“You’ve read all the other year end “best of” lists. Now get ready to read the only one that matters!” It’s hard to believe this is the fourth consecutive year I’ve done one of these year-end lists professionally and not simply for the pleasure of a group chat or two. This is usually the part of the preamble where I boast about how we yet again smashed records, spreading the true metal gospel to more maniacs than ever, when in reality, this was not the case. In fact, for the sake of full transparency, viewership was down 44% this year. Why? Beats me. Perhaps MetalSucks or Lars Ulrich or some other outside entity put a hex on us, or is paying the Google algorithm to work against us?
Now this doesn’t mean that 2024 was a “bad year” for Defenders of the Faith. In fact, quite the opposite: It might’ve been our best year to date. If nothing else, 2024 was the year that separated the true from the false. And whenever I had doubts in my mind about this webzine’s future, I’d be taken aback by the messages of support from headbangers the globe over via Facebook, email, and beyond. Clearly, this little webzine that could means something to someone, and if you’re amongst that bunch, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With that being said, Defenders looks forward to steamrolling into 2025, stronger than ever before and with a renewed vengeance. We’re lining up interviews as we speak, and whereas most Januarys are new music dead zones, expect an avalanche of reviews come our winter break reemergence. We will continue to provide the latest and greatest on heavy MUSIC today, no tabloid BS to be found, and remain the thorn in the side of the false metal masses, the funderground, and all others who stand in our way. As a certain band who graces this list once sang, “Never Surrender”. Without further ado, here’s our Top 40 Albums of 2024.
40. Victory – Circle of Life
“NAAAAAAAANNNNTTTTTSSSS INGONYAMAAAAA”! That’s right kids, today we’re talking about the Circle of Life, and not the one from that cartoon lion movie. No, this Circle of Life is just good ol’ fashioned, Teutonic hard and heavy fun. Reenergized and rejuvenated with a new incarnation in tow, veteran guitarist Herman Frank continues to claim victory with Victory. Two albums into this new era and the band is arguably the strongest they’ve been since their late ’80s/early ’90s heyday. If you’re looking for a clinic in hooks and melodies, look no further than Circle of Life.
39. FM – Old Habits Die Hard
Although FM are a band who never fell victim soulless trend-hopping, staying true to their melodic rock roots through the course of their 40 year career, even I found myself surprised by how much I enjoyed their latest album, Old Habits Die Hard. Its an extremely well crafted collection of bluesy hard rockers, feelgood pop tunes, and sophisticated AOR anthems, guaranteed to pull at the heartstrings of every true melodic rocker. The band plays with power and force, while frontman Steve Overland delivers a vocal performance rivaling that of a prime Paul Rodgers. There’s “no static at all” here!
38. Critical Defiance – The Search Won’t Fall
Hailing from the fiery depths of Chile, Critical Defiance absolutely scorched 2024 with their third and finest album to date, The Search Won’t Fall. Fusing their usual Sepultura and Dark Angel leanings with a newfound technicality akin to Master of Puppets era Metallica has made their sound all the more punishingly pleasing. It’s hard to be original playing a genre that has been around for 40 years, but Critical Defiance manages to do so, paying homage to the gods of yesteryear while simultaneously carving their own niche within the thrasher underground. There’s no telling when these maniacs will strike next, so beware!
37. Vicious Blade – Relentless Force
Welcome back Sacrilege! OK, perhaps that’s not entirely fair, but thrash riffs with a crust disposition, female fronted rasps, and an all around anarchistic spirit? It sure sounds like the second coming of Birmingham’s finest metalpunks to me! All kidding aside, Vicious Blade absolutely destroy on their aptly titled debut album, Relentless Force. Lying somewhere between rancid crust, early thrash, and first wave black metal, every song on here comes off like a punch to the face, or perhaps a cut off a hesher curated mixtape circa ’85. Vicious Blade have a bright future ahead of them…a brightness, mind you, provided by hellfire and unadulterated rage.
36. Tonnerre – La nuit sauvage
Oui, oui! As the hard rocking alter ego of Canadian doomsters Cauchemar, Tonnerre took rockers by force with their debut album, La nuit sauvage. The incorporation of French lyrics into the mix made this collection of already exotic BÖC-esque bangers even tastier, making it a regular spin on this here maniac’s turntable all year long. As much as I dig Cauchemar, I sure hope Tonnerre proves to be more than a one off. This band is as solid at cranking out a catchy rocker as they are colossal doom hymns. Why not do both?
