s fantastical tales with aplomb, beckoning the listener toward just the right doom. The album also sounds huge. In a fair world, Crypt Sermon would be touring with Judas Priest tomorrow.”
The second position is occupied by The Last Will and Testamentfourteenth album by Opeth. On this album, the Swedish band returns to elements of their death metal roots without giving up their progressive sound. It also features appearances by names such as Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and Joey Tempest (Europe).
When reflecting on the album, Dan Epstein states:
“Yes, Opeth’s 14th full-length album finds the lead singer Mikael Åkerfeldt releasing their gutturals from Watershed (2008), but the real story here is that Sweden’s premier purveyors of progressive death metal continue to outdo themselves nearly 35 years into their career. Concept album about dark family secrets unfolding after the death of a rich man, The Last Will and Testament it’s as wistfully cinematic as it is musically deft; you can practically see the dilapidated old ancestral mansion in which the action takes place. It’s the kind of album that demands and rewards your undivided attention, and not just because you won’t want to miss the pitch-perfect narration provided by Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson.”
First place is no surprise: From Hell I Risesolo debut by Kerry Kinghad already appeared in the overall top 100 best albums of 2024 made by Rolling Stone USA. Regarding the material, Kory Grow pointed out:
“The first solo album by the former guitarist of SlayerKerry King, is basically the Still DRE (1999) of thrash metal. But while Dr. Dre wanted to remind his fans that he was still smoking his leaves, still playing with the beats, and still not loving the police after nearly a decade of absence, King wants his fans to understand that even though Slayer is essentially destined for hell, he still is Satan’s pre-eminent ambassador. In From Hell I RiseKing is still drinking his tequila, still playing with the riffs, and still not loving the priests. In other words, it sounds like Slayer — and sometimes, Slayer at their best.”
Rolling Stone USA’s Top 20 Metal Albums of 2024
Check out the 20 best metal albums of 2024, according to Rolling Stone USA. Comments in English can be read on the American publication’s website.
- Body Count – Merciless
- Tzompantli – Beating The Drums Of Ancestral Force
- Battlesnake – The Rise And Demise Of Motorsteeple
- Darkthrone – It Beckons Us All…
- Gouge Away – Deep Sage
- WHORES. – WAR.
- Unholy Altar – Veil Of Death! Shroud Of Nite
- KnockedLoose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
- SUMAC – The Healer
- Paysage d’Hiver – Die Berge
- Thou – Umbilical
- Chat Pile – Cool World
- Huntsmen – The Dry Land
- Judas Priest – Invincible Shield
- Blood Incantation – Absolute Everywhere
- Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project
- High On Fire – Cometh The Storm
- Crypt Sermon – The Stygian Rose
- Opeth – The Last Will And Testament
- Kerry King – From Hell I Rise
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
