BEST OF 2024 – Trevor McDougall (Head of Graphics/Contributor) 🇨🇦
You can find the Collective List as well as all our Best of 2024 content including contributors’ individual lists and radio DJ shows here: CGCM’s Best of 2024 (Year in Review)
Once again it is that time of year. Another top 10 list of albums that received so much play by myself that I had no choice but to add them to this list and tell anyone who would listen that they had to check these great albums out!
Some of these might not shock you, but maybe they will. All I know is that each one gave me a smile and a feeling of happiness, as good music should. However, a first is happening on my list this year, and it is the first and only AI album being mentioned by any CGCM staff this year. However, I am not 100% sure of this because we do not share our lists until they are posted.
So, without further comments by me let’s get this started…. My top ten of 2024!
#10 🇮🇹
ECHO FLAME – Steel Bite
Yes…This is the AI album I was referring to. This album contains AI music, but the singer is from Italy and is a real person. I cannot find much information on this “Band,” but all I know is that when I checked this album out, it made me smile.
Great riffs and the drums are all terrific, the lyrics are well written and truly, this album has to be experienced and not just dismissed because of its origins. The AI aspect might disturb some folks out there…I know it does with some here at the CGCM offices, but I prefer to move ahead and not miss out on what could be some good music in the future. Embrace the changes…or get left behind.
#09 🇺🇸
THE END MACHINE – The Quantum Phase
Being released in March this year, the George Lynch project carries on, but this time, he has Girish Pradhan replacing Robert Mason.
Being an old-school Dokken fan and following George along after Dokken has been a ride of many ups and downs, but this one was definitely on the upside for me.
#08 🇸🇪
ECLIPSE – Megalomanium II
This one was a shocker to me. Dropping on September 20th, I was truly hesitant to give this album a shot. Being an old-school fan of Eclipse, I found the last few I heard that they had too much of a Celtic sound to my ears, and that just wasn’t the sound I wanted to listen to that much. Needless to say, I was wrong here, and happily so too! Once I heard it, I haven’t been able to bring myself to knock it out of my daily playlist rotation, and because of that, this falls into the 8th position on my top 10 list of 2024.
#07 🇸🇪
CRUZH – The Jungle Revolution
Any fan of Melodic Hard Rock needs to check this band out if they haven’t yet. Each album just keeps getting better and better to this listener’s ears. Coming out on March 22nd, The Jungle Revolution brought more of a rocking sound with a touch of a classic “Strip Era” vibe to it.
Agree or disagree, I think this was a great release from Cruzh, and I cannot wait to see what they drop next for us!
#06 🇩🇪
VICTORY – Circle of Life
Yet another September album (Noticing a theme here?) It was exactly what was needed. Harder, edgier, and a real slap in the face. Sometimes, a music fan just needs something with a harder, pounding rhythm that can make you just bang your fist in the air and forget the real world exists for even a short time. Herman Frank and the band once again deliver a Victory album that will surely be considered a classic in the years to come.
Beer Break!
Phew…Halfway there. So many great albums that have been out this year. Quite honestly, this top 10 list is one of the most difficult things to do each year. I have always said that there are only two types of music in this world. Those would be Good & Bad. Whatever category you choose is dependent on you, your likes and dislikes. We might not all like the same things, and that’s what makes music a great thing to have in your life. It connects to memories of youth, triumph, and even tragedy. For me, it’s right up there with water and air. I need it to survive this cruel world.
Onto the second half!
#05 🇺🇸
CROSSBONE SKULLY – Evil World Machine
Another album that would have completely missed my radar if it wasn’t for a friend asking me the most common question of music nuts like myself. ”Have you checked this out?”. My answer was no, but it quickly turned into “Where can I get more of this?” The brainchild of guitarist/bassist Tommy Henriksen and guitarist/producer Tommy Denander. This is a cosmic tale of a character that could fall into the hero category and even the villain as well. It’s up to you, I guess. Producer extraordinaire Mutt Lange even came out of retirement to serve as Executive producer on this project and the names keep coming as well as other parts feature Alice Cooper, and Nikki Sixx. If that doesn’t get you interested, just trust your instinct, and give this one a spin.
#04 🇬🇧
JUDAS PRIEST – Invincible Shield
The Godfathers of Metal are back again and haven’t missed a step. If anything, I think that the Priest Boys are hitting a new mark in their long careers and revitalizing themselves to a whole new generation of fans and musicians alike. Show the new bands how the big boys do it and can still do it regardless of internet downloading, streams or even AI taking over. These guys know what it takes and they will deliver it to their fans as long as they can.
#03 🇨🇭
KING ZEBRA – Between the Shadows
Hailing from Zurich, Switzerland, this would be the band’s third full-length album since forming in 2009. With classic rock influences, these guys just want to kick your ass and leave you a sweaty, gasping mess at the end of each record. Between the Shadows is no exception. I eagerly await each album from these guys as it gets announced. If this is yet another band you haven’t heard of, then might I suggest that you run, don’t walk, run to your nearest store where you get your music, and get yourself a copy.
#02 🇺🇸
DAVID REECE – Baptized by Fire
Seemingly a regular name on my top 10 lists for the last couple of years. David Reece, whether it be with Reece, Iron Allies, Bangalore Choir or just a solo project, just keeps entertaining us with some killer tunes. Baptized by Fire is heavier sounding than his last few offerings, but that’s okay by me. Being one of my favourite singers, I take anything that he can offer and smile while doing it. All I can honestly say is that I’ve been rocking along with David since the 80s, and I don’t plan on stopping soon. If he releases something in 2025 (highly probable) you might see it on my list next year, so come back soon, and keep checking!
#01 🇩🇪
KISSIN’ DYNAMITE – Back With a Bang
Finally…Number One of 2024. This album was marked as my number one the moment I first heard the whole album. It was my summer album of the year and was an album that just inspired memories of some of the fun (possibly illegal) times of my youth. That album would be…Kissin’ Dynamite – Back With A Bang!
This album had everything I wanted in an album. Great riffs, fun fills, and many sing-along lyrics. As much of a fan as I am of Kissin’ Dynamite, this album Back with a Bang, in my opinion, is their best to date. Coming out on July 5th of this year it lifted my summer into overdrive. It might have even caused me to travel a bit faster at times than I should have.
Even before the album dropped, I had each single in my daily rotation and on repeat daily. The singles alone had some of my friends also calling it their album of the year, and that’s saying something for only halfway through the year.
Psychotic Thoughts
So, there you have it. Another Top 10 List from this listener’s perspective. Agree or disagree, I’d love to hear your comments on whether I’m right or wrong. Or why I’m right or wrong in either case. I’m also open to discussing music and discovering new bands all the time, so feel free to drop me a line anytime. Until then, keep tuning into CGCM Hard Rock Radio and enjoy the music that binds us all together.
Keep Rocking!
Trevor “Psychoone” McDougall
Furthermore, check out all my reviews: Trevor’s Archives
I just discovered your reviews! We share VERY similar tastes. But I’m shocked that The Nail didn’t make your list. KILLER melodic metal with Girish on vox! How could it miss?