25 Metal Albums We’re Anticipating In 2024
If the work done in the heavy metal genre in 2023 is anything to go by, then 2024 is set to be a monumental one for heavy metal. According to Columnus Metallicus, 2023 was a year of exceptional releases.
On the metal scene in 2023, we saw a lot of death metal creativity, with bands like Cannibal Corpse and Obituary releasing standout albums. Groups such as 3 Inches of Blood and Agalloch released work that made us believe that classic sounds could well and truly be back. 2024 is here, and the year looks good, as there is a decent roster of upcoming albums that will keep the metal spirit thriving in the new year.
With heavyweights like Anthrax and Atheist set to release new material and the enduring excellence of The Black Dahlia Murder, the coming year is set to be another banner year for headbangers everywhere which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best upcoming Metal albums for 2024.
3 Inches of Blood – TBA
After their successful return to the metal scene, 3 Inches of Blood is set to continue in that direction with a potential album in 2024. They have three reunion shows slated for January 2024, after which we could see something new. If they do drop, it will be the first album after they last dropped the “Long Live Heavy Metal” album in 2012.
Agalloch – TBA
Agalloch’s atmospheric and progressive stylings are set to return in 2024. Their return is one of the most talked-about events in the underground scene. To the return comes a promise of an album that will blend black metal with post-rock and folk elements.
Anthrax- TBA
Thrash Titans Anthrax is set to return in 2024 with yet another high-octane album. After months of working with producer Jay Ruston on new material, The band is set to drop another trademark energetic album. This anticipated album could be massive, as it looks like one that could redefine thrash metal in 2024.
Atheist – TBA
Known for their technical prowess and complex compositions, Atheist’s upcoming release is already creating a buzz. As always, fans are expecting an album where they challenge genre boundaries with their intricate rhythms and sophisticated songwriting.
The Black Dahlia Murder – TBA
With a reputation for consistency and quality, The Black Dahlia Murder’s forthcoming album is among the most awaited in the metal community. Their new record will be their first with Brian Eschbach on vocals in place of the late and great Trevor Strnad and their first with guitarist Ryan Knight since 2015. They’re currently recording the new stuff, and we expect great things.
Chimaira – TBA
After disbanding in 2014 and making a few reunion appearances here and there, Chimaira’s slated performance at the 2024 Inkcarceration Fest signals a potent comeback. They are set to appear at the festival, which could mean new material is coming. Their Guitarist, Rob Arnold, has been out here dropping teasers. He said, “I won’t say that new Chimaira material is completely off the table.”
The Contortionist – TBA
Known for their intricate compositions, The Contortionist is expected to release a new album in 2024. Their previous work, including a repressing of their debut album “Exoplanet” in 2021, has set a high bar for what’s to come.
Judas Priest- March, 2024
With the impending release of “Invincible Shield” in March 2024, Judas Priest continues to show why they can be called metal gods. Following the success of their 2018 album “Firepower,” fans are eagerly anticipating their nineteenth studio album. The album is set to be another dose of their trademark quintessential heavy metal sound.
Kreator – TBA
German thrash titans Kreator are gearing up to enter the studio once more, hinting at a new album to follow their 2017 release “Gods of Violence.” Fans can expect a unique and powerful album as they prepare to unite with fellow German metal icons for the Klash of the Ruhrpott festival.
Myrath – February, 2024
Tunisian metal band Myrath has already tantalized listeners with the single “Heroes” from their upcoming album “Karma,” set for release in February 2024. The band has this unique way of blending progressive metal with Middle Eastern influences. This unique fusion has earned them fans worldwide, who are looking forward to “Karma.”
Necrowretch – February 2, 2024
Necrowretch is well known for their aggressive style and they are set to continue that with their fifth studio album. On February 2, 2024, the French death metal squad Necrowretch will release their fifth studio album, Swords Of Dajjal. It was recorded at Studio Sainte Marthe in Paris and mixed/mastered by Francis Caste. This album will be a major follow-up to their recently released first advance single, “Numidian Knowledge.”
Persefone- February 2, 2024
Andorran extreme prog metal unit PERSEFONE will release their upcoming EP, “Lingua Ignota: Part I,” on February 2, 2024, via Napalm Records! Acclaimed in the global metal scene, PERSEFONE has previously taken over live stages at huge festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Brutal Assault, and 70,000 Tons of Metal and has toured with many acknowledged artists, such as OBSCURA and NE OBLIVISCARIS on their 2023 European tour. They also toured South America as headliners, and their European headliner tour is set for February 2024.
Striker – TBA
Striker is adding finishing touches to “Ultrapower,” an album set to add to their portfolio of high-octane metal anthems. ULTRAPOWER” follows their Juno Award-winning self-released full-length album “Play to Win” (2018). The album was released on their label Record Breaking Records and features the band’s latest lineup addition of long-time friend and guitarist John Simon Fallon (The Order of Chaos).
Chelsea Wolfe – TBA
Chelsea Wolfe’s upcoming album, teased by the single “Whispers in the Echo Chamber,” is set to explore new depths of her gothic soundscapes, following a year where she grew so much as an artist.
Infected Rain – February 9, 2024
The band is set to release their multifaceted sixth studio album, “Time,” on February 9, 2024. According to the Band, the album is set to be “an homage to every fleeting second, every heartbeat, and every breath that has led us to this moment.”
