John Baizley of Baroness’ Top 5 Albums of 2024

(Editor’s note: Looking back on 2024, there were so many good albums released that we decided to reach out to some of today’s artists and get them to weigh in on their favorites. What follows is Baroness frontman John Baizley’s ‘Top Albums of 2024’.)

I chose the following five records because I simply cannot stop listening to each of them. Turns out, 2024 was a great year for metal. These picks showcase a great deal of variety from punishing brutality to advanced composition and arrangement.

I’d say the thread in common with all five records is that they each showcase an elevated level of creativity given their respective styles. Nothing is phoned in and every idea is pushed to its absolute breaking point. I can’t wait to see each of the tours on these records. Horns up! 

Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere

This already feels like the defining death metal album of the 2020s. All of Baroness is in love with Blood Incantation, ever since the day we discovered them. ‘Nuff said.

Chat Pile – Cool World

We were lucky enough to get Chat Pile on several dates of our tour last year. They are an undeniably powerful and important band. In an increasingly homogeneous musical landscape, we place a very high premium on bands like Chat Pile, whose voice is so singularly impressive. 

Nails – Every Bridge Burning

For unfiltered Crush/Kill/Destroy, there’s none better than Nails. In extreme music this level of uncompromising brutality is both rare and precious. The whole thing is over in 18 minutes, but it feels like a whole lifetime (in the best way).

Ulcerate – Cutting the Throat of God

Longtime fan of these Kiwis, it’s been truly impressive to witness this band’s pursuit of precision and perfection. They keep getting better and better.

Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja

Psychy-avant-black-metal-meets-Portishead. Where do I sign up? Furthermore; do not sleep on seeing this band live… they’re everything you hope for and more.