30. Legacy - Hello, New World
Comeback of the year award goes to Columbus, Ohio based melodic metal and hard rock act Legacy, whom return on Eonian Records for its first official full-length album subsequent to recording several demos dating to the late eighties and early nineties. Of note is manner in which Hello, New World features the bands original five-piece lineup.
Note: Originally released in 2010 but re-issued in 2024 (also Eonian) is a 14 song self-titled compiling of the groups demo material.
29. Hard Road - Change The World
A catchy 70s influenced joining of classic rock, blues-rock and Southern rock from Hard Road on its independent debut full length Change The World. With a sound reminiscent to Sign Of Jonah, Glenn Kaiser Band and Stevie & the Saints, Hard Road is ‘ready to shine the Light of Truth into this dark world with songs that will get your feet to tapping while encouraging and convicting you’ (quoting its press material).
28. Pastor Brad - Against The Grain
Cookeville, Tennessee based pastor and Christian metal recording artist releases his most consistently heavy album in which he draws upon traditional metal but not without staying true to a melodic metal basis. Lyrically, Against The Grain bases around how we are ‘called to NOT conform to the patter of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
27. Legend Revisited - From The Lord
From the Lord represents a re-imagined version of the seventies hard rock album From The Fjords released in 1979 under the Legend moniker. Re-imagined in terms of how founding member and drummer/vocalist Raymond Edgar Frigon re-recorded the album (with guitarist Martin Jepsen Andersen and bassist Janne Stark) and released it under the Legend Revisited heading (on Sonic Age Records) and new title From The Lord. Frigon re-wrote the lyrics to reflect a Biblical worldview. As noted by the artist:
‘It is not just my own personal relationship to the Christian faith that I do this (rewrite the lyrics) but the worldwide interest in Bible prophecy that current evens are raising in people’s minds’.
26. Pike, Kevin - Heavenly Realms
Kevin Pike takes an eighties instrumental guitar shred heading in similar vein as Joe Satriani (Surfing With The Alien), David Chastain (Within The Heat) and Joey Tafolla (Out Of The Sun) on Roxx Records sophomore album Heavenly Realms. Similar to 2022 debut Guitar Graffiti (also Roxx), Pike is joined by bassist Tim Gaines (former Stryper).
Note: Artist is also known for his work with Arsenal, with whom he recorded the 5-song Peace Child demo (he was not with the group at the time of its 1990 Regency Records debut Armored Choir).
25. Rainforce - Almost Holy
A joining of straightforward hard rock (think Bride and X-Sinner) and traditional heavy metal (Saint & Barren Cross) on Rainforce sophomore release Almost Holy. Hence, the groups focus on high-energy guitars, driving low-end and gritty mid-ranged vocals. The Roxx Records signed act also delivers an international flair in featuring members from Switzerland (guitarist Andy La Morte and bassist Jan Thomas), Malta (lead vocalist Jordan Cutajar), and Germany (drummer Benjamin Mann).
24. Latter Reign - Order To Chaos
Recorded in the early nineties but not released until 2024 (on Roxx Records), Latter Reign third album Order To Chaos stays true to the groups melodic metal and hard rock roots while incorporating underpinning (but not overriding) grunge elements. With a raspy style similar to Jamie Rowe (Guardian) and Larry Worley (Fear Not), vocalist Luis Cardenas proves no small talent, as does guitarist Brad Smith, who brings a bluesy edge to the project with his gutsy playing.
23. Smith, Brad - Broken Bones & Bullet Holes
Speaking of which, Brad Smith stresses a blues influenced joining of metal and hard rock not unlike early nineties Bride on his Roxx Records debut solo album. Vocally, artist impresses with a grainy and soulful middle register touch in step with the albums earthy form. Further details from Smith behind the meaning to the albums title: ‘Broken Bones & Bullet Holes is about my realization that I don’t want to be a quiet, sidelined Christian. I don’t want to keep my faith personal like the world has convinced so many to do. I want to move people a little closer to Jesus everyday’.
22. Transcendent - Awaken
Power and progressive metal debut album from multi-instrumentalist David Ashe (guitar, bass, keyboards & drums) and lead vocalist Paul Bowman musically draws upon the influence Sacred Warrior, Recon, Faith Factor and early Jacobs Dream. Main difference, however, is manner in which Bowman takes a middle-register approach as opposed to the soaring classic tenor style of as noted contemporaries. Musically, if the Roxx Records released Awaken is any indicator of its potential, Transcendent are certain to be strong players within the hard music scene for years to come.
