31/12/2024
TOP 25 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR + OUTRO 2024
What will we remember from 2024? This will, of course, differ for everyone, but I’ve noticed that as I grow older, I’ve found more ways to connect people through music. Beyond fostering connections among passionate individuals, music often serves as a much-needed outlet -a way to momentarily escape our daily worries and regain strength to face the world's harsh realities.
At this time last year, I grappled with numerous questions and doubts about my future as a music journalist. Since 1991, I have continuously written reviews and conducted interviews. Over the years, much has changed, and the music scene in 2024 bears little resemblance to the 80s and 90s. Indifference seems more prevalent, and gratitude is, for many, an unfamiliar concept. Health challenges compelled me to reflect deeply on whether I should continue. Why not simply enjoy life instead of persisting in this demanding role? Yet, despite my doubts, my passion felt unfinished. You can’t easily set aside something you’re so deeply invested in. However, I knew I needed to scale back.
Thus, 2024 became a decisive year -a year of tough decisions and significant change. I reduced my workload, choosing to focus only on the promos that genuinely resonated with me. It no longer mattered whether the artists were well-known or obscure, signed to a label, or self-releasing their work. I also reimagined the ‘format’ of my reviews. It took time, but eventually, I found a new rhythm and rekindled my motivation.
I want to extend my apologies to the artists and labels whose productions I could not cover. Sometimes, hard choices are necessary, and reviewing everything was no longer sustainable. While my health has improved, I must continue setting boundaries to avoid overcommitting.
Interestingly, this new approach has led to more engagement, which, in turn, brings me great satisfaction. I remain deeply grateful to everyone who has entrusted me with their work. Many labels, artists, and promo companies provided me with a wealth of new material this year. I’m equally thankful to the readers who follow my work to stay informed about fresh releases.
Special thanks go to Bernard Van Isacker (editor-in-chief of Side-Line Magazine) and Rich Bova. Bernard, thank you for years of trust in my work, and Rich, thank you for proofreading and improving my reviews. Unfortunately, my new way of working no longer allows for our collaboration.
As in previous years, I also extend a ‘big f**k’ to those labels and artists who fail to respect the work journalists do for them. It’s baffling to encounter individuals who refuse to send promo material yet complain about insufficient attention for their releases. In my view, promotion has never been more vital. Being featured on a recognized platform attracts loyal followers eager to discover new music. Similarly, I find it hard to understand why some artists ignore interview requests or outright refuse to respond.
Writing reviews is, and always will be, subjective. It’s inherently open to debate, as it reflects the reviewer’s perspective. However, I assure you that I always strive to substantiate my reviews thoughtfully and maintain honesty above all.
As in past years, I’ve compiled my picks for the best albums of 2024. This “TOP 25” covers a range of genres, including EBM, Dark-Electro, IDM, Synth-Pop, Ethereal, Dark-Ambient, Industrial, Ritual, Cinematic, Gothic, Post-Punk, Cold/Dark-Wave, Dark-Techno, and more. Selecting these albums is always an exciting yet challenging process.
This list is based solely on the promotional material I received, excluding compilations, ‘best of’ releases, remix-EPs, live recordings and singles.
Without further ado, here is my “TOP 25” for 2024. Please share it with your friends… and see you in 2025! (Stéphane Froidcoeur)
01 5F-X – “Robby Road” (HANDS)
02 LBWL (Cyril Lambwool) – “Crossed Parallels” (ant-zen)
03 Velvet May (Tears On Waves) – “Enchanted By The Muse” (Veyl)
04 engelsstaub – “Seelengeiter” (Musqiue Indépendante Noire)
05 Konstant – “Unbandige Kinder” (Subject To Restrictions Discs)
06 Rites Of Passage – “Rites Of Passage” (Mindtrick Records)
07 Blackiebluebird – “A Symphony Of Shadows” (AenaosRecords)
08 Einstürzende Neubauten – “Rampen APM: Alien Pop Music” (Potomak)
09 Battle Scream – “Spiegelbild” (Scanner / Dark Dimensions Label Group)
10 Schröttersburg – “Kosmogenia” (Zoharum - new experimental art)
11 Sophia – “The Age Of Narcissist” (Cyclic Law)
12 Tineidae - “Dead Chapters” (Artificers)
13 Aiboforcen – “Between Noise & Silence” (Alfa Matrix)
14 Data Void – “Strategies Of Dissent” (Metropolis Records)
15 Clan of Xymox – “Exodus” (Trisol Music Group / Metropolis Records)
16 Beyond The Ghost – « Neon Twilight” (Cryo Chamber)
17 Darkness on Demand – “Panic In Reserve“ (Alfa Matrix)
18 Echoberyl – “Through The Chaos” (Icy Cold Records)
19 Desiderii Marginis – “Bathe In Black Light” (Cyclic Law)
20 Noromakina – “Insomnia” (Cold Transmission Music)
21 Frontier Guards & Mia Bohemia – “Wonder” (Aliens production label)
22 Date at Midnight – “Fade In This Grace” (Manic Depression Records & Events)
23 Beckahesten – “Svaltens Tid” (Cyclic Law)
24 Escape with Romeo – “Suspicious Bliss” (Zeit.Klang Records)
25 CUBIC – “Back To Basic” (Alfa Matrix)
Listen to "There Will No Android Messiah" by 5F-X
ttps://handsofficial.bandcamp.com/track/there-will-be-no-android-messiahh
