I have put together a list of my top 10 albums of 2023. You can check that out below. This is just for fun and I know I probably left out some of your favorites, but these are all of the albums that I enjoyed the most this year:
10. Citizen – “Calling The Dogs”:
Citizen’s latest album features a catchy garage-rock vibe that makes for a pleasant listen the whole way through. The fun nature of the music mixed with its emotional lyrics offer fans a well grounded release. Some highlights from this one include “Hyper Trophy,” “Needs,” “Lay Low,” and “Dogs.”
09. Conquer Divide – “Slow Burn”:
Conquer Divide have blasted back on the scene with their electrifying sophomore release. The album combines hard rock and metalcore with pop sensibilities to create music you can’t help but jam to. Some highlights from this one include: “welcome2paradise,” “N E W H E A V E N,” “gAtEkEePer,” and “Paralyzed.”
08. Avenged Sevenfold – “Life Is But A Dream…”:
Avenged Sevenfold’s latest album has been divisive to say the least, but when taken in as a whole it is a solid piece of work. The experimental record takes you on a cracked out journey that is sure to keep you coming back. Some highlights from this one include “Nobody,” “Mattel,” “We Love You,” and “Beautiful Morning.”
07. Metallica – “72 Seasons”:
It’s crazy to think Metallica could crank out such a powerful album this late in their career, but they managed to bring the heat once again. The effort gives you exactly what you would expect from the metal legends, while also expanding into new territories. Some highlights from this one include “Crown Of Barbed Wire,” “Too Far Gone?,” “Room Of Mirrors,” and “Inamorata.”
06. Sanguisugabogg – “Homicidal Ecstasy”:
Sanguisugabogg’s latest album is death metal at its finest. The record is full of disgusting tracks that bring the band’s neck-breaking brutality to a new level without straying too far from the core elements of the genre. Some highlights from this one include “Narcissistic Incisions,” “Face Ripped Off,” “Necrosexual Deviant,” and “Mortal Admonishment.”
05. VV – “Neon Noir”:
Ville Valo’s first solo album feels like an extension of his former band HIM. The record doesn’t have many heavy moments, but it is chock-full of dance-worthy new wave and gothic rock vibes that keep you captivated the whole way through. Some highlights from this one include “Echolocate Your Love,” “Neon Noir,” “Salute The Sanguine,” and “Run Away From The Sun.”
04. Nita Strauss – “The Call Of The Void”:
It’s no secret Nita Strauss is one of the best modern guitarists and her talent is on full display on her latest solo album. The effort is full of the top-tier instrumentals one would expect, while also being bolstered by numerous guests. Some highlights from this one include “The Wolf You Feed” (feat. Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz), “Through The Noise” (feat. Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale), “The Golden Trail” (feat. In Flames’ Anders Fridén), and “Momentum.”
03. Dying Wish – “Symptoms Of Survival”:
Dying Wish took things up another notch with their sophomore record. The effort offers fans a dose of heavy, in your face hardcore/metalcore with a sense of vulnerability. Some highlights from this one include “Torn From Your Silhouette,” “Prey To Me,” “Kiss Of Judas,” and “Starved.”
02. In Flames – “Foregone”:
In Flames’ latest album finds the band returning to their heavier roots, while still retaining elements from their later work. The record brings the band back to the forefront of the metal world and it will likely appease fans of all eras. Some highlights from this one include “Foregone, Pt. 1,” “Meet Your Maker,” “State Of Slow Decay,” and “The Great Deceiver.”
01. Butcher Babies – “Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind“:
Butcher Babies made their return with a double album featuring two distinct pieces that are able to stand on their own. The new material saw the band continuing to evolve through a collection of diverse songs that stay true to their roots, while pushing the boundaries of their sound. Some highlights from this one include “Yorktown,” “Wrong End Of The Knife,” “Last December,” and “Beaver Cage.”
Metal Anarchy 