21 (tie). Human Code - Break The Silence
A choice joining of melodic hard rock, power metal, traditional metal, AOR and light modern overtones characterize Girder Music debut full length from Human Code. An all-star project further impresses when factoring a line up to include vocalist Michael Drive (Barren Cross), guitarist George Ochoa (Worldview, Deliverance & Recon), drummer Terry Russell (Holy Soldier) and bassist Todd Libby (Worldview). Excellent production attributes to Dino Elefante and Ochoa.
21 (tie). Kalamity Kills - Kalamity Kills
Technically a 2023 release (via download) but re-released in 2024 on CD (PERO Records), Kalamity Kills self-titled debut skirts melodic hard rock and metal territory with pop and electronica nuances. In featuring veteran vocalist Jamie Rowe (Guardian, Adriangale), album delivers an inspirational message ‘About the deep valleys and the mountaintop seasons- it’s a musical story about finding hope in this chaotic world we are living in’. “I Still Believe” (originally recorded by The Call) ranks among my favorite covers of the year.
20. Lazarus - Exegesis
Lazarus integrates traditional and power metal with thrash and progressive subtleties on its first and only album Exegesis. Despite the recording process completed in 1991 and master tapes forward to the label, Edge Records/Kingsway Music, album ended up not seeing release until 2024 via Sonic Age Records. Bonus material comes in the form of the two tracks, “Do Or Die” and “Overpower”, Lazarus placed on the 1991 compilation White Metal Warriors - Last Ship Home (also Edge/Kingsway).
19. The Hero - Monster Hunter
The Hero returns with fourth album of dark, heavy and melancholic metal with a strong Gothic semblance, referencing the lower register and baritone vocals of founding member and guitarist Michael Hero. Group, however, is not afraid to also branch out into power, progressive and doom metal territory. Overall, the Soundmass Records released Monster Hunter is by far the musically strongest and finest produced album from the Stockholm, Sweden based group.
18. Within Silence - The Eclipse Of Worlds
Ulterium Records third album of European power and progressive metal from Slovakia based group follows on heels of 2015 debut Gallery Of Life and sophomore effort Return From The Shadows from 2017 (both Ulterium). Twelve minute closing epic “When Worlds Collide” is a song of the year contender. Mixing duties attribute to Matt Smith (Theocracy).
17. Shining Force - Spiritual Warfare
Fourth full-length album from Shining Force (Roxx Records) draws upon classic US and traditional metal in representing the total package of choice songwriting, solid production and strong band performance. Upshot is a work certain to appeal to those whose tastes range from Sacred Warrior and Recon to Saint and Barren Cross. Spiritual Warfare finds the Pasadena, Texas based act also staying true to its ongoing mission ‘to see souls won to the Kingdom of God, set the captives free, minister to the sick, imprisoned, children, hungry, widow, orphans and single parent homes’
16. Sunbomb - Light Up The Sky
Frontiers Records musical partnership between Stryper front man Michael Sweet and L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns maintains the traditional and doom metal leanings to 2021 debut Evil And Divine (also Frontiers). The duo carries over the consistent songwriting penchant in continuing to walk a fine line between catchy hooks and guitar driven fortitude. Whereas not a Christian project, Sunbomb lyrics hint of Sweet’s faith.
15. Whitecross - Fear No Evil
Co-comeback of the year recipients Whitecross record its first album of original material featuring founding member and guitarist Rex Carroll in over thirty years in the Dark Star Records released Fear No Evil. Replacing co-founding member and vocalist Scott Wenzel is gritty and mid-ranged new front man Dave Roberts. For fans of eighties melodic metal and hard rock with great guitar playing along lines of Angelica, Joshua, Letter 7 and Impellitteri.
14. Millennial Reign - World On Fire
Millennial Reign return on Ulterium Records with third album World On Fire and new vocalist Tiffany Galchutt, whom replaces front man Travis Willis from 2018 Ulterium predecessor The Great Divide. The Dallas, Texas based act continues in a melodic power metal direction situated at the juncture of symphonic European and classic US based sentiments. Included is an inspired cover of the Triumph classic “Allied Forces”.
