For obvious reasons I’ve been on a Beatles-kick these last few weeks, but I did find time to listen to some metal and put together what I think are the best metal albums of 2023.

In no particular order, here we go.

Note: For those who watched the Metal Swap Meet YouTube video discussing our best metal albums of 2023, you might notice a difference in picks. My list was revised after listening to a few more records.

Moonlight Sorcery – Horned Lord Of The Thorned Castle

Dark, fantasy-themed melodic black metal with awesome 80s inspired heavy-metal guitar solos.

Blut Aus Nord – Disharmonium – Nahab

Anxiety inducing black metal. You have to experience it yourself.

Incantation – Unholy Deification

Incantation does it again. They can do no wrong.

Cavalera Conspiracy – Morbid Vision / Bestial Devastation

A much needed revisit to these classic albums, giving them the attention they deserve.

Jag Panzer – The Hallowed

Brilliantly executed concept album, check out my 5 star review here.

Dødheimsgard - Black Medium Current

Dødheimsgard – Black Medium Current

If the electronica of past DHG scared you away, give this album listen. You won’t be disappointed. Read Overlord’s review here.

The Night Eternal – Fatale

I think The Night Eternal might be better than Night Demon. Sorry Brian.

Cruciamentum – Obsidian Refractions

For fans of 20 Buck Spin-style death metal.

Sulhpur Aeon – Seven Crowns And Seven Seals

A more evolved version of Sulphur Aeon, taking the Lovecraftian themes in a slightly more progessive direction.

Faidra – Militant : Penitent : Triumphant

Droning, oppressive black metal.

Also-rans

  • Worm / Dream Unending – Starpath
  • Asagraum – Veil Of Death, Rapture
  • Mayhem – Daemonic Rites
  • Akercocke – Decades Of Devil Worship
  • Autopsy – Ashes, Organs, Blood And Crypts
  • Tideless – Eye Of Water

That’s my list! Let me know what yours is, on the Facebook group or in the Youtube comments!