Out Of Rage Top 20 Albums Of The Year - 2024

We've had our brat summers, our hardcore-tumns, and plenty of shows - but more than those, we've had a mindblowing number of brilliant albums released this year! From Kendrick Lamar's unannounced 'GNX', to the sensational Magdalena Bay's LP 'Imaginal Disk', and One Step Closer's glorious 'All You Embrace'. However, none of those three gems quite made it into our top twenty, but there is not much room to breathe for all the quality on display below. Our Christmas present to you has finally arrived - here is the official Out Of Rage top twenty albums of the year.

20. Heriot - Devoured by the Mouth of Hell

Medieval mosh-lords Heriot gave us the pleasure of their debut album this year. ‘Devoured By The Mouth Of Hell’ returns us to the dark fantasy that the blackened metalcore mob has cultivated over the past few years, with its already iconic abrasive sound. Aggressively brutal guitar tones and banshee-like shrieks take precedence amongst the few shining moments of tranquillity. Few debuts have ever hit this hard, and it is the undeniable promise that this album is overflowing with that provides the first entry on our list - AB

19. Boundaries - Death Is A Little More

Boundaries latest album is a powerful metalcore masterpiece. The album offers soaring melodies, violent breakdowns, and intensely personal lyrics that explore themes of loss, wrath, and death while fusing the raw aggressiveness of early 2000s metalcore with current production. Songs like 'Scars On A Soul' and 'Turning Hate Into Rage' stand out for their constant energy and dynamic changes. Matt Honeycutt, Lochie Keogh, and Marcus Vik provide depth and diversity as guest features. This album has cemented Boundaries' position within the genre, featuring a band at the height of their abilities - LJ

18. DWINGLE - Volume 2

DWINGLE's 'Volume 2' has come in hard after their previous release ‘Volume 1 Remastered’. With the eight songs combining for a total of 30 minutes, there's a number of highlights across the record - none more so than ‘GATORAID’. It's full of wild vocal ranges and janky riffs, in a perfect distillation of everything that's great about 'Volume 2'. This album is an easy listen and a great diving in point for someone wanting to expand their taste heavier music - CH-E

17. Joey Valence & Brae - No Hands

‘NO HANDS’, the highly anticipated successor to last years ‘Punk Tactics’, doubles down on Joey Valence & Brae’s signature blend of '90s-inspired hip-hop with a smattering of punk influence. A riotous release that features Ayesha Erotica, Danny Brown, Z-Trip, and Terror Reid, every moment of 'NO HANDS' is high-octane and packed with infectious energy. The duo hit the ground running in style throughout the album’s 45-minute runtime - the standout tracks ‘BUSSIT’, ‘PACKAPUNCH’ (Ft. Danny Brown), ‘THE BADDEST (BADDER)’ (Ft. Ayesha Erotica), and ‘CAN’T STOP NOW’ offer the perfect blend of raw nostalgia with a modern twist, making 'NO HANDS' an unforgettable trip that's well worth embarking on - AH

16. I Don't Know How But They Found Me - GLOOMDIVISION

I Don't Know How But They Found Me are back and as better as ever as a solo project, with their latest second studio album ‘GLOOMDIVISION’ released February 2024 by front man and vocalist Dallon Weekes. This indie/pop/rock album glows with a thrilling variety of different genres and instruments within each song. From guitars to synths, each song on the tracklist is full of instrumentation and are all displayed with their own sense of uniqueness and contrast, coming together to make the album very special. It's full of upbeat groove, and could be spun for hours on end - ML

15. Graphic Nature - Who Are You When No One Is Watching?

Graphic Nature’s ‘Who Are You When No One Is Watching?’ is a brilliant addition to their discography, blending hardcore, and industrial influences into a brutal 13 track album. Songs like ’Blinded’ and ‘To The Grave’ hit with ferocity, pairing ear-crushing riffs with eerie electronic atmospheres. The album’s raw intensity mirrors the introspection of its lyrics, exploring identity and self-doubt with fierce honesty. The band’s innovative use of texture and dynamics creates moments of both chaos and clarity, making for a captivating listen and a true non-skipper of an album. Graphic Nature have crafted an album that not only delivers gut-punching heaviness but also pushes the boundaries of modern heavy music - VR

