The incredible diversity of underground music which defined 2024 is once again commemorated in list format. From brooding post punk and extreme metal to introspective shoegaze and experimental sounds, this year's best albums evoked a wide range of moods pushing boundaries, confronting existential questions, and offering emotional release.
Here are D//E's Top 30 Albums of the Year.
30. King Bastard – From Whence They Came
From Whence They Came by propitious extreme metal act King Bastard merges doom and psychedelic metal in a dynamic and explosive way, creating a heavy and atmospheric journey. Grounded in intricate compositions and vivid imagery, the album offers a powerful narrative on modern life.
29. Einstürzende Neubauten – Ist Ist
29. Einstürzende Neubauten – Ist Ist
Einstürzende Neubauten continue to push boundaries with their innovative use of unconventional instruments and sounds. Ist Ist delves into existential themes, blending haunting melodies with mechanical rhythms, once again demonstrating the groundbreaking experimental nature of the experienced band.
28. bondo – Harmonica
28. bondo – Harmonica
Harmonica by bondo is a minimalist, experimental indie rock album with a slowcore foundation. Its stripped-down arrangements and poignant lyrics explore themes of vulnerability and human connection, providing an insightful, introspective experience.
27. The KVB – Tremors
27. The KVB – Tremors
The KVB's trademark fusion of shoegaze and darkwave is on display in Tremors. With its seductive soundscape of ethereal guitar melodies and driving rhythms, the album explores themes of contemplation and uncertainty.
26. Pissed Jeans – Half Divorced
26. Pissed Jeans – Half Divorced
The most recent album from Pissed Jeans features their signature punk / noise rock sound, complete with heavy guitar work and sardonic humor. Exuberant performances once again stand out as the album explores contemporary relationships and societal absurdities.
25. Death and the Maiden – Uneven Ground
25. Death and the Maiden – Uneven Ground
Uneven Ground, the third album from the Dunedin-based genre-fusing dark trio Death And The Maiden, blends post punk and electronic influences with haunting vocals and moody instrumentation, and its sound is nothing short of impeccable.
24. Common Wounds – All Night Blood
24. Common Wounds – All Night Blood
Phoenix heavy noise rockers Common Wounds made an impressive debut in 2024. The band considers it a salute to the music which helped shape their formative years, going through elements and passages of post-hardcore, emocore, and grunge.
23. Scarcity – The Promise of Rain
Scarcity’s unconventional black metal is distinguished by its atmospheric compositions and thematic depth, going far into existential and philosophical concepts. On The Promise of Rain, they create a unique atmosphere through striking guitar techniques, all while maintaining an unprocessed vulnerability which clearly defines their edgy sound.
22. Coilguns – Odd Love
22. Coilguns – Odd Love
Coilguns' latest album blends hardcore and experimental rock, featuring complex song structures and energetic performances. It marks a bold shift in their musical direction, exhibiting a band unafraid to redefine expectations and push boundaries.
21. LEATHERS – Ultraviolet
21. LEATHERS – Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet by LEATHERS delivers an engaging synthpop experience with dark undertones, featuring memorable melodies and well crafted, atmospheric production. The album maintains the signature blend of glam and moodiness which defines LEATHERS' distinctive style, and has a pretty natural flow throughout.
20. Couch Slut – You Could Do It Tonight
20. Couch Slut – You Could Do It Tonight
Couch Slut’s new album features a relentlessly abrasive sound, challenging with its intensity. Recorded in the gritty atmosphere of New York City with Ben Greenberg of Uniform and mastered by Matt Colton at London’s Metropolis Studios, the band’s vicious brand of noise rock has never sounded more arresting.
19. Arab Strap – I'm totally fine with it 👍 don't give a fuck anymore 👍
19. Arab Strap – I'm totally fine with it 👍 don't give a fuck anymore 👍
Arab Strap’s latest album showcases their signature storytelling style, exploring themes of existential reflection against a backdrop of moody instrumentation. The band departs a bit from their slowcore roots, embracing a more electronic direction, yet the result remains unmistakably their own.
18. Virgins – nothing hurt and everything was beautiful
18. Virgins – nothing hurt and everything was beautiful
The consistently emerging shoegaze band Virgins’ latest release blends elements of guitar-driven alt rock, grunge, and dreampop, offering introspective lyrics and ethereal instrumentation. With a Vonnegut-inspired title, the album solidifies the band's presence as an act with much to offer within the genre.
