The amount of excellent heavy rock that came out this year was overwhelming.
Truly, the amount of music in general that was released in 2023 was more than I could possibly keep up with. I gave up trying to do a weekly pick and just started this list earlier than usual because it was all too much. And then a strange thing happened – my list became filled with bands I didn’t know or never heard before. In fact, I’d say the bulk of the list is surprises instead of the usual sprinkling of fun finds. Pleasant surprises, to be sure. I hope you see some of your favorites from the past year here, and if not may some of these become new favorites.
The usual disclaimer – these are not my attempt at picking the best albums of 2023, but instead this list represents the ones that I kept returning to in the midst of the wonderful flood of new music we happily drowned in this year. Also – you’ll notice that I use Bandcamp links whenever possible – that’s because even purchasing a single song from an artist on Bandcamp will put more money in their pocket than a month or even a year of streaming. Support artists!
The Lord Knows by Tidal Wave
This fuzz rock gem came out in January and immediately set the bar for the rest of the year. If you dig Freedom Hawk and Valley of the Sun, you’ll love this second release from Swedish rockers The Lord Knows.
Superskull by Black Rainbows
Italy’s premier psych rock band Black Rainbows may have dropped their masterpiece with Superskull. I love them long time, but this one is probably my favorite, and certainly got the most virtual spins of any album this year. Just killer psyched out fuzz rock.
Rebuilding the Mountain by Royal Thunder
Raw and real, the second album by the regrouped and revitalized Royal Thunder is a mature musical slap in the face reminiscent of the Dead Weather and PJ Harvey. The more I listen, the more I like.
Low Desert Surf Club by Fire Down Below
Part grower, part shower, this is the third full length from one of my favorite bands, Belgium’s desert rockers Fire Down Below. Definitely some surf rock influence injected into their upbeat fuzz guitar rock on this one.
The Infinite Mirror by Ritual King
Just when I had my list set, this album comes out and gets under my skin with alarming ease. Grungy, spacey, and full of great guitar grooves paired with pleasing vocals. I have a feeling this Ritual King release will be on many AOTY lists.
Bloodlines by Tygers of Pan Tang
Unlikely? Yes. On point for a year of resurgent 80s and 90s artists? Also yes. A standout among retro rock albums to come out this year? I’m as surprised as you are, but the latest album from classic NWOBHM rockers Tygers of Pan Tang kicks serious ass. They sound better than ever and blow away other retro rock releases with ease.
Glass Future by Howling Giant
Fans of ASG, Valley of the Sun, and the Sword will love the second full length from Nashville’s new star of the psych and prog rock scene. This semi-concept album from Howling Giant was a nice October surprise.
Full Circle by Dead Feathers
The sophomore release from Chicago’s Dead Feathers is simply an amazingly solid outing from a band that sounds like they’ve been around for ages. Impossible not to add this gem to the list.
The Shining Son by Appalooza
“French Desert Rock”. Shades of classic Alice in Chains and Red Fang on this future classic from Appalooza.
Annihilation by Elephant Groove
Amazing Italian psych fuzz, for fans of My Sleeping Karma and Mr Bison. That bass tone!
Cassini by Orbitron
German instrumental guitar rock, very much in the vein of My Sleeping Karma, with a little more 70s prog rock influence. I wish it were longer.
Rebel Heart Gypsy Soul EP by Ten Ton Mojo
Fun, fuzzy blues rock from New York City? It may chap your hide to discover that it’s quite good. Mixed and mastered by the incomparable Max Norman, this one is just ten tons of fun in 4 songs.
The Eightfold Path by Dead Shrine
Killer psych rock guitar grooves from New Zealand.
Fuzzrider by Fuzzrider
Dark, dirty, heavy blues from Athens, Greece, just the way I like it. Adding Fuzzrider to my roster of favorite Greek heavy bands along with 1000mods, Puta Volcano, and Nightstalker.
Blurring the Lines of Reality by Borracho
Heavy hypnotic fuzz rock from Washington DC. Something about this album makes me think it would be perfect to throw on in the garage when you’re working on your car.
This Heathen Land by Green Lung
Fans of Judas Priest, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and yes, even Ghost will dig the latest full length by London’s Green Lung. Breathe it deep!
Honorable mentions – albums I enjoyed and admired this year that didn’t quite make it into the rotation:
- Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds Why not the Rolling Stones? Honestly a good album from the geezers.
- Godsmack – Lighting up the Sky I think the rockers knock it pretty well out of the park with what is reported to be their last studio album.
- Nita Strauss – The Call of the Void Nita’s world class shredding and some great assists by the likes of David Draiman and Lzzy Hale give this one a lot to offer.
- Last in Line – Jericho Solid heavy rock record from former members of Dio and other classic metal bands.
Bonus – once again, I’ve created a Spotify playlist of selected songs from the albums listed here, enjoy! Micropayments for everyone!
What are your favorite albums of 2023? Comment below or let me know!
I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did, but I should have known. I’ve loved Dave Letterman since early days and was reminded that I loved U2 in early days as well, ever since I saw New Year’s Day in heavy rotation on MTV when it launched. Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman is part concert film, part documentary, part Irish history lesson. If you’ve ever wondered why U2 was ever a big deal, you’ll discover that here as the core duo discuss their early roots in Dublin, growing from a seed planted in political turmoil and personal crises.