13. Lordchain - The Chastisement Of Our Peace
I have not had opportunity to listen to the entire Lordchain back catalog, but its Roxx Records eleventh full-length album The Chastisement Of Our Peace is the best I have heard from the talented power trio. The group maintains its affinity for slightly modern tinged and groove driven hard rock and metal while expanding into progressive territory, noting how eight minute “Sacrosanct II: Reflections Of Memories” is another song of the year contender. It also cannot be understated the excellent production.
12. The Thomas Thompson Earth Project - Resurrection
As its namesake implies, The Thomas Thompson Earth Project represents a joining of iconic vocalist Dale Thompson (Bride) and multi-instrumentalist and founding member Garret Thomas. On its Roxx Records fourth album Resurrection, the group follows a pattern similar to 2021 third Systematic Brain Drain by truncating its songwriting (most tracks are below four minutes) and emphasizing catchy hooks and guitar riffs. Of particular note is manner in which Resurrection revisits the industrial nuances of 2020 debut Dreamland Lovecraft.
11. Morse, Neal - The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two
The second of a two CD Frontiers Records rock opera concept series tracing the life of the Old Testament figure Joseph. ‘Part One’ begins with Joseph’s series of dreams and concludes with him being unjustly imprisoned, while ‘Part Two’ focuses on how Joseph became viceroy of Egypt and eventually reunites with his family. With over 75 minutes of music, The Restoration draws upon not only the progressive rock in which Morse is renown but also classic rock, blues-rock, hard rock, ballads and ensemble vocal pieces.
10. EchoVerse - Whispers Between Worlds
Independent debut from EchoVerse, a progressive rock band with a strong Christian influence focused on exploring the deeper realms of truth and the divine. Whispers Between Worlds is a profound journey through faith and introspection, upholding the group’s dedication to honor the Creator. Showcase track is “The War Within”, a 31-minute Neal Morse style ‘mega epic’ that breaks down between nine separate ‘parts’.
9 (tie). Olzon, Anette - Rapture
Frontiers Records third solo album from Anette Olzon trends symphonic power metal territory with light extreme elements. Songwriter and guitarist Karlsson (Primal Fear) joins the former Nightwish lead vocalist along with drummer Anders Köllerfors (Narnia) and extreme male vocalist Johan Husgafvel. Lyrically, Rapture reflects artist’s faith in upholding a strong Christian worldview.
9 (tie). LEAH - The Glory & The Fallen
Vancouver, BC songstress LEAH has gained apt renown for her self-proclaimed ‘Celtic fantasy metal’ in which she combines symphonic metal with medieval folk music, Celtic elements and ambient facets. Ex Cathedra Records sixth album The Glory & The Fallen proves no exception, albeit it revisits a heavier sound akin to 2015 (and 95% Angelic Warlord graded) third album Kings & Queens. The Glory & The Fallen also finds artist maintaining her penchant for recruiting a host of talented guest musicians, including drummer Sander Zoer (Delain), guitarist and bassist Timo Somers (Arjen Lucassen, ex-Delain) and vocalist Mark Jansen (Epica, MaYaN).
8. Stryper - When We Were Kings
Stryper has been on a prolific comeback trail with five full-length albums (each on Frontiers Records) of original material to its credit starting with 2013’s No More Hell To Pay. Sixth When We Were Kings (also Frontiers) finds the group backing from many of the heavier tendencies of recent predecessors for a more commercial joining of catchy melodic metal and hard rock. “End Of Days”, “Divided By Design” & “Betrayed By Love” rank among the finest songs the group has composed.
7. Warlord - Free Spirit Soar
Fourth full-length Warlord album Free Spirit Soar (on HR Records) pays tribute to the musical heritage of late guitarist William Tsamis, whom sadly passed away on May 13, 2021. Included are re-recorded versions to two songs from Tsamis’ band Lordian Guard, “Behold A Pale Horse” & “Revelation XIX”, and eight Warlord instrumental demos that evolved into vocal tracks featuring front man Giles Lavery. Music, epic metal, and lyrics - ranging from history to current events to high fantasy to spiritual themes - stay true to the Warlord aesthetic.
6. Freezing Terror - Firestorm
Independent Freezing Terror sophomore album of brothers Terry (lead vocals & guitars) and Trevor (drums) Friesen bases upon straightforward heavy metal with strong leanings towards the Gothic, progressive and doom side. Each song proves uniquely inspired in bringing the hook, riff or melody to stand apart from the rest. Groups press material best sums things up: ‘A sonic narrative of dark landscapes, inner turmoil, and raw human emotion across eight powerful new tracks, clocking in at over 52 minutes’.