35. Witchtrap – Hungry as the Beast
Who’s hungry?! Witchtrap are! Few have the appetite for blackened thrashing that these maniacs do over 30 years into their storied career. Like every Witchtrap album before it, Hungry as the Beast sounds like an artifact from a bygone era, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Here’s a band who didn’t merely drink, but lapped from the well of Venom, Sodom, and Destruction, taking those hellish tendencies and turning them into something truly magical. Their voodoo remains potent as ever on Hungry, which should come with “neck-snapper guarantee” hype sticker.
34. Idol Throne – A Clarion Call
You gotta love it when a band beats the “sophomore slump” rap. For as much as I enjoyed Idol Throne’s 2022 debut, The Sibylline Age, I pondered internally if they’d be able to top it. Well, they managed to top it and then some with their latest affair, A Clarion Call. Doubling down on the thrashing riffs and virtuosic musicianship of their debut, Idol Throne comes out all guns blazing on this one, at times channeling the glory of Rust in Peace era Megadeth. Mark my words: Jason Schultz and Martin Bowman are the guitar duo to watch for the ’20s, putting nearly every other six-stringer to shame with their uncanny ability to craft ripping solos and intoxicating twin melodies.
33. Bewitcher – Spell Shock
It should come as no “shock” to anyone that Spell Shock, the latest from black-speed blasphemers Bewitcher, cracks our list. We’ve been raging to these devils going back to their now classic 2016 self titled debut. In the years since, they’ve only managed to impress, broadening their sound with increasing traditional metal and old school punk influence, yet without every losing sight of their roots. This largely sums up Spell Shock, which might be the band’s most dynamic affair to date. I still can’t get over the outlaw spirit of “Ride of the Ironfox”. Lemmy would be proud!
32. Nestor – Teenage Rebel
When Nestor came seemingly out of nowhere in 2021 with their debut album, Kids in a Ghost Town, many dismissed them as a here today, gone tomorrow gimmick act, one that would make their way around the euro fest circuit, only to fade into obscurity. Think again. Not only are Nestor back, but they’ve returned stronger than before with Teenage Rebel. Whereas Kids came off as a tongue in cheek spin on old school AOR, Teenage Rebel cements the band’s spot in the genre’s crowded playing field, elevating the tropes established by pioneers Foreigner and Survivor to new heights. The kids are teenagers now!
31. The Rods – Rattle the Cage
You can’t teach an old dogs new tricks? So what. If the trick still impresses after 45 years, why change a thing? It’s this philosophy that guides the latest album from veteran power trio The Rods, Rattle the Cage. Although classic bassist/singer Garry Bordonaro has since retired, founders David “Rock” Feinstein (guitars/vocals) and Carl Canedy (drums), joined by newcomer Freddy Villano, remain fired up as ever. In an age where damn near every band fits some sort of subgenre, The Rods continue to deal in good ol’ fashioned, no frills heavy metal, just like they did in the early ’80s. They’re still “Too Hot to Stop”!
30. Demon Bitch – Master of the Games
If you’re looking for an album that’s over the top for all the right reasons, look no further. Demon Bitch’s long awaited sophomore outing, Master of the Games, just snuck its way onto this list, having dropped no less than a few weeks ago. In the few weeks since its release, however, its made enough of an impact on yours truly than the lion’s share of 2024 releases, and how could it not? Expanding upon the traditions of Ray Alder era Fates Warning, Master is indeed a masterful display of USPM force, filled to the brim with theatrical pomp and raw energy. The euro “power metal” crop could learn a thing or two from these Motor City metallians.
29. Hands of Goro – Hands of Goro
Rarely does a supergroup form as super as Hands of Goro. Featuring lead singer/bassist Adrian Maestas (The Lord Weird Slough Feg), drummer Avinash Mittur (Nite), and guitarist Tom Draper (Spirit Adrift, Angel Witch, Carcass), this California based power trio fuses the best of the NWOBHM and early epic metal (i.e. Brocas Helm, Manilla Road, etc.) on their self titled debut outing. The songs are compelling and the riffs are absolutely air-guitar worthy, leaving us longing for even more when all is said and done. I look forward to seeing what else this band has “on hand” in the future. Get it? “On hand”? I’m here all night, folks.
