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
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!