Note: Terry and Trevor are also part of the more atmospheric and melancholic sounds of Sombre Holiday and Midnight Worship with whom they have recorded five and two albums, respectively.
5. Faith Head - The Horror Of Things To Come
A diverse joining of metal and hard rock - blues based to doom to power to thrash to progressive - fused with light modern distinctions by Faith Head on its independent second full-length album The Horror Of Things To Come. Lyrically, a common theme ties together individual songs (quoting the groups press material): ‘(The album) takes the listener down a dark journey into the future. In a world devoid of objective truth, facts offend, and mere science is slander, our world gives rise to an inverse reality’.
Note: Faith Head derives the meaning behind its name from the Urban Dictionary: ‘someone who holds irrational religious fundamentalist beliefs and no matter what evidence is provided to the contrary will never change’.
4. Allos - Strong Delusion
Belo Horizonte, Brazil based four piece delivers on its second full-length album (noting 2012 debut Spiritual Battle) of epic melodic power metal slanted towards the symphonic and progressive side of things. Guest vocal appearances include Christian Liljegren (Narnia) and Rob Rock (Impellitteri). Immaculate production and packaging helps the En Hakkore Records released Strong Delusion further stand out.
3. Saint – Immortalizer
Eleventh album of traditional metal from Salem, Oregon based Saint maintains similar levels of musical acumen as 2022 co-album of the year recipient (alongside Stryper’s The Final Battle) Heaven Fell. When compared to predecessors, the independently released Immortalizer is somewhat more melodic, which allows for a choice element of accessibility. Regardless, the group remains rooted in staunch heaviness found in its twin guitar attack, driving mid-ranged vocals and lambasting rhythm section.
2. Perpetual Legacy - Teodrama
Brazilian symphonic metal act release via En Hakkore Records 2-CD sophomore effort in follow up to 2015 debut A New Symphony For Him. Despite a high volume of material, Teodrama presents with remarkable consistency in that each of its 21 tracks holds up under repeat play. Lyrically, it is concept related in basing upon the four fundamental pillars that make up the structure of the Bible: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation. Additional value is found in some of the years best cover art and packaging.
1. Harpazo - The Crucible
Progressive metal concept album of guitarist Marc Centanni and producer/songwriter Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery) draws upon a futuristic Book of Revelation ‘End Times’ theme in which prophecy and technology collide. The Rockshot Records released The Crucible further reveals a ‘rock opera’ approach found in the plethora of guest vocalist to include DC Cooper (Royal Hunt), Les Carlsen (Bloodgood), Michael Drive (Barren Cross, Human Code), Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior) and Christian Liljegren (Narnia). “Two Witnesses” ranks among my all time favorite songs.
Re-issues
The Awful Truth - The Awful Truth
Initially a demo compiling of ‘progressive metallic groove-driven hard rock’ released on Metal Blade Records in 1990, The Awful Truth self-titled debut was re-mastered and re-issued on Brutal Planet Records.
Follower - Into The Son
Roxx Records re-mastered and re-issued with new cover art the melodic hard rock and AOR of 1985 Quicksilver Records debut from the Austin, Texas based five-piece.
Jacobs Dream - Jacobs Dream & Theater Of War
Credit Retroactive Records for re-mastering and re-issuing classic US power metal of first two Jacobs Dream albums initially released on Metal Blade Records in 2000 and 2001, respectively.
Randy Rose / Rose - Sacrificium & Healing
Re-mastered and re-issued on Retroactive Records are the Danzig influenced doom metal and stoner rock of Intense Records 1991 and 1993 solo albums of Mad At The World drummer and lead vocalist.
Treasure Seeker - A Tribute To The Past
Ulterium Records re-issue of 1998 Christian metal covers album of band featuring members from Luca Turilla, Lightmare, Trust Rocks and Seventh Avenue. Track listing includes one song each from Saint, Stryper, Leviticus, Bloodgood, Rez, Jerusalem, Force 3, Bride and Creed in addition to one original piece.
Veni Domine - Fall Babylon Fall & Material Sanctuary
Epic progressive doom metal of 1992 and 1994 first two Veni Domine albums re-mastered and re-issued on Melodic Passion Records.