14. Cane Hill - a piece of me i never let you find.

Cane Hill have only gotten better and better with each release, a trend that has continued with 2024's ‘a piece of me i never let you find.’ With an eminent soundscape that has something for everyone, this is perfect modern metalcore, and one of the releases of the year. There are no skips at all - just hard hitting riffs, a vocal range to envy, and songs full of raw emotion. The lyrics are full of emotion, and with such a powerful vocal performance it's a phenomenal pairing. This album could be talked about for years to come, and the highlights in particular sear themselves into the memory - most notably, ‘I Always Knew We Where Doomed’, ’Fade’, and ‘Permanence In Sleep’. An unforgettable release without a doubt - LG

13. Delilah Bon - Evil, Hate Filled Female

Delilah Bon’s latest album is unapologetically bold and a fierce, electrifying statement. With a potent blend of hip hop, nu-metal, riot grrrl and attitude, Delilah tackles themes of empowerment, defiance and social critique. The production is gritty yet polished, fully complimenting the sharp lyrics. Songs like 'Maverick' and 'The Internet' stand out for their intensity and creativity. This album has carved out a space for Delilah in the scene and we are likely to see her grow a loyal and dedicated fanbase from here - LJ

12. SOFT PLAY - Heavy Jelly

Loud, brash, energetic and in your face. SOFT PLAY make their return to the scene with a new name - but don't be disheartened if you “don't like change”, ‘Punk’s Dead’ kicks down the illusion that SOFT PLAY are changing anything other than their name and the UK punk scene. Heavy, dirty, grooves and endlessly quotable lyricism are paired with whimsical journeys through the John Wick films (‘John Wick’), the dangers of an overfull pedal bin (‘Bin Juice Disaster’) and selfie dependent gym culture (‘Mirror Muscles’) before breaking hearts with the sincerely beautiful ‘Everything and Nothing’. Punk’s not dead and SOFT PLAY will be fighting to keep it that way - DS

11. Scene Queen - Hot Singles In Your Area

Scene Queen is making room for hyperfemininity and sexuality to be a focal point for some much-needed conversations within the metal community, where, despite the apparent lack of rules and regulations, there has been too much conservative attitude since its inception. Taking inspiration from 2000s internet culture, ‘Hot Singles In Your Area’ continues the exploration of rage, sexuality and comedic interludes started on 'Bimbocore' with an equally positive message weaved through a musical mix of girly pop and gritty hardcore. Somewhere in a venn diagram of Ke$ha, Bloodhound Gang and Spiritbox you’ll find Scene Queen and the Bimbo-Beta-Pi initiative holding female/non-binary mosh pits and putting the industry on notice to do better or get out the way - DS

10. Raised By Owls - Vol 3: The Satirical Verses

Raised By Owls brought their signature comedic grindcore chaos this year with ‘Vol. 3: (The Satirical Verses)’, delivering unending brutality and witty satire. From the absurdly catchy ‘Robert Zombie’, to the chaotic genius of ‘Altars of Sadness’, the album blends breakneck riffs, guttural growls, and hilariously bizarre lyrics. Their quintessentially British humour is as unapologetically absurd as ever, poking fun at both pop culture and everyday life. Beneath the laughs, the musicianship is impressively tight, proving Raised By Owls are far more than a novelty act. With this album, they solidify their reputation as masters of extreme comedy metal - VR

