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10. Argovia – Who We Are

Melding rock, metal, and alternative into a melodic sound that has oomph and emotion, Argovia has plenty of spellbinding moments, especially in their spacey, dreamy portions and Ani’s harmonious vocals. I see great potential here.

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9. Sol Levita – Prevalece

Sol Levita released a fascinating EP last year. I think I would call this style post-metal, though it has an atmospheric and almost shoegaze quality to it. It has some heavier portions, and the rhythm section is very strong, so it isn’t as abstract as some in that genre, but it certainly uses metal in interesting ways. Plus, the band utilizes atmosphere and ambience very well.

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8. Manes – Pathei Mathos

Manes is an eclectic bunch who play music infused with electronic, metal, and pop influences. Some of their songs can be heavier, and some are catchy and colorful. For this EP, I do feel like the eclecticism is reigned in somewhat, but all those genres are still present. The band seems to focus on writing good songs without as much fluff, but the accents they do add are effective. Definitely worth your time.

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7. Johan Niemann – Anhedonia

After releasing a colorful and spunky EP last year, Evergrey’s Johan Niemann released a dark, ambient EP with plenty of meat. Much of it is mysterious and calm, and other portions feature doomy, yet subtle riffs and dreamy textures. It’s a beautiful experience.

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6. Sylvaine – Eg Er Framand

Sylvaine’s EP offering was something of a departure from her doomgaze and post-rock tendencies. This is a work of folk music that utilizes Sylvaine’s vocals primarily, though you will hear some instrumentation, especially haunting organs and keys. It certainly offers forlorn feelings and hypnotic moments.

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5. Revis – Bottles of Lightning

Revis returned in 2024 after many years, and over 20 years after their amazing debut Places for Breathing. This alternative rock/metal group can still write hooks and infuse their music with cinematic qualities. The more I listen to this EP, the more I adore it.

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4. Persefone – Lingua Ignota: Part I

Persefone released a sometimes punishing, sometimes enlightening EP last year, and it reveled in every ounce of rhythm and groove the band could produce. The EP plays like a mini-album, feeling quite complete, and reaches massive highs as the band continues their blend of technical progressive death metal with soaring synth and keys.

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3. The Radicant – We Ascend

Vincent Cavanagh of Anathema fame returned last year with a highly artistic and abstract EP. The music here is a blend of styles, from trip hop to electronic to ambient to post-prog to post-industrial to art pop, and each song is thrilling in its own way.

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2. Remina – Erebus

Ahead of their upcoming full-length album, Remina gave us Erebus, a three-track EP that is absolutely amazing. Continuing their cosmic doom sound with aplomb, the band outdid themselves with razor-sharp, melodic songs that explore both the heavier and more spacious sides of their sound. Absolutely beautiful.

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** 1. The Exies – Closure **

The Exies were a band who deserved more. Returning after over a decade of silence, the band presented a final EP to bring closure for themselves and for their many fans. Featuring six excellent songs with the classic Exies sound, I couldn’t get enough of this EP. Easily my favorite EP of 2024.

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