GBHBL’s Top 10 EPs of 2024

It’s been a fantastic year for music, with great releases across the entire spectrum of rock and metal. So, as is the yearly tradition, here is our top 10 EPs of 2024. Two lists, one chosen by Brendan and the other chosen by Carl. Enjoy, and if you prefer the list in video format, you can watch/listen to us talk about them below.

10. Brendan: Warhog – The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1 (Self Released)

Something a bit different here with Texas’ riff machines, Warhog and the first of a trilogy of EPs with The Dystopian Chronicles, Vol. 1, which came out on the 28th of June. I enjoyed the whole trilogy, but the first volume had the most impact thus making it onto my list. Warhog blend driving, rhythmic riffs with melodic, storytelling vocals creating a blend that honours traditional metal while pushing forwards into new territories. The band have a theatrical vibe, and plenty of mass appeal while also focusing on a narrative set in a dystopian future, and I love dystopian anything. The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1 is a showcase of storytelling helped by the crystal-clear vocals and pronunciation. Songs flow well, sparking imagery in my mind, with big riffs, great drums and plenty of variation. It’s not the heaviest, one of the reasons why this is so accessible I guess, but Warhog pack a punch when they need to and there is enough meat on the bones to have my head moving, often involuntarily. It’s an excellent release and a great introduction to the band.

Read the full review here.

10. Carl: InDevth – Drowning (Self Released)

On March 15th, 2024, the ever-relentless metalcore band InDevth released their brand-new EP, ‘Drowning’. An EP that deals with mental anguish, hopelessness and feelings born out of the grit and grime of a bleak modern Britain. A new era begins, the era of InDevth. You might know them better as Dreameater, but as they boldly move into the future, the name of InDevth is all anyone will be thinking about. This is more than just a name change, it’s a revitalised and refocused band. Where an EP leaves you begging for more. Where five tracks showcase so much, that each can rightfully be called a modern metal classic. InDevth’s form and creativity is truly special.

Read the full review here.

9. Brendan: Paradis – Paradis (Self Released)

Local boys, to us anyway, up next with the up-and-coming metalcore band, Paradis who released their self-titled debut on the 20th of September. Being a debut release, I was instantly impressed by how professional the release is, with a sound more in line with a band 10 years into their career. They clearly have a lot of talent in the band and deliver 5 tracks of high quality, creative and exciting metal built around a foundation of metalcore, but with branches that reach comfortably into any genre they want. If it enhances the song, it is welcome here and that makes for a very creative and exciting listen. This is just them at the start of their journey and they have hit the ground running. I’ll be keeping a close eye on these guys and am really looking forward to getting to catch them live. Until then, I have this EP to tide me over where, as it has been already, it will continue to get plenty of playtime.

Read the full review here.

9. Carl: Dragoncorpse – The Fall of House Abbarath (Shattered Earth Records)

International deathcore/power metal dynamos, Dragoncorpse, are back and armed with a vibrant new EP, ‘The Fall of House Abbarath’. Released on November 1st on Shattered Earth Records. The follow-up to their excellent ‘The Drakketh Saga’ EP, Dragoncorpse have learned so much already and build on the impressive combination of deathcore and power metal that makes up their unique sound. What we have here is a much more refined effort. The evolution of Dragoncorpse is exciting. Especially as The Fall of House Abbarath is clearly an advancement on The Drakketh Saga’. They’re getting better at this, which is saying something as they were already delivering memorable music before!

Read the full review here.

8. Brendan: Killerkorp – Vices (Self Released)

A recent release that came out just on the 13th of December and through its sheer quality forced it’s way on to this list is Vices by Suffolk’s metal/hardcore rising stars, Killerkorp. We have known and watched these guys grow for a few years now and Vices sees them reach a point of maturity and confidence that comes with time, hard work and experience. They have cleverly managed to still capture that intensity and fire they have become known for in love performances on record while maturing with a sound that packs more emotion, a little melancholy and tons of passion. It’s a winning combination and a very accomplished EP that will keep you interested from the first note to the last and leave you wanting more. You can expect big things from Killerkorp next year, if Vices is anything to go by.

Read the full review here.

8. Carl: Mallavora – Echoes (Marshall Records)

Bristolian alt-metal act Mallavora released their brand-new EP, ‘Echoes’ on November 20th, 2024, via Marshall Records. An EP that explores chronic illness, neurodiversity, and identity, blending shades of rock, alt-metal, and vocalist Jessica Douek’s Middle Eastern roots. Cathartic and inclusive, there’s so much to Mallavora and so much to unpack with this EP that, chances are, we could still be talking about the four tracks on offer in a year’s time. That’s now impactful the music is and that is how important what Mallavora are doing is here. A band that genuinely feels like they can make a difference when it comes to inclusivity within the music industry and making those who feel forgotten about, heard. Sure, they fall into the alternative category, but mainly because they don’t fit anywhere else. Chances are, that’s exactly how they like it too.