9. SeeYouSpaceCowboy - Coup De Grâce

Mixing the best of post-hardcore and metalcore with a little bit of lounge jazz and pop/indie rhythm and melody, SeeYouSpaceCowboy have created one of the most fascinating and brilliant records of the year. With breakdowns and jazz croons alike found across ‘Coup De Grâce’, it’s a conceptual masterpiece full of phenomenal moments and amazing songs. ‘Silhouettes In Motion’ is a contender for song of the year, and ‘To The Dance Floor For Shelter’ is a glorious idea made good, with even more added by Spiritbox’s own Courtney LaPlante. Queercore is doing better than ever, and SeeYouSpaceCowboy are a huge part of why - JL

8. Speed - Only One Mode

One life. One attitude. Speed’s ‘Only One Mode’ is a triumphant release, blasting the Sydney hardcore outfit into the mainstream. A record devoted to the underground community they have been cultivating for the last decade, the LP is a mosh sandwich of beefy breakdowns and the hottest riff sauce. It stands as testament to Speed’s diehard mentality, one that is not defined by lifestyle but by being ambassadors who preach authenticity and acceptance for anyone who wants to be a part of the scene. When vocalist Jem Siow incorporated his flute - his livelihood, as a flute teacher for the last decade - into a hardcore song, it created one of the most memorable sounds alternative music had this year - AB

7. While She Sleeps - SELF HELL

While She Sleeps’ ‘SELF HELL’ is an ambitious and genre-defying album. Blending metalcore with industrial and electronic influences, the band crafts anthems that are both aggressive and introspective. Tracks like ‘SELF HELL’ and ‘LEAVE ME ALONE’ walk a thin line between heaviness and radio-ready hooks, while ’DOWN’ delivers relentless energy. The album tackles themes of mental health and societal struggles with pure honesty, offering a cathartic and relatable experience. This release has not only reassured While She Sleeps’ position as innovators within the metalcore scene, but has also pushed their sound into bold, exciting new territory for the band - whilst still retaining elements that fans know and love - VR

6. Bilmuri - American Motorsports

The incredible Bilmuri with their album like no other; 'AMERICAN MOTORSPORTS'. This album brings a no-skip joy throughout, the sort of music to be played on a warm summer’s day with friends. Chugging guitars and an atmospheric feel make this an album destined for your emo and head-banging playlists, whilst strategically placed saxophone solos bring listeners to the midwest and evoke a sense of wonder and euphoria within the overall feel. This album also brings a country feel with its twangy vocals, bringing the sound right together. Songs like 'SPINNIN’ YOU AROUND' and 'BLINDSIDED' showcase this to a tee, which are finished with insane breakdowns to get you hooked on every single track from start to finish! - EP

5. Fever 333 - Darker White

Community, charity and change. These are the core principles Fever 333 were formed around, and recently change has been at the forefront. With an almost entirely new lineup, Jason Aalon Butler adds the star-studded crew of April Kae (Imanigold), Brandon Davis (Vanna/INSPIRIT) and Thomas Pridgen (Trash Talk/The Mars Volta) into an absolute powerhouse quartet of inimitable styles and incredible collaboration. ‘NEW WEST ORDER’ gives an autobiographical tour of the journey to this album and seamlessly blends “punk rock hits with a little rap twist”, setting the stage for ‘Darker White’ to take aim at injustice and intolerance. Inspired galvanizing lyrics were a given. but paired with infectious grooves on 'NEGLIGENCE / BULL & A BULLET’, cranking up the west coast hip hop vibes with ‘TOURIST / MOB MUSIC PT2’ and  bringing the heavy riffs and emotive screams throughout ‘HIGHER POWER / MURDERER’, 'NEW WEST ORDER' provides us with the anthems for righteous anger that will be forever cemented as the soundtrack to community, charity and change - DS

