Best Metal Albums of May 2024

Wheel‘s latest album, Charismatic Leaders, mixed by Forrester Savell (known for his work with Karnivool and TesseracT), marks their debut under InsideOutMusic. Formed in 2015, Wheel has rapidly evolved from Helsinki’s local scene to an international force. This album continues the band’s trajectory from their acclaimed releases, “Moving Backwards” and “Resident Human,” featuring a blend of sharp riffs, memorable melodies, and ambitious compositions. Although it might not maintain constant engagement for every listener, Charismatic Leaders provides a rich, eclectic progressive metal experience, especially for genre enthusiasts, showcasing magnific production quality.

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Darkness Everywhere‘s latest album, To Conquer Eternal Damnation, showcases melodic death metal at its most aggressive and intense. Released on May 10, 2024, through Creator-Destructor Records, this album features monstrous vocals and relentless energy, making it an excellent choice for hitting the gym hard. Formed in 2020 in Oakland, California, the band has quickly risen in the metal scene with their fierce instrumentation and dark themes. Recorded at Sharkbite Studios, the album’s ten tracks blend brutal riffs and vocals, however, is not as inmersive I would like it to be due to the lack of variety in compositions.

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Unleash the Archers‘ latest album, Phantoma, released on May 10, 2024, through Napalm Records, is a powerhouse of epic and catchy power metal tracks. Known for their dynamic blend of power metal and melodic elements, this album continues to build on the band’s previous successes with Apex (2017) and Abyss (2020). The songs in Phantoma offer a variety of elements and memorable melodies, making it one of their most solid albums to date. Produced by Andrew Saunders and mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, the album features impressive AI generated cover art by Dusty Peterson. The album’s tracks, like “Ghosts in the Mist” and “Green & Glass,” showcase a refined and mature sound, allowing Brittney Slayes’ powerful vocals to shine. With a Minecraft-reminiscent cover, Phantoma is a good addition to the power metal genre​

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Botanist returns with Paleobotany, released on May 17, 2024, via Prophecy Productions, showcasing a masterful blend of contrasting elements. This album, featuring the characteristic hammered dulcimer, sharpens the balance between harsh and beautiful tones, presenting a more imposing and traditional metal sound compared to its predecessor, VIII: Selenotrope. Tracks like “Aristolochia” and “Sigillaria” highlight Botanist‘s unique ability to weave haunting and disturbing atmospheres, with a mix by Fredrik Nordström that ensures each instrument’s clarity and power. Maintaining their reputation for innovation, Botanist delivers a compelling and immersive experience with Paleobotany.​

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Vredehammer‘s latest album, God Slayer, released on May 24, 2024, via Indie Recordings, is a powerful display of black and death metal prowess. Known for their thunderous riffs and callous vocals, this album continues to display the band’s aggressive and intense sound. With tracks like “God Slayer” and “From the Abyss”, the album features relentless energy and intricate compositions. The album was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, ensuring a high-quality production that highlights the band’s ferocity and technical skill. As expected from Vredehammer, God Slayer is an impressive addition to their discography, delivering a raw and impactful listening experience.

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Aquilus‘s latest album, Bellum II, released on May 3, 2024, by Northern Silence Productions, exemplifies the band’s mastery of blending symphonic elements with black metal. Known for complex compositions and cinematic atmospheres, Aquilus has achieved a remarkable balance on this album, avoiding the common pitfall of overloading with unnecessary classical sections. Tracks like “By Tallow Noth” and “Nigh to Her Gloam” reflects a journey through emotion, anger, and sadness, with mournful blast-beating, lyrical female vocals, and piano cascades. This album, featuring refined arrangements and a strong mix by Jens Bogren, elevates the fusion of black metal and symphonic elements to new heights, making it an essential listen for fans of the genre​.

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ARKA’N ASRAFOKOR‘s upcoming album, Dzikkuh, blends Togolese folk rhythms with groove and progressive metal to create a highly satisfying experience. Known for their catchy music, powerful riffs, and engaging choruses, the band’s latest effort promises to be a well-rounded and versatile album suitable for various tastes and occasions. Although the album’s release has been postponed, fans can already enjoy three singles: “The Truth”, “Angry God of Earth”, and “Walk With Us”. This highly anticipated album is definitely worth the wait.

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Sykofant‘s self-titled debut album, Sykofant, exists within the progressive landscape, drawing influences from pop, jazz, funk, surf, and fusion. The band, hailing from Oslo, Norway, seeks to push the boundaries of traditional prog rock with this release, infusing fresh and dynamic elements into well-trodden musical paths. The album features jazzy yet forceful drums, heavy yet funky bass lines, virtuosic yet catchy guitar solos, harmonic yet chaotic riffs, and energetic yet longing vocals. This eclectic mix creates an inhospitable yet serene atmosphere that envelops the listener, making Sykofant a standout addition to the rock genre. With tracks like “Pavement of Colors” and “Between Air and Water”, the album offers a variety of musical experiences that are both innovative and captivating. Such a great album for prog fans.

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HELL:ON latest album, Shaman, released on May 17, 2024, through Archivist Records, offers a compelling blend of thrash and death metal with distinct cultural influences, such as oriental features. Known for their innovative approach, the Ukrainian band incorporates traditional instruments like the sitar and diverse percussion to create a unique soundscape. The album features tracks such as “What Steppes Dream About” and “He with the Horse’s Head”, which highlight their ability to merge powerful riffs with intricate melodies and atmospheric elements. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at TA Production Studio in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, Shaman delivers a dynamic and immersive listening experience, showcasing HELL:ON continued evolution in the death metal genre.

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Ufomammut‘s latest album, Hidden, released on May 17, 2024, via Neurot Recordings, perfectly encapsulates their unique blend of science fiction elements with cavernous, heavy rhythms characteristic of doom metal. The album’s atmosphere is meticulously crafted, making listeners feel as though they are in a futuristic, industrial, and hostile world. With tracks like “Crookhead” and “Mausoleum”, the band combines slow, heavy doom riffs with ultra-sludge elements, creating a soundscape that is both immersive and intense. This release continues to dislpay Ufomammut‘s ability to innovate within the genre, making Hidden a significant addition to the doom metal archives​.

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