28. Oxygen Destroyer – Guardian of the Universe
All hail the kaiju! Godzilla’s most beloved death-thrashing disciples, Oxygen Destroyer, reemerged in 2024 with their city-levelling third album, Guardian of the Universe, and it just kills. Expanding upon the best qualities of early Kreator and Morbid Saint, OD give the listener little room to breathe with this collection of bangers that truly captures the unhinged frenzy of a kaiju flick. The riffs are a blur and the blasts are enough to send a weaker being into cardiac arrest…but that isn’t you, right? If you like your metal fast, ferocious, and downright monstrous, Guardian of the Universe is the album to rule your universe.
27. Molder – Catastrophic Reconfiguration
Our brains are still boiling from the demented brilliance that is Molder’s third album, Catastrophic Reconfiguration. Like their two prior albums that graced our 2020 and 2022 lists respectively, Catastrophic Reconfiguration is a brutal offering of gory death circa ’89, yet without ever sounding rehashed or uninspired. Emboldened by dynamic performances and a production to die for (pun fully intended), Molder yet again leaves the OSDM crop in the dust, ready to exterminate the masses in 2025. Like the song goes, they’ve got “Nothing Left to Ooze”!
26. Desolus – System Shock
I’ll be the first to admit that when an album has a lot of hype leading up to its release, especially when its a release from a brand new band, I tend to err on the side of caution. I’ve been disappointed time and time again in scenarios like these, and though the Hells Headbangers label is usually a seal of approval, even in this case, I remained skeptical. Well folks, any skepticism I had regarding Desolus’ debut album, System Shock, went out the door the second I hit play. More than half a year since its release, and I’m still beyond floored at the pure violence on display. Death/thrash doesn’t get more devastating than this!
25. Bruce Dickinson – The Mandrake Project
Scream for me Defenders! Nearly 20 years since his last solo outing, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson returned with the absolutely stunning The Mandrake Project. Reunited with his old pal Ray Z on guitars, bass, keyboards, and production duties, Dickinson picked up right where he left off with 2005’s Tyranny of Souls, blowing the last album from his primary outfit out of the water without hesitation. Sure, there are a couple cuts on here that are perhaps “too progressive”, but for the most part, this is pure classic metal with phenomenal hooks. I’ve been singing along to “Many Doors to Hell” all year!
24. Magnum – Here Comes the Rain
When it rains, it pours. Magnum fans learned that the hard way this year, when founding guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin passed away mere days before the release of the band’s 23rd and final studio album, Here Comes the Rain. Since the inception of this webzine, whenever Magnum has released a new album, it’s managed to find its way on a year-end list, and for good reason. Few bands in the history of AOR have executed the genre with the class, sophistication, and prowess that Magnum has. They were a true original who will be sorely missed, and Here Comes the Rain goes toe to toe with the finest moments in their canon.
23. Demiser – Slave to the Scythe
Idol Throne wasn’t the only band who beat the sophomore slump curse this year. So did blackened thrash barbarians, Demiser, who proved you CAN be king of the world if you’re Slave to the Scythe. Whiskey, hatred, and sin proves to be ever the effective combination for these maniacs, who rage like the rightful heirs to Deströyer 666’s throne on this latest outing. From pulverizing thrashers (“Phallomancer the Phallomancer”, “Total Demise”) to sleazy black ‘n’ rollers (“Feast”, “Carbureted Speed”), Slave leaves no brimstone unturned!
22. Opeth – The Last Will and Testament
I’m not sure what’s more shocking about Opeth’s The Last Will and Testament: The band’s return to their humble progressive death metal roots, or the ghastly nature of the story itself. For the first time since 1999’s Still Life, Opeth have gone the concept album route. They do it so well that it makes one wish they wouldn’t wait every quarter century to do so, but I digress. After a handful of ’70s prog worship albums, it’s refreshing to hear Opeth fuse these tropes with the heady Swedish death metal that made headbangers fall for them in the first place.