4. Charli xcx - brat

'brat' as an album finally made Charli xcx culturally go through a full '360' degree turn. She has gone from making underground 'club classics' like 'Vroom Vroom', to making sure everyone would 'talk talk' about her all summer long. The album stands as an impressive work of music, everything Charli xcx has been working at creating over the past 10 years seems to have become a cohesive work. The production is fantastic, the beats are catchy yet if I talk about the album itself too long, 'I might say something stupid'. The album is such a cultural milestone for 2024, if you looked at where Charli was before 2024 you would think 'girl, so confusing'. She even shut down Times Square to perform in the big 'apple'. 'brat' summer was everywhere, 'I think about it all the time'. In these '365' days, 'brat' stands out as one of the biggest pop culture phenomena - the album is more than an album of the year, it IS the year - WF

3. Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Dark Rainbow

A record comprised of love, change, and reminiscing, ‘Dark Rainbow’ is the curveball we didn’t expect but have fallen in love with. Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes were best known for their gritty punk rock energy, so to release a record that’s got as much piano and crooning as this was entirely out of left field, yet it acts as a perfect, and beautiful, epitaph on this chapter of the band's career. ‘Superstar’ is the sexiest song of the year, ‘Man Of The Hour’ deals with being seen as someone you aren’t, and the gorgeous title track is a poignant message of care. On what could be the band’s last studio album, we’ve been gifted a piece of music that loves us as much as we do it, and will stand as a testament to the passage of time giving us all a chance to change and evolve. Thank you Rattlesnakes, for all you’ve given us - JL

2. Poppy - Negative Spaces

It’s been a big year for Poppy, nominated again for Grammy consideration after “Suffocate” with Knocked Loose, and cementing herself fully into the metal world with 'Negative Spaces'. The album flip-flops between circle pits one moment and girlytwirling the next, incorporating all the playful femininity we’ve come to love and expect from Poppy, while pushing a more serious hardcore edge. Each track serves a different energy, with 'crystallized' offering a more trancey synth pop to juxtapose the machine-gun fire heavy drums and screams of 'they’re all around us'. The album’s lead track 'new way out' was well chosen, becoming an anthemic song of the summer for 2024. It’s arguably the strongest track among a set of real heavy-hitters with producer, ex-Bring Me The Horizon’s Jordan Fish, weaving anger, rage, and melodic riffs all throughout the album’s 42-minute runtime. 'Negative Spaces' is cathartic and eternally replayable, more than earning its second place spot on our AOTY list - ES

1. Knocked Loose - You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To

When vocalist Brian Garris took a precarious plane journey during an increasingly unsettling storm, the title of metallic hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose's next album came from the prophetic words of an the older lady that soothed his troubles throughout his flight. 'You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To' is a record that defies god and tests faith - all in under thirty minutes. With harrowing screams, gunshot snares and gritty gut-wrenching riffs, the album signifies an abrasively daring new era for the Kentucky five-piece, with damagingly gorgeous symbolism that pierces straight into the heart of the American South. 

Released in May, Knocked Loose's ability to cleave away the old flesh from the heavy music scene has provided them a uniquely devastating sound - one that deservedly champions them for next generation of metalheads. In a live setting, the band's ferocity has garnered them Grammy nominations and mainstream TV performances platforming metallic-tasting fury for the unsuspecting public. With their reggaeton-imbued breakdown and grotesque cries into the void during their standout track ‘Suffocation’ with Poppy, it earned one of the most engrossingly brutal moments of our scene this year. As voted for by our entire team, and in agreement with so many of you, 2024 was the year of Knocked Loose - AB

These were all selected as part of an open entry long list submission (for OOR contributors), which were then whittled down to a shortlist of 40, and those were then voted on by the contributors to create our final twenty.

Writers: Amber Brooks, Amy Hannah, Ciara Hicks-Evans, Danny Sanders, Emily Perry, Erin Strom, Jake Longhurst, Lizzie Jones, Lucas Grayson, Mikaela Long, Vee Richardson, William Freeman

Editor: Jake Longhurst

Cover Photo: Nic Howells - SeeYouSpaceCowboy

Voters: OOR Contributors