Read the full review here.

7. Gore. – A Bud That Never Blooms (Spinefarm Records)

Texas is delivering this year with the first of two Texan outfits making it into my Top 10. First up we have Gore. who released their debut EP, A Bud That Never Blooms, on the 24th of October. Having made massive waves across social media and YouTube, they were snapped up rapidly by Spinefarm. Gore. deliver emotionally raw and unapologetic vulnerability with their very modern sound. The band also brings a distinctly feminine perspective to the heavy music scene. A Bud That Never Blooms deals with delivering passion and emotion and it rings out clearly throughout the whole release where we get 5 tracks of immense creativity and variety. It feels fresh, exciting and powerful. Especially when you read and breakdown the lyrics along with the impressive instrumentation. Gore. are a band that have a big future ahead of them if they can continue to recreate the realism and dynamism of this first genre bending release. They have a sound that seems perfectly suited to modern times and the talent to speak to us all through their music.

Read the full review here.

7. Carl: Vanitas – Chaos Theory (Self Released)

Vanitas, the self-styled ‘cinematic djent’ Birmingham five-piece released their sophomore EP ‘Chaos Theory’ on August 2nd, 2024. An EP that represents a savage expression of rage and desperation; born from a time of turmoil and wearing its scars proudly. The progressive metal, djent aspects and orchestral backdrops might be familiar but when put together in the Vanitas way, it results in a unique sound that is the Vanitas sound. Cinematic djent. Their rise is notable, but it’s a rise based off quality and this EP proves that fact unequivocally. Vanitas aren’t just a bright prospect in the UK metal scene, they’re looking like a dominant worldwide force already.

Read the full review here.

6. Brendan: Words of Farewell – Stories to Forget (Seek and Strike)

No list of mine is ever complete without at least one melodic death metal band so here we have Words of Farewell. A German band who released their EP, Stories to Forget, back on the 29th of March. The band have been doing their thing since 2007 so come with a whole lot of experience and it shines through here. An EP of immense quality and a whole heap of variety. Each of the 5 tracks here have a foundation set firmly in melodic death metal, but also come packing their own unique components and have very clear individual identities. There is so much to like, so much music to mosh to, to feel, to get lost in. It’s an immense release showing a band full of confidence with every single musician at the top of their game.

Read the full review here.

6. Carl: Orme – No Serpents, No Saviours (Self Released)

Orme, the Hertfordshire, UK based trio return with ‘No Serpents, No Saviours’. This new slice of nightmarish noise was released on August 23rd, 2024. What intensity does Orme have to offer this time? Heaviness. That’s a given, sure, but heaviness like what is on offer here? Be prepared to be obliterated by a cacophony of noise that combines the darkest of death and dankest of doom sounds.

Read the full review here.

5. Brendan: Voltumna – For Death is Fate (Self Released)

Another blackened death metal band on my list for this year is Italy’s Voltumna who released their EP “For Death Is Fate” on January 19th. Despite that being a while ago, it still gets regular play from me all the way at the other end of the year. Originally intriguing with their concept which isn’t tied to any contemporary ideological, cultural or religious movement, instead focusing on a historical and anthropological reinterpretation of the Ancient Wars as Voltumna draw inspiration from apocryphal transcripts, tales from forgotten civilizations or imaginary legends, handed down through oral tradition and native folklore. That is certainly interesting but backing that up with the music is what matters and Voltumna smash it out of the park with an EP that is expansive and creative combining stunning melody with harsh black metal perfectly. It’s an end-to-end banger with not a single moment of fluff, no filler, not moments of boredom. It’s just a nonstop, creative and inspiring EP that has been getting a ton of playtime from me this year.

Read the full review here.

5. Carl: Celestial Sanctuary – Visions of Stagnant Blood (Self Released)

Extreme metal noise mongers Celestial Sanctuary dropped a new EP called ‘Visions of Stagnant Blood’. It features three gargantuan, guttural, and grim efforts that call to the animal inside all of us. If you thought their increasing popularity would dull their vision of carnage, this EP will correct that.

Read the full review here.

4. Brendan: My Favourite Nemesis – We Annihilate (Seek and Strike)

Finland’s modern metallers, My Favourite Nemesis, released their crushing new EP, We Annihilate, on the 26th April and blew me away with their brand of metal delivering passion, groove, catchy guitar riffs and vocal melodies. My Favourite Nemesis’ music has a wide variation of instrumental and vocal arrangements, which respects the elements of the more traditional and modern metal with a big part of their appeal coming from the stunning dual lead vocals of Janne Piela and Sanna Solanterä. Vocals aren’t enough though so chuck in a sonic barrage of captivating hooks, melodies and fast-paced, hard-hitting songs. It’s a release that is very open and honest, emotionally and tactfully deals with complex topics around emotional and mental health. The differing vocal styles is a real winner for me here. I love the contrast and it’s not just a contrast between harsh and clean, dark and light – it’s many different variations of harsh and clean with expert harmonising as well. My Favourite Nemesis look like having a big future ahead of them and We Annihilate is a wonderful showcase of what they have to offer.

