It was a tremendous year for metal in 2024, as not only did some younger acts unveil new music, but so did legends of the genre. These were acts that were part of one of the biggest booms of themetal genre in the 1980s. In fact, one was putting out10/10 metal music in the 1970s. Therefore, 2024 provided a wide range of tunes. It helped these younger artists make a name for themselves and showed that these legends could still perform with the best of them.

Many subgenres were touched upon, and it demonstrated the true growth that the genre has experienced since its early beginnings. What once started with musicians such as thehit-making Ozzy Osbourneand his band Black Sabbath, has grown into a lane of music where many can thrive. The possibilities that can be found here are endless, aseverything from the traditional sound to a much heavier one works nowadays, as long as these artists make it count.

10Nothing More - STUCK Ft. Sinizter

Album: CARNAL (August 02, 2025)

Nothing More has never had a shortage of songs with powerful messages. Throughout their career, they have released many meaningful hits, such as “Jenny” and “You Don’t Know What Love Means.” From their seventh studio album,CARNAL, they delivered another one,this time with the song “STUCK,” which features vocalist Sinizter.

This shows the shedding of fear to finally realize it is time to deliver on what you’ve been waiting for.

The song tells a powerful story about taking control of your life after a period of feeling like it may have been impossible. This shows the shedding of fear to finally realize it is time to deliver on what you’ve been waiting for. The driving instrumental helps heighten the song,with the vocals adding the perfect amount of anguish needed to tell the story.

9Judas Priest - The Serpent And The King

Album: Invisible Shield (August 03, 2025)

Having released their first album in 1974, 2024 marked a special year for Judas Priest as it had been 50 years since then. However, even with the band being very seasoned, they still have plenty left to give. They would debut their 19th studio album,which more than proved they were still performing at a high level.

One of the singles from it that they released was “The Serpent and the King.” This was no ordinary tune;it was perhaps one of the best-sounding performances from the band. The instrumental was heavy, and about halfway through the song, there is a breakdown that features an unforgettable guitar riff. Additionally, Rob Halford’s voice sounded as good as it ever has.

8Knocked Loose - Suffocate Ft. Poppy

Album: You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To (July 20, 2025)

Formed in 2013, Knocked Loose has been around for just over 10 years, but in that time, they have impressed with their mix of metal and punk. With this combination, they have created several memorable tunes,one of their latest being “Suffocate,” from their third studio album. However, this time, they were not alone.

For this track, the band was accompanied by Poppy, who has also been carving out a unique career. This song features an insane instrumental,with a breakdown you have to hear to believe. The mix of vocals between Bryan Garris and Poppy was tremendous. It’s a duo that should team up again. The band received so much attention from this release that they, along with Poppy, even performed it onJimmy Kimmel Live!.

7Seven Hours After Violet - Radiance

Album: Seven Hours After Violet (June 18, 2025)

One of the most famous bassists is Shavo Odadjian from System of a Down. While he still performs with them, he decided to start another band called Seven Hours After Violet. He wasted no time putting things together as the band released their first self-titled album in 2024, the same year they formed. This featured eleven tracks,with one of the most special being “Radiance.”

Not only was the song released as a single, but it also had an accompanying music video, which helped it gain an even greater reach. The song maintains a steady beat throughout,intensifying as the lyrics unfold. It was a perfect way to showcase what they are about as a band. Additionally, the music video told a compelling story while using exceptional colors to enhance the viewing experience.

6Ediola - Fistful Of Hornets

Album: Eviscerate (July 14, 2025)

Over the course of their career,Ediolahas mixed various rock and metal subgenres into their music. This has made their releases very interesting, as you never know what you’ll get. They are one of the bands that features two singers, alternating between clean vocals and screams. Their song, “Fistful of Hornets,” perfectly showcases their ability to incorporate many different elements into their works.

This track, which comes from their 2024 album,Eviscerate, commands attention as soon as it begins.

This track, which comes from their 2024 album,Eviscerate, commands attention as soon as it begins,with the band diving right into a heavy instrumental and vocals. Throughout, they demonstrate a perfect blend of screams and cleans to convey their message. Additionally, it creates a certain intensity that fits the song’s theme perfectly.

5Bruce Dickinson - Resurrection Men

Album: The Mandrake Project

Bruce Dickinson is known for his time as the lead singer of Iron Maiden, butin 2024, he decided to work solo. This wasn’t the first time he had gone this route, but it was something he hadn’t done since 2005. Nonetheless, he was back with his seventh solo record,The Mandrake Project, with “Resurrection Men” being one of the songs that led the way.

The tune is just over seven minutes, and it is classic Dickinson. It begins with a climactic opening, which builds anticipation. Once it kicks in, he delivers with his iconic vocals, hitting notes like only he can. The accompanying music video is also helpful, as it shows him performing the song live,showcasing the energy this tune brings and why his solo work is worth checking out.

4Lauren Babic - Let It Die

Album: Single Release (July 03, 2025)

There are many projects in which Lauren Babic has been involved throughout her career. From creating numerous cover songs to joining various artists on stage, she has become well-traveled. The next step in her career is her new EP,Too Much & Never Enough. From this four-track project,she released the song “Let It Die” to promote it on August 11, 2025.

If there were any secrets regarding the talents she possesses, this tune surely revealed them. Her voice is magnificent, transitioning from smooth melodies to harsh screams. This song showcases her genius,tastefully using her skills to convey this powerful story. To further extend its reach, she released a music video, where her movements perfectly enhanced each word that was delivered.

3Falling In Reverse - Ronald (Ft. Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible)

When it comes to creativity, Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke is second to none. He has proven through many projects that the band has undertaken thathis mind knows no bounds. He can envision things that others may never dream of being possible. This was demonstrated with his song “Ronald,” where he mixed multiple styles of music.

For this track, he wasn’t alone. He brought in Tech N9ne to add a hip-hop flair to the song, along with Alex Terrible from Slaughter to Prevail, who contributed unbelievable screams. Radke himself showcased his wide range of vocal skills,making this song a true masterpiece. To top it off, the music video told a story straight out of a science fiction movie.

2Ice Nine Kills - A Work Of Art (Ft. SHAVO)

Album: Single Release (August 10, 2025)

Ice Nine Kills have found their niche by creating songs based on horror movies. This is something they have done for many years, across multiple albums. One of their latest creations is"A Work of Art," a song based on the clown from theTerrifierfranchise. This song coincides with the latest installment,Terrifier 3, which debuted in September 2024.

Not only is the song part of the movie’s soundtrack, butthe band was also able to feature Art the Clown in their graphic music video. As seen in their live performance, they have an interpretation of the character appear to enhance the setting. To make the song even better, they enlisted Shavo Odadjian to add his bass expertise to the already intriguing madness.

1Bring Me The Horizon - liMOusine

Album: POST HUMAN: NeX GEn (July 04, 2025)

To their credit, Bring Me the Horizon have created a substantial amount of thought-provoking work in their career. Often, their lyrics delve deeper than what is on the surface, which is why you must truly listen to everything they say. Their song “liMOusine,” from their latest album, is a perfect example of this, asit left many listeners wondering how they conceived it.

One of the best aspects of this tune is that it maintains its dramatic atmosphere, even when they perform it live. Sometimes songs can change in this setting, butthis was one that the band was able to perform flawlessly. Additionally, the inclusion of singer AURORA was a great decision, as the singer’s vocal tone matches well with the song’s overall presentation.