While we’ve been hard at work promoting our latest album *Shades of Sorrow*, the world of heavy music hasn’t stopped spinning—and thankfully so. Amid our own whirlwind of tour dates, interviews, and late-night songwriting sessions, we’ve been inspired by some incredible releases from artists we deeply respect.
Our vocalist Luana has been spinning a lot of fresh material this year, and she’s curated a personal list of her favorite releases of 2024 so far. From crushing riffs to haunting melodies, these albums and tracks have made their mark—either on our tour van playlist, backstage warmups, or during those rare quiet moments between the chaos.
So, without further delay, here’s Luana’s List of Favorite Releases of 2024 (So Far):
1. Spiritbox – Celestial Poison
The Canadian progressive metal juggernaut did it again. With *Celestial Poison*, Spiritbox delivers a flawless fusion of atmosphere and aggression. Luana loves how Courtney LaPlante’s vocal range continues to evolve—ethereal one moment, guttural the next. The track “Voidwalker” has been a go-to for vocal warmups on the road.
2. Orbit Culture – Descent II
Sweden’s Orbit Culture returned with a vengeance. Their second installment of *Descent* is darker, heavier, and even more cinematic than the first. Luana especially loves the drumming on this album, which she described as “like a war march through a blizzard.” Standout track: “Echoes of the Forgotten.”
3. Jinjer – Veins of the Earth
Few bands push boundaries like Jinjer, and this new record proves they’re still innovating. Tatiana Shmailyuk’s vocal delivery on *Veins of the Earth* is raw and unrelenting, and the whole band sounds tighter than ever. Luana has called this their “boldest and most emotional” release to date.
4. Infected Rain – *Timewarp
Luana has always appreciated Infected Rain’s blend of intensity and vulnerability, and *Timewarp* encapsulates that duality perfectly. She noted how much the lyrical content resonated this time around—exploring grief, time, and transformation. This one’s been playing loud in the dressing room.
5. Sleep Token – Sanctum
No surprises here—*Sanctum* continues to captivate listeners with its genre-blurring sound. From R\&B whispers to tectonic breakdowns, this album’s contrast and beauty blew Luana away. Favorite track? “Bloodlit Psalms,” for its ethereal build and devastating climax.
6. Gojira –Tides of Uroboros
Anytime Gojira drops an album, the earth shifts just a little. *Tides of Uroboros* is everything you’d expect: environmentally conscious lyrics, tectonic riffing, and spiritual weight. Luana called this one “a meditation in the middle of a maelstrom.”
7. Lorna Shore – *Damnation Script
Luana had this one on repeat the moment it dropped. The orchestral arrangements on *Damnation Script* push Lorna Shore’s sound into cinematic horror territory, with Will Ramos’ otherworldly vocals front and center. “Symphony of the Abyss” is her favorite—both brutal and beautiful.
8. Zeal & Ardor – *Reckoning Sun
Blending black metal with spirituals and blues is no easy feat, but *Reckoning Sun* is proof that Zeal & Ardor are masters of their craft. Luana praised the album for its “boldness and soul.” She especially loved the haunting “Crimson Chains.”
Luana’s Closing Thoughts
> “Even while we’ve been pouring our hearts into promoting *Shades of Sorrow*, these releases have been a source of strength and inspiration. They remind me that heavy music is alive, evolving, and more emotionally powerful than ever. I’m just happy to be part of this world.”
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