Metalcore and Deathcore: 2024 in Review
- Natasha Maxwell
- Jan 10, 2025
- 2 min read
2024 has been a year of immense progress for metal, with numerous bands achieving monumental milestones. Notably, Gojira performed at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. From critically acclaimed releases to sold-out tours, the year redefined the scope and reception of heavy music. Across the globe, these genres flourished, with metal festivals playing a pivotal role in bringing heavy music to the forefront of popular culture.
Based on fan poll submissions, the following bands emerged as 2024’s essential artists: VCTMS, Surefire, Reminitions, Heartsick, Bodysnatcher, Spite, Enterprise Earth, Thrown, Boundaries, Heavy//Hitter, Signs of the Swarm, and Traitors.
#1 VCTMS
VCTMS, from Streamwood, Illinois, released their latest album pain processing on December 13, 2024. The first single, “snuff.tape,” has achieved critical success with 826,012 streams. VCTMS is currently touring with several rising stars, including Heavy//Hitter, 156/Silence, and Saltwound. Surefire, ranked #2 by fans, will join VCTMS on February 8, 2025, at Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago, Illinois.
#2 Surefire
Surefire, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, released Backstab in late 2024. The single follows their Heartsick EP and the widely praised summer track Salt the Wound. Surefire has opened for prominent bands like Enterprise Earth and will play alongside Heavy//Hitter and VCTMS in February 2025.
#3 Reminitions
Reminitions, from Visalia, California, unveiled Misery Eternal, Pt. II, their most ambitious EP to date. Praised for its narrative depth and horror-themed music videos, the band’s unique visual aesthetic continues to enhance their influence in the deathcore genre.
#4 Heartsick
Heartsick, from Lansing, Michigan, is deeply committed to growing the Midwest metal community through support for local festivals. They’ve played a pivotal role in bringing global acts to Michigan. Their music is both emotional and thought-provoking, and their success is amplified by their altruistic initiatives and community outreach. Heartsick’s latest EP titled Mind, Body, Spirit released in 2024 features several of their best tracks from previous EPS and singles.
Bodysnatcher, from Melbourne, Florida, spent much of 2024 touring extensively, solidifying their influence on the deathcore scene. Their co-headlining tour with Spite provided fans with opportunities to experience their unmatched intensity in some of the country’s best metal venues.
Spite, from California’s Bay Area, channels unrelenting aggression and chaos in their live performances. Their 2024 tour alongside Bodysnatcher propelled them to new heights, earning them a reputation for delivering raw, high-energy shows.
Enterprise Earth, from Spokane, Washington, exemplifies technical sophistication with intricate guitar work, harsh vocals, and complex compositions. Their expansive 2024 headline tour across North America and Europe marked a period of tremendous growth for the band.
Thrown, from Sweden, toured extensively while promoting their full-length album Excessive Guilt, released in February 2024. Known for their distinct and cohesive sound, each track on the album builds upon the last with increasing intensity, showcasing their refined artistic identity.
Boundaries of Connecticut carved a bold path with Death Is Little More, an album that juxtaposes hardcore grit with experimental ambition. Their visceral live performances became a hallmark of their ability to channel raw emotion into transcendent artistry.
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