[Sludge, Denmark] Follow up to my AOTY in 2021. And this is right up there again. A near perfect blend of sound and theme for me. [8.5+]

[Death, USA] In some of 2024's least surprising news, this absolutely bangs. Gatecreeper are one of the best in the business when it comes to American revivalists of Swedish-tinged melodic death metal and both Deserted and the An Unexpected Reality EP were great. This takes their sound and refines it into a real headbangers' delight. [8.5]

[Heavy, UK] Don't know how they keep doing it, but they do. Maybe even a step up from Firepower, but certainly no ground given. [8.5]

[Heavy, UK] Fantastic to get a new Brucey solo album after 19 years AND finally got to see him solo this year, so winning. A handful of outstanding tracks, but I'd probably have this behind Accident Of Birth, Chemical Wedding and Tyranny Of Souls. That's no disgrace mind you. [8.0]

[Prog/Post, Belgium] Djent-ier than I remember Meridian being, but that's probably on me, not Hippotraktor. [7.5]

[Thrash, USA] Better than I expected given Slayer's post-2000 output, but still entirely predictable. [6.0-6.5]

[Death, USA] Generic death metal, but that's what Deicide have been for quite some time, really. Wouldn't be surprised if the AI had a hand in writing some of the songs tbh. [6.0]

[Heavy, Germany]

[Progressive, UK]

[Progressive Death, USA]

[Black, Sweden]