21. Midnight – Hellish Expectations
They’re still ringin’ hell’s bell! After a few albums that snuck in NWOBHM riffs and maneuvers into their “Motörhead meets Venom” attack, Midnight throw things back to their blackened speedpunk roots with Hellish Expectations. Easily their fastest and filthiest since 2014’s No Mercy for Mayhem, Hellish Expectations gets right down to business, walloping us with 10 songs of high octane ferocity from the most fiery pits of hades. These songs especially hit the spot when unleashed live at an overcapacity Reggies this past Summer, despite how dehydrated yours truly was in the heat of the moment (pun fully intended).
20. Striker – Ultrapower
If this list were ranking bands in terms of tubular-ity, rad-ness, and all around badassery, Striker would be the “Best of the Best of the Best”. Armed with arena metal choruses, a pimped out wardrobe, and a carefree disposition, power in and of itself isn’t enough for these Canucks. No, they’re all about Ultrapower, which is exactly what they deliver on their 7th album. Tongue in cheek lyrics and humorous approach aside, the songs that make up Ultrapower are no joke, and arguably as compelling as any top shelf euro melodic hard rock act (i.e. H.E.A.T, Eclipse, etc.).
19. Attacker – The God Particle
40 years since they first appeared on the legendary Metal Massacre and we’re still calling on the Attacker. Although only founding drummer Mike Sabatini remains from the band’s ’80s heyday, the lineup he’s assembled in the years since serves as a fitting successor to the original incarnation’s legacy. The God Particle is proof positive of this, specializing in precisely impeccable USPM with an unavoidable sense of lyrical urgency. It’s a true musical reflection of its era, although I hope it doesn’t take another pandemic and further global discord to spawn another Attacker album.
18. Darkthrone – It Beckons Us All……
Just when you thought Darkthrone had done it all in their nearly 40 year run, they continue to defy all metallic norms with their latest album, It Beckons Us All……. Having settled comfortably into their “mature” blackened doom era, Beckons sees a return to the band’s early ’90s black metal roots, while simultaneously showcasing a bastardized spin on Cirith Ungol-esque epic doom. The end result is a truly disorienting, yet wildly unique album, that stands as its own singular entity in the ever-growing Darkthrone canon.
17. Vulture – Sentinels
Checkmate! Vulture comes flying into our list with yet another blistering thrash affair in Sentinels. Although it doesn’t rank as high as 2021’s Dealin’ Death, which made it all the way up to #2, Sentinels is no slouch. As a sucker for the likes of early Razor and Bonded by Blood era Exodus, I can’t help but thrash my ass off to the likes of “Unhallowed & Forgotten” and “Where There’s a Whip (There’s a Way)”. Equally as enjoyable are the forays into traditional metal à la Iron Maiden and Mercyful Fate. It’ll be interesting to see where Vulture goes with these leanings on the next album.
16. Mega Colossus – Showdown
The last time Mega Colossus cracked one of these lists (2021), they barely made the cut, dropping the incredible Riptime mere weeks before the year’s close. This year, they were early out of the gate, unleashing their latest opus, Showdown, way back in January. Nearly a year later, and this adventurous slab of USPM magnificence still holds up. Taking cues classic Maiden and Thundersteel era Riot, Mega Colossus are absolutely electric. Whether battering us with fist-pumping bangers (“Fortune and Glory”) or serenading us with hook-laden singalongs (“Wicked Road”), there’s little Mega Colossus can’t do.
15. Riot V – Mean Streets
They were born on these streets years ago (50, to be exact) and are still kings of the neighborhood. Although classic era members Guy Speranza, Rhett Forrester, and Mark Reale are unfortunately long since departed, that hasn’t stopped Thundersteel era bassist/songwriter Don Van Stavern from keeping the spirit of Riot alive. Mean Streets is yet another muscular outing of pure USPM, with a handful of homages to the band’s late ’70s/early ’80s heyday to boot. It’s a fitting celebrating of one of the genre’s most iconic acts. Without them, half of the bands on this list may have never formed in the first place!
