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We were still wrepping up all annual release charts and Best of playlists for last year when 2024 started dropping some serious modern metal goodness. The last three months were anything short of amazing and if this is an indication, the year will be a blast. I don't remember the last time I had this much trouble selecting the Top 20 of the last quarter, and after many changes and re-shuffles, these have to be the ultimate highlights of Q1:
20. Sun Eater - 'Moira (Nona, Decima, Morta)'
I don't always listen to deathcore, but when I do, I want it to be as apocalyptic, cinematic and filthy as Sun Eater's latest gem 'Moira (Nona, Demica, Morta)'.
19. Advents - 'CHROMA'
A slick and groovy entry by Advents, taken right from their brilliant self-released EP PERSONA MELODIES (full review) that gave 2024 the fiery start it needed early in January.
18. The Ghost Inside - 'Split'
Just The Ghost Inside remindng us what they do best on their latest 'Split', with their upcoming Searching For Solace just around the corner, set for 19 April.
17. Bring Me The Horizon - 'Kool-Aid'
As refreshing, edgy and unpredictable as always, Bring Me The Horizon premiered the chaotic 'Kool-Aid' as another teaser for their hugely anticipated POST HUMAN: NeX GEn.
16. Windwaker - 'The Wall'
The groovy opening of Windwaker's recent 4-track EP Enter The Wall (full review) is a bold statement that the wild Aussies are about to play a huge role in the future of the scene.
15. Thornhill - 'Obsession'
Thornhill are firmly following the direction of their recent singles and taking it even further than 'Viper Room' on their latest, slick and smooth 'Obsession'.
14. Alienist - 'Distorted Reflections'
Another proper Aussie-flavoured rager 'Distorted Reflections' by UNFD's latest find Alienist, taken right from their exemplary debut EP Love / Hate (full review).
13. Afterglow - 'Crash'
My favoure Mexican powerhouse Afterglow finally dropped their debut record Inward (full review) with modern metal anthem 'Crash' just one of the many highlights inside.
12. Avralize - 'LOTUS'
The outstanding Arising Empire-backed German band AVRALIZE dropped the certified modern banger 'LOTUS' from their insanely captivating debut album FREAKS (full review).
11. Defocus - 'don't let it hurt me'
A masterclass in contemporary metalcore, Defocus dropped the fantastic 'don't let it hurt me' to celebrate their sophomore LP there is a place for me on earth (full review).
10. The Plot In You - 'Don't Look Away'
The Plot In You making it impossible not to adore them with yet another unforgetabble piece of slick modern metal goodness 'Don't Look Away'.
9. Northlane - 'Miasma' (ft. Winston McCall)
A true Australian clash of titans for the ages, Northlane teaming up with Parkway Drive's very own Winston McCall on their latest djenty anthem 'Miasma' from their upcoming EP.
8. Alpha Wolf - 'Whenever You're Ready'
Already known as uncompromising and punishing, Alpha Wolf unlocked new highs with their passionate new single 'Whenever You're Ready' from their upcoming LP Half Living Things.
7. LANDMVRKS - 'Creature'
Following a quiet 2023, finally a thunderous return to prime form by the French juggernauts LANDMVRKS with their latest audio-visual masterpiece 'Creature'.
6. Imminence - 'The Black'
Nothing to add here that hasn't been said already, Imminence reached new highs on their haunting title single from their upcoming The Black, set for 12 Apr.
5. thrown - 'backfire'
Banger after banger after banger, thrown entering the Top 20 yet again with amother monstrous single 'backfire' hopefully leading to that killer debut LP we've been waiting for.
4. Banks Arcade - 'Killing Games' / 'Roulette'
Banks Arcade return to top form on their unapologetically good EP Death 2 (full review), packed with modern metal ragers like 'Killing Games' and their latest single 'Roulette'.
3. While She Sleeps - 'LEAVE ME ALONE'
Just While She Sleeps operating on a whole new level on their latest screamer 'Leave Me Alone' as the opening to their phenomenal sixth record SELF HELL (full review) just out.
2. The Devil Wears Prada - 'Ritual'
Just when we thought the quarter cannot get any better, a wild The Devil Wears Prada appeared to drop the examplary arena anthem and absolute vibe 'Ritual'.
1. Bad Omens ft. Poppy - 'V.A.N'
Bad Omens made the loudest possible comeback with the generation-defining and deliberatly divisive collab 'V.A.N' featuring a surprising centre-stage appearance by their label and tour mate Poppy, undoubtedly the climax of the Quarter.
Keep an eye on this page as we dive deeper into 2024 and start reviewing the glorious singles, EPs and albums Quarter 2 has to offer!
The Most Anticipated Releases For Quarter 2 of 2024 (confirmed dates):
ERRA - Cure (UNFD), 5 Apr
Alpha Wolf - Half Living Things (SharpTone), 5 Apr
Northlane - Mirror's Edge EP (Self), 12 Apr
Imminence - The Black (Self), 12 Apr
The Ghost Inside - Searching For Solace (Epitaph Records), 19 Apr
P.O.D. - Veritas (Mascot Records), 3 May
Knocked Loose - You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To (Pure Noise Records), 3 May
Like Moths To Flames - The Cycles of Trying to Cope (UNFD), 10 MaY
Wildcard: Sum 41 - 'Dopamine'
Still finding it hard to accept 2024 is shaping to be the last year we talk about new music from the Canadian legends Sum 41, with 'Dopamine' as one of the last ever singles and videos we get from their conclusive album Heaven :x: Hell... You will be missed!
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