Ember Belladonna’s debut album ‘The Grove’ is one of 2024’s more interesting metal releases. Promoted under the folk metal banner, the bulk of the material takes the cult subgenre beyond its typical remit. Ember isn’t interested in assaulting her audience with massive jigs – as per those pioneering Skyclad records – and her material doesn’t venture into the black metal infused extremes of a band like Northern Oak. Her take on folk metal comes from a much purer place where gothic metal riffs prop up some fantasic new age melodies, often with Ember’s flute work at the forefront.
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The Kilograms to head out on US tour; appearing with Big D & The Kids Table on select dates
Ska punk reggae supergroup The Kilograms, featuring Sammy Kay and ex-Mighty Mighty Bosstones man Joe Gittleman, released an enjoyable EP during the first quarter of 2024. Although only a two track single has emerged since then, The Kilograms have continued to be a going concern and have been appearing at live venues across the US.
They’ve got another tour on the horizon, kicking off in December, then taking the band into 2025. Many of next year’s early dates will find The Kilograms sharing stages with 90s ska favourites Big D & The Kids Table.
Listen: Canyons And Locusts unleash ‘Anna Save A Life’
Noise rock duo Canyons And Locusts hit several peoples’ musical radar back at the beginning of 2024 when they assaulted unsuspecting ears with the pleasingly noisy ‘Love Goes Down The Drain’, a trashy yet smart anti-valentine.
Watch: The Rattlebacks return with new video ‘Waste’
Those who’ve been keeping a close eye on Brighton’s The Rattlebacks throughout 2024 will have witnessed a band seemingly going from strength to strength. Each of the singles released from their forthcoming album has found the band sounding much more confident than before. Blending elements of melodic hard rock and a pinch of grunginess, the band’s best songs have conveyed a broad sound, and with ‘Dementia Lounge’ especially, The Rattlebacks’ ability to combine absolutely killer late 80s/early 90s riffs with a vocal that celebrates a classic rock approach reached its peak.
Watch: Skye unveil new video for ‘Last Memory’
In 2022, British metal act Skye released their ‘Foundations’ EP, which shared three contemporary sounding tracks, blending a pleasingly heavy tone with a melodic core that advertised them as the kind of band who’d have a crossover appeal.