14. Crystal Viper – The Silver Key
Sequels are usually never as good as the original. Crystal Viper’s The Silver Key is a rare exception. As the follow up to 2021’s Lovecraftian themed The Cult, which made it to #16 on its respective year end list, The Silver Key sees Marta Gabriel and the gang armed to the teeth with another collection of horrifically powerful metal hymns. The comparison to Chastain and Dio is more than apparent, yet some cuts even border on euro thrash (i.e. “Fever of the Gods”, “Book of the Dead”). Crystal Viper manage to meld these styles incredibly well, never once sounding forced.
13. Black Sites – The Promised Land?
Few things in this life are promised. One thing that is promised? When Black Sites drop an album, it’s gonna be the progressive metal event of the year, which is exactly what The Promised Land? is. Admittedly, I might be biased in this matter, as founder Mark Sugar is quite the cool cat and has always treated yours truly well. However, considering how high 2021’s Untrue ranked on that year end list (#4), it should come as no surprise that Chicago’s premiere prog metal purveyors make an appearance on 2024’s list as well. Just when I think I’ve heard it all, an album like The Promised Land? continues to expand the possibilities of metal as we know it.
12. Bütcher – On Fowl of Tyrant Wing
Belgium remains undefeated! From the country who gave us Acid, Ostrogoth, Killer, Cyclone, and countless other classic cult bands comes Bütcher. Those who haven’t blocked 2020 completely out of their memory will recall how kickass their sophomore album, 666 Goats Carry My Chariot, was, so much so that it made #16 on that year end list. This year, these Belgian brutes rank even higher with the equally ripping On Fowl of Tyrant Wing. While the bloated corpse of Slayer currently makes their way around the festival circuit, Bütcher manages to channel the spirit of Show No Mercy over 40 years on better than Tom and Kerry ever could today!
11. Satan – Songs in Crimson
After 40+ years of suites, epics, metal operas, and so on, NWOBHM legends Satan decided to traverse new territory in 2024: Songs. Hence the title of their 7th album, Songs in Crimson. Admittedly, said songs still manage to be busy as all hell, with guitarists Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey going full blown King Crimson on certain cuts (i.e. “Frantic Zero”, “Deadly Crimson”), so fear not purists. There’s no clunky power chord riffs or four on the floor drumming to be found here. It’s all of the madness and mayhem of prime Satan, in a condensed package. Hail!
10. Freeways – Dark Sky Sanctuary
The beauty of metal is that there’s no shortage of bands, albums, and subgenres to fit whatever mood you’re in. For example, in the mood to crack open a cold one, light a fire, and gaze up at the night sky? There’s no better album in 2024 than Freeways’ Dark Sky Sanctuary to scratch that itch. These Canadian hard and heavy rockers adhere strongly to the ancient traditions of BÖC, Thin Lizzy, and Wishbone Ash, with a healthy helping of NWOBHM worship to boot. The end result? One kickass denim-clad rocker after the next. Fuken eh!
9. Traveler – Prequel to Madness
Tonnerre, Striker, Freeways, and now Traveler? Man, Canada was straight KILLING IT in 2024! Considering Traveler’s self titled debut was my favorite album of 2019, and 2020’s Termination Shock ranked not far behind, it’s no surprise that their long awaited third outing, Prequel to Madness, should also receive high marks. This one even sees an increased presence of classic power and speed metal influences, all the while staying true to their Maiden/Priest inspired traditional metal roots. You’d be mad not to pick this album up and blast it through your finest pair of speakers!
8. Tarot – Glimpse of the Dawn
If you told me Australia’s Tarot was not a new band, but rather a forgotten oddity from the stoned age known as the heavy ’70s, I’d believe it. As much as I rave over Uriah Heep’s modern day output, even they fail to capture the enchanted aura of the David Byron era the way Tarot does. Lying at the crossroads of prehistoric metal, grooving hard rock, spellbinding prog, and pastoral folk, Glimpse of the Dawn is a glimpse of metal roughly half a century earlier, before becoming tainted by outside forces and outright pretentiousness.
7. Flamekeeper – Flamekeeper
Bathory’s Quorthon never had any children…that we know of. One Mr. Marco S. Vermiglio, better known to the metal underground as Flamekeeper, would have us believing otherwise and demanding a DNA test. The self titled debut album from his one man project is pure epic metal brilliance, the type that most bands spend their entire careers in search of. Nearly cinematic in nature, one can’t help but hear shadows of Running Wild and Blind Guardian as well. The sound, however, is purely original in arrangement and delivery. Keep on burning, Flamekeeper!
