Greetings, Decibel readers!
It’s funny to type out the name Judas Priest in 2024 like it’s just another name on the list. It’s an incredible testament to the band’s longevity as a vital creative outfit that they’re still making such great music today. 2018’s Firepower was fantastic already, and that was SIX years ago already!
But there’s other reliably high-quality band on today’s list as well, and don’t sleep on the two death-metal treats at the bottom. I mean, kind of hard to sleep to death metal anyway.
Enjoy!
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Judas Priest – Invincible Shield
I mean, what’s your excuse? Rob Halford would sound incredible for a middle-aged metal veteran, but the fact he sounds so good at 72 is simply phenomenal. Rest assured “The Metal God” is not hyperbole. Otherwise, the album is packed with solid songwriting adding up to a satisfying and modern variation on the band’s classic sound. Pure heavy metal. Simple as.
Stream: Apple Music
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Merrimack – Of Grace and Gravity
Forceful, grandiose black metal art. This is the band’s sixth album and the first since 2017’s Omegaphilia. Black metal for the big stage for sure.
Stream: Apple Music
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Midnight – Hellish Expectations
It’s fun! It’s evil! It’s Midnight! Long-time readers will know that Decibel is a long-time supporter of the band’s twisted brew of speed and darkness. And this album continues to deliver what we’ve all come to expect.
Stream: Apple Music
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Mutilated by Zombies – Scenes From the Afterlife
UUUUUUUUURRRRRGGGGHHHH!!! Brutal death metal very much in the (smashed) vein of modern Dying Fetus, you’ll catch on to that right away with the guitar tone and riffing style.
Stream: Apple Music
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Slimelord – Chytridiomycosis Relinquished
Weird and somewhat proggy take on old-school death metal, but still super grimy and heavy. It’s the kind of record that impresses you with the technical skill and finesse on display, but still makes you throw up those horns.
Stream: Apple Music