17. Air Formation – Air Formation
17. Air Formation – Air Formation
The self-titled album by Air Formation showcases more of the band’s signature lush shoegaze sound, with dreamy melodies and expansive soundscapes. As veterans of the genre, they continue to deliver exceptional works of the highest quality.
16. Touché Amoré – Spiral in a Straight Line
16. Touché Amoré – Spiral in a Straight Line
Touché Amoré’s emotional intensity and lyrical depth are evident on every release, and their latest album is no exception. With dynamic compositions and hard-hitting performances, Spiral in a Straight Line resonates deeply, leaving an enduring impression.
15. Kontravoid – Detachment
15. Kontravoid – Detachment
Detachment by Kontravoid delivers a dark and danceable fusion of industrial and electronic music. The album's pulsating rhythms and haunting vocals create a moody atmosphere, seamlessly blending elements of dark synthpop, darkwave, synthwave, and hard techno.
14. The Hope Conspiracy – Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception
14. The Hope Conspiracy – Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception
The Hope Conspiracy's Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception features aggressive instrumentation and politically charged themes. The band’s new material serves as a powerful response to societal injustices, tackling issues like corruption, economic exploitation, war profiteering, and media manipulation. With its sharpness and overarching dynamism, the album epitomizes a true sonic aggression against oppressive forces.
13. Kim Gordon – The Collective
13. Kim Gordon – The Collective
The Collective is just the second solo album of Kim Gordon's storied career, delivering an experimental rock experience infused with an anti-consumerist message. The album embodies an avant-garde, experimental tone, featuring heavy distortion and unconventional elements. Having stood out for its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics, The Collective blends shoegaze, noise rock, and electronic music into a bold, genre-defying statement.
12. FÓRN – Repercussions of the Self
12. FÓRN – Repercussions of the Self
FÓRN’s sound is defined by its heavy riffs and melancholic atmosphere, creating a powerful backdrop for themes of introspection and existentialism. The album is further elevated by the haunting, siren-like vocals of their newest member, Lane Shi Otayonii of Elizabeth Colour Wheel, an addition which marks a fresh approach for the band, resulting in a striking release.
11. Big Brave – A Chaos of Flowers
11. Big Brave – A Chaos of Flowers
A Chaos of Flowers highlights Big Brave’s distinctive blend of experimental rock and drone. The album delves deeply into the poetry of artists whose work resonates with guitarist and vocalist Robin Wattie, amplifying the voices of those often marginalized by cultural norms.
10. Renonce – Nuisance sonore
10. Renonce – Nuisance sonore
Nuisance Sonore, the sophomore full length by Renonce stands out for its industrial intensity and bleak atmosphere. The album solidifies Renonce’s place as a formidable force within the darkwave realm, displaying an incredible rawness and depth which certainly leaves a lasting impression.
9. Uniform - American Standard
9. Uniform - American Standard
Uniform is one of those bands which cannot help but deliver music that is both thought-provoking and imposing. American Standard is a fantastic album which taps into the resurgent power of industrial elements within extreme sound. Tackling the theme of bulimia nervosa, Uniform brings in writers B.R. Yeager and Maggie Siebert to craft the chilling lyrics, resulting in an intense and daring release. From the very first moment, the album stands out, and its true power lingers long.
8. Chat Pile – Cool World
8. Chat Pile – Cool World
Chat Pile’s new album, Cool World, marks a significant evolution from their groundbreaking 2022 debut, God’s Country. Expanding their focus from the local to the global, the band delivers a powerful exploration of existential dread. Blending hardcore, noise rock, sludge, and post-punk elements, the album channels a unique and unrelenting intensity, solidifying Chat Pile’s trajectory as one of the most compelling acts in contemporary heavy music.
7. Midwife – No Depression in Heaven
7. Midwife – No Depression in Heaven
Midwife’s latest album delivers a haunting fusion of ambient and slowcore, bringing together ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics to create a deeply emotional experience. While it stays rooted in the profound wistfulness which has become her signature, the album still feels fresh and engaging, offering a renewed sense of connection to her evocative musicianship.