6. Scald – Ancient Doom Metal
Scald’s Ancient Doom Metal won’t just go down as one of the greatest metal albums of 2024, but one of the greatest and most unexpected second acts in metal history. With their fate all but sealed upon the tragic 1997 passing of their original frontman, Agyl, Scald wallowed in obscurity for decades, only to be resurrected for tribute performances some odd 20 years later. Performing live again was one thing. Returning to the studio and potentially jeopardizing their legacy was another thing altogether. Thankfully, Ancient Doom Metal, while not as perfect as 1997’s Will of Gods Is a Great Power, comes damn near close, and serves as a fitting follow up that almost never was.
5. Deceased – Children of the Morgue
Up the tombstones!!! As one of America’s longest running death metal acts, Deceased have done it all and then some. Every album stands as its own singular being, offering a front row seat to the twisted mind of King Fowley and company. Yet even this tried and true banger wasn’t prepared for the emotional death metal rollercoaster that is their latest, Children of the Morgue. It’s both an eye and ear opener of an album, a harsh reminder that one day both you and I will depart this earthly realm. When we do, we may as well to the sick tuneage of Deceased!
4. Crypt Sermon – The Stygian Rose
Wake up and smell the rose! After a half decade absence, Crypt Sermon returned in 2024 with their most dynamically thrilling album to date, The Stygian Rose. Instead of treating us to yet another tried and true epic doom album, which would’ve been more than enough, the band decided to go out on a limb, melding their already signature sonic brew with traits characteristic of ’80s Savatage. This is particularly evident in the Criss Oliva-esque solos and Jon Oliva-esque vocal delivery of Brooks Wilson. As the fate of Savatage’s “final album” remains in limbo, I’ll gladly crank The Stygian Rose loud and proud until then.
3. Blitzkrieg – Blitzkrieg
What a year for Brian Ross! Cracking this here year end list is an honor in and of itself, or so we’d like to believe. Cracking it twice in a single year with two different bands? I’ll have to look back on years past, but I’m not sure its ever been done. Regardless, Ross remains prolific as ever, fronting both Satan and Blitzkrieg, the latter of whom takes bronze in 2024. Their self titled 10th studio album is a walloping show of NWOBHM force, chock full of galloping riffs and eardrum shattering vocals. Can you survive the Blitzkrieg? Crank it up and see for yourself!
2. Saxon – Hell, Fire and Damnation
2024 was a GREAT year to be a Saxon fan. Not only did the band embark upon arguably the tour of the year, co-headlining theaters with fellow English legends Uriah Heep, but they did so with a new album in tow. And much like every Saxon album beforehand, it kicked ass. As Saxon blazed through the latest off of Hell, Fire and Damnation onstage, old schoolers found themselves singing along by the second chorus or so. Here was yet another collection of pure English metal excellence that stood comfortably alongside the “big 3” (Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, Denim and Leather), Power and the Glory, Lionheart…you get the idea. In any other year, Hell, Fire and Damnation would be #1 by a landslide. Yet Saxon managed to be upstaged by yet another legendary English metal act…
- Judas Priest – Invincible Shield
I’m not sure what to say about Invincible Shield that hasn’t been said already, other than my love for it grows with each subsequent listen. My sentiment still stands: Firepower is the greatest metal album of the ’10s…and Invincible Shield is even better. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that here we have a band who helped invent metal as we know it in the ’70s, ruled the ’80s, kickstarted the ’90s, reunited in the ’00s, and became reinvented in the ’10s, continue to be absolutely dominating the field in the ’20s. Most metal bands crash and burn in less than a decade. Yet these Metal Gods continue to reign supreme half a century since the release of their first album. They’re the reason we wear denim and leather, the de facto face of this music, and the namesake of this here webzine. They’re Judas Priest, and all us headbangers, young and old, bow at their metallic altar, which has only grown stronger with the addition of another masterpiece, the greatest metal album of 2024, Invincible Shield. Now repeat after me: “WE ARE DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH!!!”
Thank you again reader, for another year of unwavering support. We wish you the happiest of holidays and look forward to seeing you in 2025. Heavy Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Great order! I’d probably put Bruce and Riot a tad higher, but that’s just me