10 Best Metal Releases From 2023 That I Heard, Ranked
1) NEGATIVE REACTION (US) - Zero Minus Infinity
The most progressive sludge album since the last one they put out. It really covers a lot of ground. Depending on what song you're listening to, there could be solos, dual solos, synth, multiple synth lines, or Native American Indian flute. And at times, a subtle WINTER, SHEER TERROR, or CELTIC FROST influence. Not to mention a very strong MONSTER MAGNET influence on at least one track. They've been around for thirty years, pioneered the genre, and show no signs of stopping. Dig into their discography. You have no idea what you're missing.
https://negativereactionband.bandcamp.com/album/zero-minus-infinity-2
2) ACID MASS (US) - Agonizer (several labels - scroll down for the review...)
Thrash metal with BROKEN BONES and BATHORY influences. Great songwriting, I listen to this weekly.
https://acidmass666.bandcamp.com/album/agonizer-2
3) FAITHXTRACTOR (US) - Contempt for a Failed Dimension (Redefining Darkness Records)
Excellent death metal from Ohio. You could call it "osdm", but that would be a disservice, as they've been playing death metal in different bands since before the current revival. I have high standards when it comes to this style. I give it my strongest recommendation. Current and former members of SHED THE SKIN, ESTUARY, ESTUARY OF CALAMITY, THORNS OF THE CARRION, THE VLADIMIRS, etc.
https://faithxtractor.bandcamp.com/album/contempt-for-a-failed-dimension
4) GODFLESH (US) - Purge (Avalanche Recordings)
Industrial metal. Best album they've done since reuniting. Imagine if Messiah had more syncopation and was crossed with Songs of Love and Hate.
https://godflesh1.bandcamp.com/album/purge
5) VALDRIN (US) - Throne of the Lunar Soul (Blood Harvest Records)
Whoa, black metal that actually DOESN'T give me a headache from too much treble!!!! YES!!!!! From Ohio, these symphonic black metallers have been around for ten years and have a strong following. Now starting to get international attention, through this double-LP, which might be their magnum opus...
https://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/album/throne-of-the-lunar-soul
6) CANNIBAL CORPSE (US) - Chaos Horrific (Metalblade Records)
Gore-themed death metal, this is their second excellent post-Barnes album in a row. I'm not thrilled with how slick the production is, though. Would be higher on the list if it weren't for that.
https://cannibalcorpse.bandcamp.com/album/chaos-horrific
7) RINGWORM (US) - Seeing Through Fire (Nuclear Blast Records)
They FINALLY ditched the metalcore elements in their sound and fully embraced straight-up metal. You know what that means... CHECK IT OUT.
https://ringworm.bandcamp.com/album/seeing-through-fire
8) meurtrières (FRANCE) - Ronde de Nuit (Self-Released)
Power metal about French medieval legends. Has very energetic female vocals. Not my style, but I like it. They did a great job on this. Check it out, even if you're not typically into this.
https://meurtrieres.bandcamp.com/album/ronde-de-nuit
9) PRIMITIVE MAN (US) & FULL OF HELL (US) - Suffocating Hallucination (Relapse?)
"Death-sludge" and whatever it is FULL OF HELL plays. Both bands do a lot of collaborations and splits, so you know what to expect and in this case, it's slow, heavy, and crushing. Some of both bands' best material. Especially in the case of PRIMITIVE MAN
https://primitivemandoom.bandcamp.com/album/suffocating-hallucination
10) TOMBSTALKER (US) - Age of Darkness EP (Self-Released)
Sick black metal from Lexington, KY. This is their triumphant return! Looking forward to their next LP...
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