The Best Metal Albums of April 2024

April 2024 has been a phenomenal month for metal music enthusiasts! Each metalhead can find something to their liking among this month's releases, which range from atmospheric black metal to progressive extreme metal and epic interplanetary themes to profound melancholy. Dive into our April 2024 best metal albums list and discover the standout tracks and unique sounds making waves in the metal community.

Check out the other articles in the series, spotlighting the monthly best metal albums for January, February, and March 2024. Or check out the complete 2024 metal albums chart for more amazing albums.

DVNE's latest album, Voidkind, follows their signature epic, interplanetary themes while showcasing a more urgent and immediate sound. The album features a mix of sludgy riffs, atmospheric textures, and soaring melodic vocals, with tracks that quickly come to life and maintain a sense of urgency. Standout tracks like "Summa Blasphemia" and "Eleonora" highlight the band's dynamic range and epic compositions. Songs such as "Reliquary" and "Plērōma" evoke breathless, desperate emotions and offer catchy elements that elevate the album above their previous work. Voidkind weaves a detailed narrative of a godlike entity's seduction of followers, culminating in a climactic finale with "Cobalt Sun Necropolis."

Norwegian progressive extreme metal band In Vain has released their fifth album, 'Solemn,' after a six-year wait. The band lineup remains unchanged, with two founding members, two long-term colleagues, and a new permanent drummer, Tobias Øymo Solbakk. The album features a mix of progressive extreme metal with elements from melodic death metal, AOR, and doom metal. It includes diverse instrumentation like saxophone and brass. Standout tracks include 'Where The Winds Meet,' 'Beyond The Pale,' 'Shadows Flap Their Black Wings,' and 'Watch For Me On The Mountain,' each showcasing a blend of heavy riffs, melodic sections, and varied vocal styles.

On April 19, 2024, High on Fire released their ninth full-length album, "Cometh The Storm." The album contains 11 tracks featuring intense, sludgy riffs, Matt Pike's signature vocals, and powerful drumming from new percussionist Coady Willis. "Cometh The Storm" also incorporates Middle Eastern folk influences, notably on "Karanlık Yol." Standout tracks include "Lambsbread," "Burning Down," the title track, and "Karanlik Yol," each showcasing different dynamics and instrumentation. Compared to previous albums, "Cometh The Storm" features a more methodical pacing with busy rhythms and occasional bursts of speed. The band's songwriting remains simple yet solid, with a constant flow of groovy heaviness and well-executed tracks, showcasing the evident chemistry among band members.

My Dying Bride, known for its profound melancholy and evolving sound, has been a significant force in doom metal for nearly 35 years. Their 15th studio album, "A Mortal Binding," released on April 19th, showcases their signature blend of gothic and doom metal. The album features downtuned riffs, solemn strings, and gargantuan growls, creating a grimly gothic atmosphere, with tracks like "Her Dominion" and "The 2nd of Three Bells" showcasing the band's narrative pacing and macabre themes. The stunning and moving lyrics and Aaron Stainthorpe's strong and emotionally charged vocals contribute to the band's distinctive sound. "A Mortal Binding" offers a cohesive and layered listening experience that encapsulates the band's history and evolution.

"At Light's Demise" is the debut full-length album by UK-based atmospheric black metal band Cistvaen. The album consists of 7 tracks with a total running time of under an hour. It showcases powerful riffs, crunchy bass, and brilliant harmonies. Standout tracks include "Cessation of Hope," known for its immersive melody, and "The Epitaph," which features an epic intro. The album's production allows each instrument, especially the bass, to shine, contributing to the overall impact and elegance of the music. The vocals are well-suited to the genre, exhibiting a competent sense of rhythm and variation. The album is richly textured and detailed, with numerous melodic highlights and mood-focused hooks.

