With the barrage of covid-era recordings being released over the last couple of years and the ease of finding new artists in the modern world, it’s difficult to narrow down a year of metal into just 10 albums. I could easily make a top 10 list for each major subgenre and probably still struggle with cutting out some of the great albums I heard this year. With that said, here’s my best attempt to distill it down to a manageable review of 2023.
10) Sanguine Glacialis, Maladpative Daydreaming (Wormhole Death)
This album is a bit of a departure from the more somber sounds of most of my list, but included because it was one of my favorite new artist finds of 2023. Sanguine Glacialis adds a heaping dose of jazz/cabaret sound to a melodeath base, creating a very dynamic album. Definitely a band I’ll be keeping an eye on in the coming years.
Key Tracks: “Cauchemort,” “Melavolent Creativity,” “Resignation”
09) Katatonia, Sky Void of Stars (Napalm)
Katatonia’s newer music leans into an upbeat prog sound that contrasts with their eternally downtrodden lyrics. Sky Void of Stars continues in this vein, with plenty of catchy prog tracks, but also throws a couple of bones to fans of their older gothic/doom sound throughout the album.
Key Tracks: “Drab Moon,” “No beacon to Illuminate Our Fall,” “Author”
08) Shylmagoghnar, Convergence (Napalm)
Convergence is the conclusion of an album trilogy and the 70-minute album showcases several long-format songs, taking the listener on both a metaphorical and literal journey. The album weaves between instrumental prog, atmospheric death, and even strays into some more avant-garde territory at parts.
Key Tracks: “I Hear the Mountain Weep,” “Egregore,” “Becoming”
07) Blut Aus Nord, Disharmonium – Nahab (Debemur Morti)
Despite the strong initial discordance of the album, repeating guitar riffs lull you into a trance, as though keeping you trapped in a nightmare world. Intense tracks slowly fade into the haunting interludes before quickly snapping you back into a land of inescapable horrors.
Key Tracks: “The Endless Multitude,” “Queen of the Dead Dimension,” “Hideous Dream Opus #3”