6. Julie Christmas – Ridiculous and Full of Blood
6. Julie Christmas – Ridiculous and Full of Blood
Julie Christmas delivers a commanding presentation on her latest album, blending elements of metal and experimental rock in a successful return as a solo artist; her first since The Bad Wife in 2010. Her distinctive vocals and intense lyrical themes make her latest full length a standout in her catalog. Exploring subjects as varied as her fascination with birds and her views on profound topics like religion and warfare, Ridiculous and Full of Blood offers a compelling glimpse into Christmas’s unique worldview, while its title playfully encapsulates the artist’s self-perception.
5. Gouge Away – Deep Sage
5. Gouge Away – Deep Sage
Gouge Away’s Deep Sage delivers a superb, electrifying fusion of hardcore punk and noise rock. The album stands out with its ferocious energy and conscious lyrics, reflecting the band’s evolution and maturity. Recorded with Jack Shirley at Atomic Garden East, it boasts an incredibly sharp production which enhances the intensity of the music, while the band’s emotional depth shines through every track.
4. Sculpture Club – Sculpture Club
4. Sculpture Club – Sculpture Club
Sculpture Club’s self-titled album delivers a fresh yet deeply sentimental take on post punk, making great use of melodic hooks and atmospheric instrumentation, offering a modern reinterpretation of the genre’s classic allure. The band’s sound is defined by a refined blend of dreampop, darkwave, and new wave influences, creating a lush and delightful style. With poignant lyricism and all around incredible songcraft, Sculpture Club reaches new heights, producing a work which feels entirely their own.
3. Full of Hell – Coagulated Bliss
3. Full of Hell – Coagulated Bliss
Full of Hell’s latest release furthers their relentless exploration of extreme metal, seamlessly blending grindcore and noise into a brutal yet intricate experience. The album is marked by its intensity and complex compositions, pushing genre boundaries while breaking new ground for the band. It signals a departure from previous works, yet retains the signature edge and unconventional approach which defines Full of Hell. Traditional songwriting structures merge with raw noise and experimental elements, showcasing the band’s expertise in fusing diversity into a cohesive, groundbreaking whole.
2. Chelsea Wolfe – She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
2. Chelsea Wolfe – She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
On her latest work, Chelsea Wolfe's signature blend of gothic and industrial sounds takes center stage once again, giving way to a dark and immersive atmosphere. Assisted by producer Dave Sitek, the album builds on distorted layers of guitar and lush electronic textures, resulting in a hybrid sound which feels as enigmatic as it is thrilling. Hard to categorize yet impossible to ignore, it’s another impossible to miss chapter in Wolfe’s ever-evolving artistry.
1. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
1. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
Released in November 2024, Songs of a Lost World marks The Cure's triumphant return after a 16-year hiatus. With its somber sound and moody approach, the album showcases remarkable depth and maturity, immediately earning a place among the band’s most emotional and profound works. The Cure, as iconic as ever, need no validation but it’s still exhilarating to see their latest work garner universal acclaim. Just as we celebrated Depeche Mode last year, we owe it to the greatest dark band the world has ever seen to crown their work as Album of the Year.
1. The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
2. Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
3. Full of Hell - Coagulated Bliss
4. Sculpture Club - Sculpture Club
5. Gouge Away - Deep Sage
6. Julie Christmas - Ridiculous and Full of Blood
7. Midwife - No Depression in Heaven
8. Chat Pile - Cool World
9. Uniform - American Standard
10. Renonce - Nuisance sonore
11. Big Brave - A Chaos of Flowers
12. FÓRN - Repercussions of the Self
13. Kim Gordon - The Collective
14. The Hope Conspiracy - Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception
15. Kontravoid - Detachment
16. Touché Amoré - Spiral in a Straight Line
17. Air Formation - Air Formation
18. Virgins - nothing hurt and everything was beautiful
19. Arab Strap - I'm totally fine with it 👍 don't give a fuck anymore 👍
20. Couch Slut - You Could Do It Tonight
21. LEATHERS - Ultraviolet
22. Coilguns - Odd Love
23. Scarcity - The Promise of Rain
24. Common Wounds - All Night Blood
25. Death and the Maiden - Uneven Ground
26. Pissed Jeans - Half Divorced
27. The KVB - Tremors
28. bondo - Harmonica
29. Einstürzende Neubauten - Ist Ist
30. King Bastard - From Whence They Came
ZR