Ihsahn – February 16, 2024
The Norwegian solo artist Ihsahn is preparing to release his self-titled album, “Ihsahn.” This self-titled conceptual release will see the Norwegian black metal legend unveil a prog metal record and a fully symphonic accompanying album on February 16 via Candlelight. The idea, he says, came from wanting to “raise the bar tenfold” for his eighth LP.
Riot V – TBA
After signing with Atomic Fire Records in 2023, Riot V is set to release “Mean Streets,” continuing their legacy of power metal prowess. This album follows their rebranding and the addition of Todd Michael Hall as their fifth official singer.
Ace Frehley – TBA
Ace Frehley, having left an indelible mark on KISS and the rock world, is slated to electrify fans with his “10,000 Volts” solo effort in 2024. Discussing the album in a recent interview, Frehley said his latest solo album would make his former KISS bandmate Paul Stanley “look like an imbecile,” adding further barbs to their tempestuous relationship and all but confirming that Ace won’t be appearing onstage during KISS’ final concerts.
Amaranthe – February 23, 2024
Known for their blend of melodic metal and pop sensibilities, Amaranthe is gearing up to release “The Catalyst.” The Catalyst is set to be the most conceptually coherent piece of work in Amaranthe’s storied history. The Catalyst will see the light of the day on February 23, 2024, via Nuclear Blast Records. The album will be available digitally and in different physical formats, including CD, Vinyl, and a 2CD Special Edition
Borknagar- TBA
Borknagar, the avant-garde metal ensemble, is preparing to unveil “Fall.” “Fall” includes eight majestic tracks across 54 epic minutes of playing time, once again brilliantly mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, KREATOR) and featuring stunning album cover artwork by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, MY DYING BRIDE, SODOM). Their previous works have been lauded for their intricate compositions and philosophical depth, setting high expectations for their upcoming release.
Darkest Hour – February 23, 2024
Darkest Hour, a band consistently delivering powerful melodic death metal, is set to release “Perpetual I Terminal.” In 2024. The album Perpetual | Terminal will be out on February 23 by MNRK Heavy.
In the press release, the band shares the meaning behind their upcoming album: “This is a whole Darkest Hour album in one song. It felt like the perfect album opener, eventually became the title track, and therefore, is the perfect place to start as we present this new album to the world. Lyrically, it touches on all of the themes of the record — an album centered around the duality of survival and rebirth. Or, you could just say, some new music from old friends who just won’t ever give up.
Job for a Cowboy – February 23, 2024
Job for a Cowboy is returning with “Moon Healer,” an album highly anticipated by fans of technical death metal. Iconic, experimental death metal outfit JOB FOR A COWBOY will release their long-awaited new full-length Moon Healer via Metal Blade Records on February 23, 2024. The release marks the band’s first new full-length in a decade!
Moon Healer vividly illustrates what happens when creativity, aggression, and volatility tangle for the first time in years. Like the band’s critically adored, 2014-released Sun Eater full-length, Moon Healer is musically multifaceted, unabashedly brutal, and compellingly conceptual. Featuring a newly refreshed and reinspired lineup of frontman and co-founder Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and drummer (since 2020) Navene Koperweis, the band seamlessly picks up the mantle where Sun Eater left off.
Lionheart – February 23, 2024
After their previous album, “The Reality of Miracles,” captivated fans, Lionheart is poised to release their next opus, “The Grace of a Dragonfly,” on February 23 through Metalville Records. Despite its serene title, this album delves into the harrowing theme of World War II, embodying an anti-war message while paying homage to those who fought for freedom.
Supported by Lionheart’s superb songwriting, soaring backing vocals, beautiful twin guitar harmonies, and atmospheric keyboards, Lionheart’s sheer power shines brightly from every one of the eleven songs, culminating in a heartfelt prayer for peace in the world.
Each new Lionheart album has brought with it a leap in the quality of the songwriting and production, and this album is no exception. “The Grace Of A Dragonfly” is nothing short of epic and is by far Lionheart’s finest work to date.
Mick Mars – February 23, 2024
Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars is stepping out with his solo project, showcasing the “Mars side” of his artistry. His upcoming album, “The Other Side Of Mars,” scheduled for release on February 23, 2024, promises a cinematic soundscape that retains the thickness fans expect from the legendary guitarist.
Mars says about “Loyal To The Lie”: “I wanted to do something that was just big and mean.” But no matter what direction he’s going in on “The Other Side Of Mars,” what ties it all together is “that people are going to hear my tone — my sound,” Mars says. “I am what I am. Nobody else can do it. And like everyone, I’ve got a limited number of years. So, I’m gonna do all I can to do a lot of stuff.”
Bruce Dickinson- TBA
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson is no stranger to ambitious projects, and his latest endeavor, “The Mandrake Project,” is already stirring excitement among fans. Following a year where Iron Maiden’s influence remained unshaken in the metal world, Dickinson’s solo work is highly anticipated. Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Dickinson’s upcoming album is expected to be a masterful blend of storytelling and metal virtuosity.
The Mandrake Project” is a dark, adult story of power, abuse, and a struggle for identity, set against the backdrop of scientific and occult genius. Created by Dickinson, scripted by Tony Lee, and stunningly illustrated by Staz Johnson for Z2 Comics, the series features 12 episodes collected into three graphic novels and will be launched in 2024.
An eight-page comic prequel to “The Mandrake Project,” titled “Afterglow Of Ragnarok,” is included within the vinyl seven-inch single booklet, which accompanies the single of the same name and sets the scene for the story. The seven-inch single also features Dickinson’s original solo demo version of the song “If Eternity Should Fail,” which first appeared on IRON MAIDEN’s album “The Book Of Souls” in 2015.