Read the full review here.

4. Carl: Worn Out – Low (Ripcord Records / Death Farm Records)

Worn Out, the Irish hardcore metal band, continue their impressive rise. Their latest release, an EP called ‘Low’, was released on August 30th. One of the finest modern hardcore bands, utilising metallic elements to enrich their sound, Worn Out have built up one hell of a reputation both on record and in the live environment. Both sides of the band as lauded as the other, because they are the best and brightest of Ireland’s metal scene. No more proof of this statement is needed than this latest rager of an EP.

Read the full review here.

3. Brendan: Atavistia – Inane Ducam (Self Released)

Vancouver-based Atavistia released Inane Ducam on July the 19th 2024. A band I wasn’t familiar with before listening to this, they are a blackened symphonic metal outfit that formed in 2016. Inane Ducam sees Atavistia look to explore different genres and styles while still maintaining the core Atavistia sound of blackened symphonic metal. They succeeded with that, delivering a huge amount of variety and quality here with intense and aggressive heavy metal, but wrapped in a blanket of atmosphere and melody. Touches of black metal, some power, even moments of melodeath and of course plenty of symphonic sounds – there is a lot to love and you can’t help but be impressed. Impressed by the range of talent, but also how the band have managed to get the best out of everyone to create songs, and an EP that has structure and oozes quality from the first notes, to the last.

Read the full review here.

3. Carl: Ways – Are We Still Alive? (Self Released)

Hailing from Paris, France, Ways are an alternative metal/post hardcore band who have released a slew of EPs and singles since 2016. Never one to stay still for too long, they presented their brand-new EP, ‘Are We Still Alive?’ on March 1st, 2024. Five tracks, five of the best alternative metal and post hardcore tracks you will hear this year. Are We Still Alive? is a must listen for everyone and anyone. With release after release, they continue to improve and the mark they leave with their exciting blend of alternative metal and post hardcore is extremely notable. There simply isn’t a bad track on the EP, the epitome of ‘all killer, no filler’. Stop sleeping on Ways, they really are this good.

Read the full review here.

2. Brendan: Sathamel – Opposition to Life (Self Released)

Vying with Trendkill for that Number 1 spot, but eventually having to settle for 2nd place, just, is Opposition to Life from Yorkshire’s blackened death metal band, Sathamel. Opposition To Life, released on the 1st of November 2024 and is the band’s first non-single release in a fair few years with Sathamel evolving in that time coming back at us with a changed line up, and a renewed focus on their music. It seems to have worked for them as they deliver an EP that demonstrates a band that has grown in confidence and power since their return. Opposition to Life is heavy, yet somehow manages to stay insanely listenable and, dare I say it, even catchy! Sathamel seem to have found a place of contentment where everything is falling into place through their dedication and hard work over the years. If Opposition to Life is a sign of things to come from Sathamel, we are all in for a treat. It’s a phenomenal EP – a real neck breaking, mosh pit destroying treat of blackened death metal of the highest quality and comfortably one of the very best EPs released this year.

Read the full review here.

2. Carl: Callas – Days (Self Released)

Callas, a post rock/metal and experimental band from Cork, Ireland, released their new EP, ‘Days’, on July 26th, 2024. Callas showcase a wonderful and powerful poignant style of post rock and metal across the three tracks of this EP. Based off the title track alone, it’s special. Then, you add the other two tracks, and it’s a stunner of a release that leaves you wanting so much more.

Read the full review here.

1. Brendan: Trendkill – Blood for the Crown (TK records)

Trendkill deliver a memorable slab of masterful metal with Blood for the Crown. Their final EP as they go on an indefinite hiatus. The groove, thrash machine has been making heads bang and pits swirl for years while, at their core, they are just 4 friends making heavy metal and they are bloody good at it. Gone for now, but Trendkill aren’t a band to be forgotten and as a parting gift, even if only temporary, Blood for the Crown is perfect with 4 bangers, including one of my tracks of the year, Step Inside, all helping to make Blood for the Crown my favourite EP of 2024.

Read the full review here.

1. Carl: Thumos – Atlantis (Snow Wolf Records)

US progressive post-metal band Thumos are back, and released a brand-new EP called ‘Atlantis’ on April 26th, 2024, via Snow Wolf Records. A three-track EP covering Plato’s dialogues Timaeus, the unfinished Critias, and the hypothetical Hermocrates. In life they say only two things are certain – death and taxes. This isn’t true, because there is a third. Which simply states that if Thumos have new music, it is going to be stunning. They’re a band that never fail to impress, always delivering meaningful and impactful post-metal, and once again, they bring us something that can be rightfully called transcendent. It might be only three tracks long, but this is over thirty minutes of music. How do you turn Plato’s dialogues into something musically captivating? Thumos have the answer.

Read the full review here.