The year has only just begun, but we already know that there are plenty of upcoming releases to be excited about. While some of them are still shrouded in mystery, we have put together a short list of the albums we think you should be keeping an eye out for in the months ahead. Here is a quick rundown of the hottest new albums that 2024 has in store (in no particular order).
10. Elettra Storm – Powerlords
Fans of epic power metal should be in for an absolute treat when Elettra Storm’s debut album “Powerlords” arrives on February 16th 2024. Combining the glory of early 00’s era metal from Rhapsody of Fire and Stratovarius, with the more modernised styling of female-fronted bands like Frozen Crown and Unleash the Archers, the Italian outfit (spearheaded by SinHeresy co-founder Davide Sportiello and Crystal Emiliani on vocals) are definitely poised to make their indelible mark on the sub-genre. This much is clear if first single “Higher than the Stars” is any indication to go by. We can’t wait to hear more!
9. Dragonforce – Warp Speed Warriors
While we’re on the subject of epic power metal, it doesn’t get much more epic (or cheesy for that matter) than British power metal band Dragonforce. Having already released two great singles in “Power of the Triforce” and “Doomsday Party”, we pretty much know what to expect from this one. Alright let’s be honest, we knew even before hearing these two songs. And if you ask us, we couldn’t be happier! Heavy metal doesn’t always have to be serious after all. Our inner geek can’t help but be appreciative of the multiple pop culture references either. “Warp Speed Warriors” (featuring Alicia Vigil on bass and backing vocals) is set to drop on the 15th March 2024. See you at the party!
8. Exit Eden – Femmes Fatales
If we were to predict an album’s success based on star power alone, then sophomore album “Femme Fatales” by the multinational symphonic metal band Exit Eden would certainly be a sure-fire hit. The ensemble is an undeniable supergroup, consisting of Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis), Anna Brunner (League of Distortion) and Marina La Torraca (Phantom Elite). And while we’re a little saddened to hear that Amanda Somerville (Trillium, Avantasia) will not be returning on this album, the lineup is still plenty strong, and we fully understand her reasons for not being involved. Fans of the previous album will be happy to know that the band will still be covering international hit songs, but perhaps even more exciting is the addition of original compositions this time around, such as first single “Run!” featuring Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish bassist/vocalist). Either way, we won’t have to wait long to find out as “Femme Fatales” is speeding towards us on 12th January 2024. Get ready!
7. Illumishade – Another Side of You
Illumishade have returned to brighten (or should that be darken?) our 2024 with their second album “Another Side of You”, which promises to be an even bigger event than their smash-hit debut album “ECLYPTIC: Wake of Shadows”. Featuring Mirjam Skal (synth/orchestrations) and the always brilliant Fabienne Erni (vocals/keyboards), the Swiss progressive metallers are preparing to deliver something very special on this record. In their own words, they are aiming for the music to “carry you to places unknown”. And judging by the two extraordinary singles released so far (“Enemy” and “Here We Are”), we think they might succeed. “Another Side of You” is due to drop on February 16th 2024, and we will definitely be showing up to listen to it – rain or shine!
6. Leaves’ Eyes – Myths of Fate
Fancy some symphonic viking metal this year? Then never fear because Leaves’ Eyes have got you covered. Their ninth studio album “Myths of Fate” will be raiding your speakers on the 22nd March 2024, and features the hit single “Forged By Fire” that was first premiered to a live audience at Wacken in 2023. The song tells the story of the legendary Tyrfing sword. Although the title could just as easily be applied to lead vocalist Elina Siirala, who faced a difficult trial when first joining the band due to the controversy surrounding the departure of Liv Kristine, but thankfully was undeterred and has emerged stronger than ever. And for that we raise our drinking horns and let out a hearty cheer!
5. Infected Rain – Time
Our excitement levels for this album have reached fever-pitch. Off the back of three spectacular singles, “Because I Let You Go”, “Dying Light”, “Never To Return”, which incidentally are the opening three tracks of new album “Time”, we are simply holding out for the rest of the album to drop now on the 9th February 2024. The album is the follow-up to the widely acclaimed and immensely popular “Ecdysis”, and witnesses the return of the ever-versatile frontwoman Lena Scissorhands (vocals), along with introducing the newest member Alice Lane (bass). We believe that Infected Rain have yet another winner on their hands, and with any luck “Time” should prove us right on that!
4. Amaranthe – The Catalyst
Speaking of time, who can believe that Swedish alternative modern metal band Amaranthe have been going for nigh on 15 years now? We suddenly feel very old. Thankfully they still sound just as energetic and youthful as ever. In fact, fans can pretty much expect to hear more of the same as Amaranthe have not varied the formula much in their career, and this is unlikely to change on their 7th album “The Catalyst” either. But that’s in no way a criticism (If it aint broke… etc). Elise Ryd is in incredible form on the most recent single, “Outer Dimensions”, hitting almost stratospheric high notes from the outset (as she is so famous for doing in her career). We cannot wait for this album to be a catalyst for helping us to achieve some of our New Year’s resolutions, because you can’t help but get fired up and motivated while listening to this band. Roll on February 23!
3. New Years Day – Half Black Heart
We were just speaking about the new year. How’s that for another segue? But on a serious note, it’s with great pleasure that we can add New Years Day to this list as the original line-up reunites to bring us “Half Black Heart” on 1st March 2024. As you can imagine, such an event “holds a deep significance” for lead vocalist Ash Costello and also promises to revive the signature sound that originally defined their music. Judging by the first single, “Secrets”, this certainly appears to be accurate. And for that we can all be grateful!
2. Alterium Debut Album
Last year we received the sad news that Italian power metal band Kalidia had disbanded. But it turns out that this might have been a good thing ultimately, because now we can celebrate the outstanding new power metal project by ex-Kalidia frontwoman Nicoletta Rosellini. While the new album has not yet officially been announced for this year, we think it’s a safe bet that we’ll hear something about it very shortly. In the meantime, we have two excellent singles to hold us over, with “Siren’s Call” and “Drag Me To Hell” proving that there is still plenty of reason for us to be cheeful!
1. New Nightwish Album
A new album by these symphonic metal titans is obviously a very big deal in the metal scene (though we’ll admit that our hype around this event has diminished over the years). We know very little at this stage, only that it is supposed to be coming – but even that is not set in stone. Yet we are still nervously excited about this one. Emphasis on the ‘nervously’. Most of us here have been longtime Nightwish fans, but their last effort “Human. :II: Nature” was a particular low point from our perspective (in what has been a gradual decline for several years). But we still hope and dream of the day that the band can recapture the magic and creativity of their earlier days. And this next album is another opportunity for them to display that. However, the early signs are admittedly troublesome. Marko Hietala (bass/vocals) will be sorely missed. And with only two original members remaining, the band has become almost unrecognisable now. The overbearing folksy influence of Troy Donockley on their sound hasn’t exactly helped matters either. Here’s hoping they can prove us wrong!