SELBST, originally from Venezuela and now based in Santiago, Chile, has been active since 2010. “Despondency Chord Progressions” is the third full-length album by Selbst. The band is known for emotionally driven black metal and has undergone several lineup changes. The album features a blend of aggressive, dark, and emotional black metal with surprising warmth and melody. It balances fast-paced attacks with more reserved passages. The album opens with “La Encarnación De Todos Los Miedos,” a powerful track with rampaging tremolos and blast beats. “When True Loneliness Is Experienced” starts with a soft rock solo before erupting into blackened mayhem. “Third World Wretchedness” features a striking melodic riff and symphonic elements. SELBST has evolved from their earlier works, incorporating more clean vocals and rock-inspired guitar solos. This album marks a shift towards a more expressive and varied sound.

Necrot's third album stays true to old-school death metal, focusing on melody and intricate arrangements without sacrificing their core intensity. Standout tracks like "Winds of Hell" and "Drill the Skull" showcase the band's tight musicianship and powerful sound. The title track and "The Curse" highlight the band's progression, taking their sound into darker, more dramatic realms. The chemistry between band members is evident, making this album a nearly flawless display of their talent. Collaboratively crafted by Luca Indrio (vocals/bass), Chad Gailey (drums), and Sonny Reinhardt (guitar), the album's production quality and songwriting make it a rewarding listen for devoted fans of the genre. Necrot may not be the most original band, but they excel in quality, offering some of the finest modern old-school death metal.

Replicant's album "Infinite Mortality" showcases their mastery of extreme metal, blending brutal savagery with technical prowess. From the opening track "Acid Mirror" to the closing "Planet of Skin," the album delivers a relentless assault on the senses. It builds on the band's previous work with influences from brutal death metal, hardcore, and dissonant death metal, creating a groovier and more impactful sound. Michael Gonçalves' vocals stand out, adding an extra layer of ominousness with his pained, bellowing howls. The standout track, "Reciprocal Abandonment," showcases the band's ability to mix variety with sheer heaviness, featuring one of the most monstrous breakdowns on the album. This album is a must-listen for fans of dissonant, avant-tech death metal, as Replicant pushes the boundaries of the genre, achieving a unique and organically developed sound.

Labyrinthus Stellarum's second album, "Vortex of the Worlds," is a refreshing take on atmospheric black metal. This Ukrainian band skillfully combines cosmic themes with melodic elements, prominently featuring synthwave-inspired keys. The album, released on April 6, 2024, showcases the band's evolution with tracks like "Transcendence" and "Downfall," highlighting their versatility and ability to merge catchy hooks with expansive atmospheres. The album's modern and punchy production enhances its aggressive feel. Alexander Andronati's harsh vocals are powerful and prominently mixed, adding to the album's intensity. The record balances aggression with quieter, synth-driven ambient passages, offering a dynamic listening experience. Overall, "Vortex of the Worlds" offers a refreshing take on atmospheric black metal, providing a unique and immersive experience. Its concise runtime of 36 minutes ensures that listeners remain engaged throughout. This album is a must-listen for fans of spacey, atmospheric music and aggressive metal.

"Sentinels" by Vulture is a tribute to metal, blending early '80s speed metal with today's new wave of traditional heavy metal. Metal Blade Records released the album on April 12, featuring 11 tracks. The album starts with intense songs like "Screams From The Abattoir" and "Unhallowed & Forgotten." However, it also has songs like "Transylvania/Realm of the Impaler" and "Draw Your Blades," which draw inspiration from '80s metal bands like Accept and Metallica. The album's production is first-rate since it stays away from the clinical sound of contemporary music while maintaining a steady, concentrated tone. The album's dynamics are bold, with unorthodox tracks like "Der Tod Trägt Schwarzes Leder" adding tension and explosive volatility. Overall, "Sentinels" is a well-rounded, traditional speed metal album that confirms Vulture's place in the genre and is a must-have for fans.

In conclusion, April 2024 has been a remarkable month for metal music enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of albums that push the boundaries of the genre. From DVNE’s epic narratives to Cistvaen’s atmospheric debut, each album brings something unique. From the progressive aspects of In Vain to the gothic doom of My Dying Bride, there is something for every metal enthusiast to enjoy. As these bands continue to evolve and experiment, the future of metal looks incredibly promising. Stay tuned for more monthly highlights, and keep rocking!🤘