Best Metal Albums of March 2024

Nocturnal Will by Dödsrit encapsulates an enthralling blend of emotional depth and atmospheric intensity, praised for its seamless fusion of black metal, crust punk, and melodic elements. The album’s dynamic use of both instrumental and vocal passages illustrates the band’s skills in crafting powerful, evocative music that moves between serene and ferocious with ease. Standout tracks like “Utmed Gyllbergens Stig” and “Nocturnal Fire” are remarkable for their intricate melodies and captivating transitions, underscoring the album’s ability to convey profound emotions and narratives without words. Despite its ambitious scope, Nocturnal Will maintains a cohesive sound that cements Dödsrit’s place in the modern metal landscape as purveyors of a unique and deeply resonant form of black metal​.

Hand of Kalliach’s Corryvreckan blends Scottish folklore with melodic death metal, capturing the essence of ancient myths and the raw beauty of Scotland’s landscapes. The album, praised for its atmospheric depth and the unique fusion of harsh metal elements with ethereal Celtic folk melodies, tells tales of legendary creatures and historical lore. Highlights include “Three Seas,” which sets an ominous tone, and “Dìoghaltas,” sung in Scots Gaelic, adding authenticity to the thematic exploration. Overall, Corryvreckan offers an immersive journey into the heart of Scottish myth, marked by both its brutal intensity and unique melodies​.

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In Waves by Fall of Leviathan is a deep dive into both the literal and metaphorical depths of the ocean and the human psyche, presented through a captivating blend of post-rock and post-metal. The album stands out for its dynamic range, seamlessly transitioning from tranquil, ambient moments to intense, heavier passages, encapsulating the vastness and mystery of the sea. It’s a journey that’s both broad in scope and intimate in its exploration of emotional landscapes, aiming to evoke a spectrum of feelings from its listeners. While it achieves a coherent atmospheric experience, it’s noted that some tracks may benefit from further development to reach the impactful moments characteristic of the genre’s leading acts. Nonetheless, the album’s thematic focus and musical narratives make it an engaging experience, offering a blend of beauty and brooding introspection that enriches the post-rock and post-metal genres.

Vault of Horrors by Aborted blends the band’s intense death metal sound with the thematic richness of horror movie narratives, crafting a unique and conceptually innovative album. This record is notable for its musical diversity and the inclusion of various guest vocalists, enhancing its atmospheric depth while maintaining the group’s characteristic explosive metal core. The polished production work complements the band’s ambitious effort to intertwine elements of horror with aggressive metal, making songs like “Dreadbringer” and “The Golgothan” standout tracks for their thematic intensity and delivery. This creative direction not only solidifies Aborted’s position as genre innovators but also broadens the appeal of Vault of Horrors, making it a significant entry in their discography and a noteworthy release in the death metal community.

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Myrath’s album Karma continues to showcase the band’s unique blend of heavy metal and oriental melodies, making it a vibrant and uplifting experience. From the energizing opener “To the Stars” to the epic finale “Carry On,” the album captivates with its mix of sharp riffs, powerful vocals, and cinematic soundscapes. While it explores new directions with a more mainstream and heavier sound, reducing the emphasis on Middle Eastern melodies, Karma retains the essence of Myrath’s identity. Through its compelling melodies and dynamic compositions, Karma offers an empowering listening experience, highlighting Myrath’s musical evolution while staying true to their roots. Recommended for all publics.

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Invincible Shield by Judas Priest merges the band’s signature heavy metal ferocity with melodic mastery, receiving praise for maintaining the group’s vitality deep into their career. Highlights like “Panic Attack” and “The Serpent and the King” demonstrate their unyielding energy and knack for catchy, hard-hitting metal anthems. Rob Halford’s wide-ranging vocal prowess, alongside the dynamic guitar duo of Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, anchors the album’s powerful sound, showcasing a blend of classic Priest and fresh elements. Despite some tracks not hitting the peak of their early work, the album’s overall quality and cohesiveness have been lauded, marking another high point in Judas Priest’s legendary discography​.

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Northern Genocide’s The Point of No Return blends melodic death metal with industrial and symphonic elements, offering a dynamic and energetic experience that marks a bold evolution from their debut. This album from the Helsinki-based band features aggressive guitar riffs, massive orchestrations, and diverse vocal styles, making it a rich and engaging listen. The inclusion of guest musicians adds depth, while tracks range from headbanging anthems to mid-paced reflections, demonstrating the band’s versatility and thematic depth with critiques on world issues. It’s an album that combines fun with complexity, promising for both new listens and deep dives.

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Men Guðs hond er sterk by Hamferð is a poignant exploration of tragedy and hope, blending death/doom metal with emotionally charged narratives rooted in the Faroe Islands’ history. Its meticulously crafted tracks, highlighted by Jón Aldará’s emotive vocals, navigate the delicate balance between somber melodies and crushing heaviness. The album, celebrated for its cohesive storytelling and immersive atmosphere, offers a compelling journey through despair and resilience. Standout moments include “Glæman” with its gentle, hopeful melodies, and the title track’s haunting recollection of survival against odds, showcasing the band’s mastery in conveying deep, universal emotions through their unique sound.

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Warp Speed Warriors by DragonForce is an electrifying power metal album that serves as a high-octane soundtrack capable of elevating the mood of its listeners. Known for their fast-paced, melody-driven compositions, DragonForce has crafted an album that pulses with energy from start to finish. Tracks like “Space Marine Corp” and “Doomsday Party” exemplify the band’s ability to blend frantic musicianship with catchy, anthemic choruses, making each song a potential crowd-pleaser at live shows. The inclusion of a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” adds a surprising twist, showcasing the band’s playful side without sacrificing the album’s overall intensity. Warp Speed Warriors stands as a proof to DragonForce’s continued evolution within the power metal genre, delivering a collection of songs that not only excite but also uplift the spirit of the listener, maintaining their position as stalwarts of the scene.

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Anthesis by Suldusk weaves a compelling mixture of dark folk and blackgaze, blending serene acoustics with fierce metal elements in a showcase of emotional and sonic depth. Emily Highfield’s versatile vocals stand out, moving from haunting whispers to powerful howls, against a backdrop of meticulously arranged instrumentation that adds richness to the album. The production balances the raw essence of black metal with the clarity needed to highlight the folk influences. The album culminates in the epic “A Luminous End,” featuring Raphael Weinroth-Browne’s cello, encapsulating the album’s exploration of light and shade. Anthesis marks a significant evolution for Suldusk, offering a nuanced exploration of grief and acceptance through a beautifully dark musical landscape.

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