Top Rock Albums of 2024 with a twist

I didn't post my usual top 10 albums of the year for 2024 in time for Christmas.  First of all, I thought it was a down year for rock after a few strong years.  Second, life has been difficult lately and I have been focusing on other things.  I spent a lot of entertainment hours listening to music still, but also on listening to podcasts and other YouTube channels.  I've recently been learning more about AI and I used it to help me make this post about top rock albums of 2024 in my voice.  See if you notice anything fishy or if you like it.  LMK.

1. Judas Priest - Invincible Shield

Priest delivered exactly what I hoped for with "Invincible Shield." At 72, Rob Halford's vocals are still powerful, and the dual guitar attack of Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap brings that classic Priest sound into 2024. This album feels like a natural follow-up to "Firepower" with tracks like "Panic Attack" and "Crown of Horns" that could stand alongside their classics from the 80s. They've managed to maintain their heaviness while incorporating just enough modern production to keep things fresh. This is how legacy bands should age - by refusing to mellow out.

Best tracks: Panic Attack, Crown of Horns, Invincible Shield

2. Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

It's been six years since their last album, but Alkaline Trio hasn't missed a beat. "Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs" delivers that perfect mix of punk energy and gothic sensibilities that's made them unique for over 20 years. Matt Skiba's return after his stint with Blink-182 seems to have reinvigorated the band. The album balances their trademark dark lyrics with surprisingly catchy hooks. This is easily their strongest material since "Crimson."

Best tracks: Bad Time, Break, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

Static-X - Project Regeneration Vol. 2

After seeing them live at Starland Ballroom back in February 2024, I was hyped for this release. Wayne Static's legacy lives on with the band expertly weaving his recorded vocals and synth work with new material. The combination of industrial metal grooves and Xer0's faithful vocal delivery has produced a viable version of the band that seems as popular as ever and with more buzz about them than I can recall since "Wisconsin Death Trip." Tracks like "Z0mbie" absolutely crush live, but deeper cuts like "Electrical Pulse" and "Terminator Oscillator" show they're not just relying on nostalgia. This album bridges the gap between their classic sound and modern production in a way that honors Wayne while still moving forward.  Their stage show is better than ever.  Click here for a look back at my previous post.

Best tracks: Z0mbie, Electrical Pulse, Terminator Oscillator

Sum 41 - Heaven :x: Hell

Sum 41 are calling it quits after releasing a double album.  The first is supposed to be more pop-punk akin to their early days and the second more metal influenced, but it is all power-pop and some of the best material Sum 41 has released.  If you are a fan of the genre, you don't want to miss this epic farewell release.

Best tracks:

Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea

Spiritbox has absolutely exploded with their first full-length follow-up to 2021's Eternal Blue. Courtney LaPlante continues to showcase her incredible range, effortlessly switching between devastating screams and ethereal clean vocals. The band's unique blend of djent, metalcore, and atmospheric elements feels more refined than ever. Mike Stringer's guitar work is both technical and emotive, creating intricate soundscapes that perfectly complement the vocal performance. This album cement's Spiritbox's place as one of modern metal's most exciting acts that some consider to be the future of hard rock.

Best tracks: Black Rainbow, Soft Spine, No Loss No Love

Smashing Pumpkins, Aghori Mhori Mei

Rather than release any singles ahead of time, the album came at once. I didn't honestly expect to like more than a song or two, but it was a good album front to back. After some questionable divergence from their signature sound, Smashing Pumpkins rock again and I'm here for it.

Green Day - Saviors

Green Day's return to form surprised me as much as anyone. After a few albums that felt like they were chasing trends, "Saviors" brings back the snotty punk energy that made them great while incorporating the maturity they've gained over the years. Billie Joe sounds rejuvenated, Mike Dirnt's bass lines are prominent in the mix again, and Tré Cool's drumming propels these songs with an urgency I haven't heard from them in a long time. Songs like "The American Dream Is Killing Me" show they still have something to say.

Best tracks: The American Dream Is Killing Me, Look Ma, No Brains!, Dilemma

Mick Mars - The Other Side of Mars

After parting ways with Mötley Crüe, Mars has delivered a surprisingly heavy and vital solo debut. Free from the constraints of his former band, he's created a record that showcases his distinctive guitar work while exploring new territory. His collaboration with vocalist Jacob Bunton (formerly of Adler) brings a fresh energy to his bluesy, hard rock sound. At 73, Mars proves he's still got plenty of gas in the tank and wasn't the one holding Mötley back.

Best tracks: Loyal to the Lie, Undone, Right Side of Wrong

What albums did I miss? Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for concert footage and more music discussion.

Note: This post was created with writing assistance from Claude, an AI assistant by Anthropic. All opinions and musical assessments reflect my personal taste and style.