Paul Monkhouse / The Best Of Heavy Metal In 2024

It has been one heck of a year and a privilege to be part of the ever-growing MetalTalk team, bringing the very best reviews and features to the world. We are MetalTalk, and we publish rock ‘n’ roll.

2024 has seen the return of legends, the rise of fresh new and exciting blood, sad farewells to both giants in the industry and bands we love, along with more than a few surprises. 

Every week MetalTalk has covered the tragedies and triumphs, the highs and lows and the just downright odd occasionally. The often-uttered view of Gene Simmons that rock is dead has yet again been proven to be total nonsense. 

Sure, some of the giants of the industry have been fading away or have hung up their guitars totally, but their legacy and inspiration to new generations are as alive as they have always been.

2024 has seen Aerosmith retire from touring, but the return to stadiums by AC/DC was cause for widespread celebration, and with Deep Purple knocking it totally out of the park with their new album and tour, there is plenty for classic rock fans to smile about.

This year also saw the surprise return of the Sex Pistols and Linkin Park, both featuring new vocalists and the reception to their shows was nothing short of phenomenal, despite the naysayer’s criticism of them heading out with new members on board.

In truth, these big bands demanded and got high ticket prices, the costs of their shows multiple times that of seeing a hard-rocking outfit at your local venue but such is the way with the public, grassroots acts and venues trying to keep their heads above water. You pay your money, you take your choice.

But thankfully, there is some world class talent out there that you can see for a fraction of the cost and not have to shell out £10 for a pint of warm.

These, ladies and gentlemen, have been a few of my favourite things this year.

Gigs

Julie Christmas – Stunning at Hellfest. Bjork fronting Nine Inch Nails with some Kate Bush thrown in.

Brave Rival – Soulful and rocking. Brilliant every single time and probably the best fun you can have without taking your clothes off.

Tom Morello – He tore both Camden’s Electric Ballroom and Hellfest apart. The utter personification of incendiary.

Robert Plant – The Rock God ploughing a different path and absolutely mesmeric at Peterborough.

Royal Republic – The best party band in the world, and their gig in Camden on Halloween was a costumed, disco ball delight.

The Heat Inc – An early morning start at Call Of The Wild, but “London’s loudest band” showed that they can handle the bigger stages as well as Camden pubs with the same fire and sense of purpose. Thrilling.

Sex Pistols – It had been an almost forty-five-year wait to see them, but it was worth every moment, and Carter did a brilliant job at the Forum replacing the mercurial marmite of Lydon. 

Linkin Park – A thrilling return of the Nu Metal superstars. No one can replace Chester so it was a smart move to bring in Emily Armstrong, someone who pays respect to her predecessor whilst putting her own stamp on the songs. An emotional and life-affirming night at The O2.

Black Eyed Sons – Rock ‘n’ roll is back and these boys have the pedigree and chops to bring good times without the drama. A pleasure and a privilege to be at their Lexington show.

Constant Follower/Emily Fraser/Beth Eliza – A night of sublime beauty at ARU, Cambridge. Three brilliant artists and a night of raw, acoustic music that touched the soul.

Under The Surface – Jaw-dropping improvisation and haunting melodies with the Scandi trio at Sudbury’s newly refurbished arts centre.

Amy Montgomery – A genuine force of nature who, alongside her razor-sharp band, entranced the audience at Cambridge Junction on their New Model Army support tour.

Albums

Gun – Hombres

The Glasgow rockers come back into the fray with some of their finest material for years. Full of punch and huge hooks, the quintet show they are one of the finest bands these isles have ever produced.

Brave Rival – Fight or Flight

The sophomore release from blues rockers Brave Rival can join the ranks of very few bands whose wonderous debut is topped by the follow-up. The performances and writing are a quantum leap above most and confirm their status as future arena headliners.

Tribe Of Ghosts – City

Capturing the raw, youthful energy and razor-wire atmosphere of their Brighton base, Tribe Of Ghosts blend unfeasibly heavy moments with shards of melody to devastating effect. Few albums ever have seen the battle between dark and light so fully realised.

Evergrey – Theories Of Emptiness

Possibly the greatest album of their career yet, the Swedish giants have managed to exceed even their own lofty standards with this opus that manages to blend crushing heaviness with emotional heft. Huge riffs, melodies to make your heart soar and lyrics that emerge from the dark into a more hopeful place. This is a triumph.

Flint Moore – The Aches And The End

Jaw-dropping material from a band who somehow throw Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Pearl into a melting pot and comeup with something very much their own. A stunning debut that points towards a Glastonbury headline slot one day.

Sephine Llo – Diamond Fall

An album born from a devastating loss, this is arguably the most cathartic and healing release this year. A world to dive into and absorb, this may be fragile, but you can feel the strength at its core.

Saxon – Hell, Fire And Damnation

Following on from their recent streak of superb albums, this is their greatest work since the seismic quartet that started their career. With Diamond Head six-stringer Brian Tatler joining the fun, this is full-on Heavy Metal thunder from the veterans.

Crimson Veil – Hex

Taking their pagan goth Metal and mixing in early Kate Bush at her most theatrical, Crimson Veil added an otherworldly beauty and sense of danger to their support shows for Finnish monsters Lordi. This atmosphere is perfectly captured here, and the results are fascinating and enough to keep you up at night.

Crossbone Skully – Evil World Machine

Proper, dirty rock ‘n’ roll with some touches of glam amongst the grit. This latest project by polymathic Alice Cooper/Hollywood Vampires guitarist Tommy Henrikson is the opening chapter of what promises to be an epic journey.

Ones To Watch

No intro, no explanation. Just check them out if you have not already. Some better known artists on the verge of a final push, but also one or two who will hopefully be big names within the next twelve months.

Flint Moore

Ward XVI

Tribe of Ghosts

Bloodywood

Alt Blk Era

Jehenna

Bamboozle

PREYRS

Chez Kane

Circus 66

Teiger

Røry

Withdrawn

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